Introduction

Tea shop entrepreneur Theodosia Browning has been tapped to host a fancy Limón Tea in a genuine lemon orchard as a rousing kickoff to Charleston Fashion Week. But as fairy lights twinkle and the scent of lemon wafts among the tea tables, a nasty murder takes place in the kitchen of the adjacent Orchard House Inn. One of the fashion designers has been shot and shoved into the walk-in cooler.

Police are called, the guests are hysterical, and the murdered woman’s daughter begs Theodosia to somehow intercede – to use her natural curiosity and skills to solve her mother’s murder. Fancy tea events and fashion shows must go on, however, which puts Theodosia and her tea sommelier, Drayton Conneley, right in the thick of squabbling business partners, crazed clothing designers, irate film producers, and major drug deals.

Against the advice of her boyfriend, Detective Pete Riley, amateur sleuth Theodosia continues her own shadow investigation. And quickly discovers that suspects abound with the dead woman’s firearms shop-owner boyfriend, dilettante film producer, resentful intern, and an arrogant fashion designer. And after a disastrous Tea Trolley Tour, the tables are turned and Theodosia and her dear friend, Angie, could end up the next victims!

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Excerpt

Theodosia crept in silently. The only light in the room came from a faint glowing lamp built into a maple highboy that held Angie’s small collection of copper luster dishes.

Theodosia blinked, trying to let her eyes get accustomed to the dark. And then, more than a little startled when she saw Angie simply standing there, said, “Angie? Is that you?”

Why, Theodosia wondered, was Angie hiding in the dark, quaking like a frightened kitten, when she was supposed to be playing hostess out on the patio?

Then she saw that Angie’s shoulders were pinched forward, as if she were trying to pick up a heavy load. And that Angie’s normally placid face wore a brittle, almost paralyzed expression.

The image was so strange and incongruous that Theodosia immediately blurted out, “Angie, what’s . . .?”

Her words faltered. Because that’s when Theodosia realized that Angie wasn’t alone in here. Echo Grace was standing directly behind Angie, practically hidden in shadows. Except for the fact that Echo had one arm bent around Angie’s neck with a knife pressed hard to her throat.

Time stood still for Theodosia. She was aware of a ticking clock, of a pinpoint of light reflecting off something, and of her own quiet breathing.

It took Theodosia a split-second to process this horrible scene. And realize the terrible danger Angie was in. The knife Echo held was nasty, a long, thin knife that had no doubt come from Angie’s own kitchen. A knife you’d use for something serious. Like deboning a chicken or filleting a fish.

Or slicing someone’s throat. view abbreviated excerpt only...

Discussion Questions

Questions from the author - added by Pauline

What was most exciting about the opening of Lemon Curd Killer? Did the murder mystery get off to a quick start? Did the description of how Nadine’s murder unfolded 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 the lemon grove, Orchard House Inn, 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 plot?

What did you think of the second murder? Did you see it coming?

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, such as Darjeeling, Jasmine, and Hibiscus? How about the English Crumpets, Lemon Bars, Butterscotch Brownies, Brown Sugar Salmon, and Lemon Cream Scones? 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 bits of 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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