Nightshade Audiobook

" A book doesn't have to be 5 stars to be perfect. The China Bayles series, read by Johanna Parker, is one that I return to often, just because the characters are like old friends and Albert's consistently good writing makes each book a satisfying vistit. Oh, and I nearly always learn something new or develop a new insight into something in my own life. These are terrific books, leading me on each time to finish up quickly. "

" More intense than some of the others--more people get killed, although it's not gory, but it gets to be more than I wanted to read about. Ties up some loose ends set up in the previous books in the series in a dramatic fashion. Albert varies from the usual first-person China Bayles point of view by including some chapters from her husband Mike McQuaid's point of view. That would have been fine except she puts all the McQuaid chapters in relentless present tense, like a new journalism student who's been told that's what you're supposed to do--perhaps an editorial suggestion to further distinguish the two voices? Anyway, it doesn't work for me; I found it distracting. Otherwise a good read. "

" I like the style. McQuaid sort of speaking was different, but it worked well. Very enjoyable. "

" Didn't like it as well as others in the series "

" A solid entry in this series. This is the third in a trilogy within the 16 (at this point) in the series, involving a story about China's father. I'm glad the story line on this is over, but the book itself was well-done. This series never disappoints. "

" Another good mystery with China Bayles--but with less herbal involvement this time. "

" This is the latest in the China Bayles series. It's also the last book of a trilogy within the series about the death of China's father. "

" Somehow I missed this one. Not sure I love the McQuaid sections, they are slightly 'off'. "

" Several murders in this one. I don't see how the author can keep coming up with such different plots! This one was complicated. "

" Good as usual! I always enjoy her books! "

" Now we dig.deeper.into Chinas past & she really displays such emotion. Who knew? She seems so hard core to family, like her mom but then you see the.underbelly coming out. Another good read for the shelf. "

" I just discovered China Bayles over the Christmas break, and I am loving these books for the mindless local mysteries interspersed with herbs, Texas Hill Country lore and small-town shops, and just plain fun. I have gone back to the library for more! "

" I love this author and her use of historical facts. It has caused me to rethink events that occurred many years ago in Texas. "

" another great installment in the series - loved finding out the end of the ongoing mystery surrounding China's father - there's a bit of a tease in here that makes me happy because it means there will be more books to come "

" The new approach of changing tenses from China to McQuaid was difficult for me to handle--would rather his voice be in the same tense as China's. Other than that, which slowed the flow for me, the story as a continuation of other books in the series was quite absorbing. "

" After waitIng sixteen books to have all my questions about Miles answered, I am satisfied. "

" Third and final book in a series relating to the death of China's father. Engaging characters and interesting plot. Like others I found the tense change in alternating chapters disturbing. Author is far more successful writing in China's voice rather than McQuaid's. "

" Another great mystery from Susan Wittig Albert. In this tale, she delves into China's past to solve the mystery surrounding her father's death. She also provides a look at things from China's husband's viewpoint. Wittig Albert's mysteries are always a good read. "

" Different. Having the McQuaid perspective kind of threw me. "

" This book uses 2 verb tenses alternating in chapters--very non-settling. "

" This is a solid but not brilliant mystery series, and 'Nightshade" is above average for the series--I like China Bayles character, and she has not gotten weird or edgy. There are chapters from McQuaid's point of view which is new, and successful, I think. "

" It was a highly enjoyable listen. I liked listening to both China and McQuade telling the story from their own sides of view. "

" I felt like I was reading about friends and neighbors. lLooking forward to another visit with China and Ruby! "

" rather too much pickle in places "

" I did this on audio. China is sort of a no nonsense personality which enhances the rare moments of humor. I thought the narrator portrayed her well. Also, sometimes mysteries with recipes get a little old, but these stories really use details of the theme herb/plant to enhance the story. "

" Another good one in the China Bayles series. I really enjoy the addition of the herbal lore with the story. "

" I was listening to this book in Virginia and there was a defect in the third CD. I need to get it again from Fernandina. "

" A funny entertaining mystery. Nothing deep at all, but a good summer read.The herb info and recipes are great.It is harder to get the info on CD, but they still put it in. "

" Really liked this! The herbal lore adds a new interest feature and the mystery part was pretty good. Nothing too challenging but different. Am reading another by the same author now and have one more waiting. "

" This one was pretty obvious...where else would a Pickle Queen die but in a vat of pickle juice :-) Interesting twists in this one too! "

" Enjoyable murder mystery from a reliable author. "

" I enjoy the recipes and the other tidbits that usually included in the "China Bayles Mystery Books). Just too wonderful for words!! Yeah "

" Perhaps I've just read one too many of these. It is way past formulaic and the corny dill jokes didn't help. "

" Very enjoyable. These China Bayles mysteries get better each year. "