I
read Widow’s Tears in 2013 when it was first
released as a hardcover edition. Circumstances conspired to
allow me the opportunity to read the book again as well as
to review it and I couldn't have been more pleased.
The China
Bayles Herbal Mystery series is a longtime fan favorite, with
devoted readers who adore China and her supporting cast of
characters. Widow’s Tears brings a new twist
to the series- featuring China’s friend Ruby Wilcox
as the prime mover of the story. What a delightful surprise!
Ruby’s discovery of the true depth of her psychic abilities
takes the mystery into a paranormal direction, while allowing
China to keep her head and heels firmly grounded.
The story
begins during the prologue, as we learn about the Galveston
Hurricane of 1900. The storm cost Rachel Blackwood her home
and her entire family. In present times, the house that Rachel
had built 100 miles inland is owned by Claire Conway, a childhood
friend of Ruby. Claire hopes to turn it into a bed and breakfast,
but there are problems. Little things- like it may be haunted!
Ruby agrees to visit Claire and see if her extrasensory perception
skills can provide any answers or help.
China
has her own problems back home in Pecan Springs. There is
a horrible bank robbery that results in the murder of a teller.
Another crime, another murder is not what China needs right
now. When she heads out to visit Ruby, at The Blackwood House
(Claire’s home), she finds herself both literally and
figuratively in the midst of a terrible storm. Will Claire
and Ruby be able to solve a haunting, a historical tragedy,
and a modern day murder?
Susan
Wittig Albert has once again produced an exciting, suspenseful
murder mystery that takes the reader along on a fascinating
ride. I enjoyed having most of the action take place outside
of the familiar Pecan Springs. It was a nice change of pace,
but with just enough of Pecan Springs and China’s family
and business to keep things familiar. I loved the interwoven
stories, and the time shifts from past to present and back
again. While reading the book for the second time, I found
it just as interesting as the first time, which says a lot
about the detail and plotting work that went into the story.
I very
highly recommend this to all fans of this series, and to those
mystery lovers who enjoy a touch of the paranormal, and a
slightly off-the-beaten-path view of our heroine, China Bayles.
Bravo Ms. Albert, and thank you for a fabulous book!
China
Bayles' Book of Days (NonFiction)
Reviews
of other titles in this series
Mistletoe
Man #9
Dilly
of a Death #12
Dead
Mans Bones #13
Bleeding
Hearts #14
Spanish
Dagger #15
Nightshade
#16
Wormwood #17 [review
1] [review
2]
Mourning
Gloria #19
Cat's
Claw #20
Widow's
Tears #21
Death
Come Quickly #22
Bittersweet
#23
Blood
Orange #24
The Last Chance Olive Ranch #25 [review
1] [review
2]
Queen
Anne's Lace #26
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