Book Review: Death by Darjeeling

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Death by Darjeeling     Amazon US PB Amazon Canada PB
Laura Childs
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Amateur Sleuth   Cozy   Woman Main Character
Series: Theodosia # 1
Berkley, May 2001, $5.99, 256 pp.

The Indigo Tea Shop located in Charleston, South Carolina's historical district is usually a place of serenity, but today chaos reigns. The owner and her small crew prepare a tea party at the famous Lamplighter tour of Historical homes. The event goes smoothly, but when it is time to leave, someone remains sitting in the shadows. One of Theodosia's employees goes to check on the person only to find him dead.

An autopsy reveals that the man was poisoned. As the word spreads amidst society, business drops at the teacup. Unwilling to sit back and wait for the storm to pass, Theodosia begins to snoop. This leads to several viable suspects including someone who wants to stop Theodora before she gets to close to the truth.

This cute cozy provides a soothing affect on the reader perhaps because there are many bucolic scenes spread throughout the story line. Laura Childs writes such a colorful picture of historical Charleston that the audience will believe they are sipping tea in the area. The well-drawn plot including an intriguing amateur sleuth who-done-it, but the likable cast makes DEATH IN DARJEELING a wonderful reading experience.

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner