Hangman's Root

China Bayles #3

by Susan Wittig Albert

When an animal researcher is found hanged, China Bayles discovers that her friend the Cat Lady is not the only one who wanted him dead, becomes involved in animal rights issues, and deals with a romantic ultimatum from Mike McQuaid

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Fiction, Cozy, Mystery Thriller, Crime, Audiobook

319 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1994

About the author

Susan 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

Reviews

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hangman's Root by Susan Wittig Albert is a 1995 Berkley publication.


This is the third book in the China Bayles series. I have been reading some of the older books in this series as I plan to review two of the more recent installments soon and I am really having fun with it.

In this story, China's friend Dottie has been accused of murdering an unpopular animal researcher, Ruby gets a visitor from out of the blue that really shakes her up, and McQuaid finally convinces China they should co-habitat, even if she does go kicking and screaming the whole way.

Cruelty to animals is in the spotlight here and although one must remember this book was written in the mid- nineties, I felt the sentiments were spot on as we all have moved away from horrific testing on animals, and our views are more enlightened these days, but at this period in time, significant changes were just beginning to take place, so I applaud the author for weaving this into the story. The mystery was pretty deep and I never would have guessed who the killer was.

I do hope I will be able to locate more of these books in my library or used bookstore. I would love to read all 23 of them!

4 stars

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75 stars. I didn’t enjoy this one quite as much as the first couple of books, but I don’t read them for the mysteries. (The killer genuinely surprised me, so I’m not knocking the mystery 😀) I love the recurring characters. A new one was introduced here, whom I didn’t like at first, but now want to learn more about. And there are strong and interesting developments in the main character’s personal life that make me want to trade places with her for a bit lol.

China is a former attorney turned herb shop owner. She is dating a former police officer. Her best friend owns a “new age” shop nearby, and is a hoot. China reminds me a lot of Kinsey Millhone, who is almost always mentioned at least once in every book, along with other female PIs I was reading from that era. The series is often funny and Albert always keeps the pages turning.

I’ve already downloaded the fourth book and will definitely continue on with this series. The author is still writing them! Also, loving the audio performances, which are all narrated by the same person. She does a fantastic job.

[☺Trish · Rating 3 out of 5]

China Bayles is not the type of character that grows on me. She is kind of unlikeable - cold, judgmental, and analytical (a good trait in a lawyer - not so much in a significant other/lover/family member/friend). An intelligent person still mired in the psychology of their childhood at an advanced age is sad and pathetic - especially a person of achievement & success. Although, to be honest, China Bayles is a lousy business owner - she usually leaves her herb/spice shop to be run by others so she can investigate a murder.

[Trish · Rating 3 out of 5]

This worked much better than the previous one in the series. This time, China actually had a legitimate reason to be investigating and the murderer wasn't telegraphed as obviously.

I'll try a couple more to see if they improvement keeps up.

[Watchdogg · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hangman's Root (China Bayles #3) by Susan Wittig Albert
Hardcover published by October 1, 1994, by Scribner Book Company

GR blurb -
In her most challenging case yet, lawyer-turned-herbalist China Bayles has to prove the innocence of her friend Dottie, an animal rights activist charged with the murder of a prominent animal researcher. As China sorts through the dead man's past, she learns that Dottie isn't the one who may have wanted him dead.

My thoughts -
I discovered that I had three books in this series still lingering on my shelves. Decided to read the earliest one (#3) first. I found this to be both an entertaining and engaging mystery - a little on the light side and with the need for me to suspend disbelief to a moderate degree in order to fathom the identity of the perpetrator and the reveal scene as well. Despite these drawbacks, I thought the author did a fairly good job in setting up crime and establishing an array of believable characters. Better proofreading would have benefitted this tale. For example, in one part of the story an office assistant is identifies as Rose Tompkins and in another scene identifies as Rose Tomkins.

Better than average and, thus, 3 Lone Star State stars consonant with my rating system - (3 - Good - better than average). Yes, I will go on to the next earliest volume in this series that I have in my possession.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is great and I'm so glad I happened upon it. Each book has been better than the last and I'm so glad it's a long running series because the characters are so interesting.

[Molly · Rating 4 out of 5]

The more I read in the series, the more I like it. The writing is getting better, and the plots are getting more entertaining.

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The local college is the source of many good things in Pecan Springs. But this year it isn't one of them. Dottie, China's friend and college professor is part of the biology department at the college but she always has trouble being the only woman.

College politics, being what they are, and Dottie being the gruff cat loving individual she is, there are bound to be fireworks.

We also in this book find out a secret, Ruby, China's long time next door business associate has been reluctant to share. But this secret could cause Ruby great heartache in the long run.

