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China Bayles #20
Cat's Claw
Police Chief Sheila Dawson believes the death of Pecan Spring's computer guru, Larry Kirk, to be a suicide, perhaps triggered by his painful divorce. Further investigation reveals that Kirk's death wasn't self-inflicted. And the truth is reinforced by her friend China Bayles' news-Larry recently asked her for legal advice in regards to a stalker.As a police chief in a male-dominated force, Sheila meets many challenges, especially when her theories rock the boat in high profile cases like that of George Timms. He was caught breaking into Larry's computer shop to steal his own computer back because of dangerous personal information it contained. Now that Larry is dead, she's sure it's connected to the burglary. And she's also sure she'll get plenty of resistance on her assessment...
Timms's time to turn himself in to the police comes and goes, and he's nowhere to be found. In her investigation, Sheila uncovers secrets, terrible secrets that would drive anyone to kill. So who then? It's up to Sheila to prove she's got what it takes to hunt down the predator that's loose on the streets of Pecan Springs...
Timms's time to turn himself in to the police comes and goes, and he's nowhere to be found. In her investigation, Sheila uncovers secrets, terrible secrets that would drive anyone to kill. So who then? It's up to Sheila to prove she's got what it takes to hunt down the predator that's loose on the streets of Pecan Springs...
305 pages, Hardcover
First published March 1, 2012
91 people are currently reading
954 people want to read
About the author
Susan Wittig Albert
121 books2,382 followersSusan is the author/co-author of biographical/historical fiction, mysteries, and nonfiction. Now in her 80s and continuing to write, she says that retirement is not (yet) an option. She publishes under her own imprint. Here are her latest books.
A PLAIN VANILLA MURDER, #27 in the long-running China Bayles/Pecan Springs series.
Two Pecan Springs novella trilogies: The Crystal Cave Trilogy (featuring Ruby Wilcox): noBODY, SomeBODY Else, and Out of BODY; and The Enterprise Trilogy (featuring Jessica Nelson): DEADLINES, FAULTLINES, and FIRELINES.
THE DARLING DAHLIAS AND THE POINSETTIA PUZZLE #8 in the Darling Dahlias series, set in the early 1930s in fictional Darling AL
THE GENERAL'S WOMEN. Kay, Mamie, and Ike--the wartime romance that won a war but could have derailed a presidency.
LOVING ELEANOR: A novel about the intimate 30-year friendship of Eleanor Roosevelt and Lorena Hickok, based on their letters
A WILDER ROSE: the true story of Rose Wilder Lane, who transformed her mother from a farm wife and occasional writer to a literary icon
THE TALE OF CASTLE COTTAGE, #8 in the Cottage Tales of Beatrix Potter
DEATH ON THE LIZARD, the 12th and last (2006) of the Robin Paige series, by Susan and Bill Albert
TOGETHER, ALONE: A MEMOIR OF MARRIAGE AND PLACE
AN EXTRAORDINARY YEAR OF ORDINARY DAYS
WORK OF HER OWN: A WOMAN'S GUIDE TO RIGHT LIVELIHOOD
WRITING FROM LIFE: TELLING YOUR SOUL'S STORY
A PLAIN VANILLA MURDER, #27 in the long-running China Bayles/Pecan Springs series.
Two Pecan Springs novella trilogies: The Crystal Cave Trilogy (featuring Ruby Wilcox): noBODY, SomeBODY Else, and Out of BODY; and The Enterprise Trilogy (featuring Jessica Nelson): DEADLINES, FAULTLINES, and FIRELINES.
THE DARLING DAHLIAS AND THE POINSETTIA PUZZLE #8 in the Darling Dahlias series, set in the early 1930s in fictional Darling AL
THE GENERAL'S WOMEN. Kay, Mamie, and Ike--the wartime romance that won a war but could have derailed a presidency.
