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Theodosia Browning tries to emphasize elegance, etiquette, and edibles in her Charleston tea shop. But now that she's reached her eighth adventure, she's getting used to the uncouth reality of the occasional murder. Things start off with a gurgle at the Carthage Place Plantation, which is holding a charity event. In addition to Theo's booth, where she is serving a new tea for the occasion, there is a hedge maze, an exhibit by local artists, and even a plant auction. Orchid fanciers from all around gather to bid madly on a rare monkey-face orchid, in hopes of displaying it at the upcoming Orchid Lights show. The winner doesn't have long to enjoy his prize, however. Within seconds he is dying, in what is first considered a heart attack, but which turns out to be a poisoning. Was he killed for his orchid? Or was there something up at the bed-and-breakfast he co-owned, which mysteriously burns to the ground shortly thereafter? Or was it something that happened in his part-time job as a commodities broker that prompted someone to get him out of the way? Everyone assumes that Theo will investigate. After all, she's so good at this sort of thing – and the murderer was certainly trying to frame her by slipping the poison into her specialty tea! The Tea Shop mysteries are always as light and refined as a plate of teacakes, and DRAGONWELL DEAD delivers as promised. Although I found the grand finale a bit over the top, the violent action contrasting with the rest of the tone (with Charleston's southern hospitality, even the murders are mannerly), but it wasn't enough to throw me out of a pleasant, charming read. When the story is over there's still more to enjoy; Childs is generous with the extras expected in a theme mystery, adding a baker's dozen of recipes and a half-dozen tea party ideas. The Sweet Potato Scones and the Peanut Butter Truffles sound particularly delicious, and the Spa Tea gives me a great idea for a gift basket. DRAGONWELL DEAD is for everyone who likes Southern-style cozies, high teas, and cooking.
Reviewed by Linnea Dodson, July 2007
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