wildflowerz76's review
3.0
I enjoyed this one more than the last several I've read. I'm still happy the library has them, so I don't have to pay for them, though. I probably would have given up on them if I had to buy them. The story in this one was fairly interesting and the woo-woo stuff was kept to a minimum. I didn't really get how McQuaid lying was Chyna's fault or how she can be such an upright citizen and lawyer, but doesn't hesitate much to trespass. But overall this was pretty good.
morticia32's review against another edition
2.0
I love China Bayles, but I didn't love this book. It was ok, but I had a hard time getting into it, and sticking with it. I found the sub-plots distracting, between Ramona and McQuaid.
I frankly felt like McQuaid was an ass
As for Ramona, she's narcissistic and is not a nice person and I really don't care what happens to her.
The main mystery was a good one and I would have enjoyed it much more if it had been focused on instead of going off on tangents.
I frankly felt like McQuaid was an ass
Spoiler
for lying to China, while pretty much the rest of the town knew where he was (and then Tough Cookie wouldn't tell China either? Rude.). And then China let him off the hook, basically blaming herself for his behavior. What?? He promised he wouldn't take dangerous cases/go into Mexico again. He broke that promise and lied about it, and it's your fault because you asked for the promise? No, no, no.As for Ramona, she's narcissistic and is not a nice person and I really don't care what happens to her.
The main mystery was a good one and I would have enjoyed it much more if it had been focused on instead of going off on tangents.
nonna7's review
4.0
I have always enjoy this series. It's a nice, light respite between reading the newspaper and the darker books that I enjoy. Plus there are always interesting tidbits about herbs and spices. In this case it was about oranges and blood, both the fruit and the colors. Ms. Albert manages to tie things together nicely. China is upset because her husband is on a case and has called to tell her that she won't be able to reach him for a few days. She soon learns that his latest case is a very dangerous one. In the meantime, the guest cottage behind her herb business is being occupied for a short time by a young nurse who is in the middle of a nasty divorce. She disappears, but soon contacts China. She arranges to meet her, but is in a bad accident before she gets there. It turns out it is no accident. A friend of the young woman brings a thumb drive to China. It soon becomes obvious that the young woman was planning on filing a whistle blowing case against her former workplace. I enjoy these books because the author manages to bring together her character's personal life and weave it seamlessly throughout the book. It's a real page turner toward the end especially!
dmsleeve's review against another edition
1.0
Nope. One stupid decision too many for me. I decided to stop reading without finding out if she ever gets out of her mess. I don't even care what happens enough to skim to the end.
writes_and_wrongs's review against another edition
4.0
I can't resist series like this, where the setting becomes another character and reading the books feels a lot like coming home. Pecan Springs has definitely become another home to me, and China, Ruby, et al like extended members of a very large family! I also love reading all the bits and pieces of herblore sprinkled through the book, and the recipes at the end. I'd love to see a collection of the recipes published on their own.
_kristiew_'s review against another edition
4.0
It's been awhile since I have read a China Bayles book. This one was so good!! I enjoyed visiting with China and her pals. I thought the mystery was well thought out and very interesting. It shows what is lacking in newer mystery series. I was engaged the whole time instead of wondering when the mystery would be investigated. China is a strong character and realizes her faults. She isn't one of those silly "heroines" that are mostly focused on in more recent cozy series.
I also enjoy that this series can be read out of order. I was able to read this for a group read and not really be lost. Now I can go back to earlier books to catch up.
I also enjoy that this series can be read out of order. I was able to read this for a group read and not really be lost. Now I can go back to earlier books to catch up.
yetanothersusan's review against another edition
4.0
Another great installment in the life of China Bayles! The only thing that constantly perplexes me is how she truly has time for everything. I was floored when I realized only a day had passed at one point.
anastaciareadsstuff's review against another edition
4.0
I found this book incredibly refreshing from the heavy books I've been reading lately. I picked this because I wanted a cozy mystery and I was instantly drawn to the herb/flower aspects as that's what I do for a living. The characters were very well written and you got the feel that you were in a nice Southern Town. There was just enough mystery to keep you guessing without being too gory or intense. A good easy read with a bit of who dun it. I look forward to starting this series from the beginning.
bex5411's review against another edition
informative
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
moondance120's review against another edition
4.0
"Excuse me."
This series never gets old for me. Visiting China and company in Pecan Springs, Texas is like coming home and seeing old friends. Ruby's scatterbrained sister, Ramona has bought interest in a local brewery and is dating the still married owner. The owner's wife, Kelly, is a friend of China's that needs a place to lay low while she gets herself together. Kelly hints to China that she knows of a possible murder and needs her help. Unfortunately, Kelly is injured in a serious accident before she can inform China of the details.
I love visiting China and Ruby's shops. I'm pretty sure I would hang out there all the time if this was a real place. I love the tea room and all things herbs. The recipes in the book are quite interesting and I usually find myself trying one or two from each book.
The crime that Kelly needs help with deals with medical fraud and is rather disturbing. I'm sure it happens all the time but it really bothers me that those in my chosen field could do this to people. It is very obvious that the author researched the subject and it is very well written.
I was a little surprised at China being so whiny about McQuaid being away. Yes, he does seem to end up in harrowing situations but her main concern was a feeling of self worth involving an old flame. I would like to think that after all the time together that China would know that McQuaid is there for her.
This is a well written book that kept my attention. I had figured out the fraud and the murderer before it was revealed. It is no way distracted from the story.
I know I say this with every book, but this is probably my favorite series of all time. I'm slowly catching up so that i can be ready for the next book which won't be released for another year.
This series never gets old for me. Visiting China and company in Pecan Springs, Texas is like coming home and seeing old friends. Ruby's scatterbrained sister, Ramona has bought interest in a local brewery and is dating the still married owner. The owner's wife, Kelly, is a friend of China's that needs a place to lay low while she gets herself together. Kelly hints to China that she knows of a possible murder and needs her help. Unfortunately, Kelly is injured in a serious accident before she can inform China of the details.
I love visiting China and Ruby's shops. I'm pretty sure I would hang out there all the time if this was a real place. I love the tea room and all things herbs. The recipes in the book are quite interesting and I usually find myself trying one or two from each book.
The crime that Kelly needs help with deals with medical fraud and is rather disturbing. I'm sure it happens all the time but it really bothers me that those in my chosen field could do this to people. It is very obvious that the author researched the subject and it is very well written.
I was a little surprised at China being so whiny about McQuaid being away. Yes, he does seem to end up in harrowing situations but her main concern was a feeling of self worth involving an old flame. I would like to think that after all the time together that China would know that McQuaid is there for her.
This is a well written book that kept my attention. I had figured out the fraud and the murderer before it was revealed. It is no way distracted from the story.
I know I say this with every book, but this is probably my favorite series of all time. I'm slowly catching up so that i can be ready for the next book which won't be released for another year.