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China Bayles #18
Holly Blues
Holly Blues (China Bayles Mystery)
304 pages, Hardcover
First published April 6, 2010
71 people are currently reading
906 people want to read
About the author
Susan Wittig Albert
121 books2,381 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 208 reviews
August 11, 2011
I love China Bayles; I really do, but I must admit that Iam getting tired of Ms. Albert's habit of re-hashing of who everyone is and how they're connected. I appreciate that she's not assuming that everyone has read all of the series, but sometimes I wish she would. I would rather see a "who's who" index in the front or back of the book, rather than taking up valuable story space.
However, once beyond that the story continues on with McQuaid's ex, Sally, showing up at Christmas time, and seemingly needs help. But everyone is leery; Sally (who lives with dissociative identity disorder), or her alter "Juanita", could be up to her old tricks. However, it being the holidays, the Pecan Springs crew do their best to give her the benefit of the doubt. But shortly after arriving, Sally disappears when two dead women and a creepy former beau make the scene. McQuaid gets involved, mostly out of sympathy, and China and Ruby get involved...well, because that's what they do.
Like the other China Bayles stories the plot is formulaic, but Ms. Albert usually does well at delivering enough twists in the plot lines to keep it suspenseful without giving away the ending....at least most of the time. However, this story line pretty much nailed down the possible deed-doers early on, then spent the remaining pages gathering evidence to incriminate those person(s) of interest. There were still plot twists...but few to none gasp out loud surprises. Perhaps after 18 books, with several regular characters, it's difficult to avoid the soap operaesque trap and be a straight forward mystery.
As I said earlier, I love China Bayles. I will keep reading the Bayles cozies as long as Ms. Albert keeps writing them. However, I don't think I would recommend such a late in the series book to a new comer; I'd recommend they start earlier in the series for fear that the soap opera bubble will burst all over any enthusiasm they may have for this series.
However, once beyond that the story continues on with McQuaid's ex, Sally, showing up at Christmas time, and seemingly needs help. But everyone is leery; Sally (who lives with dissociative identity disorder), or her alter "Juanita", could be up to her old tricks. However, it being the holidays, the Pecan Springs crew do their best to give her the benefit of the doubt. But shortly after arriving, Sally disappears when two dead women and a creepy former beau make the scene. McQuaid gets involved, mostly out of sympathy, and China and Ruby get involved...well, because that's what they do.
Like the other China Bayles stories the plot is formulaic, but Ms. Albert usually does well at delivering enough twists in the plot lines to keep it suspenseful without giving away the ending....at least most of the time. However, this story line pretty much nailed down the possible deed-doers early on, then spent the remaining pages gathering evidence to incriminate those person(s) of interest. There were still plot twists...but few to none gasp out loud surprises. Perhaps after 18 books, with several regular characters, it's difficult to avoid the soap operaesque trap and be a straight forward mystery.
As I said earlier, I love China Bayles. I will keep reading the Bayles cozies as long as Ms. Albert keeps writing them. However, I don't think I would recommend such a late in the series book to a new comer; I'd recommend they start earlier in the series for fear that the soap opera bubble will burst all over any enthusiasm they may have for this series.
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November 25, 2018#csreadathon 2018
August 3, 2016
The Greyhound bus rolled to a stop in front of the Pecan Springs bus depot.
I truly believe that there are few series as good as the China Bayles mysteries. These books suck me in from the start and I often find them difficult to put down. I'm not sure why I have waited so long between some of the later books. Particularly since I have them all in hardcover and most of them are autographed.
The book opens with McQuaid's ex wife, Sally, showing up in Pecan Springs. She approaches China first with her down on her luck story. I am surprised that a former criminal defense lawyer is taken in by the tale. Perhaps China wants to finally believe that there is good in Sally. We learn more about Sally's problems and her diagnosis of dissociative multiple personality disorder. Brian is the one I worry most about with her sudden appearance. And China's niece, Caitlin, who just recently lost her father.
