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Delaine Dish is throwing a lavish candlelight event to benefit (and celebrate) the much-needed renovation of a recently donated Victorian-style home. Theodosia Browning's teashop, Indigo Tea, is there to serve tea and desserts. Unfortunately, during the event, Duke Wilkes is murdered. Wilkes was a retired CEO and prominent political activist with a foot still in the business world. There are people unhappy with some of his decisions but he did not seem to have any enemies. While Theo does not want to investigate, her friends assume that she will. Then when the Duke's widow asks her to investigate, Theo feels that she has no choice but to comply. Among her interviews, she meets a TV reporter working for an all-women TV company, and an unhappy community activist -- both with motives for the murder. In addition, her almost boyfriend may have discovered a leopard cub on the side of the road. What Theo quickly discovers is that her beloved Charleston might have more deadly criminals and crimes than she had ever imagined. BLOOD ORANGE BREWING is a little bit weaker than the previous books in the series. Theo is not as active in her investigation and things just fall into place too neatly. At times, it felt as though the characters could do whatever they wanted as the ending was already guaranteed. If this book is any indication, then this series will be slowly changing into one that focuses on the main characters and their lives with only minimal time spent on a criminal investigation. That said, this book is by no means as dismal as the future might become. While it is true that Theo is not as active in her investigating that does not mean that this book is not worth reading. All of the characters, Theo included, continue to grow and expand in their roles. For example, Haley Parker is beginning to come out of the kitchen and approach things with courage and self-esteem. In addition, Childs is beginning to capture the Charleston that exists outside of Indigo Tea. While it is hard to image that such as a big city has such a small town feel, it makes sense for the section of town where this series occurs. Hopefully BLOOD ORANGE BREWING is just an off book and the series will regain the characteristics that have made the previous books so enjoyable.
Reviewed by Sarah Dudley, May 2006
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Contact: Yvonne Klein (ymk@reviewingtheevidence.com)
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