In this 15th entry in the best-selling China Bayles series, our teashop owning heroine discovers a dead body while gathering herbs by the railroad tracks. On top of that, her brother unearths new evidence suggesting their father's death was no accident, and China is soon dragged into both mysteries. Luckily for her, "when China starts snooping, she finds several closets full of the kind of secrets that produce corpses" (Booklist).
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"This is the second in a three book grouping that shares a common story arc that was a subplot in the previous book. I expected there to be a bit more in this book dealing with that subplot, but there wasn't a lot and that kind of disappointed me. But as usual, China and her friends found plenty of other things to get wrapped up in and I still really enjoyed the book."
— Kristi (4 out of 5 stars)
" A good China Bayle mystery with a little more MCQuaid. "
— Margaret, 2/15/2014" a good China bayles mystery "
— Annie, 2/5/2014" It's pretty obvious that there are unsolved plot lines in this book there are probably in line for the next one. "
— A.R., 2/4/2014" Loved it. can't wait to read nightshade. "
— Oleta, 2/3/2014" A little bit darker, dealing with drugs and dementia and the mystery of the death of China's father. "
— Vickie, 1/19/2014" A very solid mystery and entertaining story. I enjoy all of my visits with China. A teaser for the next book as China and her step brother delve into the past. "
— Mascanlon, 1/18/2014" read at the beach in playa del carmen "
— Donna, 1/16/2014" My sister loves this series and I always read it too. "
— Carol, 1/14/2014" I was a little let down. Not a very exciting ending. There was never any danger or confronting the killer. "
— Debbie, 1/6/2014" Very well done. I recommend this book highly, but you have to read Bleeding Hearts first. "
— Marci, 12/26/2013" Great story and I really enjoyed the topic - paper making from different fibers. Her herbal knowledge never ceases to amaze and educate me. Love it! "
— Mary, 12/26/2013" Books in this series get better as they go along. Almost to the end of them but looking forward to future character developments and more heart tugging stories. "
— Kathie, 12/25/2013" Always enjoy the China Bayles mysteries, this is no different. When you have time to just escape for a fast read-this could be it. "
— Chris, 12/16/2013" If you decide to read this author check out her website and read the books in order. I love the books. "
— Carolyn, 11/30/2013" I wish the Whiz would make another appearance and that problems would not be solved by killing off the problematic partner in a relationship or crime. I'm getting so that I recognize the clues too early in the book and so at the end don't feel satisfied with the result. "
— Katherine, 7/30/2013" Fifteenth book in her long-running series, the characters continue to evolve, though Wittig-Albert's style seems more conversational than in the early books. She still manages to set up a good mystery. "
— Lyn, 6/21/2013" The darkest of the series so far, but still a good read. On to the next. "
— Lisa, 5/31/2013" I really like China and McQuaid together! He reminds me a lot of Margaret Maron's Dwight Bryant - and you know I love me some Dwight Bryant!!! "
— Terri, 12/17/2012" Always love Susan Wittig Albert, even try some of her recipes on occasion. She paints such a good picture of her life in a small Texas town, and all the additional information about herbs is fascinating. "
— Shirley, 11/9/2012" Another mystery series - what can I say? This may be my favorite mystery series (Susan Wittig Albert's China Bayles series). It is the most consistent in writing and content. Other series have some books a lot better than others. "
— Diane, 6/15/2012" This isn't quite as charming at the character/setting level as some of the other books in this series, but the mystery is stronger to make up for that. "
— Joy, 1/29/2012" I loved the China Bayles series. It's always an enjoyable read with tidbits of herbal information of the focus plant of the series. A good series. "
— Kristen, 12/15/2011" i really like this author- not your ordinary mystery book. i am into herbs and she incorporates a different herb into each murder mystery. "
— Rachel, 11/28/2011" Wish my library had more of her books, but I probably won't buy them. They are fun reads. "
— Deb, 10/1/2011" I like all of Susan Wittig Albert "
— Susan, 5/24/2011" Great book. a good mystery and great solving skills. You will like it a lot. "
— Ruth, 4/19/2011" Love the entire series. Poor Ruby, she always falls for the wrong man. Got to love her spirit. I never knew so much about herbs & never thought I would be interested.but China & the gang makes it real & fun! To the shelf! "
— Kj, 2/6/2011" I wish the Whiz would make another appearance and that problems would not be solved by killing off the problematic partner in a relationship or crime. I'm getting so that I recognize the clues too early in the book and so at the end don't feel satisfied with the result. "
— Katherine, 11/6/2010" It's pretty obvious that there are unsolved plot lines in this book there are probably in line for the next one. "
— A.R., 9/28/2010" Another mind-blowing China Bayles mystery. It saddens me that I'm drawing close to the "end" (most recent release) of the books. Only three to go before I've caught up and must join the ranks of those who wait restlessly for the new novel! I'm such a huge fan of Susan Albert. "
— Heather, 11/18/2009" A good China Bayle mystery with a little more MCQuaid. "
— Margaret, 9/25/2009" My sister loves this series and I always read it too. "
— Carol, 9/1/2009" Easy to read, fun and fast story. "
— Sarah, 7/28/2009" I really like China and McQuaid together! He reminds me a lot of Margaret Maron's Dwight Bryant - and you know I love me some Dwight Bryant!!! "
— Terri, 7/9/2009" This is the second book of her's that I have read and while a little fluffy I like them as a series "
— Gail, 12/7/2008" Always enjoy the China Bayles mysteries, this is no different. When you have time to just escape for a fast read-this could be it. "
— Chris, 11/12/2008" Always love Susan Wittig Albert, even try some of her recipes on occasion. She paints such a good picture of her life in a small Texas town, and all the additional information about herbs is fascinating. "
— Shirley, 8/20/2008" Lots of progression for the characters. They all have many changes in their lives - interesting about yucca plants, too. "
— Toni, 8/6/2008" Fifteenth book in her long-running series, the characters continue to evolve, though Wittig-Albert's style seems more conversational than in the early books. She still manages to set up a good mystery. "
— Lyn, 6/12/2008" I have been looking for this book to buy and read and I finally found it! Of course I love all of the books in this series. China Bayles rocks! "
— Dana, 5/28/2008Susan 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.