Holly Blues (China Bayles Mystery)

I'm basking in that delightful feeling that comes from a thoroughly satisfying read. I love a good cozy and Holly Blues is just that. I confess, when I first began it my mind was stressed and multitasking, which didn't allow me to enjoy it. I waited till my brain wasn't fully occupied with too many projects to plan and then I got to fully savor it. It was worth the wait. I like how the characters have developed over the years, even their business ventures have blossomed. The story is well-written with just the right amount of suspense for me. The relationship between main character China Bayles and her husband's ex-wife, Sally, shows a sophisticated understanding of human nature. To have the ability to care about, and be sensitive to, the rights and needs of someone who had mistreated, cheated and disrespected in just about every possible way those China holds dearest - as well as herself - takes a great deal of human development. That ability to transcend what might seem a reasonable, albeit knee-jerk, desire to see Sally reap the consequences of her prior actions - to suffer as she's made others suffer -demonstrates tremendous depth of character, both in the fictional character of China, and in her creator, Susan Wittig Albert. It is this kind of thing that keeps me coming back for more - realistic responses to life, real-life observations about things that affect everyone but sometimes go unnoticed (sometimes till it's too late.) I loved reading about the children, friends we've followed before, and having more Ruby and more McQuaid. I don't normally like alternating points of view, but in this instance it worked extremely well. I liked going into McQuaid's thoughts and feelings, especially some secretive ones; it added more depth (the way good herbs add to a soup.) I look forward to the next China mystery - sorry to have to wait a year.

All Susan Wittig Alberts' books are well-written, funny, can't put down experiences. I love nothing better than to pile up in bed on a rainy afternoon and read a book by her. Her characters are down-to-earth people with all the emotions we all face, with distinct personalities. You are drawn into Pecan Springs and become a member of the community, part of China's family. I would feel very comfortable sitting down at the table with China, McQuaid, Brian and the dog Howard Cosell at my feet, slipping him little bites of dinner when no one was looking. I love that China is a strong woman who is tough, opinionated, loving and intelligent. She has grown as a person over the years and has developed opinions on politics, the world in general and her family. Just like all of us, she deals with other people and, as a result, we have opinions on things based on the knowledge we have at the time. Oh, to be as intelligent as China! She has taught me many things. I was talking to a friend the other day and we got into a conversation about herbs and I was able to talk knowledgeably and give her really good advice. Aha! While I was enjoying a fabulous read, I learned a good bit about herbalism! I highly recommend any and every Susan Wittig Albert book. Books are my thing, always have been. I have over 8000 books in my house and I need many, many more. But the China Bayles mysteries are at the top of my favs list! Love, love, love them!

When you enter Pecan Springs you are coming home. This book has it all - China, Ruby, McQuaid, the kids, the shops, THE EX, herbs, holidays, receipes, murder, mayhem and mischief. A great read - as usual. Buy this one but read them all. I have.

It is Christmas time and the wonderful smells of the Yuletide season spices up Pecan Springs. Although China Bayles runs Thymes and Seasons Herbs and works with her partner Ruby Wilcox catering events with Party Thyme and their Thyme for Tea Shoppe, she looks forward to the holidays. That is until her husband's former wife Sally Strahorn enters her office. Sally suffers from dissociative identity disorder so is an unfit mother, a liar, and a thief depending on which personality surfaces. Sally tells China she is broke with no place to go; China knows she should say nothing, but agrees to put her up for now. Sally makes friends with China's niece, whom she and her currently out of town spouse have adopted. A man calls the shop and then China's home asking for Sally both times. China confronts Sally, who says he is Jess Myers, her former friend turned stalker. Myers is soon spotted in Pecan Springs as Sally vanishes. China learns that Sally is a person of interest in the hit and run death of her sister Leslie. Preferring to believe that Sally did not murder her sister or another woman killed in the same way, China and Ruby investigate in a case that places them in danger. A China Bayles amateur sleuth is always special as the key characters change over time. The secondary cast gives the series a sense of continuity while the inquiry feels genuine as the two partners simply ask questions while pretending innocence. Even Sally seems a bit more mature. Although, placing oneself in danger is an amateur sleuth occupational hazard that China has accomplished eighteen or so times, Holly Blue is a terrific whodunit as the case takes personal spins for the heroine. Harriet Klausner

"...let's take time out for introductions. Some of you already know me and have visited my shop a dozen times or more. Others--well, maybe this is your first visit, and you haven't a clue to who we are or what we're talking about. So, my name is China Bayles." One of the best parts of Holly Blues, or any of the China Bayles series, is the warm welcome. The reader is immediately drawn into the world of Pecan Springs, China, McQuaid, Ruby, and all of the other folks in this small Texas Hill Country town. Since there is inevitably a time span between releases, this serves to refresh the memory of the regular China Bayles reader; and, if this is the first of the series the reader has picked up--heaven forbid!--there is enough background given that this could be read as a stand-alone book. A very nice touch! As one might suspect from the title, this story finds China and companions ready to celebrate Christmas. Times are hard in Pecan Springs, as elsewhere in the country, and China is working extra at her herbal shop to bring in much needed revenue. Hubby McQuaid, a private investigator, is off to Omaha despite the calendar, also trying to make the most of every money-making opportunity. At this busiest of times, who should show up but the troublesome Sally, McQuaid's ex-wife and definitely not one of China's favorite people. Still, it is the holiday season and China does her best to make Sally feel welcome. As usual, Sally brings mayhem in her wake, adding murder, threatening phone calls, and tragedy to her list of companions this time. Once again, China, McQuaid, and Ruby have to pool their myriad and varied skills to solve old and new mysteries. The holidays may pass them by if these mysteries and murders aren't solved quicker than they can say "Grinch". It's tough work, but this team is up to the challenge, using McQuaid's connections, Ruby's sometimes far-out ideas, and China's lawyerly and problem-solving skills. With this book came for me the realization that China has grown in depth of character since the beginning of the series. She has always been a strong and competent woman, a good friend, wife, and business woman. Here, there is softening and mellowing. From a woman who was not sure how to even relate to Brian, her stepson, China has opened her arms and her heart to her orphaned niece, Caitie, reveling in her hugs and cuddles, thankful that they can provide a loving and stable home for her. China seems more rounded and multi-faceted now and the change is pleasant to see. Just as China and McQuaid have to tough out the hard economic times, they have to learn to cope with a changing landscape. Showing that she is environmentally aware far beyond Pecan Springs and her own gardens, China laments the urban sprawl taking over her part of Texas describing it as "...an ugly octopus of supersized, overpriced McMansions." As always, Albert's keen descriptions of place are detailed and right on, be it familiar Pecan Springs, or snowy Omaha. He