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China Bayles #25
The Last Chance Olive Ranch
In this exciting new mystery from New York Times bestselling author Susan Wittig Albert, China Bayles fears for her husband's life as an escaped convict targets him...
Max Mantel, the killer McQuaid put away years ago, has busted out of the Huntsville prison and appears to be headed for Pecan Springs. McQuaid knows there's only one way to stop the vengeful convict--set a trap with himself as bait.
China wants to stay by her husband's side and keep him from harm. But McQuaid insists that she get out of town and go to the Last Chance Olive Ranch, where she's agreed to teach a workshop on herbs.
When China and her best friend arrive at the ranch, she learns the owner, Maddie Haskell, has her own troubles. She inherited the ranch and olive oil business from the late matriarch, Eliza Butler, but Eliza's nephew is contesting the will.
While China throws herself into helping Maddie, McQuaid's plan backfires when Mantel executes a countermove he never saw coming. Now McQuaid's life is not the only one at stake--and this time may really be his last chance...
Max Mantel, the killer McQuaid put away years ago, has busted out of the Huntsville prison and appears to be headed for Pecan Springs. McQuaid knows there's only one way to stop the vengeful convict--set a trap with himself as bait.
China wants to stay by her husband's side and keep him from harm. But McQuaid insists that she get out of town and go to the Last Chance Olive Ranch, where she's agreed to teach a workshop on herbs.
When China and her best friend arrive at the ranch, she learns the owner, Maddie Haskell, has her own troubles. She inherited the ranch and olive oil business from the late matriarch, Eliza Butler, but Eliza's nephew is contesting the will.
While China throws herself into helping Maddie, McQuaid's plan backfires when Mantel executes a countermove he never saw coming. Now McQuaid's life is not the only one at stake--and this time may really be his last chance...
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First published April 4, 2017
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About the author
Susan Wittig Albert
120 books2,375 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 279 reviews
February 7, 2017
A visit with China Bayles is always a delightful experience. This book is no exception and did not disappoint. Want to know more about olive oil the prefix at the beginning of each chapter will inform you.
The book has two stories one about McQuaid who lead the team that put Mantel on death row. He has escaped and anyone who helped put him away is being killed. McQuaid sends Catie to her Grandparents and China to the Last Chance Ranch. Thinking they would be safe.
MaQuaid sets himself up as a target.
Arriving at the ranch China finds a number problems as the ownership of the ranch is being challenged in court. While China and Ruby are at the ranch the problems flare up and become dangerous.
The tale swings between McQuaid's and China activities. Will MaQuaid return Mantel to Huntsville and will China escape with her life? The book includes recipes. I highly recommend the book.
Disclosure: I received a free copy from Berkley through NetGalley for an honest review. I would like to thank them for this opportunity to read and review the book. The opinions expressed are my own.
The book has two stories one about McQuaid who lead the team that put Mantel on death row. He has escaped and anyone who helped put him away is being killed. McQuaid sends Catie to her Grandparents and China to the Last Chance Ranch. Thinking they would be safe.
MaQuaid sets himself up as a target.
Arriving at the ranch China finds a number problems as the ownership of the ranch is being challenged in court. While China and Ruby are at the ranch the problems flare up and become dangerous.
The tale swings between McQuaid's and China activities. Will MaQuaid return Mantel to Huntsville and will China escape with her life? The book includes recipes. I highly recommend the book.
Disclosure: I received a free copy from Berkley through NetGalley for an honest review. I would like to thank them for this opportunity to read and review the book. The opinions expressed are my own.
April 4, 2017
THE LAST CHANCE OLIVE RANCH, is a novel packed with action.
Between the chapters dealing with China, and the other chapters dealing with her husband McQuaid, readers with be hard pressed to find any down time in this story. Both characters have their hands full in their respective storylines. Splitting the chapters as she does, author Susan Wittig Albert makes her books feel like two or more stories in one, yet having them cross at times to connect everything together.
As always, I love that each chapter starts off with something interesting. In this case, each chapter featuring China, had a fact to do with olives. The chapters featuring McQuaid simply start by following a time line.
This was a story with so much energy, at times I felt a rush of adrenaline so strong that I just wanted to get to the end of the book so I could take a deep breath. In the end I was I satisfied with the outcome, and found THE LAST CHANCE OLIVE RANCH to be a great story.
