"A delightful collection of China Bayles stories!"

Author Susan Wittig Albert is one of the literary world's foremost authorities on herbs and their usage, and her beloved mystery series featuring the crime-solving, herb- growing China Bayles is one of the most popular and anticipated series in the "cozy" mystery genre.

So I was delighted to find that Albert has gathered together a delightful collection of short stories featuring China and the gang from Pecan Springs, Texas.

AN UNTHYMELY DEATH AND OTHER GARDEN MYSTERIES began its literary life as a request from the editor of "Country Living Gardener" magazine in which Albert has a monthly column, "The Herbal Thymes." The editor wanted Albert to contribute a series of short stories for their website, and they soon were so popular, that Albert approached her publisher about releasing them as a short-story collection for those who don't have access to computers (are there really such people?) and her fans who wanted them for their collections. The result is a group of the original six on- line stories that have been re-written and four entirely new stories that are sure to delight "China Bayles" fans everywhere.

These stories are a great deal more light-hearted than the usual serious themes found in the book length tales. Albert features all the familiar characters from her series, including China, her best friend Ruby, police chief Shelia Dawson, and of course, China's new husband Mike McQuaid.

She also brings in a few new characters that have not appeared in any previously published mysteries to join in the fun.

But the real star of this collection of short stories is the tidbits of herbal information that are scattered throughout the book, the craft ideas and, above all, the spectacular herb-based recipes that are included after every story. It was Albert's singular purpose to show the many fascinating ways herbal gardens and herb can enhance everyday life.

So grab a glass of Pink Lavender Lemonade, fix a plate of Fairy Blossom cookies, and enjoy this book. It's delicious.

Reviewed by Sharon Galligar Chance
Posted August 1, 2003

Summary

Now readers can join China Bayles in ten puzzling cases-and get a taste of her world. This delightful collection features loads of wonderful herbal tidbits on everything from rosemary to feverfew to catnip; recipes for such to- die-for dishes as a Deadly Chocolate Valentine, Ruby's Applesauce Mint Bread, China's Five-Spice Chicken and Veggie Stir-Fry, and McQuaid's Tex Mex-and a host of creative ideas for garden and home. It's a one-of-a-kind collection featuring a one-of-a-kind sleuth-who's worth spending some "quality thyme" with!