Laura Childs

Laura Childs is an American author known primarily for writing cozy mystery series, with over 50 books published since 2000. She has authored three distinct ongoing mystery series: the Tea Shop Mysteries, the Scrapbooking Mysteries, and the Crochet Mysteries. The Tea Shop Mysteries, set in Charleston, South Carolina, follows tea shop owner Theodosia Browning and remains one of her most successful series with over 20 installments. Her Scrapbooking Mysteries take place in New Orleans and feature professional scrapbook maker Carmela Bertrand, while the Crochet Mystery series is based in Minnesota. Writing under her real name Gerry Schmitt, she has also authored thrillers and worked in advertising as founder of her own marketing firm. Her cozy mysteries have consistently appeared on the New York Times bestseller list and have earned her a dedicated following in the genre. Prior to becoming a full-time author, she had a successful career in marketing and continues to maintain connections to the business world through speaking engagements and workshops. Her background in marketing and business ownership often informs the professional lives of her protagonists.

Readers consistently note the detailed descriptions of tea, food, and Charleston culture in the Tea Shop Mysteries. Many appreciate the lack of graphic violence and sex typical of cozy mysteries. Fans highlight the well-researched settings and authentic local atmosphere, particularly in both the Charleston and New Orleans-based series. What readers liked: - Strong sense of place and local culture - Detailed descriptions of food, tea, and crafts - Clean content suitable for all ages - Quick, light reading pace What readers disliked: - Repetitive plot structures - Limited character development across series - Too many product/brand name mentions - Some find the mysteries predictable Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: Average 3.9/5 across all series Amazon: 4.5/5 average customer rating Tea Shop Mysteries tend to rate slightly higher than other series One reader noted: "Perfect for when you want a light mystery with lots of atmosphere and tea descriptions." Another criticized: "Characters remain static despite being 20+ books into the series."

Tea Shop Mystery Series: Death by Darjeeling - Tea shop owner Theodosia Browning investigates a murder at a Charleston garden party. Gunpowder Green - A Civil War reenactor is killed during a staged battle, leading Theodosia to seek the truth. Shades of Earl Grey - A museum opening turns deadly when a valuable diamond goes missing and a body is found. The English Breakfast Murder - Theodosia discovers a dead body during Charleston's Yacht Race Week. The Jasmine Moon Murder - A doctor is murdered at a high-society gala at Charleston's Heritage Society. Chamomile Mourning - A murder occurs during Charleston's Food and Wine Festival. Blood Orange Brewing - Theodosia investigates when a guest is killed at a historic home's ghost-tour fundraiser. Dragonwell Dead - A real estate developer is found dead in a garden during Charleston's Spring Home Tour. The Silver Needle Murder - A movie producer is killed during filming at Theodosia's tea shop. Oolong Dead - A banker is murdered during a Treasures Show at a local museum. The Teaberry Strangler - Theodosia finds her friend strangled in an alley behind the tea shop. Scones & Bones - A curator is murdered and a valuable skull stolen from Charleston's Heritage Society. Agony of the Leaves - A body is discovered in an aquarium tank during a tea tasting. Sweet Tea Revenge - A groom is found dead on his wedding day at a historic hotel. Steeped in Evil - A wine tasting at a local vineyard leads to murder. Ming Tea Murder - The death of a museum donor disrupts a black-tie event. Devonshire Scream - A jewelry store heist turns deadly during Charleston's Jewelry Show. Pekoe Most Poison - A wealthy dog show patron dies at a "Rat Tea" party. Plum Tea Crazy - A real estate developer falls from a balcony during a eclipse-viewing party. Broken Bone China - A hot air balloon crash leads to murder during Charleston's annual balloon rally. Lavender Blue Murder - A foxhunt ends in murder at a historic plantation. Haunted Hibiscus - Halloween festivities are interrupted by murder at a historic graveyard.

Scrapbooking Mystery Series: Keepsake Crimes - Scrapbook shop owner Carmela Bertrand investigates a murder in New Orleans' French Quarter. Photo Finished - A murder during Mardi Gras leads Carmela to investigate. Bound for Murder - Carmela looks into the death of a friend found in a cemetery. Motif for Murder - A float designer is murdered during carnival season. Frill Kill - A clothing designer is found dead during Fashion Week. Death Swatch - A murder occurs during an art gallery opening. Tragic Magic - A magician is killed during a performance at a historic theater. Fiber & Brimstone - Halloween festivities are marred by murder. Skeleton Letters - A murder in St. Tristan's Church leads Carmela to investigate. Postcards from the Dead - A TV reporter is found dead during Mardi Gras. Gilt Trip - A society wedding turns deadly at a Garden District mansion. Gossamer Ghost - A candy shop owner is murdered during Halloween. Parchment and Old Lace - A wedding planner is killed at a historic cemetery. Crepe Factor - A restaurant critic is murdered during the Winter Market. Glitter Bomb - A float rider is killed during a Mardi Gras parade.

Cackleberry Club Mystery Series: Eggs in Purgatory - Three friends

Joanne Fluke writes culinary mystery series featuring baker Hannah Swensen who solves murders in a small Minnesota town. Her books include recipes and focus on a tight-knit community of characters.

Julie Hyzy crafts mysteries about a White House chef who encounters crimes while managing state dinners and official functions. Her series combines political intrigue with behind-the-scenes details of executive mansion operations.

Cleo Coyle writes the Coffeehouse Mystery series about a coffee shop manager in New York City who investigates murders. The books include coffee facts and recipes while exploring the culture of specialty coffee shops.

Ellen Hart creates mysteries featuring a caterer who solves crimes in Minneapolis. Her Jane Lawless series incorporates food-related plots and themes of community relationships.

Katherine Hall Page authors the Faith Fairchild series about a caterer who moves from New York City to a small New England town and solves murders. Her books blend church community dynamics with catering details and recipes.