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The Jasmine Moon Murder: Tea Shop Mystery #5    by Laura Childs Amazon.com order for
Jasmine Moon Murder
by Laura Childs
Order:  USA  Can
Berkley, 2004 (2004)
Hardcover
* *   Reviewed by Theresa Ichino

This is the fifth in Childs' series about Theodosia Browning, her charming little tea shop, and her friends and employees. Set in Charleston, the story gives interesting glimpses into life in this gracious southern city as well as snippets of tea lore and some scrumptious-sounding recipes.

This time around, the Indigo Tea Shop is contributing catering services to a worthy cause. A 'ghost crawl' through the historic Jasmine Cemetery is a most ingenious fund-raiser for various charities. One of the chief organizers is Dr. Jasper Davis, the uncle of Theodosia's significant other, Jory. When Dr. Davis literally drops dead during the charity event under suspicious circumstances, Jory asks Theodosia to snoop. (This is a refreshing change from the typical lover's reaction.)

Bright and energetic, Theodosia does so willingly. Loathe though she is to interfere in an official investigation or put herself at risk, she is not immune to Jory's anxiety. Besides, she liked and admired Dr. Davis. Her probing uncovers a number of suspects and alarms someone who definitely does not appreciate her snooping. In the end, of course, Theodosia succeeds and brings much-needed closure for Davis's family.

The Jasmine Moon Murder is a pleasant and undemanding read, the epitome of the term cozy. The tidbits of tea information and the recipes also add their allure.

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