Pekoe Most Poison

Written by Laura Childs

Narrated by Barbara McCulloh

In New York Times bestselling author Laura Childs' newest Tea Shop Mystery, Theodosia Browning attends a "Rat Tea," where the mice will play.at murder. When Indigo Tea Shop owner Theodosia Browning is invited by Doreen Briggs, one of Charleston's most prominent hostesses, to a "Rat Tea," she is understandably intrigued. As servers dressed in rodent costumes and wearing white gloves offer elegant finger sandwiches and fine teas, Theo learns these parties date back to early twentieth-century Charleston to promote better public health. But this party goes from odd to chaotic when a fire starts at one of the tables and Doreen's entrepreneur husband suddenly goes into convulsions and drops dead. Has his favorite orange pekoe tea been poisoned? Theo smells a rat. And as she reviews the guest list for suspects, she soon finds herself drawn into in a dangerous game of cat and mouse.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Recorded Books, Inc.
• Release date: Mar 7, 2017
• ISBN: 9781501946622

Reviews for Pekoe Most Poison

[jenniferrobb · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I've read many books in this series and am currently going back to read the ones that I've missed. I enjoy "visiting" with Theodosia, Drayton, and Haley. I am glad the author has returned to giving us some tea facts. I had never heard of a rat tea so the history of that was interesting. I don't think I would have wanted waiters dressed as rats though. I also enjoyed the short bits at the Candlelight Tea where Drayton would explain why a certain tea paired well with the food for that course. Honestly, though, I'd have to think that people would stop inviting Theodosia to events at some point because so many deaths seem to occur at events she attends. I understand Drayton liking the Heritage Society, but it seemed a bit out of character to me that he'd chase a donation. I didn't really suspect who the murderer turned out to be.

[delphimo_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

What a lovely way to spend a rainy Sunday, curled up with a delicious book. I crave tea and a scone, but where to find? This event features a "Rat Tea" at a lovely McMansion in Charleston, SC, but tragically, the host is murdered. Laura Childs presented the history of the "Rat Tea” but omitted much of the wonderful setting of Charleston in this novel. The food and tea still send longings to my mouth, and I am still craving one of Haley's scones. The story ends, but the reader is never enlightened if all Theodosia's work benefited the Heritage Society.

[thornton37814 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Theodosia and Drayton attend a "rat tea" catered by another company and hosted by a family the Heritage Society is courting for a huge donation. The host falls dead after poison is administered. Detective Tidwell is out of town so Detective Riley, his protegee, is handling the case. Theodosia, as usual, gets involved. Not the best installment in the series although enjoyable. I missed Detective Tidwell and feel his absence from the installment was possibly to set up a romantic interested between Detective Riley and Theodosia. I think this could evolve even with him taking a back seat to Tidwell, so I thought it unnecessary for Tidwell to be missing. I really never took a like to any of the persons associated with the murdered man and am only sorry more of them didn't land behind bars.

[cyderry · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Theodosia and Drayton are attending a "rat tea" when the host collapses and Theo suspects poison immediately. The hostess has been dangling a large donation to the Heritage Society and so Theodosia is convinced to investigate. Was the victim killed because of his investment losses, because he found out that his partner at the spa had some shady dealings, or was something else the reason?I love this series with the wonderful characters and terrific recipes but this mystery didn't seem to be of the same quality as the past.

[lhaines56 · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

while i usually love her books, this mystery was a bit of a letdown for some reason. old boyfriend has left for savannah and inklings of a young cop flirtation peering thru. the poisoning didn't hold my interest. just seemed to drag.... not up to her usual snuff.

[maydacat_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

There certainly was a rat at the rat tea that Theo attended, and this odd tea party – a throwback to a much earlier time – soon ended in tragedy when someone is murdered. Theo’s detecting skills are again called upon and she is thrust into the middle of a case she would rather not be involved with. But she wouldn’t mind being involved with the detective who is handling it. An entertaining cozy complete with recipes and tea tidbits.

