Mistletoe Man (China Bayles Mystery)

The further journey into the world of China Bayles in this continuation of her series involves the murder of the Mistletoe Man, Carl Swenson. He is found dead in the ditch from a hit and run, in an effort to solve the mystery, China helps the Fletcher Sisters and their beloved Aunt (who believes she was taken aboard a Klingon ship years ago and expects their return shortly) from being sent to prison for something they didn't do, or did they? While China is putting together the clues leading to the murderer, she also is trying to understand why her best friend Ruby has become distant and remote. One of the things I liked best about this book was not the actual murder story (which was very good) but the subplot of Ruby's story. The life of China is rich with multiple layers and the characters continue to grow and have added depth with each story. I think that is what I like best about the China Bayles series, the characters continue to change and grow like all of us.

It's Christmas time in Pecan Springs, and at China Bayles' Herb Shop and the new joint venture tea room, business could not be better. A heaven sent cook, The Duchess, brings success and culture to the tearoom, but Ruby's acting a little odd. Could it be the ex-husband or her latest beau? China's house will be on the homes tour, and she needs more wreaths, more mistletoe, more murder. Well, perhaps not the latter? Klingons, body painting, historic Bank booty, and alien abductions aside, this is a fun filled frolic of a Texas cozy, with enough red herrings to decorate a Christmas tree. The drug bust run amok left me crying I was laughing so hard! Lot of characters - and I do mean characters, lots of action, and some TLC thrown in too. China and Ruby will quickly become old friends.

As with any of the China Bayles mysteries, "Mistletoe Man" provides just enough background on the main character, China, to create a comfort level for someone new to the series.I enjoyed this book as much as I have enjoyed the eight prior mysteries. While I'll agree with another reviewer that it was light on action and heavy on relationship development, this is not a bad thing! Susan Wittig Albert writes of friendships, family ties and other relationships with depth and intricacy. Readers should never fear "fluff" when reading her mysteries.The tremendous amount of herbal information in each book would be enough to draw gardening enthusiasts; that the stories centered around the herbs are entertaining, thought-provoking and complex makes this appealing to anyone!

Mistletoe Man, the latest in the China Bayles series of mysteries, was an enjoyable, quick read. The series is quickly becoming one of my favorites; China is in a class with V.I. Warshawski, Kinsey Millhone, Sharon McCone and Deborah Knott. Mistletoe Man featured not only an intriguing mystery, but was a warm and human story. China's and Ruby's friendship is an integral part of the series, and Mistletoe Man features an important chapter in the story of that friendship. Ms. Wittig Albert, please write faster! I can hardly wait for the next installment! China and Ruby feel like friends of mine, and I'm eager to see how their lives progress.

Four months have passed since the wedding that almost was not, but China Bayles and Mike McQuaid are settled into marital bliss. China is slowly overcoming her fears of marriage and commitment while still running her herb shop, Thyme and Seasons. She is also working on a new business venture with her partner Ruby Wilcox. They think that Thyme for Tea, an authentic tea shop in the heart of Texas is a sure winner. Meanwhile, Mike continues to heal from injuries suffered a year ago and is writing the definitive history of the Texas Rangers (law enforcement not baseball). For no apparent reason, Ruby turns ice cold towards China while two lizards belonging to Mike's son disappears down the drainpipe. Finally, someone runs over China's mistletoe supplier with the evidence pointing towards the family in a land dispute with the victim. China likes the alleged perpetrators, flower growers who provide her with Christmas wreaths. She drags Ruby with her and begins sleuthing, not yet aware that their initial findings make things worse for the flower growing family. One of the most endearing and personable amateur sleuths is China Bayles, a person that readers feel they know and like. In every novel in the series, best-selling author Susan Wittig Albert makes China and her support cast feels like neighbors. MISTLETOE MAN is a complete package that deals with new marriages, estranged friendships, and the maturity that one person cannot save the world but can make it a bit better for everyone. The personnel side enhances a fantastic mystery filled with curves that leave the reader guessing until the end, a trademark of Ms. Albert.Harriet Klausner