Sally is obviously on the run. Her demons follow her to Pecan Springs and create havoc for all involved.
I like that the book alternates between China and McQuaid's point of view. It makes for an interesting read. I always adore Ruby and her flamboyancy. The Big Bird extravaganza cracked me up.
China gets sucked into the chaos as the murders pile up. The death of Sally's parents 10 years previously plays a big role in the scheme of things.
The herbal tidbits never disappoint. I love the recipes in the back as well. I need to take the time to catch up and become current on the series. An absolute must read!
4.5 stars
I truly believe that there are few series as good as the China Bayles mysteries. These books suck me in from the start and I often find them difficult to put down. I'm not sure why I have waited so long between some of the later books. Particularly since I have them all in hardcover and most of them are autographed.
The book opens with McQuaid's ex wife, Sally, showing up in Pecan Springs. She approaches China first with her down on her luck story. I am surprised that a former criminal defense lawyer is taken in by the tale. Perhaps China wants to finally believe that there is good in Sally. We learn more about Sally's problems and her diagnosis of dissociative multiple personality disorder. Brian is the one I worry most about with her sudden appearance. And China's niece, Caitlin, who just recently lost her father.
Sally is obviously on the run. Her demons follow her to Pecan Springs and create havoc for all involved.
I like that the book alternates between China and McQuaid's point of view. It makes for an interesting read. I always adore Ruby and her flamboyancy. The Big Bird extravaganza cracked me up.
China gets sucked into the chaos as the murders pile up. The death of Sally's parents 10 years previously plays a big role in the scheme of things.
The herbal tidbits never disappoint. I love the recipes in the back as well. I need to take the time to catch up and become current on the series. An absolute must read!
4.5 stars
January 12, 2019
I normally enjoy this series of books, but this one is tired, formulaic and is a very simple “mystery.” I still read the entire book, but I’d recommend reading the earlier novels in this series. I love the scenic and garden references in these books, and I don’t mind the rehash of former books. It’s nice to have a short review of what happened in the last books.
My main criticism is its simplicity. I was also quite offended by the character’s viewpoint on about mental illness. This book illustrates a grave cultural misunderstanding of those with mental illness. Rather than helping those with mental illness, this book goes by the plan to just denigrate them.
Yes, clearly the Sally character has major flaws (lying, being irresponsible, and not a very good parent), but this book questions even the existence of Dissociative Identity Disorder. Sally the character is very flat and one sided. I would encourage the author to flesh her out more; real people are not so one sided and all bad.
If you enjoy the Kinsey Milhone mystery series, then you will probably enjoy this book. It’s written in a similar style with easily an guessed plot and not much substance to the characters.
My main criticism is its simplicity. I was also quite offended by the character’s viewpoint on about mental illness. This book illustrates a grave cultural misunderstanding of those with mental illness. Rather than helping those with mental illness, this book goes by the plan to just denigrate them.
Yes, clearly the Sally character has major flaws (lying, being irresponsible, and not a very good parent), but this book questions even the existence of Dissociative Identity Disorder. Sally the character is very flat and one sided. I would encourage the author to flesh her out more; real people are not so one sided and all bad.
If you enjoy the Kinsey Milhone mystery series, then you will probably enjoy this book. It’s written in a similar style with easily an guessed plot and not much substance to the characters.
June 16, 2010
Yes, still reading these because they are simple for a busy time! I was even willing to read this one set at Christmas time. I loved learning all the legends and facts about holly--one of my favorite plants. I think what appeals about the writing is that some of it is in first person--the voice of the main character, China, who is the main detective in these. That writing is contrasted with straight narrative--in this book that was mostly about China's husband, McQuaid, who was detecting in another state. The couple are trying to clean up the life of Sally, McQuaid's ex whose son Brian is raised by both China and McQuaid. Disappointingly, this book provided no real surprises (or maybe I am just getting too comfortable with the series) and solved the crime(s) in a pretty direct fashion--I didn't feel led off track at all. From the onset it was too easy to dislike the "stalker" in the book. Still, I will pick up another!