I have noticed that with the China Bayles Mysteries, the author is slowly branching away from the more traditional feeling mystery, and getting closer to being considered (at least to me) a suspense thriller series. So far, you will still see cozy-ish things like small towns, an educational aspect, and wonderful recipes, but you will also see a few edgier scenes, and a bit more cursing.
No matter what genre author Albert is aiming for, the one thing that can’t be denied is her truly wonderful writing.
Between the chapters dealing with China, and the other chapters dealing with her husband McQuaid, readers with be hard pressed to find any down time in this story. Both characters have their hands full in their respective storylines. Splitting the chapters as she does, author Susan Wittig Albert makes her books feel like two or more stories in one, yet having them cross at times to connect everything together.
As always, I love that each chapter starts off with something interesting. In this case, each chapter featuring China, had a fact to do with olives. The chapters featuring McQuaid simply start by following a time line.
This was a story with so much energy, at times I felt a rush of adrenaline so strong that I just wanted to get to the end of the book so I could take a deep breath. In the end I was I satisfied with the outcome, and found THE LAST CHANCE OLIVE RANCH to be a great story.
I have noticed that with the China Bayles Mysteries, the author is slowly branching away from the more traditional feeling mystery, and getting closer to being considered (at least to me) a suspense thriller series. So far, you will still see cozy-ish things like small towns, an educational aspect, and wonderful recipes, but you will also see a few edgier scenes, and a bit more cursing.
No matter what genre author Albert is aiming for, the one thing that can’t be denied is her truly wonderful writing.
April 5, 2017
I am a big fan of cozy mysteries, and mysteries in general. Somehow, I have never read a book by Susan Wittig Albert. The Last Chance Olive Ranch is the 25th! book in the China Bayles series but I did not have any problems following the action. McQuaid and China are a married couple. A killer McQuaid helped put away has escaped from prison and is killing everyone who helped put him away. McQuaid knows he is coming for him, and has China and his daughter go away for the weekend while he tries to capture Max. And so the book branches off into two separate stories.
Story 1, McQuaid is trying to lure Max into a trap to capture him. Story 2, China and her friend Ruby go to the Last Chance Olive Ranch to teach a class over the weekend. The olive ranch is struggling, and China becomes involved in a battle for ownership of the ranch.
So, I could have done with just one storyline in this book. The McQuaid story read like a police drama, while China's story was more of a soft mystery. There is no real connection between the two. I liked China and all the characters we meet at the ranch. They were the most engaging to me. In McQuaid's story, a woman is kidnapped but because she is unlikable, I really didn't care whether or not she was rescued. There was no real tension there for me.
I thought the book was well written, and I did learn some interesting facts about growing olives. I would not hesitate to read another book from this author.
I received a free ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Story 1, McQuaid is trying to lure Max into a trap to capture him. Story 2, China and her friend Ruby go to the Last Chance Olive Ranch to teach a class over the weekend. The olive ranch is struggling, and China becomes involved in a battle for ownership of the ranch.
So, I could have done with just one storyline in this book. The McQuaid story read like a police drama, while China's story was more of a soft mystery. There is no real connection between the two. I liked China and all the characters we meet at the ranch. They were the most engaging to me. In McQuaid's story, a woman is kidnapped but because she is unlikable, I really didn't care whether or not she was rescued. There was no real tension there for me.
I thought the book was well written, and I did learn some interesting facts about growing olives. I would not hesitate to read another book from this author.
I received a free ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
April 3, 2017
This is #25 in a series and my first experience with the main character of China Bayles - my mistake - I should have found her a lot earlier! For those of you who have read the entire series - way to go and you should have let the rest of us know! This is the perfect popcorn book - cozy couch, big bowl of popcorn, comfy clothes and the joy of a good read. There is enough here that the book could be read as a standalone without feeling like you are missing too much but on the other hand the characters are interesting, friendly and leave you with a feeling of wanting to know what happens next - or in my case what happened before this book.
Not sure if this is in the entire series but in this book there were great and interesting first pages of the chapters with nonfiction information about Olive trees - I learned a lot - now I am looking at the olive oil in my pantry in a whole new way and I'm going to talk with the local olive oil person at my farmer's market. Another nice plus were the recipes at the back of the book.