LOVING ELEANOR: A novel about the intimate 30-year friendship of Eleanor Roosevelt and Lorena Hickok, based on their letters
A WILDER ROSE: the true story of Rose Wilder Lane, who transformed her mother from a farm wife and occasional writer to a literary icon
THE TALE OF CASTLE COTTAGE, #8 in the Cottage Tales of Beatrix Potter
DEATH ON THE LIZARD, the 12th and last (2006) of the Robin Paige series, by Susan and Bill Albert
TOGETHER, ALONE: A MEMOIR OF MARRIAGE AND PLACE
AN EXTRAORDINARY YEAR OF ORDINARY DAYS
WORK OF HER OWN: A WOMAN'S GUIDE TO RIGHT LIVELIHOOD
WRITING FROM LIFE: TELLING YOUR SOUL'S STORY
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 249 reviews
March 31, 2012
What the heck has happened to China? She used to be one of my favorite "cozy" amateur sleuths, but in this book she's short-tempered, pessimistic, and at times downright nasty. She is absolutely inexcusably rude to Ruby, my favorite character of all time. She expresses nothing but doubt about the marriage of Blackie and Sheila. And she is condescending and snotty regarding the women's quilt club that helps solve the mystery.
If the chapters hadn't alternated with her perspective and Sheila's, I might have packed it in. But Sheila was a pleasant change from the grumpy China.
Maybe she needs to take some St. John's Wort. She seems a bit short-tempered and stressed.
But that doesn't keep her from getting involved in the suspicious suicide of an acquaintance, Larry Kirk, who despite his anti-gun stance is found with an apparently self-inflicted gunshot wound. With Smart Cookie on the case, the mystery unravels in short order.
Far from the best in the series, but not totally awful. I do think China needs an attitude adjustment though.
If the chapters hadn't alternated with her perspective and Sheila's, I might have packed it in. But Sheila was a pleasant change from the grumpy China.
Maybe she needs to take some St. John's Wort. She seems a bit short-tempered and stressed.
But that doesn't keep her from getting involved in the suspicious suicide of an acquaintance, Larry Kirk, who despite his anti-gun stance is found with an apparently self-inflicted gunshot wound. With Smart Cookie on the case, the mystery unravels in short order.
Far from the best in the series, but not totally awful. I do think China needs an attitude adjustment though.
November 1, 2019
Taking a side step and allowing a supporting character to share the lead, Albert give police chief, Sheila Dawson more letter space in this multi-faceted mystery. First a computer repair business break-in with the high-profile perp on video, then the suicide-cum-homicide of the shop owner, followed by the act of nature death by mountain lion of the B&E suspect. It’s a wraparound that spins in a wayward spiral, collecting several other suspects and possibilities.
Good suspense, great dialogue, and a couple cute laughs via a group of gray-hairs. Once again, ex-lawyer/herb shop owner, China Bayles adds important discoveries to the cases and maintains her sleuth queen status, while still maintaining a business, household, family of 4 and an ever growing zoo of critters.
Good suspense, great dialogue, and a couple cute laughs via a group of gray-hairs. Once again, ex-lawyer/herb shop owner, China Bayles adds important discoveries to the cases and maintains her sleuth queen status, while still maintaining a business, household, family of 4 and an ever growing zoo of critters.
October 24, 2014
I like the "fluffy" mystery aspect of this series. The book held my attention, but I figured out who the murderer was waaaay too soon to have really enjoyed the book. The dark undertones of the subplots were also a little more than I like, but I did enjoy the little act of karma.
May 22, 2012
Loved a book from Smart Cookie's point of view!
December 31, 2013
Another excellent entry in the China Bayles series. In this one, #20 in the series, China is more of a supporting player while the spotlight moves to police chief Sheila Dawson. I enjoyed this shift in focus. It's a kick to be able to get into the head of a recurring character who previously has been seen primarily from China's point of view.
The mystery starts with a computer guru who has presumably committed suicide over his crumbling marriage. Soon, however, it's looking more like homicide than suicide. A plot with intricate twists and turns follows, including the neat inclusion of a mountain lion whose habitat has been invaded.
My only issue with "Cat's Claw" is that while getting into Sheila's background, the author reveals the ending of one of the previous books. Argh! I hate when authors do this. I've read the entire series up to this point, but someone else might not have. I've come in late on other series in which the author revealed spoilers from previous books, after which I decide not to bother going back to read the first books because I already know the ending(s). This includes one of Susan Wittig Albert's own series - the Beatrix Potter one. So please, Susan, don't do this anymore!