October 6, 2012
I was disappointed in this Albert book. She described EVERYTHING, from the kind of treees that lined the lane to their house, to the kind of sodas in the soda machine of the diner. It seemed to be filler. The mystery story was interesting, but i skimmed a lot of it. Some description is helpful to get the scene, but this was way too much.
July 13, 2023
I don’t remember how this series landed on my to-read list years ago, but I’m glad it did. I like China, McQuaid, Ruby and the rest, and have enjoyed watching relationships grow and develop as the series has progressed. They complement and support each other, and they work well together. We learned some of McQuaid’s backstory in this book, which filled in some blanks for me.
There were several separate deaths in this book, but it took a while to determine if they were coincidences or somehow related to the main story line. Add in the unwelcome return of McQuaid’s ex-wife, the continued wanderings of Ruby’s mother, and the winter weather, and there was a lot to keep a reader’s attention. The character behind the deaths was pretty obvious almost from the start, as was the motive, so the rest of the book was caught up in trying to catch the person.
I hope to return to Pecan Springs sometime soon for my next lesson regarding plants and herbs – and to see what happens next with China and the rest.
There were several separate deaths in this book, but it took a while to determine if they were coincidences or somehow related to the main story line. Add in the unwelcome return of McQuaid’s ex-wife, the continued wanderings of Ruby’s mother, and the winter weather, and there was a lot to keep a reader’s attention. The character behind the deaths was pretty obvious almost from the start, as was the motive, so the rest of the book was caught up in trying to catch the person.
I hope to return to Pecan Springs sometime soon for my next lesson regarding plants and herbs – and to see what happens next with China and the rest.
October 13, 2022
This one gets my nod for the very worst book in the series. Sally and her split personality was ridiculous, there was no real mystery as we knew the bad guy up front and the whole story was pointless!! Why were the parents killed?? That was never explained unless somehow Juanita was involved.
Has anyone else ever noticed that Ms Albert always describes her characters derogatorily? They’re either too tall, too short, fat and roly poly, or excruciatingly thin - Sheila is the only one who is “just right.” I think I’m tired of this series!!
I’m also a little tired of Susan Albert inserting her political leanings into China’s mouth!! I wouldn’t be surprised if she wore a MAGA hat on top of her “boy” haircut. Does she ever smile? She looks so mean on her cover photos. I don’t think I’d like her in person.
She goes on and on about Kinsey Millhone in every episode - she could learn a few lessons from Sue Grafton. I met Ms Grafton many years ago at a book signing, she was absolutely wonderful. Happy, outgoing and fun, like Kinsey. She sent me photo Christmas cards every year until she passed away - that’s an author who loved her readers and was always smiling!!😊
Has anyone else ever noticed that Ms Albert always describes her characters derogatorily? They’re either too tall, too short, fat and roly poly, or excruciatingly thin - Sheila is the only one who is “just right.” I think I’m tired of this series!!
I’m also a little tired of Susan Albert inserting her political leanings into China’s mouth!! I wouldn’t be surprised if she wore a MAGA hat on top of her “boy” haircut. Does she ever smile? She looks so mean on her cover photos. I don’t think I’d like her in person.
She goes on and on about Kinsey Millhone in every episode - she could learn a few lessons from Sue Grafton. I met Ms Grafton many years ago at a book signing, she was absolutely wonderful. Happy, outgoing and fun, like Kinsey. She sent me photo Christmas cards every year until she passed away - that’s an author who loved her readers and was always smiling!!😊
April 27, 2022
It’s Christmas time and surprise! Sally is back. Is she a murderer? Who’s stalking who? No holly jolly right now.
I am getting weary of all the rehashing of characters. I find myself skimming frequently, but it’s good mindless escape reading.
I am getting weary of all the rehashing of characters. I find myself skimming frequently, but it’s good mindless escape reading.
February 10, 2017
I enjoyed this story! Another good multitasking audiobook.