Not sure if this is in the entire series but in this book there were great and interesting first pages of the chapters with nonfiction information about Olive trees - I learned a lot - now I am looking at the olive oil in my pantry in a whole new way and I'm going to talk with the local olive oil person at my farmer's market. Another nice plus were the recipes at the back of the book.
May 10, 2017
I love these books, they are great, laid back entertainment where I always learn something. I loved this story and the two competing situations as they rolled out in switching chapters. Then I got to the end with great satisfaction of a story well told and I had this jarring thought: 1. China Bayles is too smart to drink wine during a head injury. 2. Sofia would not have let the will contest go to trial multiple times without speaking up. The box and fire made a great story, but that woman was too tough to sit and let Maddie worry. So my rating went from 5 stars to 3. I'll read the next book, but I hope that more respect is shown to tough women characters.
April 12, 2017
It was not one of her best, in my opinion, but maybe I'm just getting tired of the series. There was not much on herbs here unless olive trees are considered herbal.
April 3, 2017
I enjoy this series and liked this installment just fine. Interestingly, there is no murder mystery to solve so it is more light suspense than cozy mystery. I will keep reading about China Bayles as long as Albert keeps writing about her.
April 23, 2017
Review at Cozy Girl Reads.
October 8, 2017
Once a year I get a visit from China and the gang.This time we learn about olives. China and Ruby take a road trip to host a workshop atan olive orchard. Ruby makes regulsr visits there and hopes China can help her friend with a a legal matter.
It seems the will of the vineyard owner is being contested and there is some murkiness in the history of the land and people involved.
We get a second story where Mcquaid's past life as a cop comes back with a vengeance.
This remains one of a few favorite series of mine. It doesn't get five stars beause I dont care about Mcquaids past and ae didnt stay in town and catch up on life there.
It seems the will of the vineyard owner is being contested and there is some murkiness in the history of the land and people involved.
We get a second story where Mcquaid's past life as a cop comes back with a vengeance.
This remains one of a few favorite series of mine. It doesn't get five stars beause I dont care about Mcquaids past and ae didnt stay in town and catch up on life there.
February 27, 2017
For the true cozy fan just saying the name Susan Wittig Albert and they know they're in for a treat. This entry in the China Bayles series is a good read. Both McQuaid and China are busy on their own projects. McQuaid is chasing down an escaped felon intent on killing everyone involved in putting him in prison. To keep her safe, he encourages China to visit the Last Chance Olive Ranch and she gets involved in an inheritance issue. Both solve their case and live to fight another day.
April 20, 2017
This tightly-plotted, deftly interwoven story alternates between the voices of herb-shop-owner and recovering lawyer China Bayles and her husband, Mike McQuaid, former cop and now private investigator. China has planned what she hopes will be a relaxing weekend teaching an herbal workshop at an olive ranch with guest cabins. Only the night before she departs, she and McQuaid learn that a serial killer he helped convict has escaped from prison and is gunning for him. Not-so-gently told to get out of Dodge by both her husband and the town's chief of police (and one of her two best friends), China and her other best head for their weekend at the Olive Ranch, where of course, all is not peaceful and China ends up embroiled in a literal firestorm of a family feud.
Albert is at the top of her writing game in this 25th installment of China's adventures, drawing complex characters who show their flaws and their failings, yet manage to find their way out of danger and right things in the end. As always, the issues Albert raises and the situations her characters confront are real and relevant and complex, but never feel contrived, and their musings never seem preachy. Kudos to Albert for another riveting China and friends novel!
Albert is at the top of her writing game in this 25th installment of China's adventures, drawing complex characters who show their flaws and their failings, yet manage to find their way out of danger and right things in the end. As always, the issues Albert raises and the situations her characters confront are real and relevant and complex, but never feel contrived, and their musings never seem preachy. Kudos to Albert for another riveting China and friends novel!
November 9, 2019
A Death Row inmate escapes with a mission of revenge against everyone involved in his incarceration, including Mike McQuaid, ex-homicide detective, current private investigator, and husband of our main character, China Bayles. China used to be a defense attorney, but now enjoys the peaceful days of running her own herbal shop....with the occasional solving of a murder or two. As it turns out, there’s about to be quite a few more.
