Theodosia sits down for a Q&A with dru’s book musings responding to ten or more questions so we can learn more about her. Are you ready? Let’s get to know her.
What is your full name?
My name is Theodosia Regina Browning. I’m actually named after Theodosia Alston, a distant relative who was the daughter of Aaron Burr and first lady of South Carolina back in the early eighteen hundreds. Unfortunately, that Theodosia was tragically lost at sea when her ship bound for Boston was either caught in a storm or boarded by pirates. (We just don’t know what happened.)
How old are you?
I’m in my mid-thirties. Old enough to know better, young enough to still get in trouble.
What is your profession?
After a short stint in marketing, I threw caution to the wind and opened the Indigo Tea Shop on Church Street in Charleston, South Carolina. It was always my dream to be an entrepreneur and I have to say, between the tea shop, catering events, and hosting special tea events, it’s been a real trip!
If you have a significant other, what is their name and profession?
Right now I’m keeping company with Pete Riley. He’s a detective with Charleston PD and assigned to their robbery/homicide division. Sometimes, when I get pulled into a mystery (I’m a pretty good amateur sleuth) we step on each other’s toes. You know, maybe he should just deputize me.
Do you have any children?
Nope.
Who is your best friend?
I’d have to say Drayton Conneley, my tea sommelier at the Indigo Tea Shop. He’s sixty-something, a proper Southern gentleman, and lives in a historic home built by a Civil War doctor. Lucky for me Drayton also has a quirky curiosity gene, so when I get pulled into an investigation, I’m able to drag him with me.
Do you have cats, dogs, or other pets?
My dog, Earl Grey, is my jogging partner, roommate, and official tea shop dog. He’s a Dalbrador, a mix of Dalmation and Labrador, and is also a trained therapy dog. Sometimes Earl Grey and I visit senior homes and children’s hospitals.
What town do you live in?
I’m so lucky to live in Charleston, South Carolina. It’s a gorgeous two hundred and fifty year old city that’s filled with historic homes, hidden alleys, amazing parks and walkways, museums, art galleries, and fabulous restaurants (yes, it’s a foodie town). It’s also the second haunted city in America and sits on a peninsula where waves crash in from the Atlantic Ocean.
What type of dwelling do you own or rent?
I’m so proud that I finally bought my own little cottage in the Historic District. It has a name – Hazelhurst – and kind of looks like a Hansel and Gretel house. It has a brick and stucco exterior, wooden gables, cedar shingles that replicate a thatched roof, and ivy curling up the sides.
Do you have any hobbies?
I love sailing, horseback riding, and collecting art when I can afford it. Oh, and solving mysteries. (No charge for those).
If you were to write a memoir, what would you call it?
Because my tea shop and murder investigations figure so prominently in my life, I’d probably call my memoir A Wicked Brew or Tea at the Crack of Doom.
Amateur or professional sleuth and whom do you work with?
Definitely amateur. And I think I already mentioned Pete Riley. We don’t actually work together. In fact, lots of times we work at cross purposes. But we’re both sticklers for setting things right and can’t rest until the bad guy – or girl – is brought to justice.
DEATH AT A FIREFLY TEA
Series Name: A Tea Shop Mystery, Book 30
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Release: March 2026
Format: Print, Digital
Purchase Link
A brazen killer sparks Theodosia Browning’s sense of justice in this latest installment of the New York Times bestselling series.
As fireflies dazzle like tiny glowing lanterns, tea maven Theodosia hosts an elegant evening tea on the patio of the Tangled Rose B and B. But in this gentle darkness an intruder has made their way in and slipped deadly drugs into the baked Alaska of Mrs. Van Courtland, one of Charleston’s local grande dames. Shocked by this brazen act, urged on by Mrs. V’s grieving son, Theodosia begins her own shadow investigation. Soon, she finds herself at odds with a greedy developer, the questionable residents of Honey Badger House, a vengeful ex-daughter-in-law, ne’er do well relatives, and a housekeeper who knows all the secrets. As Theodosia hosts a Moulin Rouge Tea and a Queen Victoria Tea, her tea sommelier Drayton is assaulted by a masked stranger and the fiancé of Mrs. V’s son is kidnapped. It’s only at the Starry Starry Night black tie ball that Theodosia stumbles upon the killer and gets pulled into a dramatic life and death chase.
About the author
Laura Childs is the author of the Tea Shop Mysteries, Scrapbook Mysteries, and Cackleberry Club Mysteries. All have been on the New York Times, USA Today, and Publisher’s Weekly bestseller lists. Recently, Book Riot named her mysteries to their list of “25 All Time Best Cozy Mystery Series.” In her previous life Laura was CEO of her own marketing firm and authored three screenplays. A few of her books have been optioned for television.