Tuesday, June 30, 2009

59. Spanish Dagger by Susan Wittig Albert

I really thought that after reading these two books, I would be caught up with the whole China Bayles series; but I find there are five more I haven't read. Yay, something to look forward to. I usually get tired of a series after reading seven or eight and probably did with this one a couple of years ago. But I was ready to jump in again and have enjoyed the dip. In a few months, I'll look for some of those I've missed.

Again, this book begins with China planning a workshop with a friend, only this time they are making paper from native plants. But the real mystery revolves around the disappearance of Ruby's boyfriend. There are two murders in this book, and I figured out the murderer quite quickly. I must be getting into the author's rhythm. And even though Ruby and McQuaid, two characters I really like, play very little part in this book; I still enjoyed it a touch more than Indigo Dyeing. The pace was quicker and the Rottweiller is a fantastic character. As in all the Bayles books, Albert includes recipes using herbs and begins her chapters with usage, histories and myths involving various herbs. I recommended these books earlier as a great summer read, they are also fast reads. Sometimes that is just what you need.

Rating: 4.25

2 comments:

  1. I've only read the first one in this series, but I really enjoyed it for a fun, light mystery. I'm looking forward to reading more.

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  2. Oh, here's where I commented! Now if I could only find the other things I've lost.

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