Chile is the pepper; chili (or sometimes chilli) is the spicy stew made with it. That's the first of many lessons about food, love, and death in Susan Wittig Albert's latest mystery about China Bayles, the Texas Hill Country lawyer turned herbalist and crime solver. Although Albert lives in the Texas Hill Country herself, she swears that China's hometown, Pecan Springs (which must have a higher per capita death rate than anyplace outside of Jessica Fletcher's Maine village), is fictional. So we have to believe that nobody really killed one of the judges of the annual Cedar Choppers Chili Cook-off by adding peanuts to his tasting sample and causing a deadly allergic reaction.

But China and her lover, ex-cop Mike McQuaid, believe it--especially after the dead chili judge, Jerry Jeff Cody, turns out to have a swampful of dirty secrets. So Albert begins a clever dance, keeping Bayles and the bedridden McQuaid (shot while working for the Texas Rangers) in just enough danger to maintain an atmosphere of suspense while also slipping in enough chile lore to outfit a chain of Taco Bells. The format may be familiar, but Albert is one of the best in the business at making it look newly hatched. Other Bayles books include Love Lies Bleeding, Thyme of Death, and Rueful Death. --Dick Adler

From Publishers Weekly
China Bayles, the only ex-lawyer/herbalist/sleuth in Pecan Springs, TexasAand perhaps anywhere elseAoffers an appealing measure of hot chili lore to go with the abundance of hot water in which she finds herself in her seventh outing (after Love Lies Bleeding, 1997). Life changes are coming at China fast and furiously. Boyfriend Mike McQuaid is still at the Manor, a rehabilitation center and nursing home, struggling to recover from a paralyzing gunshot wound. Best friend Ruby is pressing her to partner a new business venture, and China is trying her hand at writing for the local newspaper. The action heats up at the annual Cedar Choppers Chili Cookoff when local cooks (including some who have never lifted a pot before) compete to see who can rustle up the best and hottest chili. Cookoff judge Jerry Jeff Cody dies of a severe allergic reaction, but China and McQuaid doubt that it was an accident since Cody, a slick insurance salesman, had given many folks motive for murderAincluding his divorce-seeking wife, Roxanne; his current flame, Felicia Travis; his angry business partner, Pokey Clendennen; and various jealous husbands. Adding some thefts and possible abuses of patients at the Manor, Albert offers a satisfying plot, not too spicy, just right. Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal
YA-Just as China Bayles begins to adjust to the idea that Mike, her fiance, is paralyzed, life becomes more complex. She faces up to her mother's interference, contemplates a business opportunity too good to miss, runs her own herbal-products business, writes a column for the local paper, and helps Mike through the initial steps of judging a local chili cook-off. When all seems to be going well, another of the chili judges drops dead of anaphylactic shock. Mike, a police officer until he was shot and disabled, immediately suspects murder and, with China's help, investigates the situation. China, who is also a nonpracticing lawyer, is then asked to look into allegations of maltreatment of some older residents of the nursing home where Mike lives. In spite of sounding like the "Martha Stewart" of murder mysteries, this book's protagonist proves to be intriguing and the plot compelling. When the two separate investigations become linked, China comes face to face with all of the answers she's been seeking and with the murderer. Set in Texas Hill Country, this gripping novel describes the land and culture of the area with colorful details and a real understanding of the people. These folks take their chili seriously, especially when it's used to kill. For another herbalist who deals in murder, suggest Ellis Peters's "Brother Cadfael" series (Mysterious Pr.).Pam Johnson, Fairfax County Public Library, VACopyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal
China Bayles (Rueful Death, LJ 10/1/96) contends with the paralysis of her new husband, an extended visit from her "helpful" mother, and a case of murder at the annual chili cookoff. A charmed return to small-town Texas; for series fans.Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist
Texas Ranger Mike McQuaid is recovering from a paralyzing gunshot wound in a Pecan Springs nursing home, with the help of his lover, China Bayles, amateur sleuth and owner of the herb shop Thyme and Seasons. Roadblocks on the way to McQuaid's recovery include a series of robberies, mischief with wills, and the chilling death of a local lothario during the Pecan Springs chili cook-off. This seventh China Bayles mystery offers a surprising climax, beautiful Texas Hill Country atmosphere, solid police procedural details, and lots of information on herbs and chili (including recipes). The denizens of Pecan Springs are sympathetic and insightful, grand livers with flinty wit--a combination of the residents of Lake Wobegon and the Texas villages in Larry McMurtry's novels. Albert's writing and outlook suggest Molly Ivins, while China's independence and Sunbelt sleuthing will appeal to readers of Earlene Fowler's Benni Harper series and Allana Martin's Texana Jones novels. John Rowen

FROM THE PUBLISHER

China Bayles had finally agreed to marry Mike McQuaid - and then he'd been paralyzed in the line of duty. Fully committed, she knows she'll tough it out, no matter how long his recovery might take. The annual chili cook-off sounds like a nice respite from the stress, so China gladly accompanies her wheelchair-bound sweetheart to the event. But tragedy strikes when cook-off judge Jerry Jeff Cody dies of a severe allergic reaction - to a peanut. Everyone knows peanuts don't belong in a bowl of Texas chili...and China knows something suspicious is afoot. Now, with rumors flying about foul play at McQuaid's hospital - and whispered stories about Jerry Jeff's womanizing ways - things are heating up all over...

FROM THE CRITICS

Raleigh News & Observer

Albert's characters are real and as quirky as your next-door neighbor.

Library Journal