Rosemary Remembered – Book 4

 

“Engrossing…China continues to appeal with her herbal information and savvy sleuthing.”
—Booklist

China discovers that business can be murder when she finds her accountant, Rosemary Robbins, dead — in the front seat of McQuaid’s truck! Rosemary and China are look-alikes. Was it a case of mistaken identity?

But with one abusive ex-husband and plenty of former clients in the picture, there’s no shortage of suspects. And with a vengeful ex-convict on the loose at the same time, there’s plenty for China to worry about. She has plenty of investigating to do, with the help of new friend Sheila and a New Age channeler of a spirit who calls herself Lo Que Sabe. But it is Ruby who comes up with the winning clue–on her Ouija board.

Rosemary

“Rosemary is for remembrance,” according to Shakespeare—and so it is, in more ways than one. Rosemary has been used for centuries to preserve everything from meat (it’s a tasty natural with lamb) to the human body (the Egyptians used it in embalming). Now, scientists are discovering that it may actually preserve memory, and are using it to treat Alzheimer’s patients! Brew up some rosemary tea, use it in meat and vegetable dishes, or try sniffing its memorable aroma.

 

Praise for The China Bayles Herbal Mysteries

“Albert’s strongest book yet.”
—Kirkus

“The best of small-town Texas.”
—Library Journal

“One of the best-written and well-plotted mysteries I’ve read in a long time.”
—L.A. Times

Reading Group Guides: Rosemary Remembered – Book 4

Discussion questions for Rosemary Remembered
Warning! Contains spoilers (plot hints).

  1. Thyme of Death introduces the central characters in what has become a long-running series: China Bayles, Ruby Wilcox, and Mike McQuaid. Describe these characters as you see them. What are their major issues? How does this play out in their relationships in this book?
  2. This book is set in a small Texas town, halfway between Austin and San Antonio, on the edge of the Texas Hill Country. Does the town seem real to you? When you read a book, how important is the setting to your enjoyment of the story?
  3. The mystery in Thyme of Death has to do with a relationship that ended bitterly some time before. How does this old relationship poison the present? Do you know of real-life instances where a former relationship has caused problems?
  4. As an herbalist, gardener, and shopkeeper, China is unique among amateur sleuths. (Rather, she was, when this series began in 1992. Similar characters have appeared in the years since, perhaps because of China’s popularity.) Does China’s interest in herbs add to your interest in the book? Why or why not?
  5. China is a former criminal lawyer. How does this shape her character and the way she exeriences the events of this story?
  6. This book (and the entire series) is written in the first person, from China’s point of view. What advantages and disadvantages do you see in this? How would this book have been different if the story had been told from another character’s point of view?