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China Bayles #24
Blood Orange
In the newest China Bayles Mystery in the New York Times bestselling series, China comes to the aid of a nurse who ends up in the hospital...
It’s mid-April in Pecan Springs, and China is renting her guest cottage to Kelly Kaufman, who needs a temporary place to live as she contends with a very acrimonious divorce from her husband Rich. One nasty point of dispute is her part ownership of the Comanche Creek Brewing Company, which she is refusing to sell.
At the same time, as a nurse employed by a local hospice, Kelly has discovered instances of suspicious practices. Even more disturbing, she suspects that a patient was murdered. Kelly’s knowledge could be dangerous, and she wants to get guidance from China on what to do.
But on her way to China’s house, Kelly is forced off the road and critically injured, putting her in a medically induced coma. Now it’s up to China to determine who wanted her out of the picture. Was it her soon-to-be ex? His new lover—who happens to be the sister of China’s friend Ruby? Or someone connected with the corruption at the hospice?
China owes it to her friend to uncover the truth—but she may be putting her own life at risk...
It’s mid-April in Pecan Springs, and China is renting her guest cottage to Kelly Kaufman, who needs a temporary place to live as she contends with a very acrimonious divorce from her husband Rich. One nasty point of dispute is her part ownership of the Comanche Creek Brewing Company, which she is refusing to sell.
At the same time, as a nurse employed by a local hospice, Kelly has discovered instances of suspicious practices. Even more disturbing, she suspects that a patient was murdered. Kelly’s knowledge could be dangerous, and she wants to get guidance from China on what to do.
But on her way to China’s house, Kelly is forced off the road and critically injured, putting her in a medically induced coma. Now it’s up to China to determine who wanted her out of the picture. Was it her soon-to-be ex? His new lover—who happens to be the sister of China’s friend Ruby? Or someone connected with the corruption at the hospice?
China owes it to her friend to uncover the truth—but she may be putting her own life at risk...
311 pages, Hardcover
First published April 5, 2016
244 people are currently reading
1263 people want to read
About the author
Susan Wittig Albert
120 books2,376 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 286 reviews
March 10, 2016
Who wouldn't like to live in a town where herbal stores, cafes, and breweries that want to make herbal-infused beer coexists with people who love to garden, cook, and brew tea? Maybe the murder victim, but - hey, he may have deserved it, who knows?
Even if you haven't read any of the other books in this series, plunge right in. It's a leisurely read, not so much cozy as conversational, with China narrating the storyline as well as the way the town came to be botanical-friendly. You'll learn about her history, including her marriage and adopted daughter, and you'll meet the townspeople. The murder suspect this time around is a hospice nurse who is staying in China's b&b (a renovated barn that is utterly charming). She may have learned about nefarious dealings by management, but China will have a hard time learning after she disappears without a trace...
Each chapter opens with China quoting from articles she's written, pieces from Susan Wittig Albert's own writings about herbs, or excerpts from historical herbalists. Between the openings, and Albert's deft way of describing the gardens, herbs, and dishes, you'll pause often to imagine and to breathe.
As always, recipes are included, so you can partake of some of the delicacies.
Thoroughly enjoyable. Thank you, NetGalley, for providing me with a copy in exchange for a fair review.
Even if you haven't read any of the other books in this series, plunge right in. It's a leisurely read, not so much cozy as conversational, with China narrating the storyline as well as the way the town came to be botanical-friendly. You'll learn about her history, including her marriage and adopted daughter, and you'll meet the townspeople. The murder suspect this time around is a hospice nurse who is staying in China's b&b (a renovated barn that is utterly charming). She may have learned about nefarious dealings by management, but China will have a hard time learning after she disappears without a trace...
Each chapter opens with China quoting from articles she's written, pieces from Susan Wittig Albert's own writings about herbs, or excerpts from historical herbalists. Between the openings, and Albert's deft way of describing the gardens, herbs, and dishes, you'll pause often to imagine and to breathe.
As always, recipes are included, so you can partake of some of the delicacies.
Thoroughly enjoyable. Thank you, NetGalley, for providing me with a copy in exchange for a fair review.
April 10, 2016
Well written. I did wonder how come it was okay for China's husband to lie to her face, tell the truth to the whole town but not her, and then, why China thought it was all her fault. He didn't even apologize. Maybe I missed something. I also thought that the reason given by China to start the denouement was stupid; I never have thought China was stupid, but this certainly was.