December 19, 2025
1. Not a fan of that ending.
2. Why did China’s husband sexualize EVERY. SINGLE. WOMAN. ?!?!?!
2. Why did China’s husband sexualize EVERY. SINGLE. WOMAN. ?!?!?!
June 6, 2010
China is at it again, and she's accompanied by the usual cast of characters. Sally, McQuaid's ex-wife and Brian's mother, shows up at China's doorstep with a mystery in hand and secrets hidden in her large duffle. Because it's right before Christmas, China falls for Sally's tale of woe and offers her a place to stay until after the holiday.
China soon is ruing her decision when Sally admits she's being stalked by an ex, and with McQuaid out of town, Ruby and China start investigating.
This book was kind of goofy. There were so many things that just didn't gel, that I had trouble putting those aside to focus on the fun characters. I knew where Sally was hiding immediately, and I didn't believe that Jess could elude the authorities in such a small town. The whole idea that Ruby (as much as I love her!) and China could beat the police in their investigation is a little thin (I cannot BELIEVE that the police didn't check out Leslie's house and deduct that she'd been taken against her will). Also, it was obvious who the bad guy was because there weren't enough extraneous characters to bring in any sort of red herring.
Speaking of characters, I always hate it when moms in mysteries shunt their kids off on relatives and/or neighbors, to get them out of the way, so the plot can continue on unheeded. Real moms know it's not quite that easy!
I am glad to see that Sheila and Blackie are back together. I like that. :)
China soon is ruing her decision when Sally admits she's being stalked by an ex, and with McQuaid out of town, Ruby and China start investigating.
This book was kind of goofy. There were so many things that just didn't gel, that I had trouble putting those aside to focus on the fun characters. I knew where Sally was hiding immediately, and I didn't believe that Jess could elude the authorities in such a small town. The whole idea that Ruby (as much as I love her!) and China could beat the police in their investigation is a little thin (I cannot BELIEVE that the police didn't check out Leslie's house and deduct that she'd been taken against her will). Also, it was obvious who the bad guy was because there weren't enough extraneous characters to bring in any sort of red herring.
Speaking of characters, I always hate it when moms in mysteries shunt their kids off on relatives and/or neighbors, to get them out of the way, so the plot can continue on unheeded. Real moms know it's not quite that easy!
I am glad to see that Sheila and Blackie are back together. I like that. :)
August 5, 2013
First off let me say that I have not read any of this series and that I do realize this is the 18th. I picked it up because it had a Christmas theme. As you can see by the 2 stars I didn't think much of this book. I can't go into detail without spoilers so all I will say was nothing much happened in the mail plot but lots seemed to happen in the secondary characters lives. Too bad it would only mean something to followers of the series. I was bored enough with what was going on that I kept stopping to read another more interesting book (3 in all). The one thing I liked and have seen that other reviewers didn't was the asides that China would do to introduce characters and places to new readers. It was really helpful and was one of the more graceful info dumps that I have seen, something I wish more series authors would do. Would I read another in this series? Probably not. All in all this book left me cold and I'm sorry about that. I go into every book hoping to find a new favorite. Maybe I will try one of the Beatrix Potter books. I've heard lots of good things about those.
May 1, 2010
Usually when reading a series, with this many additions it is like catching up with an old friend, not this time. China is quite whiny and preachy throughout the whole book. Characters talking to the reader while telling the story, usually is a fun thing for me. I get information other characters don't have and it adds to the depth of the plot. Instead I get a lecture from China about how bad the economy is and how urban sprawl is hurting the Texas countryside. If I want this I will watch the news. Now for the mystery, where was it? McQuaid's ex wife blows into town and from past novels we know this is bad news. Well she is in trouble and will bring heartbreak to the family, but no tense moments, and really no action in this novel. And most of the characters only make cameo appearances and China telling the story just didn't work.
June 26, 2010
After "Wormwood" (which I enjoyed, but it was a departure in many ways from the China Bayles series), I really enjoyed getting back to the gang in Pecan Springs and getting involved in a mystery in familiar settings.
