“Engrossing…China continues to appeal with her herbal information and savvy sleuthing.”
—Booklist (starred review)
A present day ghost leads China Bayles to a secret from Pecan Springs’ past in this haunting new mystery.
Strange things are happening at Thyme and Seasons: misplaced items, a ringing bell, and the appearance of lavender sprigs in odd places. When a customer mentions seeing a mysterious woman picking flowers nearby and then suddenly disappearing, China must finally admit what Ruby has always known–their building is haunted.
But who is their ghost? And why is she appearing now? The fragile, delicate beauty of Queen Anne’s lace holds the secret to a long-dead past—or a past that isn’t quite as dead as China might like to believe.
Queen Anne’s lace (Daucus carota) is a favorite of foragers. As a biennial, this wild ancestor of the familiar garden carrot produces leaves and roots in the first year; in the second year, it also produces flowers and seeds. The fresh leaves can be added to salads and soups. The flavorful roots are best harvested in the spring or fall of the first year when they are tender. The peeled flower stalk has a carroty flavor and may be eaten raw or cooked. The flower itself makes a flavorful jelly or a pretty garnish. The ground seeds are spicy. However, pregnant women should avoid eating any part of this plant; the root and seeds can produce uterine contractions and cause a miscarriage.
And foragers, please beware! You must take extra care to be sure that what you are harvesting is wild carrot—not its deadly lookalike, poison hemlock (Conium maculatum). Crush a few leaves. If they smell like fresh carrot, you’re safe. If they have a foul odor, leave it alone. This is serious stuff, folks, so pay attention. Mistakes with this plant have cost lives.
Praise for The China Bayles Herbal Mysteries
“Another truly riveting read for dedicated mystery buffs by a true master of the genre.”
—Midwest Book Review
“[Albert] consistently turns out some of the best-plotted mysteries on the market.”
—Houston Chronicle
“Engrossing…China continues to appeal with her herbal information and savvy sleuthing.”
—Booklist (starred review)
“One of the best-written and [most] well-plotted mysteries I’ve read in a long time.”
Los Angeles Times
Recipes from Queen Anne’s Lace
Click here for the recipes from the book, including the much-requested Moroccan Chicken. You’re welcome to print or download the PDF and share with friends.
Susan’s Pinterest board for this book: research, references, resources
Click on a pin to learn more.
