This month I'm reviewing another cosy by Laura Childs
"Scones and Bones" from her Tea Shop Mystery series.
Theodosia Brown runs the Indigo Tea Shop with Drayton, her tea expert, and Haley, her chef and baking expert.
This series is set in the more genteel surroundings of Charleston and the local Historical Society plays a large part in most of Theodosia's investigations....yes, she's another amateur sleuth.
The starting point for this mystery is a murder that takes place during the theft of a diamond embellished skull cup......a skull cup is exactly what it says...the skull in question is reputedly that of Edward Teach, aka Blackbeard, the notorious pirate.
The book was a lovely light read but I did learn quite a bit about the history of Charleston and the surrounding area.Vivid descriptions of the houses and gardens (and graveyards)in the Historic district brought the city to life.
I also learnt more about tea than I ever imagined I would.....Drayton's descriptions and blends could almost convert me...I'm a non-tea drinker....apart from the occasional cup of Earl Grey or Orange Blossom I loathe the stuff!
The characters are well drawn and include the usual suspects.... a brusque policeman who wishes amateurs wouldn't interfere, the unlikeable female etc. etc.
This story also introduces a new love interest for Theodosia....I'm hoping this one is "the one".
Having enjoyed the book I eagerly read the recipes (but not the tea tips) included at the back....I wanted to make the lemon scones and with the help of FB found out exactly how much a "stick of butter" weighs (4oz if you're interested) but sadly had no buttermilk to hand.
And so to my art work......I couldn't decide whether to run with pirates or the whole tea thing.
In the end I made the only thing possible.........
fruit scones!!
Next month I'm off to Venice, courtesy of "Beastly Things" by Donna Leon.