China and Ruby are in perfect amateur-sleuth form as they go tracking down the latest mystery, which is a good one.
Won't give away any spoilers, but will say that along with just enjoying the heck out of the main story with China & Ruby, that the reuniting romantically of a couple of minor characters made me smile. That is one of the great gifts of a series like this - you come to care about the characters and Susan Wittig Albert is a master at characterization.
One of my favorites in the China Bayles series, "Holly Blues" is highly recommended!
China and Ruby are in perfect amateur-sleuth form as they go tracking down the latest mystery, which is a good one.
Won't give away any spoilers, but will say that along with just enjoying the heck out of the main story with China & Ruby, that the reuniting romantically of a couple of minor characters made me smile. That is one of the great gifts of a series like this - you come to care about the characters and Susan Wittig Albert is a master at characterization.
One of my favorites in the China Bayles series, "Holly Blues" is highly recommended!
March 1, 2021
McQuaid's ex shows up just before Christmas, selling China a tale of being broke and homeless. McQuaid is angry that China invited Sally to spend the holiday with their new family of four. He's grateful for a investigative job that takes him out of town. Sally's story unravels as she tries to blame things on a stalker. Sally disappears. Bodies are turning up at places where Sally has been recently. Did she (or her alter ego Juanita) kill them? Meanwhile Ruby's mom keeps running away from her care home and their other business partner, Cass has an injury. China is trying to run three businesses, protect her family, find Sally, and solve murders in the space of a couple days. It was very face paced and interesting.
August 23, 2010
Apparently, this is the latest book in a long series involving China Bayles, an ex-lawyer turned entrepreneur with highly developed detective skills. The scattershot plot was thin and exhausting with several people driving all over Texas making disgruntled cell phone calls to one another along the way. A few personalities involved a stretch of one's imagination...a fast read and not very satisfying.
November 5, 2011
Definitely not the author's best work. The plot was predictable and the characters somewhat lacklustre. Also (and I know there are those who would disagree with me), I really don't like the way Ms. Albert switches back and forth from China to McQuaid as "voice" in this book. Not a smooth transition. I liked it much better when, in earlier books, the story was told from only China's point of view. Not sure I will continue with this series.
September 24, 2011
I've read several of the China Bayles book series but this one left me a bit disappointed. The characterization was good as always, but the climax ended with a whimper and you were left dangling, wondering what happened to Sally, if Leslie left part of her money to Brian, etc. Still, I love the series and the colorful characters.
October 16, 2010
Too much harping on ex-wife's psychological problems - after second time, I think we got the idea that she had problems but they kept repeating it over and over. It took away from the plot because the more it was repeated, the more you knew she didn't do it and who the real killer actually was. It made the main characters appear unintelligent.
January 22, 2013
Not her best effort. Nothing new, just seemed like entire pieces were lifted from her other books and assembled to make this one. I really don't care about Ruby's outfit, and I have read the description of Pecan Springs too many times already.
June 3, 2014
Another good entry in the China Bayles mystery series.
February 18, 2019
Poor storyline. There was too much description of flora and fauna to fill up the storyline. The main character was not sympathetic or authentic. I do not plan to read any other books by this author.
October 28, 2019
Christmas is falling around Pecan Springs as China Bayles and her cast of merry misfits gather in hopes of prosperity and good cheer. Eager to leave behind the year, swollen in deaths and the sorrow that follows.
China Bayles is an ex-lawyer that runs an herbal gift shop in Pecan Springs. Ruby Wilcox is her BFF and partner in an upscale tea room and catering service, as well as owner of adjoined new age shop. They also, on occasion, help the local authorities solve crimes.
China is married to an ex-homicide detective, Mike McQuaid, who has started his own private investigation business. Ruby is rebounding after the death of her last beau by re-dating the local newspaper owner/editor.
China and Mike are raising his son from a previous marriage and China’s niece from her (also) recently deceased brother. There is plenty of adjusting being done for the holidays and years ahead. So when McQuaid’s ex shows up in China’s shop.. let’s just say the proverbial bull has entered the building.
