China
Bayles who owns the Thyme and Seasons herbal shop in Pecan
Springs, Texas is about to encounter a mystery of a different
kind than the usual murder and violent crimes she's faced
in the past. This time she finds a box of handmade lace and
some photographs that were tucked in the storeroom of the
shop. They prove to be relevant to the first family to live
there, at 304 Crockett when it was a home instead of a business.
China
reluctantly accepts that there is a ghost of a woman making
herself known to China and the mystery for China is finding
out what the ghost wants from her and how to help her. Who
is this ghost and why the urgency for China to understand
what she wants?
China's
husband and daughter, as well as her step-son and his girlfriend
and China's business partner and close friends, do make appearances
in this book. Some more than others. There are chapters set
in the present day and then chapters set back in the late
1880's providing glimpses of the past and how it may have
affected the future, that is, China's present.
Susan
Wittig Albert has done a brilliant job of weaving the storylines
together. I was fascinated to learn about Pecan Springs in
the 1880's, and she even described the businesses that were
there then, and the ones in their place now. It takes a lot
for an author to dare to tackle this and to step out of her
comfort zone by providing a mystery that doesn't include an
actual present-day murder, putting the emphasis on the past.
The question remains as the story progresses - was there a
murder or wasn't there? An accident perhaps? There were certainly
many skeletons in some closets!
I can't
recommend this book highly enough! The China Bayles mysteries
are always entertaining and informative. I love learning about
the uses of different herbs. Don't wait - order your copy
today. Once you get your book, set aside enough time to sit
down and read until your eyes-cross – because you won't
want to put it down!
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
Reviewers Notes: Author writes several other series,
including the Cottage Tales of Beatrix Potter Mysteries.
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