March 31, 2020
"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.
October 4, 2018
Blood Orange is officially my third Susan Wittig Albert cozy mystery. I finally feel like I'm starting to get somewhere and get a real handle on some of the characters even though I missed the first twenty-one books in the series. I may have to read more in the books in the series in the future.
July 10, 2021
Questo è il secondo libro di questa serie che leggo e devo dire che mi è piaciuto un sacco. Finora non ho letto nulla in ordine al contrario di quanto mi piace fare normalmente e devo dire che i libri si leggono tranquillamente, sebbene ci siano dei lievi riferimenti interni che sarebbero più apprezzabili leggendo la serie in ordine. Cosa che cercherò di fare in futuro, anche se i primi tre libri non sono disponibili in formato kindle, purtroppo. Comunque sia ho una ventina di storie che mi aspettano, che bello!
March 28, 2016
Blood Orange
A China Bayles Mystery #24
by Susan Wittig Albert
Expected Release Date: April 5, 2016
I have been reading this series for many years and I always look forward to reading another book featuring China Bayles and the wonderful folks in Pecan Springs.
This book was intense from beginning to end. China has rented out her cottage to Kelly Kaufman, a hospice nurse who needs a quiet place to contemplate her divorce from her cheating husband. Kelly seems to have disappeared, but after receiving a harried phone call from Kelly, China agree to meet with her to get a better understanding of Kelly's concerns.
Unfortunately Kelly doesn't make it to China's, she was in a car accident that leaves her critically injured and fighting for her life. China is determined to understand Kelly's brief phone call and soon she is wrapped up in a possible murder, medicare fraud and so much more.
Reading a book in this series is like going home for a family reunion. I adore China, Ruby, McQuaid and all the other wonderful residents in Pecan Springs.
This book works as a stand alone, so if you aren't familiar with the series, you will soon understand the camaraderie between all the characters.
The author has a gentle way of writing that is easy to follow and each of her books is written with much love and devotion to her characters.
I will be recommending this book to other cozy mystery lovers.
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my fair and honest review.
A China Bayles Mystery #24
by Susan Wittig Albert
Expected Release Date: April 5, 2016
I have been reading this series for many years and I always look forward to reading another book featuring China Bayles and the wonderful folks in Pecan Springs.
This book was intense from beginning to end. China has rented out her cottage to Kelly Kaufman, a hospice nurse who needs a quiet place to contemplate her divorce from her cheating husband. Kelly seems to have disappeared, but after receiving a harried phone call from Kelly, China agree to meet with her to get a better understanding of Kelly's concerns.
Unfortunately Kelly doesn't make it to China's, she was in a car accident that leaves her critically injured and fighting for her life. China is determined to understand Kelly's brief phone call and soon she is wrapped up in a possible murder, medicare fraud and so much more.
Reading a book in this series is like going home for a family reunion. I adore China, Ruby, McQuaid and all the other wonderful residents in Pecan Springs.
This book works as a stand alone, so if you aren't familiar with the series, you will soon understand the camaraderie between all the characters.
The author has a gentle way of writing that is easy to follow and each of her books is written with much love and devotion to her characters.
I will be recommending this book to other cozy mystery lovers.
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my fair and honest review.
April 3, 2016
After twenty-four stories, the new China Bayles Mystery is as fresh as the herbs mentioned throughout.
The first thing I know about a new China Bayles book is, I’m going to learn so many new things. Practically every chapter begins with information on different herbs, spices, and whatever each individual book is about. The second thing I know is, I’m in for an exciting, fast moving read. BLOOD ORANGE lives up to all of those expectations.
This book touched on so many subjects. The everyday running of China’s many businesses, the world of beer brewing, and even hospice care. Oh, and murder. Like it or not, murder does seem to be a business for China. While that may sound to be all over the place confusing, author Susan Wittig Albert blends is all flawlessly into an intricate, and entertaining mystery that will have fans and new readers alike enthralled.
Once you red BLOOD ORANGE, you’ll understand why this such a long running series.
Don’t forget to check out the back of the book for some tasty recipes!
The first thing I know about a new China Bayles book is, I’m going to learn so many new things. Practically every chapter begins with information on different herbs, spices, and whatever each individual book is about. The second thing I know is, I’m in for an exciting, fast moving read. BLOOD ORANGE lives up to all of those expectations.
