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Theodosia Browning, owner of the Indigo Tea Shop, has been persuaded by her boyfriend, Jory Davis, to cater an event for his uncle, Dr Jasper Davis. Dr Davis is a cardiologist and vice president in charge of research and development for Cardiotech. Cardiotech is sponsoring a ghost crawl held on the grounds of Charleston's historic Jasmine Cemetery. The ghost crawl is a fund-raiser for children in need and in addition, is a social event highlighting the historical significance of the Jasmine Cemetery. It doesn't take much persuasion before Theodosia and her staff are signed up to help. Everything seems to be going well at the Ghost Crawl. Charleston's finest are enjoying the delicious tea and baked goods from the Indigo Tea Shop. The lighting in the cemetery is quite atmospheric with the amateur actors looking like ghosts in the pale blue lights. The audience quiets as the actors start their presentation. Dr Jasper Davis staggers toward the audience, collapses and dies. It soon becomes apparent the cause of Dr Davis' death is foul play. Theodosia is warned off the case by Detective Tidwell, but her boyfriend, Jory, begs her to investigate his uncle's death. This is an engaging cozy tale that welcomes readers as if they were sharing tea at the Indigo Tea Shop. The tea shop is a genteel place. It has an atmosphere separate and apart from everything else. It is a haven for all -- readers and characters alike. The characterizations are where author Laura Childs shines. Theodosia (Theo) Browning was once an account executive at an advertising agency. She enjoyed her job, but she didn't like the long hours and the stress. When she had the opportunity to start her own business, the Indigo Tea Shop, she jumped at the chance. In addition to being business savvy, she's also good at solving puzzles. The solving of the puzzle of who killed Dr Davis almost comes too late for Theo. For readers who are dog lovers, Theo has a service dog named Earl Grey. Theo has two full time staff members at the Indigo Tea Shop, Haley Parker and Drayton Connelly. Haley is young and a baker extraordinaire. Drayton Connelly is in his mid-60's, described as gray grizzled and a dapper dresser. He is the tea specialist. If there is anything someone wants to know about tea, Drayton is their man. Between Haley and Drayton, they keep the customers more than satisfied with food and drink. Their recipes are included at the end of the book. This is the fifth book in the Tea Shop Mystery series by Laura Childs. I've read all of them and thought this was one of the better ones. Besides the characters, the dog and the recipes, I thought the mystery was well plotted. Sit back and relax with a cup of tea and THE JASMINE MOON MURDER.
Reviewed by Lane Wright, August 2005
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