Escapee Mantel notches his belt with up to 5 new kills, tho maybe not all directly, while McQuaid plots out a trap to lure him into a force of varied enforcement agencies, including the Texas Rangers. China has been sent off to an olive ranch where she is to conduct an herbal-related workshop and remain out of harms way. But that never seems to happen as planned. A nasty will contesting, an old flame, a questionable death, and a manipulative marriage proposition have her sorting the laundry before airing it out to dry.
Told in alternating views of China and McQuaid, at their separated locations, it’s a dicey duo of suspense.
Olive lore and recipes for foods mentioned in the reading bring up the final pages. A splendid story and quite the page turner.
Escapee Mantel notches his belt with up to 5 new kills, tho maybe not all directly, while McQuaid plots out a trap to lure him into a force of varied enforcement agencies, including the Texas Rangers. China has been sent off to an olive ranch where she is to conduct an herbal-related workshop and remain out of harms way. But that never seems to happen as planned. A nasty will contesting, an old flame, a questionable death, and a manipulative marriage proposition have her sorting the laundry before airing it out to dry.
Told in alternating views of China and McQuaid, at their separated locations, it’s a dicey duo of suspense.
Olive lore and recipes for foods mentioned in the reading bring up the final pages. A splendid story and quite the page turner.
November 20, 2022
By far the worst book in this series. Nancy Drew not needed, Mickey Mouse could have figured this one out from the git go.
If McQuaid rued not shooting Mantel one more time I was going to scream, Ruby is still on a man hunt for a lover, China has her nose in everyone’s business, Sally/Juanita is so bizarre that I was hoping she’d be eliminated. Throw in Brian’s black girlfriend and a naive olive tree hugger and you have a real flop����
Does Susan Albert think she is the GPS Siri? She gives explicit driving directions every time someone gets in a car - are we planning a road trip to Texas? - I think it is just more filler.
I have so much time invested in this series that I’ll stick with it - it can’t get any worse.
If McQuaid rued not shooting Mantel one more time I was going to scream, Ruby is still on a man hunt for a lover, China has her nose in everyone’s business, Sally/Juanita is so bizarre that I was hoping she’d be eliminated. Throw in Brian’s black girlfriend and a naive olive tree hugger and you have a real flop����
Does Susan Albert think she is the GPS Siri? She gives explicit driving directions every time someone gets in a car - are we planning a road trip to Texas? - I think it is just more filler.
I have so much time invested in this series that I’ll stick with it - it can’t get any worse.
April 9, 2017
This series will always be special to me as it was the first mystery series I ever started reading. I have read everyone of the China Bayles books up to date. The only reason I did not give it 5 stars is because I felt cheated at the end. There were many things left unresolved for me. Confrontations I wished had taken place...especially in the case of M vs M. I guess the unknowns make way for more books for us to patiently wait for. I also hope Ruby has better luck this time around :)
April 26, 2017
Once again, the action almost seems second to learning about something new plant-wise. Who knew all of that about olive oil. I had recently read a news article on faux-olive oil by name brands. But to learn all the ends and outs of the olive oil production.
But...olive oil or not, once again, China and McQuaid pull out all the stops and solve the crimes. A great read on a rainy day.
But...olive oil or not, once again, China and McQuaid pull out all the stops and solve the crimes. A great read on a rainy day.
February 25, 2017
Even a mediocre China Bayles book is better than an average easy read. In this latest of the series, China heads off to Last Chance Olive Ranch (and vineyard) with Ruby to teach a class, and McQuad stays in Pecan Springs hoping to take down a criminal from his past who's broken out of prison and is out for revenge.
In some ways these books are getting repetitive. This one was a mashup of Rosemary Remembered and Rueful Death, but in some ways it's nice to see how the characters have evolved. Instead of the stubborn, willful, angry attitude China had in Rosemary Remembered, in this book she realizes the wisdom of staying out of town while Max Mantle is on the loose, even if she doesn't like it. Since we also get McQuad's point of view in this story, we also see some of decisions of his past that haunt him, and cause him to be extra protective of his wife and children. And we learn a lot of interesting information about olive oil, inheriting property in Texas, and even a little bit about growing grapes for wine. And of course, recipes in the back, including one for an olive oil lemon cake!
