Review: The Teaberry Strangler by: Laura Childs

Title: The Teaberry Strangler
Author: Laura Childs
Publisher: Berkley Prime Crime
Series: A Tea Shop Mystery #11
Pages: 303
Format: Hardcover
Source: Library

Description:

It was the Dickensian evening Theodosia Browning had been hoping for. Charleston shop-owners dressed in cloaks of yore threw open their back doors to visitors, who took advantage of bargains and Theodosia's delicious teas.

But later, the alleys clear except for one body- which a horrified Theodosia discovers. It's Daria, the map store's owner. Locals have shown interest in buying her shop-but enough to kill? Plus there's been a customer hell-bent on acquiring a not-for­sale map. Most alarming of all theories, however, is Detective Tidwell's: the killer mistook Daria for Theodosia. And if that theory holds, the killer's work isn't done.

My Thoughts: 

This book follows Theo, and her friends as Theo witnesses a murder and gets asked later to find out what happened and who did the deed.  Theo is adamant she is not a sleuth.  Things just kind of fall in her lap.  Will Theo figured out who killed Daria and why?  Or is really a case of mistaken identity?  Theo is more determined then ever when it is alluded to that Theo may have been the intended target, to get to the bottom of the whole situation!

I love Theo and her friends and co-workers.  She has the ability to not let things go and really get to the truth while also brewing great cups of tea.  I started this series late and am sort of back tracking with some of these books but Ms. Childs is a fabulous storyteller.  Not letting go until the truth is revealed.

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Review: Ali Cross by: James Patterson

Title: Ali Cross
Author: James Patterson
Publisher: jimmy patterson
Series: Ali Cross #!
Pages: 320
Format: Hardcover
Source: Library

Description:

Alex's son Ali is eager to follow in his father's footsteps as a detective, but when his best friend goes missing, what price will he have to pay to solve the mystery?<

Ali Cross has always looked up to his father, former detective and FBI agent Alex Cross. While solving some of the nation's most challenging crimes, his father always kept his head and did the right thing. Can Ali have the same strength and resolve?

When Ali's best friend Abraham is reported missing, Ali is desperate to find him. At the same time, a string of burglaries targets his neighborhood---and even his own house. With his father on trial for a crime he didn't commit, it's up to Ali to search for clues and find his friend. But being a kid sleuth isn't easy---especially when your father warns you not to get involved!---and Ali soon learns that clues aren't always what they seem. Will his detective work lead to a break in Abraham's case or cause even more trouble for the Cross family?

My Thoughts:

This book follows Alex Cross's son Ali who is desperate at finding his friend.  As he looks into where his friend went a bunch of robbery's are happening all around Ali.  Add to that the pressure from his father's upcoming trial has Ali all over the place.  Will Ali find his friend in time?  Is he dead or alive?

Watching Ali is liking watching a very young Alex Cross try to figure out what works for him as a detective.  Also seeing where Ali falls short and his temper gets the best of him at times.  I thoroughly enjoyed Ali.  I can see he will be definitely following in his father's footsteps as he ages.

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