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3.63 AVERAGE
3.63 AVERAGE
I alternated between liking China, and thinking she was a bit naïve (which seemed off-kilter with her character’s background). All the herb-flower intros were a bit off-putting (to me) at times it felt like the author was just droning on, but this is the first thing I have read from Susan Wittig Albert so, maybe, that is just her shtick - her hook - gimmick. I’ve read many of the culinary mysteries (Goldie) but in them I enjoyed the recipes. So, therein lies the rub. Back to the story: As soon as I heard hospice I knew it would be Medicare fraud, and knowing that, it was an easy leap to the culprits - duh. Having not read any previous ‘China’ novels I was unfamiliar with the characters and their backstories: undercover hubby, friends who share a building that houses a holistic herb shop, tea room, and another retail space - never did understand what the third one was. All that said, Blood Orange was #24, and I have borrowed #23 and #25 to see if any of it starts me on a China Bayles binge.
That’s my opinion, and I’m sticking to it - for now at least. More later.
That’s my opinion, and I’m sticking to it - for now at least. More later.
I can't resist series like this, where the setting becomes another character and reading the books feels a lot like coming home. Pecan Springs has definitely become another home to me, and China, Ruby, et al like extended members of a very large family! I also love reading all the bits and pieces of herblore sprinkled through the book, and the recipes at the end. I'd love to see a collection of the recipes published on their own.
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Overall I thought the book was pretty good but it took entirely too long to get to the crash that's described in the blurb. Literally a 3rd of the book is build up to the crash. Too much build up imo
I enjoyed this one more than the last several I've read. I'm still happy the library has them, so I don't have to pay for them, though. I probably would have given up on them if I had to buy them. The story in this one was fairly interesting and the woo-woo stuff was kept to a minimum. I didn't really get how McQuaid lying was Chyna's fault or how she can be such an upright citizen and lawyer, but doesn't hesitate much to trespass. But overall this was pretty good.
I love China Bayles, but I didn't love this book. It was ok, but I had a hard time getting into it, and sticking with it. I found the sub-plots distracting, between Ramona and McQuaid.
I frankly felt like McQuaid was an ass
As for Ramona, she's narcissistic and is not a nice person and I really don't care what happens to her.
The main mystery was a good one and I would have enjoyed it much more if it had been focused on instead of going off on tangents.
I frankly felt like McQuaid was an ass
Spoiler
for lying to China, while pretty much the rest of the town knew where he was (and then Tough Cookie wouldn't tell China either? Rude.). And then China let him off the hook, basically blaming herself for his behavior. What?? He promised he wouldn't take dangerous cases/go into Mexico again. He broke that promise and lied about it, and it's your fault because you asked for the promise? No, no, no.As for Ramona, she's narcissistic and is not a nice person and I really don't care what happens to her.
The main mystery was a good one and I would have enjoyed it much more if it had been focused on instead of going off on tangents.
I have always enjoy this series. It's a nice, light respite between reading the newspaper and the darker books that I enjoy. Plus there are always interesting tidbits about herbs and spices. In this case it was about oranges and blood, both the fruit and the colors. Ms. Albert manages to tie things together nicely. China is upset because her husband is on a case and has called to tell her that she won't be able to reach him for a few days. She soon learns that his latest case is a very dangerous one. In the meantime, the guest cottage behind her herb business is being occupied for a short time by a young nurse who is in the middle of a nasty divorce. She disappears, but soon contacts China. She arranges to meet her, but is in a bad accident before she gets there. It turns out it is no accident. A friend of the young woman brings a thumb drive to China. It soon becomes obvious that the young woman was planning on filing a whistle blowing case against her former workplace. I enjoy these books because the author manages to bring together her character's personal life and weave it seamlessly throughout the book. It's a real page turner toward the end especially!
Nope. One stupid decision too many for me. I decided to stop reading without finding out if she ever gets out of her mess. I don't even care what happens enough to skim to the end.
I can't resist series like this, where the setting becomes another character and reading the books feels a lot like coming home. Pecan Springs has definitely become another home to me, and China, Ruby, et al like extended members of a very large family! I also love reading all the bits and pieces of herblore sprinkled through the book, and the recipes at the end. I'd love to see a collection of the recipes published on their own.
Another great installment in the life of China Bayles! The only thing that constantly perplexes me is how she truly has time for everything. I was floored when I realized only a day had passed at one point.
I found this book incredibly refreshing from the heavy books I've been reading lately. I picked this because I wanted a cozy mystery and I was instantly drawn to the herb/flower aspects as that's what I do for a living. The characters were very well written and you got the feel that you were in a nice Southern Town. There was just enough mystery to keep you guessing without being too gory or intense. A good easy read with a bit of who dun it. I look forward to starting this series from the beginning.