Other than that, I love this book. It thoroughly absorbed me from beginning to end.
The mystery starts with a computer guru who has presumably committed suicide over his crumbling marriage. Soon, however, it's looking more like homicide than suicide. A plot with intricate twists and turns follows, including the neat inclusion of a mountain lion whose habitat has been invaded.
My only issue with "Cat's Claw" is that while getting into Sheila's background, the author reveals the ending of one of the previous books. Argh! I hate when authors do this. I've read the entire series up to this point, but someone else might not have. I've come in late on other series in which the author revealed spoilers from previous books, after which I decide not to bother going back to read the first books because I already know the ending(s). This includes one of Susan Wittig Albert's own series - the Beatrix Potter one. So please, Susan, don't do this anymore!
Other than that, I love this book. It thoroughly absorbed me from beginning to end.
August 6, 2018
Four members of the Texas Star Quilting Club, armed with needles, thread, thimbles, and scissors, were seated on either side of the wooden quilting frame set up in Ethel Warren's dining room at 1113 Pecan Street.
Book number twenty in the China Bayles series focuses on Police Chief Sheila Dawson, Smart Cookie to her friends. Larry Kirk, a local computer guru, is found by Ruby's sister Ramona in what appears to be a suicide. Sheila tags along with Detective Jack Bartlett to evaluate the scene with him. Too many things don't add up and both quickly decide that they have a murder on their hands.
This was a nice change of pace to have Sheila's point of view. China was still around and stumbles onto her own body that is connected to Larry. The storyline with the mountain lion showing how we are taking away their natural habitats is timely and well handled.
This series always intrigues me. I always learn something new and find a need to do more research on certain elements that are presented.
Well written book that I truly enjoyed. I'm trying to catch up with this series.
I highly recommend this series. If you ever have the opportunity to see Susan i person, please do, She is an absolute gem!
Book number twenty in the China Bayles series focuses on Police Chief Sheila Dawson, Smart Cookie to her friends. Larry Kirk, a local computer guru, is found by Ruby's sister Ramona in what appears to be a suicide. Sheila tags along with Detective Jack Bartlett to evaluate the scene with him. Too many things don't add up and both quickly decide that they have a murder on their hands.
This was a nice change of pace to have Sheila's point of view. China was still around and stumbles onto her own body that is connected to Larry. The storyline with the mountain lion showing how we are taking away their natural habitats is timely and well handled.
This series always intrigues me. I always learn something new and find a need to do more research on certain elements that are presented.
Well written book that I truly enjoyed. I'm trying to catch up with this series.
I highly recommend this series. If you ever have the opportunity to see Susan i person, please do, She is an absolute gem!
April 12, 2012
"Police Chief Sheila Dawson believes the death of Pecan Spring's computer guru, Larry Kirk, to be a suicide, perhaps triggered by his painful divorce. Further investigation reveals that Kirk's death wasn't self-inflicted. And the truth is reinforced by her friend China Bayles' news-Larry recently asked her for legal advice in regards to a stalker."
The China Bayles books are cozy mysteries set in the Texas Hill country. Until this one, they were all told by China. In this book Albert deviated from her pattern and put alternating chapters in from China's first person point of view and third person about Sheila Dawson. That was fine with me.
The reason I'm giving this 2 stars is two fold. One - this is a series and therefore a reader does expect to put up with some amount of review of the series, but by page 75 I was skipping whole pages in the China voice, because I just couldn't stand to read stuff I knew already. Two - that tired mystery plot has been used by everyone.
The China Bayles books are cozy mysteries set in the Texas Hill country. Until this one, they were all told by China. In this book Albert deviated from her pattern and put alternating chapters in from China's first person point of view and third person about Sheila Dawson. That was fine with me.
The reason I'm giving this 2 stars is two fold. One - this is a series and therefore a reader does expect to put up with some amount of review of the series, but by page 75 I was skipping whole pages in the China voice, because I just couldn't stand to read stuff I knew already. Two - that tired mystery plot has been used by everyone.
July 14, 2017
I am not very familiar with this series -- I may have read one. However, I enjoyed this one a lot. Sheila Dawson was an interesting character and her friendship with China Bayles helped the story move along. Not a FANTASTIC mystery, but it kept me turning the pages. I may try a few more of Albert's series -- I liked it.
