“A dynamic cast of characters and an interesting blend of cold cases and modern murder.”
—Booklist
When China’s and Ruby’s friend Karen Prior is mugged in a mall parking lot and dies a few days later, China begins to suspect that her friend’s death was not a random assault. Karen was a filmmaker supervising a student documentary about the fifteen-year-old murder of a woman named Christine Morris and the acquittal of the man accused of the crime. Is it possible that the same person who killed Christine Morris targeted Karen?
Delving into the cold case, China learns the motive for the first murder may be related to a valuable collection of Mexican art and is determined to track down the murderer. But is she painting herself into a corner from which there’s no escape?
Read Chapter 1 – Death Come Quickly
Watch “Central Texas Gardener”: Susan with show host Tom Spencer, of KLRU/TV, talking about Mourning Gloria and the effects of psychoactive plants that wake us up, make us drowsy, and make us high. For the YouTube video of the show, go here.
In European folk medicine, Geranium robertianum (also known as Herb Robert, death come quickly, stinky Bob, and cranesbill) was used as a remedy for nosebleeds and toothache. The odor of freshly picked, crushed leaves resembles burning rubber and is said to repel mosquitoes. The flower buds were thought to resemble a stork’s bill, and this analogical association suggested that the plant might enhance fertility. It was said to bring good luck, but only if it was not carried indoors. To do so invited death. —China Bayles, “Herbs of Good and Ill Omen,” Pecan Springs Enterprise
Praise for The China Bayles Herbal Mysteries
A great cliffhanger with seriously nail-biting scenes, this is one China Bayles’ mystery you don’t want to miss.
—Suspense Magazine
“Quirky, enlightening and surprisingly profound, Albert’s China Bayles mysteries are an absolute delight to read: head and shoulders above most other amateur whodunits.”
—Ransom Notes
“Well-drawn secondary characters and lots of herbal lore… For readers who enjoy small-town settings and close-knit communities”
—Booklist
“China’s followers will delight in the complicated relationships, recipes and historical flower information.”
—Kirkus Reviews
“A diabolically clever sleuth…China and Ruby make Batman and Robin look like amateurs.”
—Harriet Klausner
Recipes from Death Come Quickly
Click above for the PDF, which includes the recipe for McQuaid’s Secret Barbeque Sauce. If anybody asks, McQuaid always says, “It’s the beer.” But really, it’s the combination of the beer, vinegar, and molasses–plus a few other interesting ingredients. You may print or download and share with your book club or friends.
