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Rating: 
Summary: An intriguing multi-faceted story
Review: Fans of mystery writing and gardening will find themselves delighted by this story of herbalist-sleuth China Bayles in yet another story of her evolving life. China has settled down and opened her herb shop - but there are ten puzzling cases here for her to solve, along with herbal advice and recipes. Unthymely Death is an intriguing multi-faceted story.
Rating:
Summary: strong China Bayles mysteries
Review: Fans of the China Bayles mysteries, staring a former lawyer turned herbalist and restaurant owner, have a special treat in store for them this time around. Author Susan Wittig Albert has written a ten-story collection starring the protagonist doing what she does best: solve crimes. Readers are also introduced to her best friend and business partner Ruby Wilcox, who often plays the part of the sidekick and China's beloved husband, former homicide detective Mike McQuaid, who still can't resist taking part in a criminal invitation.In addition to the stories, each one exciting and fast-paced, the reader is introduced to herbal lore and some mouth-watering meals using herbs found in China's very own garden. The short story format is just as potent as the novel length tales that fans expect from Ms. Albert. For fans this is a treat but for newcomers this is a delightful introduction to one of the more endearing mystery genre characters. Harriet Klausner
Rating:
Summary: strong China Bayles mysteries
Review: Fans of the China Bayles mysteries, staring a former lawyer turned herbalist and restaurant owner, have a special treat in store for them this time around. Author Susan Wittig Albert has written a ten-story collection starring the protagonist doing what she does best: solve crimes. Readers are also introduced to her best friend and business partner Ruby Wilcox, who often plays the part of the sidekick and China's beloved husband, former homicide detective Mike McQuaid, who still can't resist taking part in a criminal invitation. In addition to the stories, each one exciting and fast-paced, the reader is introduced to herbal lore and some mouth-watering meals using herbs found in China's very own garden. The short story format is just as potent as the novel length tales that fans expect from Ms. Albert. For fans this is a treat but for newcomers this is a delightful introduction to one of the more endearing mystery genre characters. Harriet Klausner
Rating:
Summary: Such a comfortable read
Review: I have enjoyed all of the previous "herb" books and am not usually a fan of short stories. This collection is wonderful, though. and it goes great with a pot or glass of tea, a comfortable chair, and quiet time. I recommend this for your vacation reading list.
Rating:
Summary: Such a comfortable read
Review: I have enjoyed all of the previous "herb" books and am not usually a fan of short stories. This collection is wonderful, though. and it goes great with a pot or glass of tea, a comfortable chair, and quiet time. I recommend this for your vacation reading list.
Rating:
Summary: Such a comfortable read
Review: I have enjoyed all of the previous "herb" books and am not usually a fan of short stories. This collection is wonderful, though. and it goes great with a pot or glass of tea, a comfortable chair, and quiet time. I recommend this for your vacation reading list.
Rating:
Summary: A "must have" for any China Bayles fan!
Review: I have just discovered the wonderful novels by Susan Wittig Albert, and I am playing catch-up trying to read all the past installment of the China Bayles saga.
Imagine my delight upon finding this delightful collection of short stories. I love that these stories are a great deal more light-hearted than the usual serious themes found in the book length tales. Albert features all the familiar characters from her series, including China, her best friend Ruby, police chief Shelia Dawson, and of course, China's new husband Mike McQuaid. She also brings in a few new characters that have not appeared in any previously published mysteries to join in the fun. I also love the many herbal tips and recipes that appear sprinkled throughout the book. For fans of Albert's series, this collection is a "must have"!
Rating:
Summary: A wonderful addition to the China Bayles series!
Review: Quirky China Bayles, an ex-lawyer from Houston turned herb-shop proprietor and amateur sleuth in quaint Pecan Springs, has certainly had a number of adventures since the series kicked off in the early 1990's. Some of Albert's best novel length tales to date include Chile Death and Love Lies Bleeding. In this collection, readers can find all the humor, herb lore, recipes and fun of a full length mystery in these short stories, originally published online in serial format.
From a missing Khat to the threat of a real-estate mogul buying out a local business, to sinister murder, these short tales pack cozy mystery punch. Easy to read in short gulps, and there are tons of easy recipes and craft ideas included. Great fun!
Rating: 
Summary: Hunting and Hinting, Texas Style
Review: Susan Wittig Albert, author of the beloved China Bayles mysteries, and the often insightful "Lifescapes" blog on the internet, has given us a collection of ten short stories featuring her good humored herbalist sleuth. Pecan Springs is a small town, filled with small town folk and lots of good eating. In the ten cases assembled here, China solves the problem of who wtole the cookbook of out the Guild, and what happened to the cat, cutely named KHAT. When she does, she discovers a new member of the community, Ivy O'Toole, who is sort of a heavyset woman but one who knows a lot about herbs.
There isn't that much in the book about Mike McQuaid, China's new handsome hubby, but readers who like Mike will appreciate the glimpses we get into his private life. There is a more "adult" case about a man who feels he has been "stalked" and whose answering machine turns into a valuable clew in the mystery of the poisoned brownies. It is sort of like FATAL ATTRACTION, with a Pecan Springs twist. In addition, there are lots of little sidebars about herbs and how herbs can make your life better. As China suggests, planting a fragrance garden near your porch is a nice way to let their fragrance comfort you in times of loss or inspire you to help out a neighbor or two. She suggests planting carmint, chamomile, clove pink, lavender, lemon balm and nine more, winding up with violets (alphabetical order, but i think they'd look pretty that way). When spring comes there I'll be on my knees outside my porch, learning to live again. These tales, some of which were originally available on the internet, are here expanded and made a lot better by SWA's indefatigable storytelling flair.
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