ROCCO interviews Earl Gray! (from PEKOE MOST POISON by Laura Childs)

Merow, my guest today is that dashing Dalbrador, Earl Grey, from the Tea Shop Mysteries.

Welcome, Earl Grey! For those of you who might be new to that series, tell us a bit about yourself and how you became acquainted with Theodosia.

I’m the guy who hit the doggy jackpot! There I was one night, huddled in the rain, fur all damp and matted, hiding out in a dark alley in Charleston. Suddenly a back door flew open and a kind woman with lots of auburn hair swooped down and picked me up. She carried me into her tea shop, which was all cozy and snuggly, and dried me off in front of a little stone fireplace. When I woofed that I was hungry, she gave me a scone to nibble. And then, when I turned limpid brown eyes on her (yeah, I knew what I was doing), she took me home with her. Lucky me, I’ve lived with Theodosia ever since!

What is your favorite thing to do with Theodosia?

We try to go running almost every night. We go down to White Point Gardens where the wind comes whipping in from Charleston Harbor and really ruffles the old fur. Then we head home through all these narrow alleys and carriage lanes. They’re old and spooky but there are lots of good sniffs. 

How do you feel about Theodosia getting involved in all those mysteries?

To be perfectly honest, it scares me a little. I mean, she tends to poke her nose where it doesn’t belong. I guess it’s what humans call being an amateur sleuth. The really crazy thing is that she’s good at it.

What is your favorite adventure with Theo to date?

In Devonshire Scream (out in paperback) Theodosia and I had to track down a gang of jewel thieves who staged a daring “smash and grab” raid during a fancy party at Heart’s Desire Jewelry. Even when the FBI thought international jewel thieves were at work, Theodosia and I took matters into our own hands and investigated a wealthy yacht broker, a motorcycle-riding tough guy, and a strange professor. Believe me, it was lots of fun!

How do you feel about the men in Theo’s life? Do you think she’ll ever settle down?

I’m pretty much a one-person dog, so I hope Theodosia never settles down. You see, the really excellent thing is that I get to sprawl all over her fancy sofa - and I never get yelled at! If there was a guy living with us, I’d probably be forced to give up the best seat in the house. Clearly, I’m keeping my fingers (paws) crossed.

What’s the deal with Drayton? Is he really as gruff as he seems, or has he mellowed since becoming a pet owner?

Don’t tell anybody, but Drayton’s a really nice guy. Once when I had a tricky tummy, he brewed me some special organic dandelion and ginseng tea for me that made it all better.

What’s your favorite treat?

Theodosia bakes homemade dog treats for me with ingredients like whole wheat flour, liver powder, and other yummy stuff.

What’s the most favorite dish of yours that Haley makes?

Scones. And I particularly like her cream scones with a dab of whipped cream.

Tell us something about Theo’s latest adventure?

In Pekoe Most Poison, (new in hardcover) Theodosia attends a “rat tea” at a fancy pants mansion in Charleston. I mean, there are actual waiters wearing white gloves and rat heads. And when the genial host chokes to death on his tea, the victim’s wife begs Theodosia for help. Of course, this adventure doesn’t just test her investigating skills, it puts her in mortal danger!

Any parting words of wisdom?

Whoever said diamonds are a girl’s best friend never owned a dog!

Author Bio:

Laura Childs is the USA Today, Publishers Weekly, and New York Times bestselling author of the Tea Shop Mysteries, Scrapbooking Mysteries, and Cackleberry Club Mysteries. In her previous life she was CEO of her own marketing firm, authored several screenplays, and produced two reality TV shows. She is married to Dr. Bob, a professor of Chinese art history, enjoys travel, and has two Chinese Shar-Pei dogs.

Now for the giveaway!!!!!

Author Laura Childs will give away an autographed copy of Pekoe Most Poison (hardcover) AND an autographed copy of Devonshire Scream (paperback) to one lucky commenter!

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Winner will be chosen at random using random.org.  Don’t forget to mention all you’ve done in your comment. Good luck! US entries only, contest closes midnight, March 11!