[harley0326 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Every time I read a book from this author, I fall in love with her writing. She has a way of writing mysteries that are entertaining, intriguing and keep readers glued to their seat . The latest from her is one of her best and I loved how it kept my attention throughout the twists and turns. I love tea shops and when I'm there I feel so relaxed. The atmosphere is soothing and there are always wonderful teas and foods to entice you. I'm not sure I would be excited to attend a "Rat Tea Party" though. Just the thought of a rat makes me want to jump on a chair and scream. The main character owns a tea shop and with the well defined descriptions of the food, I would love to go there to sample the exquisite menu. As guests settle down for an adventure at the "Rat Tea Party" hosted by Doreen Briggs a sudden burst of flames shoots up from the centerpiece. What would you do if you saw something on fire? The first instinct Theo has is to throw the tea on the flame. Things start to settle down until a coughing and choking sound comes from one of the guests. It looks like someone has taken their last drop of tea. Who poisoned the guest and why?Theo and Drayton are coerced into looking into the death of the poisoned victim and boy does the action start to take off. The author cleverly gives us several suspects which I paid special attention to. I was determined to figure out who the killer was. I won't say whether I guessed right, but I will tell readers to keep on their toes. The story is fast paced and the twists leave reasonable doubts as to the true killer. Don't miss another outstanding book by this author. I received a copy of this book from The Great Escapes Book Tour. The review is my own opinion.

[alekee_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I found myself quickly turning the pages as I became absorbed in this murder mystery, and in an opulent setting, can you imagine sitting at a table being served by a rat? We are attending a “Rat Tea”, doesn’t that sound exciting? Now if I were having a tea I would not invite Theodosia Browning to attend, why you ask, well death seems to follow this young woman around, and this tea is no exception.Our girl owns a teashop named Indigo, and the word descriptions of the food and tea are amazing, and I sure would love to go there, and some of the recipes are shared at the end of the book.This story is going to keep you on your toes and keep your mind guessing and guessing, and just when you think you have it, nope, or maybe you do. Another great sleuthing mystery about to unfold, and you are going to have a front seat to the action.I received this book through Great Escapes Book Tour, and was not required to give a positive review.

[kris_anderson-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Pekoe Most Poison by Laura Childs is the eighteenth book in A Tea Shop Mystery series. Theodosia Browning and Drayton Conneley have been invited to a “Rat Tea” by Doreen Briggs. It gives Theo her first glimpse of Calhoun Mansion owned by Doreen and her husband, Beau (well, technically Doreen). Theo is shocked when the door is opened by a man with a rat head on his head and in a blue velvet Edwardian outfit. Doreen went all out for her Rat Tea (the history of this tradition is in the book). Things are progressing smoothly until one of the servers gets too close to a candle at the head table. The centerpiece catches fire, and quick thinking Theo flings tea on the fire. A short time later, Beau Briggs starts coughing, choking and clutching at his throat after drinking his orange pekoe tea. It is soon obvious that Beau was poisoned. After giving her statement to Detective Pete Riley (his boss, Burt Tidwell is away at a conference), Theo heads back to the Indigo Tea Shop. Theo is happy to leave this investigation with the police until she gets a call from Drayton. Drayton, in turn, received a frantic call from Doreen. She is extremely distraught and wants Beau’s death looked into by Drayton and Theo. If Drayton does not get Theo to agree, he will lose the grant money promised to the Heritage Society (which they desperately need) by Doreen (she wants a little quid pro quo). Theo admits (to herself) that she is curious, and agrees to investigate Beau’s death. It does not take long for Theo to be sorry she ever agreed to help the distressed widow. Will Theo find the culprit or end up the killer’s next victim?Pekoe Most Poison was just a delight to read. I found the book to be well-crafted, easy to read, and contain engaging characters. It was lovely to revisit the Indigo Tea Shop, Theo, Drayton, and friends. I started reading Pekoe Most Poison and quickly found myself engrossed in the story. This is the type of cozy mystery that I love. The mystery was complex with twists and turns (and misdirection). If a reader pays close attention, they will be able to solve the mystery before the killer is revealed. I liked the new romantic interest for Theo. It will be interesting to see how it plays out in future books (for which I hope there are many). I give Pekoe Most Poison 5 out of 5 stars. I wish more authors created cozy mysteries like Pekoe Most Poison (and the other books in this series). I think that Pekoe Most Poison could be read alone, but I believe it would be helpful to read the earlier books in A Tea Shop Mystery. Reading Death by Darjeeling will give you background information on Theodosia, the Indigo Tea Shop, and the other supporting players (Drayton, Hayley, Burt Tidwell). At the end of the book are recipes, tea tips, and resources. The only downfall to Pekoe Most Poison is we must wait a year for another A Tea Shop Mystery.