This was very well written and the supporting characters well done. This is one book that amply gives the reasons behind the suspects to the extent that it makes sense why they are suspects. I loved that about this book.

A well deserved 5 stars - I will read on.

[Carol · Rating 2 out of 5]

The story centers around Dottie Riddle...a serious animal lover... who is accused of murdering her co-worker and neighbor, Miles Hartwick. I say good for Dottie for even thinking of killing him!!! China Bayless is quick to come to her friends defense. The only "crime" Dottie...the "cat lady....was guilty of was to provide a home for the homeless cats who found their way to her backyard. Meanwhile a series of nasty neighborhood incidents centering on the stray cats caused a number of people to believe that the kind hearted Dottie could have caused his death. Not a lot really happens after that except a lot of speculation. Cozy mystery people probably will, or already, love this series. I thought after the hanging that the book was just begging to end.

[kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I started in the middle of this book series years ago! I kept up with the newer books over the years. Thought I would go back periodically and start from the beginning! So now I’m getting the backstory! I love the Author’s writing. I think she always does a smart murder. Her characters have depth and are interesting. Over the years it’s been fun to see how things unfold in all of their lives. In this one, I’m learning more about China and her hesitancy in committing to a relationship. I never would’ve thought this was an issue after reading the later books. China comes a long way throughout the series. She sticks to what she wants to do. I admire her independence and focus. I also love learning about the different herbs throughout these books too. The author does a lot of research and it shows.

[Barbara Nutting · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am starting to really enjoy the China Bayles series. This was a good one and the murderer surprised me. Of course I loved all the cats and even the Guinea pigs! I had to skim past fast when it described the dire straights of the test animals, but otherwise it was a fun read.

I am going right on to Book #4 next because that’s all I have left on my book shelf. Thunderstorms all day so I skipped a trip to the library.

[Patty · Rating 3 out of 5]

Even though I was thinking I would get tired of China Bayles, Susan Albert has changed up the many mysteries of murder and mayhem in Pecan Springs, Texas. China is never far from her original profession which was the law and in this third book of the series, China decides to help her cat loving friend, Dottie, the chief suspect in a suicide made to look like murder. "...not in court, but if you're in trouble, I'll give you the best advice I can." And she wouldn't be compelled to discuss any of their conversations.
The victim, a medical researcher, was not a nice man and plenty of people besides the animal rights protesters were happy he met his end. China, the friendly, knowledgeable herb-shop proprietor spends lots of time tracking down the truth with the help of her sidekick, Ruby, the owner of the New Age shop next door.
A fun and a smart quick read when I need it most.

[Dennis Fischman · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have read a number of the books involving China Bayles, mostly before I was on Goodreads. I’ve always enjoyed them but never enough to say to myself, “Self, you have to read the whole series.” This one was more tightly constructed than some, although I agree with the reviewer who said that the second-to-last suspect made more sense than the one we ultimately find out was the killer. That person just needed stronger motives, I say.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The more books I read in the series the more I enjoy it. I like China quite a bit and I find the town of pecan Springs to be very interesting. I like the characters in the novels as well and all of the new characters to get introduced. Still getting to know more and more of the setting as each bug comes out. The information that the author shares about different plants is quite interesting… For example I did not know about catnip roots being used in the way she describes.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Revisiting an old read. Didn't realize things heated up so quickly with China and her former policeman boyfriend. Thought that dragged on longer.

Enjoying the revisit. More than a cozy and very tight mystery.

[Bonnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loving this series.

[Kendyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun little mystery.

[Janilyn Kocher · Rating 5 out of 5]

With every book, I enjoy this series more.

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute little cozy kept me going. I thought I had it figured out, then I didn't. I like the herbs that come into these books.

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very nice easy read. Love the characters and the knowledge of herbs that the author shares during the story. I have several more in the series to read and looking forward to them.

[Tom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Her stories are usually good

[Martha Fiorentini · Rating 3 out of 5]

Part of a series, this story is #3. I found it enjoyable. An herbalist who is also an attorney solves a murder. It takes place in Texas.

[Patricia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I always enjoy the China Bayles series. I almost had the right solution....almost, but not quite

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of the few cozy mystery series where I know I'm in for a good read every time I pick one up. Albert's China Bayles series is fast-paced, enjoyable, and not bogged down by the minutae of the protagonist's main profession, or her love life. Yes, there's a love interest, and yes, China has an herb shop, but they tend to play second string to the murder mystery at hand. There's just enough trivia and knowledge sprinkled in to make the story interesting. There's no dessert recipe shoved in your face, and the story isn't interrupted by directions or patterns. China, as a former attorney, makes a born investigator, and actually solves the mysteries in a way that makes sense, rather than other cozy protagonists who fall into the answers by accident. This particular entry is no different. It involves a crazy cat lady (love it! takes one to know one) a university, a professor involved in some shady animal testing, and PETA, of all things. Crazy cat lady is the main suspect, who is a friend of China's, and the sleuthing begins. The story never stalls and the conclusion is satisfying, even if the perpetrator does monologue a bit (how else would we know the motivations and how they carried out the murder?). I'm eager to read the next in the series. I hope Albert keeps the momentum going!

