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Holly Blues: China Bayles Mystery Series, Book 18 (China Bayles #18)
by
Susan Wittig Albert (Goodreads Author),
Julia Gibson , Tom Stechschulte
pAuthor Susan Wittig Albert turns up the suspense in her China Bayles mystery series. Just as the holiday season begins, so does the drama, when her husband's ex-wife Sally appears begging for help and a place to stay. 'Tis the season of giving, so China opens her home to Sally. But when troubling phone calls start, China knows she'll need to dig up the truth before Christ...more
MP3 Book, 0 pages
Published
July 15th 2010
by Recorded Books, LLC
(first published April 6th 2010)
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This is the first China Bayles story I've read ... it's apparently the 18th in the series. I was attracted to it because it's a mystery with a female detective (even though she owns an herb/tea shop).
I enjoyed the writing, though I found it went off on a tangent sometimes that had nothing to do with the story. For example, sometimes it veered off into a conversational tone (where we got a lesson in herbs or China described how much she liked baths) that conflicted with the tone of a murder myste...more
I enjoyed the writing, though I found it went off on a tangent sometimes that had nothing to do with the story. For example, sometimes it veered off into a conversational tone (where we got a lesson in herbs or China described how much she liked baths) that conflicted with the tone of a murder myste...more
I enjoyed the book Holly Blues by Susan Wittig Albert just as much as I have enjoyed every one of the other books in the China Bayles series. The plot was fast moving and definitely kept the reader in suspense. The emphasis in Albert's mystery books is not as much on the crimes committed but on the keen mind and resourcefulness of China Bayles and her relationships with her good friend Ruby Wilcox, police chief Sheila Dawson, husband Mike Quaid, and her stepson and now the newest family member,...more
I love China Bayles; I really do, but I must admit that Iam getting tired of Ms. Albert's habit of re-hashing of who everyone is and how they're connected. I appreciate that she's not assuming that everyone has read all of the series, but sometimes I wish she would. I would rather see a "who's who" index in the front or back of the book, rather than taking up valuable story space.
However, once beyond that the story continues on with McQuaid's ex, Sally, showing up at Christmas time, and seemingl...more
However, once beyond that the story continues on with McQuaid's ex, Sally, showing up at Christmas time, and seemingl...more
"...let's take time out for introductions. Some of you already know me and have visited my shop a dozen times or more. Others—well, maybe this is your first visit, and you haven't a clue to who we are or what we're talking about. So, my name is China Bayles."
One of the best parts of Holly Blues, or any of the China Bayles series, is the warm welcome. The reader is immediately drawn into the world of Pecan Springs, China, McQuaid, Ruby, and all of the other folks in this small Texas Hill Countr...more
One of the best parts of Holly Blues, or any of the China Bayles series, is the warm welcome. The reader is immediately drawn into the world of Pecan Springs, China, McQuaid, Ruby, and all of the other folks in this small Texas Hill Countr...more
China is at it again, and she's accompanied by the usual cast of characters. Sally, McQuaid's ex-wife and Brian's mother, shows up at China's doorstep with a mystery in hand and secrets hidden in her large duffle. Because it's right before Christmas, China falls for Sally's tale of woe and offers her a place to stay until after the holiday.
China soon is ruing her decision when Sally admits she's being stalked by an ex, and with McQuaid out of town, Ruby and China start investigating.
This book...more
China soon is ruing her decision when Sally admits she's being stalked by an ex, and with McQuaid out of town, Ruby and China start investigating.
This book...more
I've spent the past couple of weeks catching up on the books in the China Bayles series that I missed during a chunk of my life when I wasn't doing much reading. With "Holly Blues," I'm now all caught up and feeling rather bittersweet about it. It's good to be completely up to date on the series, yet these past few weeks with China have been like reconnecting with an old friend. I hate for that time to end.
In "Holly Blues," McQuaid's ex-wife Sally turns up seeking a place to stay. Maybe the Chri...more
In "Holly Blues," McQuaid's ex-wife Sally turns up seeking a place to stay. Maybe the Chri...more
Yes, still reading these because they are simple for a busy time! I was even willing to read this one set at Christmas time. I loved learning all the legends and facts about holly--one of my favorite plants. I think what appeals about the writing is that some of it is in first person--the voice of the main character, China, who is the main detective in these. That writing is contrasted with straight narrative--in this book that was mostly about China's husband, McQuaid, who was detecting in anot...more
May 01, 2010
Teresa in Ohio
rated it
3 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
witting-susan-albert,
2010-reads
Usually when reading a series, with this many additions it is like catching up with an old friend, not this time. China is quite whiny and preachy throughout the whole book. Characters talking to the reader while telling the story, usually is a fun thing for me. I get information other characters don't have and it adds to the depth of the plot. Instead I get a lecture from China about how bad the economy is and how urban sprawl is hurting the Texas countryside. If I want this I will watch the ne...more
After "Wormwood" (which I enjoyed, but it was a departure in many ways from the China Bayles series), I really enjoyed getting back to the gang in Pecan Springs and getting involved in a mystery in familiar settings.