This book touched on so many subjects. The everyday running of China’s many businesses, the world of beer brewing, and even hospice care. Oh, and murder. Like it or not, murder does seem to be a business for China. While that may sound to be all over the place confusing, author Susan Wittig Albert blends is all flawlessly into an intricate, and entertaining mystery that will have fans and new readers alike enthralled.
Once you red BLOOD ORANGE, you’ll understand why this such a long running series.
Don’t forget to check out the back of the book for some tasty recipes!
February 22, 2016
This is the first in the China Bayles series books I have read and I must say that I need to go back and read them from the beginning...they're just that good. Having read the previous books in the series wasn't an absolute necessity as the author does a fine job of providing the backstory throughout the book.
China has such a dynamic personality, so much so that she fairly leaps off the page...the mystery adds to her dynamics with the way she goes about solving the case. You feel her emotions as she worries about her husband and cares for her daughter...while at the same time never missing a beat in puzzling together the mystery.
I thoroughly enjoyed the plant references throughout the book and the recipes provided at the end as well...definitely going to give them a try.
I look forward to additional China Bayles stories as this author now has me hooked for more.
This book was provided by Netgalley for my honest review.
China has such a dynamic personality, so much so that she fairly leaps off the page...the mystery adds to her dynamics with the way she goes about solving the case. You feel her emotions as she worries about her husband and cares for her daughter...while at the same time never missing a beat in puzzling together the mystery.
I thoroughly enjoyed the plant references throughout the book and the recipes provided at the end as well...definitely going to give them a try.
I look forward to additional China Bayles stories as this author now has me hooked for more.
This book was provided by Netgalley for my honest review.
May 2, 2016
I do so like China Bayles and the other characters in the Pecan Springs series, but I think the herbal premise on which the series is based has worn thin. The herb shop expanded to tea room, expanded to catering service, expanded to B&B (or airbnb or something similar) seems to have exhausted the herbal allusions. The reference to blood orange in the title seemed forced to connect to various recipes China was trying out, not an integral part of the crime itself. As for Ruby's New Age shop -- does anyone still do that anymore?? The crime into which China is drawn concerns a hospice, which, unfortunately is depicted in only a criminal light, with little mention of the real and positive work these institutions, if run without fraud, really do. Still, the crime is interesting, the pacing good, the denouement satisfyingly predictable. I think China needs to ditch Thyme & Seasons and get her PI license.
Truth in reviewing: I received a free copy of this book from netgalley.com
Truth in reviewing: I received a free copy of this book from netgalley.com
August 23, 2016
I started reading Albert's China Bayles series when I lived in the Texas Hill Country. It was fun to read about places I knew from a kindred spirit. Even then, I recognized that Albert's books were just a couple of steps up from Nancy Drew. But I liked the characters and found the books a pleasant change from the more heavy-duty books I tend to read. I hadn't read one of her books in years, so when I saw "Blood Orange" on the new books shelf at the library, I picked it up out of sense of nostalgia. Sigh. The plot was too predictable - the clues were not subtle in the least. It's a lightweight mystery; if you like Agatha Christie, you'll like Albert's books. It's nice that she educates her readers about herbs and offers recipes at the end of the book. But "Blood Orange" was just too ho-hum.
November 8, 2019
Not only are these books herbaceously educational, one can glean a bit of legalese between the pages. Herein is Medicare fraud, narcotics, murder, and general skulduggery. The regular cast of characters fill the pages and ex-defense lawyer / herb shop owner, China Bayles, uses her savvy sleuthing to tether in the pieces and make the case. An interesting read, but I’m still not a fan of authors making “smart” characters do stupid things just for intrigue. Especially when said is telling themselves how dumb and illegal it is. But that aside, another good read in the series.
September 9, 2020
Nothing like catching up with the characters in your favorite long running cozy series. I discovered the China Bayles Herb Shop Mysteries back in 2003. I’ve loved watching the character growth over the years and the setting couldn’t be better for this Texas girl. Albert lives very close by and I love spotting the local places she uses for inspiration. The fictional town of Pecan Springs is incredibly charming. I could definitely see myself frequenting Thyme & Seasons, the Crystal Cave and enjoying a beer at Beans just so I could witness a dog bringing me my check!
