Mourning Gloria

February 28, 2011
In Albert's formulaic if still enjoyable 19th China Bayles mystery (after 2010's Holly Blues), the Pecan Springs, Tex., herbalist discovers a trailer on fire on a country road, but she's unable to rescue the unknown woman trapped inside before it explodes. Jessica Nelson, an ambitious intern at the local newspaper, the Pecan Springs Enterprise, has both professional and personal reasons for aggressively chasing an obvious arson homicide story. When Jessica disappears, a puzzled China retraces Jessica's steps, but is wise enough to keep police chief Sheila Dawson and Sheriff Blackie Blackwell in the loop. China's 11-year-old niece, Caitlin, and flamboyant friend Ruby Wilcox lend a hand. A serviceable plot keeps readers guessing about both victim and killer, while Albert provides a strong helping of botanical lore—this time on psychoactive plants and their use—and a handful of intriguing recipes.

Julia Gibson nails the female characters in this mystery, imbuing them with subtle but distinctive tonal qualities. She especially reflects China's changing moods as the Pecan Springs, Texas, herbalist carries out a homicide investigation involving psychoactive plants and takes on the role of mother to her 11-year-old niece. Gibson and Therese Plummer maintain an engaging pace, and Gibson gives China a slight Texas twang. The male characters, who play only a small part in this story, are not as distinctive and sound a bit strained. Still, listeners won't go wrong with this pleasant cozy. S.C.A. (c) AudioFile 2011, Portland, Maine