Melissa E. (Melissa1959) -
Helpful Score: 10
Not a bad book, but not a great book either. I didn't find the main characters (or any characters for that matter) very interesting. But this is the first in the series. Maybe they'll grow on me in future books. Yes, I do plan to read more. I just wish the characters had more depth. On the bright side: The plot was OK. There are plenty of red herrings thrown in. The tea shop setting is great. The added Charleston description is interesting. Earl Grey (Theodosia's dog) is a nice addition.
Courtney A. (aggielawyer) -
Helpful Score: 8
When I heard about the premise of this book, I knew I had to read it. I love the tea 'culture' and the thought of a mystery set around a tea shop in the south sounded so cozy. But while the idea was a wonderful one, the execution left much to be desired. When I read, I lose myself in the story and see the action in my head much like a movie. I was never able to do that with this book, and I think that is a first for me. There were several things that kept pulling me out of the action--the names of the characters were ridiculous (Theodosia Browning, Lleverete Dant, Samantha Rabathan, Delaine Dish, really?), the author included irrelevant details that felt like she was trying to show off her knowledge on various subjects, and brand names were thrown in everywhere--like how would the main character know that a man was wearing a Brooks Brothers suit unless she pulled open the collar of his jacket and looked at the label. I so wanted to like this book, but I just couldn't. I doubt I'll read any more in the series, which is a shame because the premise was so good.
Helpful Score: 7
Cute cozy mystery. Quick read. Quick and disappointing climax, but you don't really have to put much thought into this one to just sit back and enjoy it.
Helpful Score: 3
I love tea, and I love cozy mysteries - so I really wanted to love this book! But unfortunately, although I liked it, I didn't really love it. This is the first book in the Tea Shop series - probably one of the first books that Laura Childs wrote - and it shows. The storyline was a little wooden and didn't draw me in like most cozies. The main character was just a bit too perfect (she needs a few flaws to make her more human), and she was jumping to conclusions right and left throughout the book as she played amateur sleuth. There were plenty of red herrings and suspects, which was good. I'll keep reading this series and hoping that the characters develop and I learn to love them.
Helpful Score: 2
First book in the series. As with all new series you need to get aquainted with the main characters and the area, so it went a bit slow for me as I tried to take it all in. An excellent read however and I am now ready to start reading each book in the series!