Lying has always been (ex) Sally’s forte, along with her diagnosed split personality, so when she feeds China a sob story as to her need to hang for awhile, it’s agreed.. albeit skeptically. But when a mysterious caller starts asking for Sally, it becomes obvious this is not a friendly visit.
Deaths begin to number, Sally disappears, and it’s a guessing game as to whether she is the perpetrator or an as yet victim.
With an almost Evanovich scene with “Big Bird & Cookie Monster” the dazzling duo of Bayles and Wilcox once again sleuth out The Who, what, where, & why. For sure, one of Albert’s best.
Each book has herbal tips and lore related to the titled plant, as well as recipes of mentioned meals and resources for further herbal ingestion.
China Bayles is an ex-lawyer that runs an herbal gift shop in Pecan Springs. Ruby Wilcox is her BFF and partner in an upscale tea room and catering service, as well as owner of adjoined new age shop. They also, on occasion, help the local authorities solve crimes.
China is married to an ex-homicide detective, Mike McQuaid, who has started his own private investigation business. Ruby is rebounding after the death of her last beau by re-dating the local newspaper owner/editor.
China and Mike are raising his son from a previous marriage and China’s niece from her (also) recently deceased brother. There is plenty of adjusting being done for the holidays and years ahead. So when McQuaid’s ex shows up in China’s shop.. let’s just say the proverbial bull has entered the building.
Lying has always been (ex) Sally’s forte, along with her diagnosed split personality, so when she feeds China a sob story as to her need to hang for awhile, it’s agreed.. albeit skeptically. But when a mysterious caller starts asking for Sally, it becomes obvious this is not a friendly visit.
Deaths begin to number, Sally disappears, and it’s a guessing game as to whether she is the perpetrator or an as yet victim.
With an almost Evanovich scene with “Big Bird & Cookie Monster” the dazzling duo of Bayles and Wilcox once again sleuth out The Who, what, where, & why. For sure, one of Albert’s best.
Each book has herbal tips and lore related to the titled plant, as well as recipes of mentioned meals and resources for further herbal ingestion.
May 14, 2020
China Bayles, herbal shop owner and an ex-lawyer, rarely is taken in by a story but its close to the Christmas holidays when she meets up again with her husband's ex-wife with a sob story of a flood that China is willing to swallow. China invites Sally into the family home and even lends the woman the use of a vehicle.
But things don't go very well, as China should have known. Sally is not trustworthy and has taken advantage more than once. Pretty soon, China is caught up with strange nightly calls from a man seeking to talk to Sally, who has disappeared as police try to track her down to question regarding the death of her sister.
It leaves China with only one thing to do: investigate and find out what really happened. And while she is doing so in Pecan Springs and the nearby town where the sister lived, China's husband McQuaid finds himself in his wife's childhood hometown in Kansas, trying to find out some truths as well.
It all makes for an interesting, quick read in this 2010 entry in the China Bayles series by Susan Wittig Albert. These are cozies (even if this one the main characters are straying over into another state and another part of Texas), but still good reading with believable characters (usually ... I'm not sure about China's friend Ruby), smart dialogue and a satisfying conclusion.
But things don't go very well, as China should have known. Sally is not trustworthy and has taken advantage more than once. Pretty soon, China is caught up with strange nightly calls from a man seeking to talk to Sally, who has disappeared as police try to track her down to question regarding the death of her sister.
It leaves China with only one thing to do: investigate and find out what really happened. And while she is doing so in Pecan Springs and the nearby town where the sister lived, China's husband McQuaid finds himself in his wife's childhood hometown in Kansas, trying to find out some truths as well.
It all makes for an interesting, quick read in this 2010 entry in the China Bayles series by Susan Wittig Albert. These are cozies (even if this one the main characters are straying over into another state and another part of Texas), but still good reading with believable characters (usually ... I'm not sure about China's friend Ruby), smart dialogue and a satisfying conclusion.
