Laura Childs The Silver Needle Murder

The Silver Needle Murder

Laura Childs

Berkley, Mar 2008, $23.95

ISBN: 9780425219461

Indigo Tea Shop owner Theodosia Browning is elated with the Charleston Film Festival because the event means large profits although it also means long hours and hard work for her and her staff as they cater parties. Her first client is at the opening night celebration at the famous historic Belvedere Theatre where the rich and famous will attend.

As Theodosia makes the rounds insuring everyone is pleased with the Indigo Tea Shop offerings, she notices how different the atmosphere seems between those in the lobby having a good time and those backstage loudly argue when they are talking to one another. Worse the backstage war leads to two judges abruptly quitting and the festival director drafting a reluctant Theodosia as a replacement. Still she assumes the bickering was due to nerves until famous director Jordan Cole begins the walk to provide remarks to the gathering. Before he reaches the lectern, he is shot dead. Theodosia knows she should mind her business, but she has had success solving homicides so she starts asking questions of those she saw back stage squabbling.

The latest Indigo Tea Shop mystery is an entertaining amateur sleuth mystery starring a courageous likable lead protagonist. Theodosia is at her simmering best as she calmly investigates the shooting death witnessed by many yet no one can tell her who and why. Although the amateur sleuth paradox is apparent, fans will not care as readers prefer tasting the various concoctions that Laura Childs offers in her wonderful Charleston based series.

Harriet Klausner