Review: Steeped In Evil

Steeped In Evil

by Laura Childs

Why did you choose this book? the title caught my attention

When did you read this book? February 2014

Who should read this book? readers who enjoy whodunit mysteries

Source: Penguin First To Read program

Here is a synopsis of Steeped In Evil from First To Read

In the newest mystery from the New York Times bestselling author of Sweet Tea Revenge, Indigo Tea Shop owner Theodosia Browning is about to learn the true meaning of terroir…

Theodosia Browning has never considered herself a wine connoisseur—tea has always been her forte. But that doesn’t mean she’s going to pass up an invitation to a fancy wine-tasting party at the upscale Knighthall Winery, just outside of Charleston, South Carolina.

But a sweet evening takes on a bitter aftertaste when a dead body is discovered in one of the wine barrels. The son of proprietor Jordan Knight has been murdered.

Dissatisfied with the police investigation, Knight turns to Theo for help. She’s heard through the grapevine that there are both family and business problems at Knighthall. They say in vino veritas, but everyone at the winery seems to be lying through their teeth. Sorting through the guest list as well as family and staff, Theo has her pick of suspects. It may look like the killer has her over a barrel, but cracking tough cases is vintage Theodosia Browning.

My Review 

I have never read any of Laura Childs novels, but when I saw this one available at the First To Read program, I jumped at the chance to read it. This is a cozy mystery set in Charleston, SC, featuring Theodosia Browning as the ‘solver of mysteries’. The book opens with a murder in the very first chapter, at a wine tasting! There is a cast of characters that will keep you guessing until the end. Every time I met a new character, my thought was ‘he did it!’. Then ‘no, he seems like a really nice guy. it couldn’t have been him!’.

I hadn’t realized this was one of a series of books, so I didn’t realize that some of these characters were recurring. I would never have suspected them had I known! (Sorry, Drayton!) Being part of a series, there were references to what I assume were past stories. The book mentioned that Theodosia’s best friend’s fiance was murdered on her wedding day, and later mentions that her friend Amy’s husband was murdered a few years ago. Makes me think being a friend of Theodosia is dangerous!

One thing I really enjoyed about this book was the detailed descriptions of the architecture, decorating and food. Theodosia owns a tea shop and employs an excellent baker. I could smell the teas and taste the tea sandwiches and baked goods! And even though she does not readily share her recipes, you will find many at the end of the book! Time to start baking!

This book kept me guessing the entire time and was a quick, fun read. If you enjoy whodunit type mysteries, you will enjoy this book!

I received and electronic copy of this book through the Penguin First To Read program in return for an honest review.

My Rating:  ★★★   3 Stars