Since the author was juggling two completely different storylines, both of these stories weren't very exciting, or felt very well resolved. There were some pieces randomly thrown out that made me interested, but they were barely mentioned again. (Brian new live-in girlfriend, for example, or Sally's latest escapades.) Maybe this was hinting at future storylines to come?
I will always, always read China Bayles books, no matter how terrible they are. I am pleased to say this one wasn't. In fact, I rather enjoyed it.
In some ways these books are getting repetitive. This one was a mashup of Rosemary Remembered and Rueful Death, but in some ways it's nice to see how the characters have evolved. Instead of the stubborn, willful, angry attitude China had in Rosemary Remembered, in this book she realizes the wisdom of staying out of town while Max Mantle is on the loose, even if she doesn't like it. Since we also get McQuad's point of view in this story, we also see some of decisions of his past that haunt him, and cause him to be extra protective of his wife and children. And we learn a lot of interesting information about olive oil, inheriting property in Texas, and even a little bit about growing grapes for wine. And of course, recipes in the back, including one for an olive oil lemon cake!
Since the author was juggling two completely different storylines, both of these stories weren't very exciting, or felt very well resolved. There were some pieces randomly thrown out that made me interested, but they were barely mentioned again. (Brian new live-in girlfriend, for example, or Sally's latest escapades.) Maybe this was hinting at future storylines to come?
I will always, always read China Bayles books, no matter how terrible they are. I am pleased to say this one wasn't. In fact, I rather enjoyed it.
January 2, 2017
I'm never disappointed when I read a book written by Susan Wittig Albert.
China Bayles is such a strong character I have had the pleasure of reading about for a while now.
This story was fantastic, two separate situations, involving the lovely China and her husband McQuaid.
China agrees to give a workshop at Ruby's insistence. As China prepares for her trip, McQuaid receives disturbing b news, a criminal he has helped put away has escaped and he is targeting McQuaid.
China refuses to go, but we know that won't fly, so off to the Last Chance Olive Ranch she goes. She isn't expecting to step into a mystery involving family secrets, olives and greed.
When a greedy land owner tries to claim other property, explosions begin and China finds herself in the middle of it all.
This book was hard to put down and I loved catching up with all the colorful, quirky characters in Pecan Springs.
I voluntarily read an ARC of this book provided by the publisher via NetGalley.
China Bayles is such a strong character I have had the pleasure of reading about for a while now.
This story was fantastic, two separate situations, involving the lovely China and her husband McQuaid.
China agrees to give a workshop at Ruby's insistence. As China prepares for her trip, McQuaid receives disturbing b news, a criminal he has helped put away has escaped and he is targeting McQuaid.
China refuses to go, but we know that won't fly, so off to the Last Chance Olive Ranch she goes. She isn't expecting to step into a mystery involving family secrets, olives and greed.
When a greedy land owner tries to claim other property, explosions begin and China finds herself in the middle of it all.
This book was hard to put down and I loved catching up with all the colorful, quirky characters in Pecan Springs.
I voluntarily read an ARC of this book provided by the publisher via NetGalley.
April 24, 2019
I love these China Bayles mystery, and this is no exception. In this story, both China and her husband McQuaid find themselves in dangerous, but separate, situations. You find yourself turning pages quickly to find out what happens to both of them as the suspense heats up. Although this series has been around for a while, the author has managed to keep it fresh and exciting with new twists and turns in the lives of the main characters.
January 19, 2020
This is a serviceable cozy for fans of the China Bayles series. There are two parallel stories, one involving China and the other her husband, McQuaid. Both stories have action and tension to a degree, but as mysteries they're pretty weak. The only welcome quirk is the appearance of McQuaid's split-personality (!) ex-wife.
December 23, 2016
Good story, two actually. China and McQuaid each have their own situations, dealt with separately. Enjoyed this installment of the series.