March 5, 2020
I've read almost all of these books and they are all very good. I liked the story being told from not only China Bayles' point of view, but that of the police chief, aka Smart Cookie. Zipped through this one in two days' time.
February 19, 2015
Another great read in the Pecan Springs mystery series.
October 13, 2019
I really enjoying reading Shelia’s POV. It was nice change of pace and a more extensive look at that side of the crime coin in the cozy mysteries.
March 23, 2024
I really like this series and look forward to returning to Pecan Springs every time I open one of these books.
After 20 books, the setting is very familiar and the characters feel like old friends. McQuaid and Blackie were absent for most of the book, and I missed them but am glad they're safe :) Ruby needs to kick her sister to the curb instead of enabling her, but she's too kind-hearted to do that. Smart Cookie is settling into her job, and I love the relationship she has with China and Ruby. They have each other's backs, and isn't that what a good, solid friendship is all about?
The murder victim here seemed relatively well liked by most of the people in town, so there weren't many suspects to consider until the investigation started digging deeper. I hoped that one character would be the killer so we wouldn't have to deal with that person anymore, but it wasn't meant to be. I was wrong about the actual culprit, and the motive surprised me more than it probably should have.
I will admit that the title of the next book in the series, Widow's Tears, had me worried enough that I read the GR blurb to be sure that the widow in question isn't one of my friends. Now that I know it's not, I'm eager to read it and spend some time with China, Ruby and the rest :)
After 20 books, the setting is very familiar and the characters feel like old friends. McQuaid and Blackie were absent for most of the book, and I missed them but am glad they're safe :) Ruby needs to kick her sister to the curb instead of enabling her, but she's too kind-hearted to do that. Smart Cookie is settling into her job, and I love the relationship she has with China and Ruby. They have each other's backs, and isn't that what a good, solid friendship is all about?
The murder victim here seemed relatively well liked by most of the people in town, so there weren't many suspects to consider until the investigation started digging deeper. I hoped that one character would be the killer so we wouldn't have to deal with that person anymore, but it wasn't meant to be. I was wrong about the actual culprit, and the motive surprised me more than it probably should have.
I will admit that the title of the next book in the series, Widow's Tears, had me worried enough that I read the GR blurb to be sure that the widow in question isn't one of my friends. Now that I know it's not, I'm eager to read it and spend some time with China, Ruby and the rest :)
August 6, 2021
Sheila Dawson, Chief of Police in Pecan Springs, & China Bayles take turns telling the intertwined stories of two crimes that have occurred in town. As their husbands travel to Mexico on a missing child case, the women are busy with work, & Sheila decides to get out from behind her desk & work on some real police work in the field. The decision is fraught with political implications as a high-profile citizen is accused of a break-in at a local computer repair shop, whose owner later commits suicide. China accidentally gets involved when she discovers an email from the dead man that she had missed in her Inbox. It's a good story & as always, it's fun to hang out in Pecan Springs, Texas with the locals.
January 10, 2025
Storia molto soddisfacente, che segue due punti di vista, quello della protagonista e quello di una sua cara amica, che è poi il capo della polizia. Viene fuori anche una brutta storia, ma sono d'accorda con le nostre due eroine, il colpevole si becca quello che si merita (non dico di più per non fare spoiler).
Sto leggendo questa serie andando qua e là, a secondo dei miei acquisti (quando gli ebooks sono scontati per la maggior parte del tempo) e di come mi siano utili per qualche challenges, ma riesco comunque a godermela.
Sto leggendo questa serie andando qua e là, a secondo dei miei acquisti (quando gli ebooks sono scontati per la maggior parte del tempo) e di come mi siano utili per qualche challenges, ma riesco comunque a godermela.
October 20, 2022
Smart Cookie AKA Sheila Dawson, the Chief of Police, takes center stage in this story - a nice change. There was more depth to the plot and it moved quickly.
I have come to the conclusion, after reading 20 books in this series, that they could be a lot shorter if every bite of food and each article of clothing worn was not described in minute detail!!
