National best-selling author Susan Wittig Albert's poetic beauty and West Texas flavor permeate her China Bayles mysteries. The high school principal asks China to secretly investigate the popular football coach who led the Panthers to six state championships. Soon after China confirms the coach's predilection for teenage girls, one of his victims turns up dead and suspicion falls upon the lecherous coach. "Albert's characterization is strong-China delights as ever ."-Publishers Weekly
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"The author's use of recipes and herbs made this an interesting read above and beyond the story itself, plus, I have a fondness for writers living in Texas! I called Texas my home for eighteen years and loved it. She writes about a sore subject (especially for right now, the news from Penn State) for any of us but does it with tact and empathy. I liked her pacing and visuals. Living in a small "football" crazy town as I do, I could really relate to this setting. I would recommend this book. Bleeding Hearts"
— Lisa (4 out of 5 stars)
" I've really enjoyed this series. It may be a long spell before I get back to reading them, but I always can pick right up again and not miss a beat. "
— Laura, 2/15/2014" This is one of the best in the series. Several stories wound together, some resolved, some continue on. I really enjoyed it. Terrific. "
— Teatime, 2/11/2014" Not my usual fare but I got to interview the author and meet her when she visited a local library. Not a bad book either. I loved mystery as a kid, so it was a nice return. "
— Cathy, 1/26/2014" Susan Wittig Albert has kept me glued to a book again. I really enjoy spending time with China Bayles and her family/friends. This installment turns a bit serious as China investigates allegations that the high school's football coach has molested female students. She also discovers a disturbing secret that changes what she knows about her family. "Smart Cookie" also reveals some information about Ruby's boyfriend that potentially threatens Ruby's happiness. This was a good one! "
— Deb, 1/18/2014" Sad story but very good! "
— Lisa, 1/18/2014" Not as good as it thinks it is. Even I could guess which direction the plot was turning in - and I'm no good at mysteries. Still an enjoyable, yet predictable read. "
— Julie, 1/17/2014" Love my China Baylkes herbal mystery series reading! "
— Dottie, 1/7/2014" I usually don't read series with puns in the title but I'm totally getting into mysteries lately. This is a cute cozy mystery series if you like that sort of thing. It's set in the Hill Country so it's fun if you're familiar with Texas. "
— Heidi, 12/28/2013" "NAFTA truckers heading for the border crossing at Laredo or McAllen." Never thought I'd read that outside of work. Not what the books about but a line I couldn't resist. "
— Lori, 12/5/2013" A little bit better than staring at a broken TV. "
— Brenda, 12/2/2013" i liked the quilts in the chapters and how the mystery was solved. "
— Ruth, 12/2/2013" read 12.12.07 "
— colleen, 8/15/2013" Pretty sad premise in this one...good mystery but tough. "
— Natalie, 2/11/2013" Listened to download trial from net library, not from overdrive/not mp3 cd. "
— Martha, 12/31/2012" I really liked this author! Nothing like a well written book. "
— Marie, 9/6/2012" I love the way all the main characters evolve in the books. Ruby is especially a favorite. "
— Deb, 7/4/2012" It was too predictable. Liked the herbs and recipes. "
— Marian, 1/5/2012" Heavy issues well handled "
— Helen, 7/25/2011" A popular coach is seducing young girls, China's stepson helps his friend stop him and there is a shooting. China solves the mystery of the missing quilt and discovers a half-brother she never knew existed. "
— Nancy, 3/30/2011" For any China Bayles fan, you'll love this latest herbal mystery in the setting of Texas from this newest one of SWA. Good tidbits on the flower for any gardener or herbalist. A must read. "
— Kristen, 12/10/2010" Re-read China meets her half-brother "
— Dale, 1/22/2010" I love how she talks about serious subjects that happen way to much & go unnoticed in a way that is not offensive. These things need to be discussed especially since she now has a son to deal with. Good read. Go China! Another book for my collection. "
— Kj, 8/1/2009" One of her better ones!! "
— Sarah, 6/16/2009" How timely - a coach molesting young students! "
— NancyL, 11/22/2008Susan Wittig Albert is the author of over 100 books. Her work includes four mystery series: China Bayles, the Darling Dahlias, the Cottage Tales of Beatrix Potter, and the Robin Paige Victorian mysteries. She has published three award-winning historical novels, as well as young-adult fiction, memoirs, and nonfiction. She serves as an editor of Story Circle Book Reviews and helps to coordinate its online class program.
Julia Gibson received an MFA from New York University. She has appeared on Broadway and other major stages in New York, as well as regional theaters from Dallas to San Francisco, Chicago, Philadelphia, and more. Gibson has played major roles in productions such as The Seagull, Angels in America, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Her television and film credits include Michael Clayton, Law & Order: Criminal Intent, Spin City, and One Life to Live.