When owner Theodosia Browning and Drayton Conneley, master tea blender and majordomo, and Haley Parker, pastry chef of the Indigo Tea Shop, attend a social event together in Charlestown, South Carolina, it is usually because they are catering the event. The evening festivities were an engagement party for Camille Cantroux and U.S. Marine, Captain Corey Buchanan, but sadly, the celebration was over as soon as the doors opened to the Garden Room of the Lady Goodwood Inn.

Since discovering this series, it has become my favorite tea shop mystery series. There's always innovation for the tea shop customers. The latest delight has Theodosia, Drayton, and Haley excited about their Open House preparations to launch T-Bath products of oversized tea bags for use in the bath. While preparations were underway for their special event, I was curious how they might solve the mystery that came to their attention at the engagement party. There didn't seem to be any suspects until the possibilities became a significant concern.

One of the fun aspects of reading is discovering where the title will be revealed in the book, and this story is no exception. Though I doubted that "Shades of Earl Grey," had anything to do with Theodosia's dalbrador, Earl Grey, my guess was incorrect. Make sure to add it to your tbr to make your guess.

Recipes from the Indigo Tea Shop and Teatime Entertainment Ideas are available at the end of the novel. The author's website notes,

"The ingredients for Chicken Perloo mentioned in 'Shades of Earl Grey' are different from the recipe given in the back of the book. Chicken Perloo, like stew, has hundreds of variations. So don't be afraid to experiment."

Reviewer's Note: Gerry Schmitt writes the Afton Tangler Thrillers and, using the pseudonym Laura Childs, writes the Tea Shop Mysteries, the Scrapbook Mysteries, and the Cackleberry Club Mysteries. ( )

Delightful as a perfectly brewed cup of tea. ( )

It was nice to spend time with Theodosia, Drayton, and Haley again. I think I would like Theodosia's tea shop as a place to visit/spend time.

According to the book, Shades of Earl Grey is a tea blend that Drayton created. Earl Grey is also the name of Theodosia's dog.

I liked the idea of something new being created out of something thought to be broken beyond repair. A different way to appreciate the same thing.

The mystery deals mostly with stolen goods--what appears to be stolen jewelry at first but eventually links to other stolen items of great value. ( )

Good read. Love the setting and the characters. ( )

This is still one of my favorite series. I love the Charleston setting and how you still get that small town feel. Laura Childs' mysteries are always hard to solve, which adds to the enjoyment of the book. I hate to know who the culprit is before the end of the book. The characters are well developed and have such a great friendship. I love reading this series! ( )