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"Fantastic amateur sleuth"
Reviewed by Harriet Klausner
Posted December 20, 2003

China Bayles left a thriving law practice in Houston to become a shop owner in Pecan Springs, a quiet little town except for the occasional murder that somehow China is always investigating. Homicide is the last thing on China's mind as she gets ready for Picklefest, an annual event Read more...

"Witty, smart writing in this amateur sleuth tale."
Reviewed by Morgan Chilson
Courtesy Old Book Barn Gazette
Posted December 26, 2003

China Bayles is preparing for the Pecan Springs, Texas, annual Picklefest to celebrate the pickle history of this little town. But there's a lot going on in her life and pickles are coming far down on the list. Her best friend's daughter, Ruby, shows up, pregnant and needing a place Read more...

"Who Killed the Pickle Queen?"
Reviewed by Dawn Dowdle
Posted February 21, 2004

China Bayles has a new roomer. Amy, the daughter of her best friend, Ruby, has arrived on her doorstep pregnant and in need of a place to stay. She won't tell anyone who the father is and that has Ruby steamed. Then McQuaid, China's husband, announces he's bored with Read more...

Summary

China's otherwise sensible husband is bored with teaching and ready for a career change...say hello to Mike McQuaid, P.I. His first client is Phoebe the Pickle Queen, owner of the biggest little pickle business in Texas. She says her plant manager is embezzling, and she wants McQuaid to follow the money. But just days before the annual Picklefest, Phoebe disappears. And now it's up to McQuaid and China to search for her-and for clues in a case that promises to leave a very sour taste.