Dead Man's Bones

March 21, 2005
In Albert's assured 14th outing for China Bayles (after 2004's A Dilly of a Death
), the herbalist and ex-lawyer is worried about the effect of the poor tourist trade on her Pecan Springs, Tex., herb shop, tea room and New Age store owned jointly with her best friend, Ruby Wilcox, when her 14-year-old stepson, Brian, announces a disturbing discovery: while on an archeological dig in a cave, he found a skeleton with its skull bashed in. Analysis later shows that the bones are about 30 years old. After a leading citizen shoots dead an apparent intruder in self-defense, China begins to suspect there's a link between this incident and the past murder. In her own quiet way, China pursues the truth. China's warmth and sensitivity toward Ruby's new boyfriend, the new professor at the local university and others will endear her to readers, while her investigative skills make her a leader among female sleuths. Fascinating information about herbs and tempting recipes round out this leisurely cozy with a Southwestern flair. (Apr. 5)

FYI:
Albert is also the author with her husband, Bill Albert, of
Death in Hyde Park (Forecasts, Feb. 9, 2004) and other titles in her Edwardian historical series, under the pseudonym Robin Paige.

In Texas Hill County, ex-lawyer turned herbalist China Bayles becomes embroiled in a thirty-year-old murder case when her teenaged son finds bones in a cave. At the same time, the wealthiest citizen in the county, Jane Obermann, shoots the local handyman after the debut of a controversial play about her father. Julia Gibson manages to keep the two plots straight as they intertwine. Gibson gives China a no-nonsense voice that drives the investigation while Obermann sounds as domineering as her character. The pace is nonstop, the investigation convoluted as Albert provides clues and Gibson gives a perfect performance that charms the listener. M.B.K. (c) AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine