Wormwood

The mystery wasn't nearly as complex as what susan usually creates, but she more than makes up for it in the historical information. Not totally in depth, but certainly enough to make me feel like I can participate in a conversation on the Shaker's and it left me wanting to do more research on the subject. I loved the way the story was told in a past and present day approach. Great summer reading!

Excellent insight of different cultures within the US. I found it informative as well as a fun read.

China Bayles has been through some difficult times, so her friends and family urge her get a change of scene by accepting the invitation of her friend Martha to go to Mr. Zion, a Shaker village in Kentucky, where she would help to lead some classes on herbs. When she arrives, she discovers that there are disagreements among the staff about the future of the village and there are also some financial concerns. China becomes embroiled in these current problems, but also does her share of research into customs of the Shakers when they actually lived in the village in the early 1900's. In my opinion, this is one of the best books of this series. The background information on the Shakers is fascinating, and author Susan Wittig Albert does a masterful job of weaving the current-day story of Mt. Zion with the story of Martha's Aunt Charity who was living in the village in 1912.

IF YOU LIKED THIS BOOK FOR THE SHAKER INFLUENCE, YOU WILL LOVE THE "SHAKER MYSTERY" SERIES BY DEBORAH WOODWORTH. I REALLY LIKED THIS SERIES AND I HAVE READ ALL OF THE CHINA BAYLES NOVELS. I LOOK FORWARD TO HER NEXT ONE WITH A DAUGHTER IN THE HOUSE.

In Pecan Springs, Texas, herbalist and entrepreneur China Bayles is emotionally exhausted after discovering she had a half-brother Miles who wanted to get to know her; only, Miles was murdered leaving behind an orphaned daughter Caitlin to be raised by her Aunts Marcia and China. They want to make the tweener comfortable as China plans to be the best guardian she can be. China and her friend Martha Edmond go on vacation to the Mt Zion Shaker village, a tourist attraction in Kentucky. Martha tells China about a series of "accidents" in the village culminating with an arson fire that left several horses dead. She asks China to investigate, which the sleuth does. They learn from the accounting officer Allie that some stocks are missing form the endowment trust. Soon afterward the two women find Allie murdered. They know that someone will kill especially meddling investigators to keep the truth concealed. This is the usual great Bayles whodunit, but enhanced with a strong look at the history of the Shaker movement as Martha's grandmother lived in Mt Zion; her story rotates with the modern day mystery. Obviously Susan Wittig Albert has done a lot of meticulous research into the Shaker culture especially the belief system as the lifestyle comes across as if the audience is visiting a late nineteenth century village. Fans will enjoy China's latest tale as ironically, the crimes of the present mirror that of the past. Harriet Klausner