This mystery kept me on my toes right from the start. The story that centered around Medicare fraud was well developed and woven throughout several characters. I quite honestly didn’t know who to trust and who to point the finger at for awhile. There was a lot of intrigue built up with a sudden disappearance, vandalism and an awful car wreck. Add in the red herrings with Ramona (talk about a character!) and McQuaid and I was rather captivated. I loved the older characters in this story. Never underestimate the keen eye of a neighborhood/nosy watch!!
I always enjoy reading the brief facts that starts off each chapter. In this case, they focused on all things citrus. Being a fan of fruits that fall under this category, I found them all rather fascinating. I would have quickly signed up for China’s infused liqueur class as well. Thankfully the book included several recipes that I might just have to try out.
Loved the good news ending. Can’t wait to see how that plays out in book 25!
This mystery kept me on my toes right from the start. The story that centered around Medicare fraud was well developed and woven throughout several characters. I quite honestly didn’t know who to trust and who to point the finger at for awhile. There was a lot of intrigue built up with a sudden disappearance, vandalism and an awful car wreck. Add in the red herrings with Ramona (talk about a character!) and McQuaid and I was rather captivated. I loved the older characters in this story. Never underestimate the keen eye of a neighborhood/nosy watch!!
I always enjoy reading the brief facts that starts off each chapter. In this case, they focused on all things citrus. Being a fan of fruits that fall under this category, I found them all rather fascinating. I would have quickly signed up for China’s infused liqueur class as well. Thankfully the book included several recipes that I might just have to try out.
Loved the good news ending. Can’t wait to see how that plays out in book 25!
April 6, 2016
It never fails when I read a China Bayles Mystery by Susan Wittig Albert, I want to go work in my garden.
The author combines mystery and suspense with the world of herbs in a smooth and easy flowing fashion. You don’t have to like herbs to enjoy her books, that’s just an added bonus.
In her latest release, BLOOD ORANGE, protagonist China Bayles has rented her guest cottage to Kelly Kaufman, who is in the midst of a nasty divorce. A short time later it appears Kelly has been kidnapped from the cottage only to contact China requesting her help with a possible murder.
On her way to see China, Kelly is forced off the road and critically injured. Now China has to find out if Kelly’s plea for help had to do with the brewing company she co-owns with her husband or the local hospice she was abruptly let go from.
As she handles her day-to-day business duties, cares for her daughter and looks into Kelly’s problems, China also wonders about her marriage and what her own husband, McQuaid, is up to during his extended out-of-town business trip.
The author has developed likable characters that are well-balanced and realistic. The core characters are unique and the supporting cast of characters adds depth to the story.
The small town setting of Pecan Springs, along with the herb shop location, makes this a pleasant atmosphere that draws readers in. The mystery and suspense is woven in such a manner to keep you guessing. The mix of herbal information and recipes is blended in seamlessly making for a well-rounded story.
BLOOD ORANGE is the 24th installment in the China Bayles Mystery series. While this story can be read on its own, a deeper understanding of China and her actions will come from reading the series in order.
A well-plotted mystery with a determined sleuth, this tale will hold you spellbound until the end where you’ll find delicious recipes from the story. Don’t be surprised if you also learn a great deal about herbs along the way.
FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of this book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.
The author combines mystery and suspense with the world of herbs in a smooth and easy flowing fashion. You don’t have to like herbs to enjoy her books, that’s just an added bonus.
In her latest release, BLOOD ORANGE, protagonist China Bayles has rented her guest cottage to Kelly Kaufman, who is in the midst of a nasty divorce. A short time later it appears Kelly has been kidnapped from the cottage only to contact China requesting her help with a possible murder.
On her way to see China, Kelly is forced off the road and critically injured. Now China has to find out if Kelly’s plea for help had to do with the brewing company she co-owns with her husband or the local hospice she was abruptly let go from.
As she handles her day-to-day business duties, cares for her daughter and looks into Kelly’s problems, China also wonders about her marriage and what her own husband, McQuaid, is up to during his extended out-of-town business trip.
The author has developed likable characters that are well-balanced and realistic. The core characters are unique and the supporting cast of characters adds depth to the story.
The small town setting of Pecan Springs, along with the herb shop location, makes this a pleasant atmosphere that draws readers in. The mystery and suspense is woven in such a manner to keep you guessing. The mix of herbal information and recipes is blended in seamlessly making for a well-rounded story.
