[revised 04/20/2000]

If you haven't noticed, the latest trend in mystery fiction is to have a "hook" or theme to tie the series together. It probably started long before Sue Grafton's "'A' is for Alibi" but since the alphabet, it seems that if every successful mystery writer has some sort of hook.

Susan Wittig Albert is no exception with her China Bayles mystery series. In this case the hook is herbs. China Bayles, refugee from a big-city law firm, moves to a small town in the Texas hill country and buys an herb shop. Exchanging suits and sports cars for dirt under her fingernails China makes a home among the herbs (and keeps her bar dues paid up just in case). Of course, in mystery tradition, murder soon follows and China is on the spot to solve the case.

Not exactly a hard-boiled detective, China usually reluctantly turns to sleuthing at the behest (and with the help) of her colorful friends and local townspeople. These books are less about whodunits and more along the lines of a village mystery.

Each book title in the series includes the name of an herb and herbs usually figure prominently in the plots. For example, Chile Death takes place at an authentic Texas Chile Cookoff (and even includes recipes -- another trend in recent mystery series).

So...if you've ever dreamed of chucking it all and moving to the country (or starting your own business), are an avid herb gardener, or just like a good read, then you will want to read Susan Wittig Albert's China Bayles series.

Other books in the series include:

Witches' Bane (1993)

Hangman's Root (1995)

Rosemary Remembered (1995)

Thyme of Death (1996)

Rueful Death (1996)

Love Lies Bleeding (1997)

Chile Death (1998)

Lavender Lies (1999)






Recommended: Yes