Haunted Hibiscus

Written by Laura Childs

Narrated by Barbara McCulloh

Tea maven Theodosia Browning brews up trouble in the latest Tea Shop Mystery from New York Times bestselling author Laura Childs.

It is the week before Halloween and Theodosia Browning, proprietor of the Indigo Tea Shop, and her tea sommelier, Drayton, are ghosting through the dusk of a cool Charleston evening on their way to the old Bouchard Mansion. Known as
the Gray Ghost, this dilapidated place was recently bequeathed to the Heritage Society, and tonight heralds the grand opening of their literary and historical themed haunted house.

Though Timothy Neville, the patriarch of the Heritage Society, is not thrilled with the fund-raising idea, it is the perfect venue for his grandniece, Willow French, to sign copies of her new book, Carolina Crimes Creepers.

But amid a parade of characters dressed as Edgar Allan Poe, Lady Macbeth, and the Headless Horseman, Willow’s body is suddenly tossed from the third-floor tower room and left to dangle at the end of a rope. Police come screaming in and
Theodosia’s boyfriend, Detective Pete Riley, is sent to Willow’s apartment to investigate. But minutes later, he is shot and wounded by a shadowy intruder.

Timothy begs Theodosia to investigate, and shaken by Riley’s assault, she readily agrees. Now, she questions members of the Heritage Society and a man who claims the mansion is rightfully his, as well as Willow’s book publisher and her fiancé, all while hosting a Sherlock Holmes tea and catering several others.

But the Gray Ghost holds many secrets, as do several other key suspects, while this murder mystery plays out on the eve of Halloween.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Recorded Books, Inc.
• Release date: Mar 2, 2021
• ISBN: 9781980002345

Reviews for Haunted Hibiscus

[thornton37814 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

When Timothy Neville's niece Willow French dangles from the widow of the Heritage Society's haunted house, the gruesome scene puts an end to the night's festivities. Detective Tidwell sends Pete Riley, Theodosia's boyfriend, to check out Willow's home where a gunshot would sends him to the hospital. Theodosia, of course, feels the need to investigate, particularly when TImothy asks her to do so. In the midst of this, a valuable edition of Poe goes missing from the heritage society. Things missing from WIllow's home include her computer, her engagement ring, and her hibiscus diamond earrings and pendant. Theodosia's investigation uncovers many suspects and motives. I think readers were cheated by the underdevelopment of the killer's character. I also feel Pete should have been incorporated into the plot more after his release from the hospital. One thing that struck me as I listened to the audiobook is that persons unfamiliar with the series could have picked up this installment without missing too much because the author spent a good deal of time with the back story and setting. While I enjoyed the visit with all the tea shop crew, this was not my favorite installment.

[delphimo_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I thoroughly enjoy the Tea Shop Mystery series by Laura Childs, and Haunted Hibiscus shines as a Halloween read. The opening scene which contained the first murder presented a gruesome scene with a lady falling out of a window and hanging by her neck. Right after that scene, Theodosia’s boyfriend, Pete Riley, enters a house and an intruder shots Riley in the arm. Laura Childs presents a beautiful picture of genteel Charleston, and her events and parties show a vivid imagination and excellent food, tea, and charm. I would die for attendance to one of these events. The description of the homes, streets, and style of Charleston present beauty and elegance. Again, I enjoy the writer using phrases with other writers. Maya Angelou’s quotation rings a startling bell, “Hope and fear cannot occupy the same space. Invite one to stay.” The wonderful recipes and party suggestions enhance this lovely book.

[cyderry · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The Charleston Heritage society has been gifted the old Bouchard Mansion and in conjunction with a fundraiser, the society is holding a haunted house including the book signing of Willow French's book Carolina Crimes & Creepers. Timothy Neville, the Heritage Society President, isn't thrilled about the haunted house but Willow, his niece, convinced him that it would be great for her book. But things go horribly wrong when Theodosia Browning, owner of the Indigo Tea Shoppe, sees Willow dangling from the end of a rope out of a third story window. As Willow's murder investigation starts, Theo's boyfriend, Detective Pete Riley, is shot as he starts to enter Willow's apartment. Theo is determined to get to the bottom of who killed Willow as well as who shot her guy.It's great to see that the characters brought to life with such entertaining mysteries.

[maydacat_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

It’s almost Hallowe’en, and Theo and Drayton are visiting a haunted house with a literary twist. Timothy’s great-niece is doing a book signing, and it’s great fun, until a body is seen hanging from a third floor window. And it’s not a prop - it’s murder. Theo has a personal interest in this case, and she is following the clues to the bitter end. One can only hope it’s not Theo’s end, too. There is a clue or two along the way, but readers will have to be quite astute to pick up on them. All of Laura Childs’ books are well written with engaging characters, but the Teashop Mysteries are my favorite, and this novel is just another example of her fine story-telling.

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

Haunted Hibiscus by Laura Childs is the 13th A Tea Sop Mystery. It can be read as a standalone for those who are new to the series or have missed a book or two. I look forward to reading the latest Tea Shop Mystery each year. This first cozy mystery that I read was Death by Darjeeling and I have been hooked on cozy mysteries since then. Theodosia Browning is back with Drayton and Haley for a new adventure. The Heritage Society inherited the Bouchard house and has turned it into a literary-and-history inspired haunted house. Theodosia and Drayton are attending the opening night when a scream rings out. Willow French, author and Timothy Neville’s niece, is hanging from a rope out of third story window. Theodosia quickly calls Detective Pete Riley who arrives with Detective Tidwell. Pete gets dispatched to the victim’s apartment where he is shot. Theodosia is determined to uncover the identity of the guilty party. I thought Haunted Hibiscus was well-written with developed, engaging characters and a beautiful setting. I look forward to catching up with Theodosia, Drayton, Haley, and Earl Grey with each new book. The author captures Charleston, South Carolina with her vivid descriptions. I was drawn into Haunted Hibiscus from the very first page. The mystery was intriguing. There are several viable suspects. Any one of them could have committed the crime. I enjoyed the subtle clues. You must pay close attention if you are going to catch them and see how they relate to the whodunit (if you want to solve the crime). There is action that keeps things suspenseful plus helps propel the book forward toward the delightful conclusion. There were some fascinating revelations as well as a little twist (or two). There is humor mixed into the story as well. There are mouthwatering food descriptions as well as tasty teas. I liked learning more about the tea blends that Drayton serves and unique information about tea trays. I did not want Haunted Hibiscus to end. I am looking forward to reading Twisted Tea Christmas in October. Haunted Hibiscus is a charming Southern cozy mystery with tasty teas, haunted happenings, an energetic Earl Grey, a wounded detective, a tenacious Tidwell, curious clues, and a haunted house.