April 6, 2017
I will post my review soon.The Last Chance Olive Ranch by Susan Wittig Albert is the twenty-fifth book in The China Bayles Mystery series. Mike McQuaid and China Bayles are awakened early by the phone ringing. The call is for McQuaid to let him know that Max Mantel, a convict he put away in prison, has broken out of Huntsville prison. Mantel has already killed Paul Watkins, the prosecutor at his trial. McQuaid is glad that China is going out of town for the weekend to teach a conference. China, though, would rather stay in town and make sure that McQuaid is safe. McQuaid is not going to risk China’s life, so he ensures that she is off with Ruby. China agreed to teach a workshop at Maddie Haskell’s Last Chance Olive Ranch. After teaching on Saturday, they will have the rest of the weekend to relax. It turns out that Maddie has a little problem. She inherited the ranch from Eliza Butler and Eliza’s nephew, Billy Butler is less than thrilled. Billy is contesting the will and has the probate judge in his pocket. The weekend is not going to be as restful as China was hoping nor as safe as McQuaid was expecting. Meanwhile, McQuaid is setting a trap to capture escaped Max Mantel. The plan goes awry when Sally, McQuaid’s crazy ex-wife shows up in town. Sally ends up getting kidnapped by Mantel who believes he has China. Mantel wants McQuaid to turn himself over in exchange for Sally. McQuaid sets out to capture Mantel and reluctantly save Sally (she is one nutty lady). China and McQuaid are in for a rough weekend.
The Last Chance Olive Ranch is nicely written and has some interesting information about olives and olive oil. I did not know olives could grow in the United States. I found the pace to be a little slow at times especially during the McQuaid sections (it did help me fall asleep one night). The story is told from two different perspectives: China and McQuaid. I would have preferred third person to make the story more cohesive and logical (instead of switching back and forth every other chapter). Personally, I wish the author had only done one storyline. The McQuaid sections are not the type normally included in cozy mysteries. I keep hoping the author will find a way for McQuaid and China to solve cases together (cozy mystery cases). Actually, I was a little bored with no mystery to solve. The revelation regarding Maddie was no surprise. I am sure that the majority of readers will figure it out long before the secret is revealed. I give The Last Chance Olive Ranch 3 out of 5 stars. I did not find this novel to have any suspense (and it was supposed to). The writing is descriptive (overly so), and I never was able to get into the story. This is one of those books that I just read. I love it when a book fully engages my attention and draws me in. While reading the McQuaid storyline, I kept hoping that McQuaid would capture Max and Sally would get hit by a stray bullet (and then bite the bullet if you get my meaning). I found Sally to be a very unlikeable character and an unwelcome addition to the book (I do not understand why she is not in a mental health facility). While The Last Chance Olive Ranch is the twenty-fifth book in the series, it can be read alone. The author provides all the necessary background details on China, McQuaid and the family (including Sally). I preferred the early books in The China Bayles Mystery series. I did appreciate the ending of The Last Chance Olive Ranch. It is sweet and nicely wraps up the storylines.
The Last Chance Olive Ranch is nicely written and has some interesting information about olives and olive oil. I did not know olives could grow in the United States. I found the pace to be a little slow at times especially during the McQuaid sections (it did help me fall asleep one night). The story is told from two different perspectives: China and McQuaid. I would have preferred third person to make the story more cohesive and logical (instead of switching back and forth every other chapter). Personally, I wish the author had only done one storyline. The McQuaid sections are not the type normally included in cozy mysteries. I keep hoping the author will find a way for McQuaid and China to solve cases together (cozy mystery cases). Actually, I was a little bored with no mystery to solve. The revelation regarding Maddie was no surprise. I am sure that the majority of readers will figure it out long before the secret is revealed. I give The Last Chance Olive Ranch 3 out of 5 stars. I did not find this novel to have any suspense (and it was supposed to). The writing is descriptive (overly so), and I never was able to get into the story. This is one of those books that I just read. I love it when a book fully engages my attention and draws me in. While reading the McQuaid storyline, I kept hoping that McQuaid would capture Max and Sally would get hit by a stray bullet (and then bite the bullet if you get my meaning). I found Sally to be a very unlikeable character and an unwelcome addition to the book (I do not understand why she is not in a mental health facility). While The Last Chance Olive Ranch is the twenty-fifth book in the series, it can be read alone. The author provides all the necessary background details on China, McQuaid and the family (including Sally). I preferred the early books in The China Bayles Mystery series. I did appreciate the ending of The Last Chance Olive Ranch. It is sweet and nicely wraps up the storylines.