Please remember, my rating stars are against the other books in the series, not against other books in general.
I have come to the conclusion, after reading 20 books in this series, that they could be a lot shorter if every bite of food and each article of clothing worn was not described in minute detail!!
Please remember, my rating stars are against the other books in the series, not against other books in general.
April 30, 2020
I have really enjoyed most of the China Bayles books, however not this one so much. China was moved to the sidelines and it weakened my interest in this lukewarm book.
October 6, 2022
Two viewpoints - China’s and Sheilah’s (the first woman Pecan Spring chief of police). Some unexpected twists and turns. 20th in the series
March 14, 2012
If you are a long time reader of Ms. Albert's China Bayles series, you'll notice a slight change. This book is written from Sheila Dawson's perspective. Sheila is the first female head of the Pecan Springs Police Dept and has recently married the former sheriff, Blackie. He resigned his position and decided to go into business with China's husband as a private detective. Dawson is finding it a little daunting at times to navigate the political ins and outs of a small town as the first female head of the police department.
When a local man is found murdered, she assigns the case to one of the detectives. Her next in command (and also the one she bested when she got her job) is taking some well-deserved time off. She also takes the unusual step of assigning herself as second to the detective to whom she has assigned the case. When a local computer shop owner is found dead in his home, it initially looks like suicide. However, things don't add up.
The case soon takes quite a few twists and turns. I enjoyed this book, although I have mixed emotions about the book being written from a different character's point of view.
It could be that China's character has run its course. She is happily married. She and her husband have adopted her niece, plus his own son is a senior in high school. Both kids call her Mom. There's no more conflict there, whereas there's still plenty of possibility for conflict in Sheila's life. We'll see. I'm not a fan of the author's newer series nor of the other older series she writes. This was an interesting read, but the herbal angle really didn't have much to do with anything in this book. We'll see how the series progresses.
When a local man is found murdered, she assigns the case to one of the detectives. Her next in command (and also the one she bested when she got her job) is taking some well-deserved time off. She also takes the unusual step of assigning herself as second to the detective to whom she has assigned the case. When a local computer shop owner is found dead in his home, it initially looks like suicide. However, things don't add up.
The case soon takes quite a few twists and turns. I enjoyed this book, although I have mixed emotions about the book being written from a different character's point of view.
It could be that China's character has run its course. She is happily married. She and her husband have adopted her niece, plus his own son is a senior in high school. Both kids call her Mom. There's no more conflict there, whereas there's still plenty of possibility for conflict in Sheila's life. We'll see. I'm not a fan of the author's newer series nor of the other older series she writes. This was an interesting read, but the herbal angle really didn't have much to do with anything in this book. We'll see how the series progresses.
February 16, 2016
I have read most of this series and enjoyed them all. The portrayal of the town is consistent to the extent that I'm thinking of going back and creating a map. With this #20 MS Albert changes tactics slightly. China Bayles has always been written in first person and in this book she still is, but there are chapters written in third person for the police chief Sheila Dawson and an opening chapter with the Texas Star Quilters. I think this was a good decision on her part because it means that she can have Smart Cookie doing her police work right there, whether China is present or not. It also puts distance between Police Chief Dawson and civilian Bayles as there should be. All the characters are here: Mike and Blackie, Brian and Caitie, Howard Cosell and Rambo. There is also Oodles the miniature white poodle who is just as annoying as you would imagine. We learn about the cat's claw vine and its relatives and are introduced to a number of herbal products. There is a passage about a mountain lion that vividly brings that magnificent animal to life.
The plot deals with suicide, computers, blackmail, divorce, and a couple of other things. MS Albert makes the story flow very smoothly from first to third person and back depending on the characters and there is never an awkward transition. I have a feeling we may see more stories from the Pecan Springs Police Department with China Bayles allowed to have only a sideline view of the action. I'm sure that would suit China (and Mike) just fine.
The plot deals with suicide, computers, blackmail, divorce, and a couple of other things. MS Albert makes the story flow very smoothly from first to third person and back depending on the characters and there is never an awkward transition. I have a feeling we may see more stories from the Pecan Springs Police Department with China Bayles allowed to have only a sideline view of the action. I'm sure that would suit China (and Mike) just fine.
