Chile Death (China Bayles Mystery, Book 7)

An exceedingly clever Texas cozy mystery, featuring China Bayles, former lawyer turned herb shop owner, in what is about the middle of a series of books by Ms. Albert. The characterization and interaction of characters is exceptionally inspired and the reader really feels she knows these folks before the book is finished - they live and breathe - well, all except the corpse, who doesn't survive the chili tasting contest and... Read Full Review

Chile Death, as well as the other books in the China Bayles series, will speak to working women who wish they could abandon their current career path and follow their bliss and also to those who have already made major career changes. China Bayles, a successful attorney, quits her job after working for 15 years in a large lawfirm in Houston Texas. She moves to a small town in central Texas and and opens a herb shop. ... Read Full Review

This is wonderful, less for the puzzle of the mystery, (it's NOT that hard to figure out who did it, although you still have to figure how and why) than for the unfolding story of China, Mike, Ruby, and all.I can forgive Albert a small attack of deus ex machina as she helps Ruby make China an offer she can't refuse. And I appreciate the fact that she hasn't chosen to suddenly heal Mike, although she doesn't seem to have... Read Full Review

The latest entry in the China Bayles' mysteries is terrific. The imaginary world of Pecan Springs and its cast of characters just keeps getting better. China's most recent adventures leave the reader wanting more. I enjoy reading the quotes about various herb lore. I am looking forward to the next book.

China Bayles, owner of Thymes and Seasons, knows that the annual Chedar Choppers Chili Cookoff in Pecan Springs, Texas is going to be bittersweet for her this year. Her significant other Mike McQuade will be making his first public appearance at the event since being paralyzed by a bullet. Though some mobility has returned to his upper body, Mike refuses to discuss marriage plans with China because he does not want to... Read Full Review