Love Lies Bleeding (China Bayles Mystery)

When a local retired Texas Ranger is found shot in the stomach by his wife's gun, all signs point to suicide, but some of the facts are elusive and just aren't adding up. China Bayles, owner of Thyme and Seasons, the local herb shop, is a former criminal defense attorney just trying to make a quiet life for herself in a small Texas town, and when an old friend/rival from law school taps her to help do some investigating into the hours leading up to the cop's death, China is reluctant to jump in with both feet. She's finally made up her mind to accept the next marriage proposal from her live-in lover, McQuaid, and doesn't want anything to distract from her domestic life. But, things aren't what she thought they were, even between her and McQuaid, and the lies and deceptions threaten to infiltrate and destroy what she's come to think of as her domestic tranquility. It will take all of her strength and an alliance with the object of McQuaid's betrayal to find the answers before life as she knows it comes to an end. This series is really enjoyable for me. The backstory is gripping and isn't just stage setting. China is one of the best characters in mystery fiction, IMO, because she's clever, talented, brave, and sometimes she makes mistakes. I really enjoyed this episode, and I'm really anxious to read #7 now because this one ended with a cliffhanger. It gets a very strong 5.

Ms. Albert's latest book lies up to the expectations of anyone wo reads the series. The only problem I found with it was the end; the sad, tense conclusion was disappointing from an author who usually comes through with un upbeat ending that ties up all the threads of the plot without leaving anything hanging suspensefully.

Susan Wittig Albert is truly a gifted writer...her characters are superb, and there is never a dull moment...I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes mysteries.

Still another stroll through the herb garden with former lawyer China Bayles and the amazing cast of characters that inhabit the imaginary town of Peacn Springs, Texas. I like the way Ms Albert strews tidbits of herb lore through this series. I recommend this and all the books in the series to anyone who enjoys curling up with a good book, a warm afghan, and a cup of hot tea.

Finally! A softer side of China Bayles! Kudos to Susan Wittig Albert for showing us how we all change when confronted with a life-shattering crisis. Too often, the hero/heroine in books of this genre remains static. But here, the author has allowed her character to grow and respond to a crisis in her life. It is easy for me to understand how China could befriend Margaret, McQuaid's girlfriend. In many cases, when the man in your life turns to another woman, you obsess about her: what is she like? what does he see in her? etc. Sometimes we can't help but respect the enemy; Sometimes we even grow to like.love the enemy. Thank you, Ms. Wittig Albert for reminding us that life is not black and white, but many, many shades of gray and that the heart is complex...