China and Ruby are in perfect amateur-sleuth form as they go tracking down the latest mystery, which is a good one.
Won't give away any spoilers, but will say that along with just enjoying the heck out of the main story with China & Ruby, that the reuniting romantically of a coupl...more
China and Ruby are in perfect amateur-sleuth form as they go tracking down the latest mystery, which is a good one.
Won't give away any spoilers, but will say that along with just enjoying the heck out of the main story with China & Ruby, that the reuniting romantically of a coupl...more
May 10, 2010
Denise
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
China Bayles fans, herbologists, people who like Christmas based mysteries
As usual I love the newest China Bayles mystery by Susan Wittig Albert. Outside of bibliomysteries this is one of my favorite series. I like the combination of mystery and personal relationships that Albert builds into her stories. In this "episode" we learn quite a bit more about McQuaid's first wife/Brian's mother. Ruby is, as always, China's perfect sidekick. For those that like to read books by the season they are set in, this is a Christmas season setting so you might want to hold off until...more
I admit that this book was sitting on my TBR pile awaiting the holiday season, however, once I finished "Darling Dahlias and the Cucumber Tree," I remembered how much I truly enjoy Ms. Albert...I went for the familiar world of China Bayles.
China is forced to deal with her husband's ex-wife and mother of her step-son. She tries to believe the best but gets mired with the worst. Ah Sally....
This was a fast-paced, sometimes heart gripping, mystery. China and friends, never ever let me down.
I learn...more
China is forced to deal with her husband's ex-wife and mother of her step-son. She tries to believe the best but gets mired with the worst. Ah Sally....
This was a fast-paced, sometimes heart gripping, mystery. China and friends, never ever let me down.
I learn...more
#18 in the China Bayles herb mystery series. Set in Pecan Springs in the Texas hill country half way between Austin and San Antonio. The usual mix of herb uses and lore with a mystery China is in the middle of and helps resolve. Involving her husband's ex-wife, China has to work her way through the layers of the stories she and her P.I. husband are given by the ex-wife to solve the mystery.
As usual with this series, you are given an interesting and well developed mix of characters, small town a...more
As usual with this series, you are given an interesting and well developed mix of characters, small town a...more
So this story is just before Christmas and features Sally Strahorn, who is McQuaid's ex-wife. Sally has had an extremely erratic past so it is hard to believe her stories. A murderous man from her past is now stalking her all the way to China's little town. China and McQuaid are able to figure out the facts. China manages to spray the capsaicin pepper spray into the killer's face at the critical time. I want one of those?
I like the sweet moments when China recognizes the priceless relationships...more
I like the sweet moments when China recognizes the priceless relationships...more
Hard to be believed that HOLLY BLUES is the eighteenth book in this cozy mystery series set in Pecan Springs, Tx. Author, Susan Wittig Albert has maintained the same quality through out the series. It's always fun to visit with everyone in Pecan Springs -- like visiting old friends. In HOLLY BLUES it is Christmas time and McQuaid's ex-wife, Sally, blows into town. This can't be good and it isn't. As usual, China (ex-lawyer, McQuaid's wife, owner of an herb shop) and her best friend, Ruby, find t...more
Another nice installment to the Chine Bayles series. The book has the usual traits that I expect from the author: a warm welcome, good company, gossip with friends, a little tension here and there, a great whole dose of sleuthing by China, Ruby and McQuaid. While the previous book I found more emotional this one was entertaining to say the least. I even enjoyed the fact that Sally was around again. You need a little dose of crazy occasionally. I do have a concern though. Is it just me or are the...more
#18 in the China Bayles "herb shop" mystery series. Pecan Springs is getting ready for Christmas, and China is glad to see an upswing in business at Thyme & Seasons. The poor economy has hit small businesses hard, especially businesses that sell non-essential items, so belts are beginning to tighten a bit in the McQuaid-Bayles household. They are also adjusting to having China's niece whom she and Mike have adopted since the death of her half-brother. This will be Kate's first Christmas with...more
May 05, 2010
Susan
rated it
3 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
mystery-kansas,
mystery-texas
China Bayles has long distrusted husband McQuaid's first wife Sally, but Sally is the mother of their son, and it is Christmas time, so she welcomes Sally for a visit. But Sally seems almost afraid, and then she disappears, just when the local police get a request from another force to look for her. As China finds out more about the sad, sinister history of Sally's family, she's not sure whether she should fear the woman--or fear for her. Because death seems to be following Sally.
