Sometimes the best way to know a person is by asking questions, where you can learn more about what makes them tick. Get to know Theodosia with her answers below.
– The Tea Shop Mysteries were just named to Book Riot’s list of “25 of the Absolute Best Cozy Mystery Series.”
What is your name?
– – Theodosia Browning. I was named after Theodosia Alston, who was the niece of Aaron Burr and the wife of one of the first governors of South Carolina.
How old are you?
– – Mmn . . . let’s just say mid-thirties.
What is your profession?
– – I own the Indigo Tea Shop in Charleston, SC. It’s a cozy little place that, long ago, used to be a stable. But I did a terrific renovation, keeping the overhead beams and planked wood floors, adding a small fireplace and kitchen. Now it’s the go-to spot on Church Street for tea and scones.
Do you have a significant other?
– – Right now I’m dating Detective Pete Riley of the Charleston PD. As you can imagine, that presents a few problems.
Any children? Or cats, dogs, or other pets?
– – Earl Grey is my beloved tea shop dog. I found him in the alley in back of the tea shop and adopted him immediately. He’s my best friend as well as a perfect roommate – he never plays music too loud or throws wild parties.
Do you rent or own?
– – A couple of years ago I took the plunge and bought a small home in Charleston’s historic district. It’s what you’d call a Hansel and Gretel style cottage. That is, gabled, asymmetrical architecture, a thatched roof, and lots of ivy twisting up the brick chimney.
What is your favorite spot in your house?
– – Just off my second floor bedroom is a little turret room. I have a comfortable chair and books scattered all around. It’s a nice place to sip a cup of chamomile tea and ruminate.
Who is your best friend?
– – Delaine Dish, the owner of Cotton Duck, thinks she’s my best friend, but I’d have to say it’s Drayton Conneley, my tea sommelier. (Unfortunately, Delaine is mad as a hatter!)
Amateur sleuth or professional?
– – Oh my, I would never claim to be a professional. But when something strange and exciting occurs – a murder, kidnapping, robbery – I can’t help but get pulled in. Yes, I know curiosity killed the cat, but sleuthing is so much fun!
Who do you work with when sleuthing?
– – My tea sommelier Drayton makes a fine partner. He’s well-connected and has a slightly erudite manner about him – so people don’t generally know we’re snooping.
Favorite meal?
– – I went to a lazy Southern dinner party the other night where they served sweet potato soup, cranberry roasted winter vegetables, and roast pork with sweet onion relish. Delicious!
Favorite dessert?
– – Southern Chess Pie. Okay, this is going to sound strange because the ingredients include cornmeal, sugar, eggs, and vinegar. But, trust me, it is truly divine.
Favorite hobby?
– – I do a lot of sailing and, lately, I’ve been roaming through the woods at my Aunt Libby’s plantation looking for interesting herbs and plants that will make tasty tisanes.
Favorite vacation spot?
– – Myrtle Beach or Folly Beach. Great golf, restaurants, hotels, and gorgeous rolling sand dunes that go on forever.
Favorite color?
– – I love the way the pinks and golds shine across the Carolina low-country at sunrise.
Favorite author?
– – John Sandford, Robert Crais, Michael Connelly. What can I say? I like police procedurals.
Movies or Broadway?
– – Movies at home. There’s lots of good stuff on the Hallmark Mystery Channel. Perhaps there’ll even be a series of Tea Shop Mysteries some day!
Are you an early bird or night owl?
– – I’m a little of both. I’m up early most days to get the Indigo Tea Shop in ship-shape. But then I end up going for an evening jog and staying up late.
Describe your typical day?
– – Make sure my tea shop is jewel-box ready for customers, check on our fresh-baked scones and muffins, greet guests as they wander in. I’m constantly sampling new teas and working on my line of Tea Bath products – but I always find time for sleuthing!
You can read about Theodosia in Plum Tea Crazy, the 19th book in the “Tea Shop” mystery series. The first book in the series is Death by Darjeeling.
Theodosia Browning investigates a Charleston steeped in tradition and treachery in the latest Tea Shop Mystery from New York Times bestselling author Laura Childs.
While viewing the harbor’s Gaslights and Galleons Parade from the widow’s walk of Timothy Neville’s Charleston mansion, local banker Carson Lanier seemingly tumbles over a narrow railing, then plunges three stories to his death. But a tragic accident becomes something much more sinister when it’s discovered that the victim was first shot with a bolt from a crossbow.
At the request of the mansion owner, Theodosia investigates the tragedy and is soon neck deep in suspects. An almost ex-wife, a coworker, a real estate partner–all had motives for killing the luckless banker, but one resorted to murder to settle accounts.
Includes delicious recipes and tea time tips!
Purchase Link
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Giveaway: Leave a comment below for your chance to win a print copy of Plum Tea Crazy. U.S. entries only, please. The giveaway ends March 9, 2018. Good luck everyone!
