HONEY DROP DEAD

Childs invites readers to the latest in her endless stream of cleverly themed tea parties buzzing with potential murder suspects.

Charleston, South Carolina, tea shop owner Theodosia Browning; her tea sommelier, Drayton Conneley; and chef Haley Parker are catering an outdoor tea organized around bees and honey. The event is designed to promote Holly Burns’ Imago Gallery, which has recently been given a boost by a much-needed influx of money from investor Jeremy Slade. The wealthy crowd is annoyed by an impromptu speech from pushy politician Osgood Claxton III and shocked when a beekeeper caring for nearby hives walks over, sprays Claxton and the crowd with an unknown substance from his smoker, then takes out a gun and shoots the politician. Without a thought for her safety, Theodosia takes off after the killer, who, despite the clumsy moves required by his protective suit, still gets away after shooting at her. Her boyfriend, detective Pete Riley, and his boss, Burt Tidwell, are upset but know from long experience that once Theodosia’s on the track of a killer, she’s not to be deterred, especially now that Holly’s business is circling the drain. There are certainly plenty of suspects, for Claxton, well known in Charleston political circles as a crook, is in the middle of a messy divorce and has made enemies throughout the artistic community. Holly begs for help, and Haley’s boyfriend is a suspect. So how can Theodosia turn down their pleas?

Historic Charleston and cream teas are a perfect backdrop for genteel murder and mayhem.