These books get more ridiculous as the years pass. ( )

Book 21 in the series. Can be read as a stand alone but you'll probably understand more about the central characters if you've read the series.

I liked that this installment included information about lavender (relating to the title). Some other books in the series the title theme doesn't seem to flow through the book as much as it did in this one.

I did suspect who the perpetrator(s) would be before the author revealed it. That's not usually my norm--and there were lots of suspects. ( )

When Theodosia and Drayton visit an area plantation for an English-style hunting party, they hear an odd gunshot which sounded like it came from a pistol rather than a shotgun. Theodosia sets out to investigate and comes across the dying body of their host Reginald Doyle. He was shot at close range directly in the heart. The widow begs them to stay the night, and against their better judgment, they do so. They awaken when the house is afire. With two incidents happening so closely together, there's no question a party attendee wishes evil upon the host's family. Back in Charleston, Theodosia continues to investigate at the urging of various persons connected with the case and against the wishes of her detective boyfriend and his boss. She continues about her tea shop business, planning for and hosting themed teas involving Gone with the Wind and Lavender, as well as catered events. This installment returns Theodosia and Drayton to the teashop where the atmosphere is cozy and charming. The food descriptions make one's mouth water. As usual, Theodosia takes too many risks which could endanger her and those with her. This installment returns to the charm of earlier installments--a great improvement over the last several. ( )

Theodosia and Drayton are taking part in a old-fashioned shooting party (Indigo Tea is also catering) when they hear a shot that doesn't sound like it came from a shotgun but a revolver, so they head out to see if everything is okay. They come across their host, Reginald Doyle, shot and dead.

The days following are filled with private investigating of the people who were involved with Doyle's life as well as preparations for the Indigo Tea Shoppe's firsts of a Gone with the Wind tea and a Lavender Lady Tea. The possible suspects are frequently in the tea shop and Theo is busy checking into any connection that could be relevant to the murder.

The food that Haley provides makes your mouth water and the scents described the reader can almost smell. The regular characters are just like old friends.

I really wish there was an Indigo Tea Shoppe! ( )

The scent of lavender floats through the air, as Reginald Doyle exhales one last time as Theodosia Browning watches. Next begins Theodosia’s quest to solve the death of Reginald but add to this the burning of his mansion and the disappearance of his daughter-in-law. The story provides hours of reading pleasure, but too many loose ends distracting hang at the end forgotten. As always, Drayton, Haley, and Theodosia make a beautiful tea party, this one laced in lavender. Where do all these delicious recipes appear? The scenery sometimes overtakes the characters, and what a wimpy boyfriend in Pete Riley. He is never around when Theodosia encounters trouble and seems oblivious to her antics. ( )