About the author
Laura Childs is the USA Today and New York Times bestselling author of the Tea Shop Mysteries, Scrapbooking Mysteries, and Cackleberry Club Mysteries. The Tea Shop Mysteries were just named to Book Riot’s list of “25 of the Absolute Best Cozy Mystery Series” and TeaTime Magazine named Laura in its “Top Fifteen Tea Influencers.” In her previous life she was CEO of her own marketing firm, authored several screenplays, and produced a reality TV show. She is married to Dr. Bob, a professor of Chinese art history, enjoys travel, and has two Chinese Shar-Pei dogs.
Bonus! Laura Childs’ Recipe for Apple Scones
2 cups flour
3 tsp. baking powder
2 Tbsp. sugar
½ tsp. cinnamon
½ tsp. salt
6 Tbsp. butter
½ cup apples, peeled and finely chopped
4 Tbsp. apple juice or apple cider
Heat oven to 400 degrees. Combine flour, baking powder, sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in butter. Add apples. Add enough apple juice to bring together a fairly stiff dough. Do not over-mix. Roll dough out on a floured surface to ½ inch thickness. Cut into triangles and place on a greased baking sheet. (You can also use a scone pan.) Bake for approximately 10 minutes. Yields 10 to 12 scones.
Find out more at www.laurachilds.com.
All comments are welcomed.
I would love to win a copy of this book! Thanks for offering this chance!
Tea sommelier, now that’s a cool job! Thanks for a chance to win a copy of the book.
love this series
one of the best cozy series!!
thank you for the giveaway….
I absolutely love the tea Shoppe mysteries!! I can’t wait to see what is in store with the new Plum Tea mystery!!I know that it will keep me guessing to the end who did it!
Love Laura Childs books. Each book is in a different setting and it is like traveling and meeting old friends.
I love all your Tea Shop mysteries. Looking forward to reading your latest! Your characters are so much fun and so are the recipes.
Love your Tea Shop mysteries. Can’t wait to read the latest adventure!
I absolutely adore Theodosia and I love the Tea Shop Mysteries. I would love to win this book. Thank you for the chance Dru!
This is an excellent series, so excited for this latest installment!
kathambre@yahoo.com
I’ve always wanted to read this series. I have one of the books in my pile of books. Thank you so much for this chance.
I can’t believe this series is up to 19! I have some catching up to do as I always enjoy them.
I enjoy this wonderful series. Thanks for this giveaway.
Love this series & all the others that this author writes.
I’ve got to have this one. Please! Please! Let ne win it!
I have a large collection of Laura’s books in my library. At least 20 between the Tea Shoppe,Scrapbook and Cackleberry series. I’d love to add this latest Tea Shop book to my collection. So toss my name into the magic contest hat please Dru.
In planning my trip to Charleston, I listed visit Indigo Tea Shop in things to do. Sad when I realized this is one item that won’t get done!
Thank you for the chance to win a book in this great series!
wfnren at aol dot com
I enjoyed the Q & A with Theodosia — I was just wondering the other day where she got her name! I love the name of Earl Grey for her dog — perfect for a tea shop! Thanks so much for featuring Plum Tea Crazy on your blog, Dru Ann!
I have been following this author from the onset. love all her works. thank you for the chance to win a copy of this newest title
johnnabooks(at)hotmail(dot)com
Charleston is a fabulous place to set stories.
Can’t wait to read this book!
I’m intrigued by those Tea Bath products.
Love your books. The one sounds very entertaining. Love the idea of a tea shop.
I love, love, love this series. Theodosia is a great character along with her staff and Earl Grey; and the recipes she includes are wonderful as well. I’ve read every installment in this series and can’t wait to read this one as well.
I love, love, love the Tea Shop Mysteries. I have most of them – except this, and the last one out. Drayton and Earl Gray are a couple of my favorite characters too (besides Theodosia).
Such a fun story, and a great cover too. Thanks for the chance to win a copy.
This is such a fun series. Have been a lifelong tea lover and was thrilled to find these cozy books.
Thanks for the opportunity to win Plum Tea Crazy; I also appreciate the recipe .
Sounds perfect for me.😁
This one of my favorite series. Charleston SC is a perfect setting for a tea shop. Looking forward to reading “Plum Tea Crazy”.
The Tea Shop mystery series is great. I would like to have “Plum Tree Crazy” to read.
I have every one of her books and look forward to each new one. This one sounds just as enjoyable!
Love the author. Love the format of Q & A.
The scones look delicious! This is one of my favorite series, thanks for the chance to win!
Sounds like a great read.
The book sounds great–I’d love to read it! legallyblonde1961@yahoo.com
I love all the Laura Childs book series and can’t wait to read this one and also try the scone recipe.
P.S. – Theodosia, I’d love to see the Tea Shop Mystery series on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries Channel too!!
**** WINNER ****
Plum Tea Crazy is Brian Frauenknecht
Congratulations!
Love spending time reading (and rereading) your books with a cup of tea and scone. Thank-you for creating and sharing this wonderful world of Theodosia.