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23 of 24 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Another Good Story, April 5, 2011
This review is from: Mourning Gloria (China Bayles Mystery) (Hardcover)
From the publisher: "While Pecan Springs bustles back to life in the warmth of spring, one woman's life is tragically brought to an end. China Bayles happens upon a burning house trailer and hears a woman screaming for help. The evidence leaves no doubt that it's arson homicide. Jessica Nelson, an intern-reporter at the local paper, is assigned to cover the story. But she's gotten herself too deeply involved. When Jessica disappears, China is determined to find her, before she becomes headlines herself."
I'm a fan of the China Bayles mysteries and always enjoy visiting China's herb shop, Thyme & Seasons, in the fictional town of Pecan Springs with its cast of eclectic residents. In this book, I like how Albert develops China as a parent as her stepson Brian gets older and she adjusts to the new challenges of raising her 11-year-old niece, Caitlin, as well as the development of other characters such as that of China's friend Donna as she deals with the return of her irresponsible sister who causes trouble when she returns to the family farm. Another story line introduced is that of the engagement of police chief Sheila Dawson to Sheriff Blackie Blackwell, and their realization that one of them will need to step down from his or her position in order for a marriage to work which will make for an interesting topic in future books.
Overall I did like this book and appreciated that it did hold my interest from beginning to end and left me anticipating the next one in the series.
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7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Just as good as expected, April 28, 2011
This is one of my favorite series, highly recommended for anyone who wants to get to know a likeable cast of characters, watch them solve a few mysteries, and learn quite a bit about herbs in the bargain. I do have a quibble, however.
China does virtually all the heavy lifting in this one. She is, of course, more than capable, but I missed her husband and son. The delightful Ruby is basically delegated to Grandma duty (quite entertaining but doesn't use all her potential). It's pretty much China, on her own, solving a mystery. The author inserts chapters written in the third person, featuring the victims - in other words, stuff China couldn't have known at the time. I felt these chapters were somewhat jarring to the overall narrative. The style was almost amateurish, more suited to a pulpy detective novel than the rich, full story of Pecan Springs and all its denizens as told by China Bayles. Without giving too much away, at the end it almost feels like a spinoff might be in the works. Susan Wittig Albert writes three different series and has done some personal nonfiction as well, so it would not be out of the question for her to start a new series.
The plot itself was very well done. I guess I shouldn't complain about a story that features China so abundantly, when I love her character so much. I did give it 5 stars. However, I kind of think the story could have worked better without the intermittent 3rd party chapters.
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9 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A great story and interesting information on herbs, April 6, 2011
This review is from: Mourning Gloria (China Bayles Mystery) (Hardcover)
This is the 19th book in the China Bayles series and another very enjoyable book from Albert.
China is nearing home and notices a mobile home on fire. Approacing the door of the home she hears the cry of a female, then an expolsion rips the the home. The only clue the police find is a braclet with the initials G. G.. China mentions the event to an intern, Jessica, at Pecan Valley's newspaper. She lost her parents and twin sisteres in a houe fire. She feels she can get closure for her own loss and just might be able to get a story that will help her secure a good reporters job. Then Jessica goes missing trying to track down the story and possibly the killer. China has a phone message from Jessica begging for help. China must now start to backtrack Jessica's movments so she find Jessica before it is to late.
Of course there is lots of information on Morning Glory's and recipes too.
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