May 19, 2015

First chapter: MING TEA MURDER by Laura Childs

First Chapter, First Paragraph is hosted weekly by Bibliophile by the Sea. Share the first paragraph of your current read. Also visit Teaser Tuesdays meme hosted by Jenn
Ming Tea Murder: A Tea Shop Mystery #16 by Laura Childs
Published May 5, 2015; Berkley
Indigo Tea Shop owner Theodosia Browning's boyfriend Max has organized a gala opening for an exhibit of a genuine eighteenth century Chinese teahouse, and the crème de la crème of Charleston society is invited. In the exotic garden  in the museum’s rotunda, a Chinese dragon dances to the beat of drums as it weaves through the crowd. The guests are serenaded by a Chinese violin as they sample tempting bites. But Theodosia makes a grim discovery behind the photo booth’s curtains: the body of museum donor Edgar Webster. (publisher)
First paragraph, first chapter: With drums banging and the sweet notes of a Chinese violin trembling in the air, the enormous red-and-gold dragon shook its great head and danced its way across the rotunda of the Gibes Museum in Charleston, South Carolina. It was the opening-night celebration for the reconstruction of a genuine eighteenth century Chinese tea house, and the creme de la creme of society had turned out in full force for this most auspicious occasion. 
Teaser: Theodosia grabbed a cracker that was topped with a dab of pate and accepted a paper napkin from a solicitous waiter. 
"I wouldn't eat that if I were you," called out a brash, nasal voice ( ch. 8) 
Would the first paragraph and teaser tempt you to continue reading this cozy?
Personally, I'd read on, as I have read others in this series and love the atmosphere, ambiance, and recipes, not to mention the intriguing mystery plots.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher for feature/review.

15 comments:

  1. This sounds very promising. I'd keep reading - enjoy!

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  2. This one does seem fascinating....and what a great cover! It draws me in.

    Here's mine: “THE SHORE”

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    Replies
    1. The detail in the cover picture is very attractive!

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  3. I like the look of it!

    One more book to add to my TBR pile!

    Here is my teaser post with a giveaway

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  4. Harvee,

    This cozy sounds fabulous--enjoy! :)

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  5. I think I've read only one book in this series. Maybe the first one? I meant to read more and there are many now. Thanks for reminding me and, yes, I'd read on. :-)

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    Replies
    1. I have read a few in her scrapbooking mystery series too.

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  6. Yes, the opening paragraph and the teaser do tempt me to find out more. Lovely writing.

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  7. Though I am usually an advocate of slow and measured opening I like this one. It sounds fun. I like the description of the dragon.

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