Book Review: Dragonwell Dead

Reviewed By: Pat Reid - RAM

Dragonwell Dead     Amazon US HC Amazon Canada HC
Laura Childs
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Amateur Sleuth   Cozy   Woman Main Character
Series: Theodosia # 8
Penguin Group, 2007, 290 pps.

The Indigo Tea Shoppe run by Theodosia Browning sounds like a wonderful inviting establishment to visit. Drayton, master tea blender, is a character that is easy to like although he does have a few faults. He is a little stuffy and thinks no one can manage the teas correctly except himself. I liked Parker Scully, Theodosia’s sometimes boy friend, although he didn’t really have a major part in this book.

When Theodosia serves Dragonwell Sweet Tea at the Spring Plantation Ramble everyone is having a wonderful time and enjoying the spring atmosphere. Then tragedy strikes. Mark Congdon suddenly has what is thought at first a heart attack but it turns out that he has been poisoned. His wife Angie is shocked and suffering from grief. Then yet another accident happens. The bed and breakfast run by Angie is burnt to the ground.

Theodosia gets involved and soon she has a number of suspects. Drayton and Theodosia take a little side trip to look for orchids and barely come out alive.

Dragonwell Dead is a good mystery but you will be wishing you could share in some of the desserts served at the Indigo Tea Shoppe. I would love to have viewed the orchids at the orchid show.

Count on being hungry as you read this book. The recipes sound wonderful.

Pat Reid - RAM

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Pat Reid - RAM