BLOOD ORANGE is the 24th installment in the China Bayles Mystery series. While this story can be read on its own, a deeper understanding of China and her actions will come from reading the series in order.
A well-plotted mystery with a determined sleuth, this tale will hold you spellbound until the end where you’ll find delicious recipes from the story. Don’t be surprised if you also learn a great deal about herbs along the way.
FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of this book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.
May 16, 2016
The usual enjoyable experience with China Bayles and her friends/family. I did feel like this book was some sort of setup for the next book. The actual action takes place in less than a week.
Someone is killed and China investigates and runs down the killer in three or four days...that has to be some kind of personal record for her.
One thing in the book made me crazy.
Ramona, Ruby's psycho Evil Twin sister shows up here, in a tangentially-related role in the murder. I don't like Ramona, and I don't like how everyone lets her run roughshod over them. I hope in some future book Ruby will step up and do something to quell Ramona's psychic terrorism. I mean, Ruby is something of a good witch, couldn't she put a lid on Ramona?
Someone is killed and China investigates and runs down the killer in three or four days...that has to be some kind of personal record for her.
One thing in the book made me crazy.
Ramona, Ruby's psycho Evil Twin sister shows up here, in a tangentially-related role in the murder. I don't like Ramona, and I don't like how everyone lets her run roughshod over them. I hope in some future book Ruby will step up and do something to quell Ramona's psychic terrorism. I mean, Ruby is something of a good witch, couldn't she put a lid on Ramona?
April 5, 2016
This series has been a must read as soon I have a copy. I have followed China, Sheila, and Ruby from the first adventure. This book could be read as a stand alone as the background is explained. There is slight paranormal activity in the book. Interested in flavor liquors and beer there is beneficial information on the subject. China becomes involved in a whistleblowing case on medicare fraud. Ruby has a vision that China must be careful about entering a door. China has rented out her cabin to Kelly Kaufman who disappears. Kelly calls China and asked for help with a problem and mention a murder. Kelly is killed on the way to give China the information she has. While researching the meager facts China inadvertently puts herself and others in danger. How is the DOOR involved?
Disclosure: I received a free copy from Berkley Publishing Group through NetGalley for an honest review. I would like to thank them for this opportunity to read and review the book. The opinIons are my own.
Disclosure: I received a free copy from Berkley Publishing Group through NetGalley for an honest review. I would like to thank them for this opportunity to read and review the book. The opinIons are my own.
January 5, 2017
The China Bayles series still remains one of my very favourites. I enjoyed this latest addition, but maybe not quite as much as most of the others in this series. China is always so level-headed in so many ways, but it sometimes stretches credulity how she lets herself get off on her own in what she knows perfectly well, are dangerous situations. In this book she finds herself locked in with a particularly dangerous and unpredictable killer. Luckily for her and for her readers, all comes out well in the end, This book has China trailing a particularly nasty duo who are making a fortune on medicare fraud. We have all the wonderful accompanying cast - Ruby, Smart Cookie, McQuaid, Blackie, and a particularly appealing Basset puppy called Winchester. I love China and her gang, and I love Pecan Springs (a little town in Texas where China and Ruby have their businesses. I look forward to the next one.
May 5, 2016
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
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.
July 2, 2018
China Bayles is one of my favorite characters, so I don't know why I stopped reading the series a couple of years ago. I love her hints, her crazy family life, Ruby, the pets, and her tea room. I'm really glad I picked up this book, and I'm going to catch up on the few others I have not read. In this installment, China is missing McQuaid who is off on an investigation with Blackie. Her guest at the cottage behind the store, a nurse named Kelly, disappears mysteriously and soon China finds herself investigating why she's gone and what was the murder she called China about. When Kelly has a car accident on her way to China's house and ends up in the hospital in a comma, China tries to piece together the little bits of information she has.
February 9, 2016
I can count on the China Bayles series being well written with characters that seem like people you’d actually like to meet, and Blood Orange is no exception. In addition to a good mystery, there are also interesting facts about plants and botanicals included, since China is the proprietor of an herb shop in Pecan Springs, TX. China’s friend Kelly, a hospice nurse, is going through a difficult divorce when she stumbles on some irregularities in her employer’s records. Even though China’s worried about her husband’s dangerous job, she will still step up to help solve the mystery. I also tried one of the recipes in the book (Overnight Oatmeal) and it was delicious!
