"delightful invigorating cozy"

Theodosia Browning owns the Indigo Tea Shop in the historical section of Charlotte, South Carolina. Her business has become so successful that she caters civic events with her latest assignment taking place at Augustus Chait House, whose owner Charles Chait donated it to the Heritage House. The latter is hosting a gala to raise funds to restore the house to its former glory. Unfortunately the evening ends in a tragedy when the murdered body of retired businessman Duke Wilkes is found near where Theodosia and her friends are serving refreshments.

Duke's widow Pookie, encouraged by Charlotte businesswoman Delanie, the organizer of the event, asks Theodosia to look into the murder of her husband. Theodosia wants to refuse, but cannot say no the bereft woman. When another high profile business mogul is killed and Theodosia finds the corpse, her dog Earl Grey is abducted. She thinks the dog-napping and the two homicides are related and believe that when she discovers how she will know who.

Laura Childs has written an exciting who-done-it made more critical to the heroine when Earl is stolen as readers feel Theodosia's heartbreak and fears though she believes her beloved canine companion will lead her to the killer. The mystery is cleverly plotted so that the steps Theodosia takes to try to resolve the case and rescue Earl seems realistic. BLOOD ORANGE BREWING is a delightful invigorating cozy.

Harriet Klausner

Reviewed by Harriet Klausner
Posted July 19, 2006

Summary

Social darling Delaine Dish is throwing a lavish Candlelight Concert to raise funds to restore a run-down Victorian home—and Theodosia Browning is more than happy to help out with tea and tasty treats from the Indigo Tea Shop.

Unfortunately, the unveiling of Theo's opulent spread proves to be far from grand after retired CEO and beloved politico Duke Wilkes falls to the floor with a jagged piece of metal protruding from his neck. When the Widow Wilkes begs Theo to apply her sleuthing skills, she can't refuse. But her investigation opens up a simmering pot of shady politics and personal payback, and Theo soon finds herself in a situation stickier than any jam she's ever served.