If you have not read the China Bayles series, I suggest that you get started, and quickly. This is by far the best of the 16 or so books in this wonderful series. It also the last of the trilogy of books about China Bayles' family secrets, and her father in particular. For that reason, I wouldn't suggest starting here. These books progress and the characters develop in each book, so the only way to truly enjoy this series is to start with the first one "Thyme of Death" and read on from there. I envy you your journey into the fascinating world of China and her friends! I really don't want to say too much about the story in this book because it would give too much away, but once you have gotten to "Bleeding Hearts", which is the first of the three books in the mini-trilogy about China's family's past, you will want to read "Spanish Dagger" and this book very quickly in order to get to the heart of the whole story. This book has lots of wonderful herb lore too, and some fascinating recipes at the end. I cannot wait for another China Bayles' book, and hate that it will be at least another year for me to touch base with China and her friends. ( )

Having followed Susan’s fabulous mystery series since the beginning, this book was a welcome addition to the progression of China Bayles stories! Once again, Ms. Albert has created a story that is clever, thought provoking and original. There are two wonderful “twists” to the tale as well; Susan calls this book the ‘last of the trilogy within the series.’ Starting with Bleeding Hearts, and continuing with Spanish Dagger, this book wraps up the subplot of the mystery of the death of China’s father, 16 years prior. In addition, for the first time, Ms. Albert has given Mike McQuaid (China’s husband) a voice of his own, rather than the usual first-person perspective that we usually expect from China’s narratives. The chapters that are written with Mike’s perspective are subtitled “McQuaid,” and although you would think that such intrusions in an established series, with established characters, would be irritating and invasive, it is a welcome and innovative trend.

The herbal part of the book is also a delight – this time talking about the notorious and oft-misunderstood nightshade family, which includes tomatoes and eggplant. Susan includes a postscript chapter about the Nightshade family, and the “nice and nasty” aspect of the plant species. In addition, there is the usual enchanting and mouth-watering recipe chapter, and a great bibliography. Reading one of the China Bayles mysteries is always an education, as well as a great escape into marvelous writing.

China is a reluctant participant in the solving of this mystery, since it involves delving into uncomfortable and painful history. Learning about her father’s secret life with his long-term (now deceased) secretary, and his machinations within the wheels of Texas government also brings her face to face with some inescapable facts about her own love-hate relationship with her father.

Mike McQuaid, in his role as a private investigator, is prodding China to help find solutions, as well as uncovering hints and clues she has buried deep inside herself. It has taken China many years to come to terms with her alcoholic mother, and she is not well pleased to have to have her father’s unpleasant past shoved into her consciousness! Nevertheless, China has always prided herself on her ability demonstrate her unbiased perspective, and that trait allows her to bring the story to conclusion without forfeiting her beliefs in herself and her strengths.

The usual cast is in place as well, including the vibrant and brilliantly red-haired Ruby; China’s best friend and business partner, who is still reeling from the death of her lover in Spanish Dagger. Ruby’s daughter and granddaughter take the stage now and again in the book, as well as the assorted townspeople of Pecan Springs Texas. However, more than any other China Bayles book, this book is about China and Mike, and deciphering the mystery that means so much to them personally and professionally. Howard, the lazy basset, and the charming teenaged son, Brian, now 16, are only codicils to the plot, but it is a plot that gives the reader a grand sense of satisfaction. It is a relief to know there are writers still out there such as Susan, willing to push the envelope a bit, and willing to allow her characters to explore, without interfering too much! This book should have a permanent place on your bookshelf, and the recipes tried and enjoyed.

© Laura Strathman Hulka ( )

#17 China Bayles mystery, which finished off the thread started a couple of books ago dealing with China’s father’s death. This book focuses on the investigation that China’s recently-discovered half-brother Miles instigated by hiring McQuaid, China’s husband, to look into it. He believes that Robert Bayles’ death sixteen years ago in a firey car crash was no accident, but that he was murdered. Before he can do much work with McQuaid though, Miles Danforth ends up dead himself, the victim of a supposed hit-and-run in the parking ramp at his office building. All the heavy coincidences and bits and pieces of evidence come together in a totally NOT surprising ending.

This book is different than others in the series, which are always told from China’s point of view. In this book, the author switches over to McQuaid’s point of view for several chapters and I must say it just does NOT work well at all! Everything from McQuaid’s point of view was written in the present tense and instead of using first person (I did this, I did that), it was written as “McQuaid does this, McQuaid does that.” I found that immensely annoying for some reason. It felt like the tale was being told by the proverbial turd in McQuaid’s pocket…someone who was right there with him, but not actually him. For example, one chapter opens with, “McQuaid has a long list of things to do this morning, but first things first.” Another starts with “McQuaid is on the road by nine thirty, heading southeast on…” Ack! Very distracting.

This is, truthfully, the only book in this series that I out and out did not like. It was primarily due to that change in POV, but also many of the regular cast members weren’t much in evidence til the end of the book. I missed Ruby, I missed China’s musings in the herb garden and the shop and the folks around Pecan Springs. I’m glad that Ms. Albert has gotten the mystery of what happened to China’s father sewn up so she can move on now, and I sincerely hope she returns to the writing style she used in her previous books. I loved those! ( )

This is a series that you really need to begin with the first book. The main character, China Bayles, owns a shop that sells herbs. She is married to a private investigator and they solve the murders together. This book solves a murder that occurred in an earlier book, but she gives enough background so you still know the whole story. ( )

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