Blood Orange

The China Bayles series still remains one of my very favourites. I enjoyed this latest addition, but maybe not quite as much as most of the others in this series. China is always so level-headed in so many ways, but it sometimes stretches credulity how she lets herself get off on her own in what she knows perfectly well, are dangerous situations. In this book she finds herself locked in with a particularly dangerous and unpredictable killer. Luckily for her and for her readers, all comes out well in the end, This book has China trailing a particularly nasty duo who are making a fortune on medicare fraud. We have all the wonderful accompanying cast - Ruby, Smart Cookie, McQuaid, Blackie, and a particularly appealing Basset puppy called show more Winchester. I love China and her gang, and I love Pecan Springs (a little town in Texas where China and Ruby have their businesses. I look forward to the next one. show less

Blood Orange by Susan Wittig Albert is twenty-fourth book in China Bayles Herbal Mysteries. China Bayles is renting Thymes and Seasons Cottage (in Pecan Springs, Texas and behind China’s herb shop Thyme and Seasons) to Kelly Kaufman. China gets a call that Kelly missed an appointment with her attorney and could she check on her. China checks out the cottage. All of Kelly's belongings are still there (including wallet, keys, and car), but no Kelly. It turns out that Kelly knows something that someone does not want getting out. Someone is trying to kill her, so Kelly decided to go into hiding. Kelly wants China to investigate. On her way to meet China to give her information, Kelly is in an accident (well, not really an accident). China show more wants to find out who is after Kelly. Will she be able to find the culprit in time?

Blood Orange is an engaging novel. There are some slow parts and it does go on a little too long. But, the book contains good characters and a nice setting. Blood Orange is a part of a series, but you can read the novel without having enjoyed the previous books (though you will want to go back and read them). The book contains some interesting information on herbs and their uses (besides cooking). I give Blood Orange 4 out of 5 stars. The mystery was complicated, but I found it easy to solve (I was really hoping for a surprise twist). There are quite a few characters in the novel. I just gave you a description of the main event in the book. There are, though, a couple of different side stories (including China thinking her husband might be off having an affair). You will have to read Blood Orange to find out what it going on in Pecan Springs, Texas.

I received a complimentary copy of Blood Orange from NetGalley in exchange for an honest evaluation of the novel! show less

China Bayles finds herself involved with a young nurse from Hospice. Kelly, the nurse has something she wants China's help with but is killed on her way to share.
China traces back with the help of her friends and at the same time worries about her husband gone on a mysterious mission. All is resolved as usual. The real plus to these books is the expert information on herbs, in this book, to make beer and other orange things. The author is a recognized expert on herbs and flowers and the reader will learn as well as be entertained. Sharon lives between Fredericksburg and Austin and has a wonderful Facebook page.

A couple of murders, and Medicare fraud keep China busy while McQuaid is away. Lovely Texas Hill country setting and the herbal information is always interesting.

"Excuse me." I put down my teacup. " I don't think I heard that right,.Ruby. I thought you said Ramona has bought a brewery."

"That's exactly what I said." Ruby sank into the chair opposite mine at her kitchen table and ran her fingers through her frizzy red hair. "My ditzy sister has just bought a controlling interest in the Comanche Creek. Brewing Company? Out on your direction." She made a face. "You know the phrase 'more money than sense"? It fits Ramona perfectly."