December 27, 2018
Small town Texas herb shop owner China Bayles is looking forward to the holiday season with her family, when her husband's troubled ex-wife Sally arrives from out of town, claiming that she is homeless and out of money, and in need of somewhere to stay for the holidays. Against her better judgment, China invites Sally to stay with them, so she can spend some time with her son (China's stepson). As usual, nothing is simple or as it seems with Sally, and soon China is receiving phone calls from an unknown man inquiring about Sally's location. The menacing phone calls escalate from bad to worse, and as China's husband, a former cop and current private investigator, is out of town, China and her best friend, Ruby, decide to do some investigating of their own.
I enjoyed the mystery surrounding Sally in this book, as well as the several chapters from China's husband, McQuaid's, perspective, as his out of town investigation became entwined with the mystery surrounding Sally.
I enjoyed the mystery surrounding Sally in this book, as well as the several chapters from China's husband, McQuaid's, perspective, as his out of town investigation became entwined with the mystery surrounding Sally.
December 2, 2019
As it often does for China Bayles, crime get up close and personal in Holly Blues. This time, crime brings her husband's ex-, Sally Strahorn, to Pecan Springs just at Christmastime, and murder strikes someone she cares deeply about. As China tries to sort out her emotions and think clearly about the tangled web of lies from Sally who has dissociative personality disorder, she must ensure the physical and emotional safety of the two children who make up her family. Alternating chapters follow China's sleuthing in Texas and McQuaid's snowy and startling discoveries in small-town Kansas. The tension is palpable as they realize that murders in both places are linked and Sally and even China and the children are in danger. One of the best of the always excellent series--a real page-turner. Is justice served? Read this and find out.
May 21, 2021
Though 'Holly Blues' is number 18 in the China Bayles Mystery Series, the story works well as a stand-alone book and one does not need to have read the other mysteries in the series to be able to engage with this one. The story was easy to get into and I was involved throughout. The quotes about holly at the beginning of each chapter were well chosen and added to the overall atmosphere of 'Holly Blues'. The characters, a few eccentric ones included, were easy to relate to and engage with in this light mystery. Their personalities, particularly those of China and her friend Ruby, helped carry a story that wasn't always a nail-biting page-turner, but still had enough intrigue and suspense to keep me reading. Now that I have met China Bayles, I look forward to reading more mysteries in which she finds herself involved.
January 9, 2026
First, I have truly enjoyed this series with the true herbal lore added by the main character, store owner China Bayles. That said, this book is the most unlikely Christmas tale, even for a mystery that I have read!
The unlikeable ex-wife, Sally, arrives in town just before Christmas with a problem and a weird guy trailing her, who has stolen her car. With her detective husband, McQuaid, out of state on a case, China and her friend Ruby sharpen their skills to figure out why Sally has shown up and why she is being chased.
So, in the midst of a major snowstorm that McQuiad has to drive through, Sally hides in the store attic and China tries to protect both kids, the bad guy is finally killed, and Christmas happens happily.
The unlikeable ex-wife, Sally, arrives in town just before Christmas with a problem and a weird guy trailing her, who has stolen her car. With her detective husband, McQuaid, out of state on a case, China and her friend Ruby sharpen their skills to figure out why Sally has shown up and why she is being chased.
So, in the midst of a major snowstorm that McQuiad has to drive through, Sally hides in the store attic and China tries to protect both kids, the bad guy is finally killed, and Christmas happens happily.
May 29, 2018
China Bayles is a most understanding woman--she allows Sally, the ex-wife of her husband to stay with the family for Christmas because Sally needs to spend some time with her son who lives with China and Mike McQuaid. However, Sally has major problems of her own, and they have followed her to Pecan Springs, disrupting the idyllic holiday plans China has carefully laid. Keeping Sally safe after her sister and an old friend back home are run over brings out the sleuthing skills of Mike and China, who is hilariously aided by her business partner Ruby disguised as Big Bird. This book is a good read for anybody, and it would lend itself nicely to bookclub discussions
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