I don't read the books from this series for the mystery (it's usually scant, ends abruptly, have to suspend disbelief) but rather I read these for the delightful characters, the humor, the warmth, and cozy vibe but this time around...oh, boy it was really just phoned in. It wasn't a bad read. Just phoned in. And the MC's reaction to nearly getting killed was just bizarre. She didn't bother telling the police or her boyfriend and everyone around her acted as if the murder attempt was a mere bout of mild hay fever. Meh ( )

Murder in the Tea Leaves by Laura Childs is the twenty-seventh A Tea Shop Mystery. I always look forward to reading Theo’s latest adventure. The series, though, has changed since the beginning. It is lighter (easy breezy) than the earlier books. There are descriptions of the food Hayley prepares, the different teas, fashions, and rooms (the sets, the tea shop, Theo’s home, historical society, etc.). Murder in the Tea Leaves can be read as a standalone for those new to the series or if you have missed a book (or two) along the way. I enjoyed catching up with Theo, Drayton, Hayley, Miss Dimple, and Earl Grey. The story is easy to read, and it moves along at a steady pace. The mystery was interesting. There is a small pool of suspects. There are clues to help readers solve the whodunit before the reveal. I loved this one scene near the end with Theo and Drayton. I could envision the scene which was suspenseful and amusing. I was disappointed when the story ended with the villains being caught and no further details were provided (I want the how and the why explained). Delaine is her usual high strung, demanding self (she thinks of only herself). Theo needs to learn to say no to Delaine. I enjoyed meeting the newest member of the Indigo Tea Shop. A Tea Shop Mysteries is the series that got me hooked on cozy mysteries (I was browsing through a bookstore one day and came across Death by Darjeeling). Murder in the Tea Leaves is a theatrical tale with movie making, fruity teas, a dead director, a haunted attic, and a wild ride. ( )

Theo is catering the snacks on a movie set. The filming is taking place at a haunted mansion, and it shouldn’t be surprising when the director’s metal chair is unexplainably electrified. Delaine is afraid that she high in the list of suspects. Being that it’s not a short list, she probably hasn’t nothing to fear, but Theo decides to investigate anyway. This mystery is a strange one, especially since Drayton figures into much of the story. It’s a wonder that Theo isn’t seriously hurt - she spends so much time putting herself in harm’s way. This series is alway entertaining and a fast and enjoyable read, and comes with tasty recipes, tea tips, and other resources. ( )

Theodosia Browning is reading tea leaves on the set of the movie, Dark Fortunes, which is being filmed in her native city of Charleston. Her teashop, the Indigo Teashop, provided the snacks on the set. The next thing she knows the film director has been electrocuted while sitting on a chair that was rigged with electronics. One of the suspects is Theo's friend Delaine Dish who was dating the director but had a noisy break-up of their relationship in a ritzy restaurant the previous night. As usual, Theodosia begins her own investigation of the murder despite being told by Detective Tidwell to stay out of it. Between hosting a Breakfast at Tiffany’s Tea, and a Poetry Tea, Theodosia tries to find clues that will identify the killer. In this novel she did not do the usual interviews of her suspects but she does explore the haunted Brittlebank Manor where the murder took place. Her tea sommelier Drayton Connelly talks Theo through her many theories to help her come to some conclusions about the murder. Soon thereafter, a member of the Charleston Film Board is also murdered.

When I first began reading I had a sense of deja vu. The story sounded familiar and I remember a comment that Theo made in an earlier novel "I was reading a book by Susan Witting Albert." The statement returned! Eventually, I discovered that another one of my favorite cozy mystery series, the Coffeehouse Mysteries by Cleo Coyle, had a murder take place on a film set also. Yet another similarity with this series is that the main characters of both series are dating police officers. Coyle had these aspects of her series in place many books ago.

It is unusual for Theo not to go out of her way to interview suspects. In fact, it has never before happened in the series. She also did not drive around town inspecting several buildings that might provide her with some clues. Toward the end of the story Theo and Drayton broke into Brittlebank Manor to find evidence concerning the how and why of the murders.

The novel had a slow pace, presumably because there wasn't much action. Detective Tidwell did not play a prominent role and I missed his gruffy personality. Theo's personality meshed well with Tidwell which always added excitement. Hopefully, he will return in the next installment of the series. ( )