Sunday, March 5, 2017

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!


To enter, leave a comment on this blog post with your name and email address (entries without email will be disqualified). For extra entries, you can do any or all of the below:

* Follow my blog (+ 1 point)
* Follow me on Twitter (+ 1 point) (Link: https://twitter.com/RoccoBlogger)
* Tweet about the contest (+ 1 point)
* Friend me on Facebook (+ 1 point) (Link: https://www.facebook.com/ToniLotempio)#!/
* Mention the contest on Facebook (+ 1 point)
* Mention the contest on your blog (+ 1 point)


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!



14 comments:

  1. I love this series but I confess that I've gotten behind in reading it. I'll be adding this to my wish list. I follow your blog and I follow Toni on Facebook. I'll also share the contest on Facebook. jmvarner50@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  2. Earl Grey sounds like one lucky dog! I can't remember the last time I had scones with whipped cream. This looks like a cute series. mbradeen@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  3. What a unique name for a pooch. I love this series and find myself waiting, sometimes impatiently, for the next book to come out. I follow your blog and am friends with Toni on facebook. robeader53(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  4. Delightful, as always, Rocco.
    We are FB friends and I linked to my page
    I visit regularly
    I don't tweet or have a blog

    libbydodd at comcast dot net

    ReplyDelete
  5. Another great interview as usual, Rocco. I really love this series by Laura Childs! It was great getting to know Earl Grey, he is one lucky dog. I'm looking forward to reading more about him and Theodosia and Drayton in both of the latest books. Following you on Facebook and friends on Facebook, also shared post on Facebook. Also following on Twitter and following your blog. Thanks for the chance.
    diannekc8(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  6. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  7. One of my favorite series!
    Follow your blog
    Follow you on twitter
    Tweeted: https://twitter.com/jnalpath/status/839265449971941377
    Follow on facebook
    Shared on facebook:https://www.facebook.com/jess.dimovski.5/posts/1121032501352894
    zeta(at)iwon(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  8. I knew a CAT named "Earl Grey"; I hope you won't hold that against me!
    Continued good luck to you, Laura!
    Tonette
    tonettemjs@gmail.com
    I follow the Blog
    I am a Friend on FB,
    I shared on FB
    I Follow on Twitter,
    I tweeted

    ReplyDelete
  9. just adore all Laura Childs work. Haven't read her last few new works. Thanks for the oppty to WIN this awesome giveaway !! ♥
    Follow you on Twitter
    Tweeted ~https://twitter.com/FlyinPigEtsy/status/839275438514008064
    Send friend request on FB
    Share on FB~https://www.facebook.com/lauralyn.harvey

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  10. I love Laura's books. I loved the article with Earl Grey. Fingers crossed. The two books will bring me up to date. Thanks for the chance. vlhcats@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  11. I really like the covers for these books 😊
    I'm looking forward to reading Laura's books!
    lorih824(@)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  12. I love this series. It was the catalyst in renewing my passion with tea.
    kat8762@aol.com
    * Follow my blog (+ 1 point)
    * Follow me on Twitter (+ 1 point)
    * Tweet about the contest (+ 1 point)
    * Friend me on Facebook (+ 1 point)
    * Mention the contest on Facebook (+ 1 point)

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  13. Attending a rat tea would be funny.
    turtle6422(at)gmail(dot)com

    Following the blog
    Following on Twitter
    Tweeted about the giveaway
    FB friends
    Shared the contest on FB

    ReplyDelete
  14. What a delicious looking cover. I'd eat every bite on that table. Thanks for the chance to win a copy. crs(at)codedivasites(dot)com
    +1 I follow your blog by email: crs(at)codedivasites(dot)com
    +1 I follow on twitter: @carlrscott
    +1 I tweeted: https://twitter.com/carlrscott/status/839919707704606720
    +1: Friend on FB: Carl Scott
    Have a great day!

    ReplyDelete