April 7, 2012
This is the latest book in the Pecan Street Mystery series. I have enjoyed reading each of the books in the series as well as the Darling Dahlias Mysteries by the same author.
The books are easy, entertaining "cozies" that normally feature China Bayles, who is a criminal defense attorney turned herbalist and shop/tearoom owner along with her "New Age " friend and business partner, Ruby Wilcox. The books always seem like the adventures of "Lucy and Ethyl" with a slight mystery twist and a Texas setting.
However, in "Cat's Claw", Police Chief Sheila Dawson, (alias Smart Cookie), is the main character. This title deals with a crime and focuses on the investigation and the details of the crime. It almost seemed like a "light" police procedural. I did not care for this and hope that Ms Albert does not continue this new theme in future books.
Ms Albert also seemed to be experimenting with adding "light" sexual scenes to this book. I am definitely not a prude, but I found these very brief scenes or allusions to be completly out of place in a Pecan Street Mystery. Again, I compare this book to the adventures of Lucy and Ethyl and think how jarring any kind of sexual scene, no matter how simple, would be completely out of place.
After writing all of this, I am eagerly looking forward to the next Pecan Street Mystery or Darling Dahlias Mystery.
The books are easy, entertaining "cozies" that normally feature China Bayles, who is a criminal defense attorney turned herbalist and shop/tearoom owner along with her "New Age " friend and business partner, Ruby Wilcox. The books always seem like the adventures of "Lucy and Ethyl" with a slight mystery twist and a Texas setting.
However, in "Cat's Claw", Police Chief Sheila Dawson, (alias Smart Cookie), is the main character. This title deals with a crime and focuses on the investigation and the details of the crime. It almost seemed like a "light" police procedural. I did not care for this and hope that Ms Albert does not continue this new theme in future books.
Ms Albert also seemed to be experimenting with adding "light" sexual scenes to this book. I am definitely not a prude, but I found these very brief scenes or allusions to be completly out of place in a Pecan Street Mystery. Again, I compare this book to the adventures of Lucy and Ethyl and think how jarring any kind of sexual scene, no matter how simple, would be completely out of place.
After writing all of this, I am eagerly looking forward to the next Pecan Street Mystery or Darling Dahlias Mystery.
March 8, 2017
Really did enjoy this new installment of the China Bayles Mysteries--"A Pecan Springs Mystery with Sheila Dawson and China Bayles".
Police Chief Sheila Dawson believes the death of Pecan Spring's computer guru, Larry Kirk, to be a suicide, perhaps triggered by his painful divorce. Further investigation reveals that Kirk's death wasn't self-inflicted. Her friend China Bayles gives her information that Larry recently asked her for legal advice in regards to a stalker.Also leading citizen,George Timms, was caught breaking into Larry's computer shop to steal his own computer back because of dangerous personal information it contained. Now that Larry is dead, she's sure it's connected to the burglary.
When it Timms's mutually agreed upon time to turn himself in to the police comes and goes, and he's nowhere to be found. China accidentally finds him dead, killed by a mountain lion at his "secret hideaway" in the hills of east Texas. So, he is no longer a suspect in murder of Kirk, he is still the subject of the investigation of the burglary--to cover up his pornographic proclivities.
As the first female police chief in Pecan Springs, Sheila meets with much dissension and doubt.
But she persists and eventually the real murderer is found--a disgruntled employee of Kirk's computer shop who was blackmailing customers with what he found on their computers.
Police Chief Sheila Dawson believes the death of Pecan Spring's computer guru, Larry Kirk, to be a suicide, perhaps triggered by his painful divorce. Further investigation reveals that Kirk's death wasn't self-inflicted. Her friend China Bayles gives her information that Larry recently asked her for legal advice in regards to a stalker.Also leading citizen,George Timms, was caught breaking into Larry's computer shop to steal his own computer back because of dangerous personal information it contained. Now that Larry is dead, she's sure it's connected to the burglary.
When it Timms's mutually agreed upon time to turn himself in to the police comes and goes, and he's nowhere to be found. China accidentally finds him dead, killed by a mountain lion at his "secret hideaway" in the hills of east Texas. So, he is no longer a suspect in murder of Kirk, he is still the subject of the investigation of the burglary--to cover up his pornographic proclivities.
