Best-selling author Susan Wittig Albert sets this cozy mystery in the small West Texas town of Pecan Springs. As the Christmas decorating season approaches, Thyme & Seasons proprietor China Bayles feels overwhelmed. While she tries to balance her new roles of wife and step-mom with the demands of her thriving herbal shop, her business partner-and best friend-Ruby mysteriously disappears. Soon China's cantankerous mistletoe supplier Carl turns up dead. With Ruby missing and friends suspected of murder, China must investigate before tragedy strikes again.
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"I enjoyed Mistletoe Man. As always, this is a good mystery. However, I wished the author would have spent more time on the child's reuniting with her biological mother. She did not let us know how the child, Melissa responded hearing the news of her birth, and just let you assume that the child was allowed to stay with her mother after what happened. You'll have to read the book to find out."
— Sallee (4 out of 5 stars)
" This was the first Albert book I read. It was near Christmas, stress and exhaustion where high, and this book was such a wonderful excape. The botanical twist with mystry is vary special. "
— Jo, 1/15/2014" I didn't like this book as much as Lavender lies and Chile Death but it got rather exciting near the end. "
— Laurie, 12/27/2013" Good one - Ruby attempts to keep part of her life private, bit of role reversal that annoys China. Think everyone knows someone like Aunt Velda, able to get by, but not exactly living in the world recognized by most folks. "
— Toni, 12/9/2013" Cozy Christmastime easy-reading mystery, very little sex or violence, lots of suspects, just right for those times you want an enjoyable fireside read. The plotline was a little forced but not too bad. Although this title is listed as #9 in the China Bayles series, it can be read as a one-off without any problem (I was a newbie to this mystery series when I selected the title). "
— Mary-Ann, 12/3/2013" Same characters weird mystery...too many twists with little or no clues. I did figure out much of it but still seemed like a stretch. "
— Natalie, 12/1/2013" The plot of this one, as it hangs together with China's personal life, is not as "together" as some of the earlier books, but still really good. Liked the Christmas setting. "
— Lisa, 11/12/2013" I think I'll try some more of her China Bayles books! "
— Amy, 10/10/2013" this one seemed more scattered with too many sub plots. but I do love this series! "
— Jen, 9/29/2013" is pot really that valuable? "
— Helen, 9/23/2013" This is another great China Bayles herbal mystery, only during Christmas time in Christmas. Good tidbits of mistletoe lore and for gardening. A good crisp novel with plenty of intrigue. "
— Kristen, 7/25/2013" Got this book as a gift from my Aunt since I moved to Austin, TX which is where the author is from and the book takes place around. Was a fun read. Did realize it was one of a series, may check out some more. "
— Kk, 3/20/2013" Not as interesting or engrossing as her earlier works. "
— B, 12/10/2012" this China Bayles story was about friendship and companionship of friends. It was a great tale and the mystery was extra. grins. "
— Ruth, 10/29/2012" I really like this series. It's getting much better, too, with more herbal suggestions in each book! "
— Megan, 10/12/2012" This is the second book I have read from Susan Wittig Albert. I love her writing it is easy to read a little bit here and there and not lose your place in the story. "
— Kira, 8/5/2012" In this mystery, China's husband Mike McQuaid is writing a book; Ruby joins the "Tribe of One-breasted Women"; it's Christmas in Pecan Springs; and China and Ruby solve the hit-and-run murder of an unpleasant neighbor of two interesteing and eccentric sisters who supply China's shop with flowers. "
— Nancy, 5/20/2012" One of my favorites! Very clever and suspenseful! "
— Sabra, 5/11/2012" Herb titled mystery series featuring China Bayles and set in Central TX hill country -- LOVE these. "
— Dottie, 2/9/2012" always good to read China Bayles "
— Kerry, 11/19/2011" This book is an example of why I like Albert. Her characters are understandable, and very human. China is struggling with what's wrong with Ruby, and also with the apparent hit-and-run of a local grower (or at least gatherer) of mistletoe. "
— Vera, 11/13/2011" This is my favorite Susan Wittig Albert. This was my intro to the author and I became a fan. More please. "
— Vickie, 9/23/2011" Loved Aunt Velma and the Klingons. "
— Susan, 5/11/2011" Learned a few things about mistletoe! Other than that, a workmanlike mystery. "
— Sarah, 5/7/2011" The character of China Bayles grows with each book. To read a new one is like sitting down with a pot of tea and catching up with an old friend. "
— C.J., 4/26/2011" This is the second book I have read from Susan Wittig Albert. I love her writing it is easy to read a little bit here and there and not lose your place in the story. "
— Kira, 3/22/2011" This book is an example of why I like Albert. Her characters are understandable, and very human. China is struggling with what's wrong with Ruby, and also with the apparent hit-and-run of a local grower (or at least gatherer) of mistletoe. "
— Vera, 2/14/2011" One of my favorites! Very clever and suspenseful! "
— Sabra, 1/11/2011" I think I'll try some more of her China Bayles books! "
— Amy, 7/27/2010" Got this book as a gift from my Aunt since I moved to Austin, TX which is where the author is from and the book takes place around. Was a fun read. Did realize it was one of a series, may check out some more. "
— Kk, 4/13/2010" Same characters weird mystery...too many twists with little or no clues. I did figure out much of it but still seemed like a stretch. <br/> "
— Natalie, 2/1/2010" I didn't like this book as much as Lavender lies and Chile Death but it got rather exciting near the end. "
— Laurie, 8/14/2009" The character of China Bayles grows with each book. To read a new one is like sitting down with a pot of tea and catching up with an old friend. "
— C., 7/28/2009" Good one - Ruby attempts to keep part of her life private, bit of role reversal that annoys China. Think everyone knows someone like Aunt Velda, able to get by, but not exactly living in the world recognized by most folks. "
— Toni, 7/30/2008Susan 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.