[Wayne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a great read! The mystery was an intricate puzzle involving several people. Untangling the threads of the mystery was so much fun. I read three or four of the books in this series back in the nineties but not in order. Reading them now in order is a treat.

Hangman's Root is a story that has several subplots that fill in the gaps for the solving of the initial mystery. Susan Wittig Albert expertly lays down the path of clues the reader follows to bring him or her to the conclusion. As it turns out, I became so interested in the subplots, I lost track of the real killer. I had suspicions but they weren't solid.

The China Bayles series is very well written. Lurking in the background of the mysteries is the exploration of China Bayles the woman, someone filled with a need to protect herself emotionally even if it means keeping those she cares about at a distance. That aspect of the series is slowly being uncovered with each book which, of course, makes me that much more eager to read the next installment in the series to see what will happen. I highly recommend this book and the series.

[Becky Tatar · Rating 3 out of 5]

Miles Harwick, a professor at Cenral Texas State University, has been found dead, an apparent suicide by hanging, in his office. And there is no shortage of suspects - he was an abrasive teacher, conducted suspect research on animals, and antagonized a lot of people. A colleague is arrested for murder, but there is also the student who was supposed to care for the test animals, a young woman who is leading the animal rights protests, along with suspicions of past illegal activities. China ropes in a former colleague to represent the arrested professor, and with her friend, Ruby, works on finding out whodunit. In the meantime, push has come to shove and Mike McQuaid, her - not sure what China wants to call him - boyfriend, who's 8 years younger at 36 - has been told his lease is up on his house. So he's pushing China to move in together in a new house, which means house hunting. And China is leary of commitment, McQuaid's dog, living with McQuaid's 9 year old son, Brian, and their dog.

[Tracy Blanchard · Rating 3 out of 5]

Solid "cozy" series, good protagonist - tough, smart, no-nonsense. Refreshing to read a series from the 90s before smart phones and the internet were major players and the protagonist just has to do the leg work. China does a lot of good, solid investigative work in this book and it's a pleasure. As is the case with most cozy mysteries, she spends hardly any time in her herbal store and I with there was a bit more herbalism in the series -- it's in part why I gave the series a try. My only disappointment was the way the author wrapped up the personal storyline with China and her partner -- a thread throughout the book of them looking at houses to potentially move in together -- most insatisfactorily in about the last two paragraphs of the book. And frankly, I really liked that China was such an independent woman who really liked her space as much as she liked her boyfriend. But glad there are so many in this series -- I'll keep reading.

[Marty · Rating 4 out of 5]

China Bayles (former high-powered attorney) is still happy running her herb shop. She and McQuaid are getting serious and are considering living together – if Mike’s 10 year old son, his dog, and her cat, can all find an agreeable home. Ruby is a new age guru who has a shop in the same building as China’s herb shop. Her friend Dottie teaches Biology at the local college and runs a “cattery” at her home. .. She has over 150 cats that she takes care of. Her neighbor, Dr. Harwick, also a professor of biology at the college, is constantly giving Dottie a bad time about her cats. When he is found dead (hanging in his college office) Dottie is the number one suspect. Can China and Ruby help Dottie prove her innocence?

[Claudia Cheyne · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was interesting to go back to the beginnings of the China Bayles' series and read a book I had missed out on earlier. In this book we meet Smart Cookie, also known as Sheila Dawson who is in charge of security at CTSU the local university. Amy Roth, the daughter Ruby gave up for adoption at birth, suddenly appears looking for her and asking questions about the past. Justine Wyzinski (The Whiz) competed with China for top grades in law school shows up at China's request to defend the local woman wrongly accused of murder. McQuaid and China discuss moving in together which would take their somewhat new relationship to the next level. A good mystery with a surprise ending. I'm glad I discovered it at the used book sale.

[Ewa · Rating 1 out of 5]

I wanted to like this book, as people write positive reviews about this series. but come one - main character is awful. she treats her cat as he was nothing. she is mean and pretensious. even cat lady doesn't really care properly for the cats. the only positive character in the book is Amy - and here 'wonderful' China comments awafully when Amy as vegetariat is offered beef during the supper and refuses to eat it or calls disgusting animal abuser what he is - murderer - China comments she doesn't like Amy and something is wrong with her. really? something is wrong with you, if you don't see anything wrong with killing cats, torturing innocent animals in university labs - disgusting book and disgusting person