June 27, 2017
#25?! I've missed some along the way I guess but this was as enjoyable as all of them have been. MS Albert obviously enjoys Texas and the people there because she draws them with a warm and loving pen (villains excepted, of course). Here we have McQuaid, Brian, and Caitie, Ruby, Sheila the police chief (now pregnant), Blackie Sheila's husband and McQuaid's partner. There are two stories in this book, one involving China and Ruby who go out to the Last Chance Olive Ranch to give a workshop involving olives and olive oil but find themselves involved in a complex family situation and one involving McQuaid and his partner trying to trap and arrest a murderer who has escaped from Huntsville prison and is determined to hunt down everyone involved in his arrest and death sentence.
China's story involves the formation of families and how we look at arrangements our own communities do not accept. How do we feel about our non-acknowledged relations.
McQuaid's story continually asks what he should have done when faced with a felon virtually asking to be shot. His decision at the time was that it wasn't his job to act as judge and executioner so he didn't shoot. Now there are several deaths that wouldn't have happened had he shot the man in the first place. Should he have? This becomes important in the present time with police facing this decision increasingly often. Personally, I have to agree with his decision not to shoot. He is not responsible for the later deaths, the man who killed is, and the people who helped him escape from prison are the enablers and also guilty. I was not convinced about the villain whose original crime was a sleazy, underground, filthy one involving young girls. A person involved in that doesn't strike me as someone who would be loud and in your face, but I'm open to being convinced. I'm still thinking about some of the ideas presented in this double story, which worked extremely well. I'm also thinking about olive oil and the numerous ways in which we could be being ripped off. I am now going to have to check on when the olive harvest happens in Italy and when is the earliest time in a year when it could be bottled. I am going to make the lemon cake made with olive oil, but when I saw the current price of pecans I thought twice about the apple/pecan crisp. (The lemon cake is extremely good, light and no trace of oily flavour.)
A very good read.
China's story involves the formation of families and how we look at arrangements our own communities do not accept. How do we feel about our non-acknowledged relations.
McQuaid's story continually asks what he should have done when faced with a felon virtually asking to be shot. His decision at the time was that it wasn't his job to act as judge and executioner so he didn't shoot. Now there are several deaths that wouldn't have happened had he shot the man in the first place. Should he have? This becomes important in the present time with police facing this decision increasingly often. Personally, I have to agree with his decision not to shoot. He is not responsible for the later deaths, the man who killed is, and the people who helped him escape from prison are the enablers and also guilty. I was not convinced about the villain whose original crime was a sleazy, underground, filthy one involving young girls. A person involved in that doesn't strike me as someone who would be loud and in your face, but I'm open to being convinced. I'm still thinking about some of the ideas presented in this double story, which worked extremely well. I'm also thinking about olive oil and the numerous ways in which we could be being ripped off. I am now going to have to check on when the olive harvest happens in Italy and when is the earliest time in a year when it could be bottled. I am going to make the lemon cake made with olive oil, but when I saw the current price of pecans I thought twice about the apple/pecan crisp. (The lemon cake is extremely good, light and no trace of oily flavour.)
A very good read.
September 11, 2022
I hate it when the telephone rings at night.
China and Ruby are scheduled to go to The Last Chance Olive Ranch for China to teach a workshop. A murderer that McQuaid put away has escaped from prison and vows to settle a score with everyone that put him there. China does not want to leave Pecan Springs with McQuaid in danger. However, he insists that she go that she will not be caught in the crossfire.
Once China and Ruby arrive at the olive ranch they discover tension and a law suit related to the inheritance of the ranch.
This is my absolute favorite series. I always enjoy the opportunity to catch up with China and the crew. This is the first time that I listened to the book rather than reading it. The narrators did a good job although I imagine Ruby and McQuaid's voices a bit differently. The story is told from two points of view: China and McQuaid. I liked that there was a separate narrator for each of them.
The mysteries were both very well done. There were times I wanted to pick up the book so that I could read faster to see what was going to happen next. I listened to this book in pretty much one sitting because I couldn't put it down.
China and McQuaid each imagine that the other is in a safe place when that is not the case. I love the relationship and family that they have built over the course of this series.
I learned a lot about olives and olive oil. Olive oil has always been a big part of my life and I thought that I was quite knowledgeable. I discovered facts that I did not know.
The recipes in this series always makes me drool. There a a few I will be trying.
This is an excellent series that I highly recommend.
