Introduction

Tea shop entrepreneur Theodosia Browning dashes down Charleston’s famed Gateway Walk in an attempt to outrun an oncoming storm. But lighting, thunder, and pelting rain soon overtake her, and the normally picturesque ramble of hedges, statuary, and flowers becomes a twisted labyrinth of fog and driving rain.

As she approaches St. Philips Cemetery, Theodosia sees two figures locked in a strange embrace. Wiping rain from her eyes, Theodosia realizes she’s just witnessed a brutal murder and sees a dark hooded figure slip away into the fog.

In the throes of alerting police, Theodosia recognizes the victim – it’s the daughter of her friend, Lois, who owns the Antiquarian Bookshop next door to her own Indigo Tea Shop.

Even though this appears to be the work of a serial killer that’s stalking the back alleys of Charleston, Lois begs Theodosia for help. Against the advice of her boyfriend, Detective Pete Riley, and the sage words of Drayton, her tea sommelier, amateur sleuth Theodosia launches her own shadow investigation. And quickly discovers that suspects abound with the dead girl’s boyfriend, nefarious real estate developer, private security man, bumbling reporter, and her own neighbor who’s writing a true crime book and searching for a big ending.

Between a raging storm, real-life murder investigation, and staging her Murder Mystery Tea at Chillingham Manor, Theodosia worries that she could be the next victim!

INCLUDES DELICIOUS RECIPES AND TEA TIME TIPS!

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Excerpt

“Holy smokes!” Theodosia shouted as a police car suddenly rounded the corner up ahead, swerved crazily, and came screaming down the middle of the street. The siren whooped and blatted as light bars pulsed red and blue. ... view entire excerpt...

Discussion Questions

From the author:

What was most exciting about the opening of A Dark and Stormy Tea? Did the murder mystery get off to a fast start? Did the description of St. Philip’s Cemetery and the girl’s murder prickle the hairs on the back of your neck?

Does the author create enough of a “sense of place” that you were able to picture Gateway Walk, the Indigo Tea Shop, and the city of Charleston? How about Theodosia’s tea shop cohorts Drayton and Haley?

Did you feel there were enough suspects to investigate? Were there enough twists and turns in the mystery?

Did you enjoy reading about all the various event teas with their menus and décor? How about the different varieties of tea that were mentioned? How about the English Tea Biscuits, Banana Cake, Cranberry Scones, Drunken Chicken, and Carrot Bread? Since the author includes these recipes, would you try making them?

Do you think the historic city of Charleston serves as a sort of character in the story? Did you like the descriptions of the harbor, narrow lanes, and stately homes?

Did you enjoy the fact that the author combined mystery with humor?

Do you think Theodosia is able to balance her busy tea shop life with her personal life as well as find time to be an amateur detective? Do you think most working women are able to achieve a good sense of balance in their lives? In not, why not?

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