As the first female police chief in Pecan Springs, Sheila meets with much dissension and doubt.
But she persists and eventually the real murderer is found--a disgruntled employee of Kirk's computer shop who was blackmailing customers with what he found on their computers.
March 17, 2012
I suppose the author might be launching a new series with the character of Sheila Dawson. This book is about half China, half Sheila. I really enjoyed the parts with China. That character really resonates with me. I enjoy her perspective and cozy descriptions of the plants, her shop, her relationships. It's all golden because even when she finds a dead body, there's a rush of energy that just doesn't come through with the Dawson sections.
The character of Sheila Dawson leaves me cold. That part of the storytelling is more like a police procedural than a cozy.
When I'm in the mood for that kind of book, that's great, but when I pick up a China Bayles story, she's who I want to read about. I want all the details of how she and her husband are coping with the kids, his job, her shop, a new local murder, all that stuff that makes for a good cozy.
Sadly, that's only about half the book in this case. Plus, the mystery wasn't much of a mystery. In a cozy, that's okay because one nearly always has other material. In a procedural, the police usually solve the case and then it's over, no real emotional payoff.
While it was an okay book, it just didn't deliver what I expected which was a lot of China Bayles and her story.
The character of Sheila Dawson leaves me cold. That part of the storytelling is more like a police procedural than a cozy.
When I'm in the mood for that kind of book, that's great, but when I pick up a China Bayles story, she's who I want to read about. I want all the details of how she and her husband are coping with the kids, his job, her shop, a new local murder, all that stuff that makes for a good cozy.
Sadly, that's only about half the book in this case. Plus, the mystery wasn't much of a mystery. In a cozy, that's okay because one nearly always has other material. In a procedural, the police usually solve the case and then it's over, no real emotional payoff.
While it was an okay book, it just didn't deliver what I expected which was a lot of China Bayles and her story.
February 19, 2017
The China Bayles mystery series has added one of its characters as a co-main character now. In "Cat's Claw," we meet the police chief of Pecan Springs, Texas, a smart, tough woman who fights the good ol' boys system and the rising crime rate in this small Texas town. China Bayles, a retired criminal attorney-turned-small-herbal-shop-owner/detective and Sheila Dawson, the new sheriff, are best friends who are married to former law-enforcement-turned-private investigators. While the boys are off private investigating, Sheriff Dawson has a double murder to solve. The neatest thing about this book in this series is that we get to see how an officer takes the various first impressions, clues, back stories, and forensic science, puts the puzzle together, one piece at a time. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about the crime-solving techniques and the brain power used in bringing several people to justice. A great read for any time of the year. Fun to read in order but each book in this series gives a brief history of who the characters are and previous murders solved so the reader feels up to date in China and Sheila's lives. Enjoy!
August 5, 2012
In China Bayles #20, a shift in focus from China to Sheila Dawson, police chief, gives Susan Wittig Albert the opportunity to breathe new life into the series.
China Bayles comes to the aid of her friend Sheila Dawson, the female police chief in Pecan Springs, Texas. Larry Kirk, the local techie, is found dead in his kitchen. It may be suicide, since he was in the midst of a difficult divorce, but China tells Sheila that he had asked her for help dealing with a stalker. Other evidence casts doubt on suicide. Sheila is also dealing with sexism in her department and a high-profile case involving George Timms, a local bigwig who was caught burglarizing Kirk's computer stores. Could the cases be related? When George disappears, Sheila's investigation uncovers some shocking secrets that could be a motive for murder.
China Bayles comes to the aid of her friend Sheila Dawson, the female police chief in Pecan Springs, Texas. Larry Kirk, the local techie, is found dead in his kitchen. It may be suicide, since he was in the midst of a difficult divorce, but China tells Sheila that he had asked her for help dealing with a stalker. Other evidence casts doubt on suicide. Sheila is also dealing with sexism in her department and a high-profile case involving George Timms, a local bigwig who was caught burglarizing Kirk's computer stores. Could the cases be related? When George disappears, Sheila's investigation uncovers some shocking secrets that could be a motive for murder.