China and Ruby are scheduled to go to The Last Chance Olive Ranch for China to teach a workshop. A murderer that McQuaid put away has escaped from prison and vows to settle a score with everyone that put him there. China does not want to leave Pecan Springs with McQuaid in danger. However, he insists that she go that she will not be caught in the crossfire.
Once China and Ruby arrive at the olive ranch they discover tension and a law suit related to the inheritance of the ranch.
This is my absolute favorite series. I always enjoy the opportunity to catch up with China and the crew. This is the first time that I listened to the book rather than reading it. The narrators did a good job although I imagine Ruby and McQuaid's voices a bit differently. The story is told from two points of view: China and McQuaid. I liked that there was a separate narrator for each of them.
The mysteries were both very well done. There were times I wanted to pick up the book so that I could read faster to see what was going to happen next. I listened to this book in pretty much one sitting because I couldn't put it down.
China and McQuaid each imagine that the other is in a safe place when that is not the case. I love the relationship and family that they have built over the course of this series.
I learned a lot about olives and olive oil. Olive oil has always been a big part of my life and I thought that I was quite knowledgeable. I discovered facts that I did not know.
The recipes in this series always makes me drool. There a a few I will be trying.
This is an excellent series that I highly recommend.
December 21, 2020
I have enjoyed this series for a long time, and this one was fun for me as someone living in Spain because the food aspect of it is related to olive oil instead of herbs. It has two interacting storyline with China at an olive oil ranch to teach a workshop, and her husband chasing an escapee from death row who is threatening to kill him. Except for a great deal of repetition of McQuaid's regret that he didn't cooperate with the escapee's attempt at suicide by cop during the original arrest, it was a suspenseful and entertaining story. 3.5 stars
April 28, 2017
Really enjoyed this story. It was interesting to learn something about growing olives in Texas, and reminded me of the ancient grove of olive trees we used to walk through in Lima. I appreciated the local/regional references. I will be on the lookout for Mike McQuaid's parents here in Seguin. ;) And I am looking forward to some Darling Dahlias.
June 29, 2017
I liked these books better when China was the only viewpoint character, but I guess the plotlines have gotten too complicated to keep that up. This book was good, but once again, China is on the road, separated from McQuaid, who's on the road himself, doing something incredibly dangerous. I feel like they are never together in the books anymore!
The characters were interesting, though, and the olive angle was, too. The murderer was no surprise, which was kind of disappointing. And I was totally unconvinced when McQuaid, after agonizing for the whole book about how he should have killed Mantel when he had the chance, and how five people would be alive today if he had, suddenly changes his tune to "However this goes down, let's not give Mantel what he wants--suicide by cop." Right. There was nothing to convince me his feelings had changed.
There wasn't too much mystery in this mystery. Hope there is more next time!
The characters were interesting, though, and the olive angle was, too. The murderer was no surprise, which was kind of disappointing. And I was totally unconvinced when McQuaid, after agonizing for the whole book about how he should have killed Mantel when he had the chance, and how five people would be alive today if he had, suddenly changes his tune to "However this goes down, let's not give Mantel what he wants--suicide by cop." Right. There was nothing to convince me his feelings had changed.
There wasn't too much mystery in this mystery. Hope there is more next time!
September 16, 2017
I have read every book in this series, which is usually about Herbs. I always look forward to Susan Wittig Albert's next book. I enjoy all the characters. And, I in this book I learned a few interesting details about Olives. But, overall I really wouldn't recommend this book in terns of plot. However, if you are a China Bayless and Ruby fan, it is an ok light read.
April 11, 2017
So glad to have a China Bayles book! Learned a great deal about olive oil and want to try some of the recipes. Excellent descriptions of central Texas. Her characters are always nice to meet. A bit predictable in plot line but gave me an exciting vacation at the ranch.
July 13, 2017
I liked China's storyline, but I didn't like McQuaid's. I liked most of the characters in China's storyline, but only McQuaid in his. Also, I liked the information about olives and grapes; I thought it was interesting. Now I want to try an olive oil cake.
December 12, 2022
There’s an escaped convict on the loose who wants to kill McQuaid. Meanwhile, China is down at an olive tree ranch helping to figure out an inheritance issue. Pretty good read. I enjoyed the info on olive oil!
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