Jory’s uncle has been working with a pharmaceutical company to perfect a laser that would revolutionize angioplasty. Just as everything is in place for the laser to be marketed on a national scale, Jasper is murdered in plain sight. At the Ghost Crawl through Charleston’s Jasmine Cemetery, Jasper is starring in one of the vignettes depicting famous locals buried in the graveyard. When the last group of visitors comes through, Jasper collapses and later dies.

Theodosia and her staff are providing refreshments for the audience and witness the entire thing. When Theodosia learns that the police suspect foul play, she is off once again trying to solve Jasper’s murder and to ensure that her beloved Jory isn’t in any danger.

Theodosia and her staff, master tea blender Drayton Conneley and baker Haley Parker, are old friends now, as are the other merchants on Church Street. In this outing, Delanie Dish, the owner of Cotton Duck Clothing, plays an especially prominent role and is a delightful character to get to know better. Notably absent is Timothy Neville, the overseer of the local historical society, but Theodosia is house sitting his grand mansion, making all eager for his return.

Theodosia spends a little bit too much of her time frantically rushing about worried about Jory, but she has Drayton to keep the shop running smoothly and to reign her in when she gets too far away. Theodosia has created a business with a solid local base and has begun expanding into specialty tea parties. With the help of her dedicated staff, she is able to spend time away from the business, though she is away from it this time more than might be wise.

Theodosia has several suspects for Jasper Davis’s murder and all are viable, though there is one incident early on that will point most readers in the right direction. While this entry to the series has Theodosia and Jory closer than ever, and even refers to the time the two spent at Jasper’s condo, they still don’t seem comfortable with each other. It is difficult to tell if this relationship will continue or just fizzle out.

The Charleston setting is the perfect complement to Theodosia’s well-imagined themed teas. In addition, Drayton’s perfect tea blends, matched with Haley’s baked goods, are sure to have mouths watering. Tea party tips and recipes are included in the book, offering readers a chance to host a party of their own, or just settle back with a cuppa while enjoying another Indigo Tea Shop mystery.

--Jennifer Monahan Winberry