September 28, 2013
Book #20 in the China Bayles mystery series shifts focus. We usually find the entire novel unfolding from China's point of view. In "Cat's Claw", China's friend and Chief of Police Sheila Dawson has at least half of the book unfolding from her point of view told in the third person. An interesting device and allowing author Susan Wittig Albert to expand the scenes with two people unfolding the action.
And there is action. And a suicide or a murder? With fine story telling skills, Albert does not let us down in this continuing plot shifts and tension. And don't forget the old ladies.
You might miss Ruby but she apparently makes up for her low profile in this book by starring in #21.
I cannot find a listing for #22 and dread the wait for Susan Wittig Albert's next book.
This is perfect fall into winter reading!!!
And there is action. And a suicide or a murder? With fine story telling skills, Albert does not let us down in this continuing plot shifts and tension. And don't forget the old ladies.
You might miss Ruby but she apparently makes up for her low profile in this book by starring in #21.
I cannot find a listing for #22 and dread the wait for Susan Wittig Albert's next book.
This is perfect fall into winter reading!!!
March 11, 2012
This current novel in the wonderful series of Pecan Springs Mysteries is set from the viewpoint of Police Chief Sheila Dawson. To me, this was an excellent change in writing direction. China Bayles is still very prominent, as she would be, being Sheila's friend. Now, we can have a wider range of stories from the wonderful mind of Ms. Wittig Albert.
A Pecan Springs resident has comitted suicide...or has he? Police Chief Dawson uses this case to get back in the field for a bit. What she begins to see, along with a new character, Jack Bartlett, of the PSPD, is a far more complex crime than the ladies of the Texas Star Quilting Club suspects!
I truly enjoyed this novel and am hooked on the change of viewpoints.
Now to wait for the next adventure.
A Pecan Springs resident has comitted suicide...or has he? Police Chief Dawson uses this case to get back in the field for a bit. What she begins to see, along with a new character, Jack Bartlett, of the PSPD, is a far more complex crime than the ladies of the Texas Star Quilting Club suspects!
I truly enjoyed this novel and am hooked on the change of viewpoints.
Now to wait for the next adventure.
November 14, 2015
Another good book in the China Bayles series. Blackie and Sheila had gotten married, and Blackie was working with McQuaid as a private detective instead of being county sherriff. The murder of a man who was the local computer guru absorbed the Pecan Springs Police Dept., and much of this book is told from the perspective of the Police Chief Sheila. China is helpful in the investigation since McQuaid and Blackie are away rescuing a child kidnapped from his father and taken to Mexico. The book also involves other crimes and a prominent resident who fails to appear and surrender at the scheduled time for his arrest. This book kept my attention.
May 6, 2012
#20 in the China Bayles mystery series. Though composed of the same characters, locations, plant mentions, a murder mystery and recipes in this series this is different in that instead of China carrying the load and solving the mystery, China's good friend and police chief Shelia Dawson carries the load. China discovers a body and contributes towards the solution, but it is Sheila who solves it and carries the load here and around half the story follows Sheila in her efforts.
An interestin departure in the series, but still a very interesting and good read.
An interestin departure in the series, but still a very interesting and good read.
July 30, 2015
Another one of my favorite characters! It was interesting to find her as a minor character in this book. Her friend, Chief of Police, Shelia Dawson is the lead. A murder is committed in the small town of Pecan Springs and is made to look like suicide. Shelia decides she needs to get from behind the desk and work in the field again on this case.
I still saw plenty of China and her involvement, but enjoyed learning more about the other characters. I also love the blurbs Susan includes on herbs and the recipes she shares at the end.
I still saw plenty of China and her involvement, but enjoyed learning more about the other characters. I also love the blurbs Susan includes on herbs and the recipes she shares at the end.
March 10, 2012
This is a great addition to the China Bayles series! In Cat's Claw, Susan Wittig Albert allows Sheila Dawson (aka Tough Cookie, Smart Cookie)to have a voice. Instead of the usual first person narration of China, she uses Sheila in most of the chapters. And although China plays an important role, she is not the "star" this time. You don't need to read the other books in the series to understand what's going on and who-is-who(although you should)! 5 stars!!!
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