March 3, 2017
The newest China Bayles mystery is an exciting continuation of our character’s lives. The story line builds with the happening of various mysterious events putting China back in the detective business. A wonderful series of books revolving around unique uses of herbs and recipes at the back of each book.
Blood Orange found at Westminster Public Library.
Blood Orange found at Westminster Public Library.
May 4, 2016
I started reading this series from the beginning…for the most part, I enjoy them. What I fail to enjoy is the dogged presentation of the back story. I understand that someone may pick up a book in the middle of the series- I know I have, but this lump of information of what has happened before complete with deceased pets may negate the reader's curiosity to go back. I know I have a tendency to flip forward the 4-5 pages of rote history which as a long time reader, I can recite by heart. Perhaps, if ALL history must be given, maybe a sentence here or there as needed.
On the plus side, the over usage of sugary sweet nick names has come to a blessed end.
On the plus side, the over usage of sugary sweet nick names has come to a blessed end.
July 10, 2016
A bit disappointing...
This series is becoming a little disappointing because the author seems to want to take more time in going off on tangents to explain topics that should just be barely touched upon, instead of focusing on the story and the mystery at hand. If I wanted a instruction booklet on these certain topics, that's what I would purchase! We read these stories to dive into these characters and the mystery/story line that it's supposed to be about, and having to skip over pages and pages because it has nothing to do with that story is getting tedious... I really don't want this kind of filler.
This series is becoming a little disappointing because the author seems to want to take more time in going off on tangents to explain topics that should just be barely touched upon, instead of focusing on the story and the mystery at hand. If I wanted a instruction booklet on these certain topics, that's what I would purchase! We read these stories to dive into these characters and the mystery/story line that it's supposed to be about, and having to skip over pages and pages because it has nothing to do with that story is getting tedious... I really don't want this kind of filler.
November 5, 2022
Book clubs are an excellent way to broaden your reading horizons, but in this case…not so much. I am not a mystery reader, but my book club chose this book. Apparently there is a series revolving around China Bayles, the ex-criminal defense attorney turned small-town herbalist…I had a hard time reconciling these two personalities. I have zero interest in herbs/spices and even less in beer, so all the information related to both (and there was too much of it) was lost on me. It’s a quick and easy read, but only if you like mysteries. Just not my thing!
April 30, 2016
I have read all of her herbal mysteries and enjoy them all. I love the Intro to each chapter with unique herbal information. And the recipes are great. This book starts with Blood Orange Rosemary Muffins, which I can't wait to try . I was recently in Texas very near the fictional town of Pecan Springs, so reading this book, I can almost picture everything.
April 5, 2016
What I like most about the series is the setting - the Hill Country in south Texas, which the author describes in such excellent detail, the interesting main characters, and the detailed information on plants in every book. Not to mention delicious and unusual recipes.
My full review: http://bookdilettante.blogspot.com/20...
My full review: http://bookdilettante.blogspot.com/20...
February 27, 2020
Good story, standards of these China Bayles mysteries have not declined, and that's a happy thing. Ms. Albert has tackled the problems of Medicare fraud and elder abuse in this story, and as usual has created some new characters that you quickly have an interest in. It's been a while since I read any of these, but they're just as enjoyable as I recalled.
March 11, 2021
This story focused on medical fraud. It was hard to get through because I got aggravated at China a lot. She's usually smarter, and puts up with less from McQuaid. I was irritated at him, too. They sure don't communicate well...or listen to what the other wants. I wanted more from Ruby's "vision". I wanted the story to move faster. Not my favorite.
May 1, 2016
This is one of the better books in the China Bayles Herbal mystery series-good plot regarding Medicare fraud and always great herbal lore intertwined! China's personal development was also addressed as she comes to terms with a husband who doesn't always play it safe in his PI work.
August 22, 2019
Decent story...good characters, but the substance of the story seems lacking....too many details about China and Ruby’s stores, too much of something I can’t put my finger on....seems like the story was lengthened needlessly...
March 16, 2020
Just couldn't get into this. Soooo much talk about all the multiple quaint businesses everyone owns. It's been years since I last read one of these, so I can't tell if this series used to have more edge or if my reading tastes used to have less.
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