This book worked well as a stand alone book for me. Fun murder mystery set in small town Texas. I really liked the random folklore pieces of herbal history of Holly, ivy and mistletoe. At times I thought Julia read slowly but perhaps it really was the way China Bayles was written when she was rushing through her daily tasks. Well, I was listening this doing mine and hoping for an escape from the mundane tasks... did not quite do it for me, hence no more than 3*.
The second China Bayles book I read. It didn't matter one bit that I read it out of order. I am not one to have to read books in order unless it really makes a big difference in the story. I rather enjoy putting things together like a puzzle. The focus on different plants is really fun for me as a novice herb gardener. The Great American Novel they are not, but for staying up late to find out who committed the murder, they are great fun.
Definitely not the author's best work. The plot was predictable and the characters somewhat lacklustre. Also (and I know there are those who would disagree with me), I really don't like the way Ms. Albert switches back and forth from China to McQuaid as "voice" in this book. Not a smooth transition. I liked it much better when, in earlier books, the story was told from only China's point of view. Not sure I will continue with this series.
I love this series of books. China Bayles is the main character. She's was a lawyer to the mob and gave it up to open an herb shop in a little town in Texas. She's married to a PI and college professor. This story has his exwife coming to spend the holiday with them with a very fishy story. China and her friend uncover enough of the truth for the police to figure it out. So is the ex involved?????
Apparently, this is the latest book in a long series involving China Bayles, an ex-lawyer turned entrepreneur with highly developed detective skills. The scattershot plot was thin and exhausting with several people driving all over Texas making disgruntled cell phone calls to one another along the way. A few personalities involved a stretch of one's imagination...a fast read and not very satisfying.
Another China Bayles mystery. I've read them all and really enjoy the personalities and the growth and changes in the characters. Light reading, goes quickly and the mysteries are sanatized for the delicate female reader, which is what I am!
This book had some filler that was annoying, more than usual for her books, but I got past it and enjoyed the book. A very quick read.
This book had some filler that was annoying, more than usual for her books, but I got past it and enjoyed the book. A very quick read.
McQuaid's ex shows - up which always means trouble. It being the Christmas season, China takes pity on her and invites her to share the holidays with the family. But Sally's got big problems - as she always does - and that doesn't make for peace on earth or in Pecan Springs. A bit slow but if you are a China - or Ruby - fan, you won't want to miss a new chance to hang out with them.
This is a fun mystery series that I stumbled across looking for something festive around the holidays. It's not too grusome and interesting warm characters. Sometimes the main character makes decisions that bug me and I don't agree with, not always smart or believes too much in the bad guy, etc. Overall I liked it though and was happy to stumble onto a series.
Don't like the chapter headings with McQuaid attached to them -- I can figure out who is where when. But do like the return of the Whiz, though I'd like her to be more present in a story. Nice that Blackie and Smart Cookie-still hate that nickname and would deck anyone who called me that--are back together. All in all, though, a return to the quality of the first books in the series.
I couldn't put this book down! The storyline definitely captured my interest immediately. I enjoyed learning more about Mike's ex and Brian's Mom - Sally. The mystery revolves around her and there are actually 3 different cases going on the book. They were easy to follow and all tied in together smoothly. I like how the point of view kept switching from China to McQuaid. Looking forward to the next book!!
Not my favorite but good.The ex-wife of China's husband, the schizo Sally, blows into town claiming someone is stalking her. China gets involved and finds that not only is this person stalking Sally, but he may be involved in the death of Sally's parents 10 years earlier, as well as the current deaths of her sister and another friend. But why???Hmmm.
I was disappointed in this Albert book. She described EVERYTHING, from the kind of treees that lined the lane to their house, to the kind of sodas in the soda machine of the diner. It seemed to be filler. The mystery story was interesting, but i skimmed a lot of it. Some description is helpful to get the scene, but this was way too much.
Too much harping on ex-wife's psychological problems - after second time, I think we got the idea that she had problems but they kept repeating it over and over. It took away from the plot because the more it was repeated, the more you knew she didn't do it and who the real killer actually was. It made the main characters appear unintelligent.
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Susan is the author/co-author of three mystery series and other books.
WIDOW'S TEARS,#21 in the China Bayles series
THE TALE OF CASTLE COTTAGE, #8 in the Cottage Tales of Beatrix Potter
THE DARLING DAHLIAS AND THE CONFEDERATE ROSE, #3 in the Darling Dahlias series, set in the early 1930s in fictional Darling AL
DEATH ON THE LIZARD, the 12th and last (2006) of the Robin Paige series, by Susan and Bill...more
More about Susan Wittig Albert...
WIDOW'S TEARS,#21 in the China Bayles series
THE TALE OF CASTLE COTTAGE, #8 in the Cottage Tales of Beatrix Potter
THE DARLING DAHLIAS AND THE CONFEDERATE ROSE, #3 in the Darling Dahlias series, set in the early 1930s in fictional Darling AL
DEATH ON THE LIZARD, the 12th and last (2006) of the Robin Paige series, by Susan and Bill...more
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