I have read other books in this series (not necessarily in order) and am going back to read ones that I missed along the way. I still like this series, but this one just felt off a bit to me. They did do a "Downton Abbey" themed tea event which was a bit interesting, but normally Drayton does a bit of expounding on tea during the book and in this book this was absent. Drayton did do a tea blending class but other than knowing what ingredients he put out on the tables, no other information on tea blending was included.

Once again, there is a murder. This time the son of a winery owner who was stuffed into a wine barrel (how was never explained)--and not just any wine barrel, but the barrel that was to be sampled at the winery's event.

For a change, Drayton is the one encouraging Theodosia to get involved in solving the murder. I have to wonder if Max is on his way out as Theo's love interest since he seems to be so against Theo's investigating. I actually suspected the character who turned out to be the perpetrator (which is rare for me) but I couldn't have given you any clues that were scattered in the story to support my suspicion. ( )

Took me ages to finish this I think due to my anxiety being elevated. ( )

Theodosia and Drayton are in an adjoining county for a wine tasting when the body of the winery owner's son is found inside a barrel of wine. The sheriff of that county does not seem that interested in the investigation or that capable so Drayton's friends ask Theodosia to poke around. This mystery was just "okay." Although Tidwell does make an appearance, it is more like a cameo, and I really missed the interaction with him on this one. Most of the investigation is conducted in Charleston although a small part of the action takes place at Knighthall Plantation or between it and Charleston. Not the best in this series, but still okay. I hope the next installment returns Theodosia to Charleston so she is getting in the way of Detective Tidwell. ( )

Blanking out on the story but it was a very good book. ( )

Steeped In Evil is the fifteenth book in the A Tea Shop Mystery series.

I so enjoy stopping in to visit with Theodosia, Drayton and Haly at the Indigo Tea Shop and this was another enjoyable visit.

Drayton has asked Theo to join him at a wine tasting party at new boutique style winery, the Knighthall Winery. As everyone is gathered for the unveiling, the body of Drew Knight, the son of Jordan Knight owner of the winery, is found inside the barrel. Having heard of Theodosia's knack for solving murders, he asks Drayton if Theodosia would find out who had killed his son.

In the beginning of her investigation she zeros in on Pandora, Drew's stepmother, but she also finds out that Pandora has had dealings with Alex Burgoyne who maybe something short of an honest liquor distributor. In addition there is a Japanese importer who would like to take the wine being produced and import it to Japan. Also in the picture is Carl Van Deusen, a waiter who was working at the wine tasting. Van Deusen had been driving Drew's car and had been know to provide drugs in the past to Drew. Theo and Drayton now need to sort thru their findings who reasons and opportunity to want Drew dead.

Delaine Dish is back with her wonderful sense of humor and of Haly, chef and baker, is back to provide wonder meals at the Indigo Tea Shop.

Tea related links and recipes are included in the book.

Looking forward, as always, to the next book. ( )