Rating: 
Summary: Better Installment This Time
Review: I enjoyed this installment in the China Bayles series more than the last one. In this book a chili cookoff judge is murdered (at least China and Mike think he was muredered). China was back to her usual confident, independent self in this story, and thank goodness no further mention of McQuaid's indiscretions. Ruby is her usual kooky self, and I think she is the character that makes this series worth reading. China uncovers a dastardly plot on her own this time because McQuaid is recovering from a serious gunshot wound that he received in the last book. She does get advice and help though from McQuaid and from Ruby who comes just in the nick of time at the end. A really good mystery, and it restored my faith in the series.
Rating: 
Summary: Good Book
Review: I Love this series. They are easy to read with good characters and an interesting but never too violent mystery.
Rating:
Summary: Something different
Review: Mystery novels can have a certain sameness about them. This is the first in this series that I have read so far and I look forward to catching up with other novels from this author.What makes this book stand out is the heavy culinary flavour (pun intended) permeating the book. Aside from that, it also presents an able and well constructed mystery and some interesting characterisations. Try this one for a light rainy day read.
Rating:
Summary: Great
Review: The latest entry in the China Bayles' mysteries is terrific. The imaginary world of Pecan Springs and its cast of characters just keeps getting better. China's most recent adventures leave the reader wanting more. I enjoy reading the quotes about various herb lore. I am looking forward to the next book.
Rating:
Summary: Enticing
Review: The sensuous description of chili drove me, in desperation, to a big bowl of red. If you don't know what that is, you'll find out in this book. The recipe for Peanutty Pepper Cake and the mail-order sources in the afterword are worth the purchase price. And the plot's good, too.
Rating:
Summary: Continued Success...
Review: This installment of the China Bayles mystery series brings China up against a killer who somehow killed a chili cook off judge. This sets her off on a quest to solve the murder while at the same time looking into allegations of abuse at the Manor, a rehabilitation/nursing home. Her fiance, McQuaid, is recovering at the Manor from being shot in an earlier story. Together they sort through the myriad of clues and false trails while sorting out their own personal life. As always, Ruby is there to assist China, I love her fiestiness and attitude. The mystery in this book almost takes second place to the story of McQuaid and China deciding what their future will be, but a slam bang finish wraps all the loose ends up in a surprising twist. I love visiting China's Texan world, to soak up good cooking and the fabulous Texan Hill country. A good read and good recipes!
Rating:
Summary: Continued Success...
Review: This installment of the China Bayles mystery series brings China up against a killer who somehow killed a chili cook off judge. This sets her off on a quest to solve the murder while at the same time looking into allegations of abuse at the Manor, a rehabilitation/nursing home. Her fiance, McQuaid, is recovering at the Manor from being shot in an earlier story. Together they sort through the myriad of clues and false trails while sorting out their own personal life. As always, Ruby is there to assist China, I love her fiestiness and attitude. The mystery in this book almost takes second place to the story of McQuaid and China deciding what their future will be, but a slam bang finish wraps all the loose ends up in a surprising twist. I love visiting China's Texan world, to soak up good cooking and the fabulous Texan Hill country. A good read and good recipes!
Rating: 
Summary: Amateurish
Review: This is so amateurish it is almost unreadable
Rating:
Summary: Good Stuff!
Review: This is the first China Bayles book that I have read. I like the fact that I could move right into the story without a lot of "prep." Her characters are likeable and solid with entertaining glitches in personality. Chile Death has made me want to read the earlier books of this series and I am going to buy them. Good book for lunch breaks, between loads of laundry or filling a weekend of quiet time.
Rating:
Summary: Satisfying
Review: This is the first China Bayles novel I have ever read and will be reading more. I liked the Texas setting with a true Texas Chili Cookoff in the Texas Hill Country. The recipes are great. The mystery kept you guessing until the very end. Easy, quick to read and very satisfying. Highly recommended.
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