Blood Orange

Blood Orange by Susan Wittig Albert is twenty-fourth book in China Bayles Herbal Mysteries. China Bayles is renting Thymes and Seasons Cottage (in Pecan Springs, Texas and behind China’s herb shop Thyme and Seasons) to Kelly Kaufman. China gets a call that Kelly missed an appointment with her attorney and could she check on her. China checks out the cottage. All of Kelly's belongings are still there (including wallet, keys, and car), but no Kelly. It turns out that Kelly knows something that someone does not want getting out. Someone is trying to kill her, so Kelly decided to go into hiding. Kelly wants China to investigate. On her way to meet China to give her information, Kelly is in an accident (well, not really an accident). China wants to find out who is after Kelly. Will she be able to find the culprit in time? Blood Orange is an engaging novel. There are some slow parts and it does go on a little too long. But, the book contains good characters and a nice setting. Blood Orange is a part of a series, but you can read the novel without having enjoyed the previous books (though you will want to go back and read them). The book contains some interesting information on herbs and their uses (besides cooking). I give Blood Orange 4 out of 5 stars. The mystery was complicated, but I found it easy to solve (I was really hoping for a surprise twist). There are quite a few characters in the novel. I just gave you a description of the main event in the book. There are, though, a couple of different side stories (including China thinking her husband might be off having an affair). You will have to read Blood Orange to find out what it going on in Pecan Springs, Texas. I received a complimentary copy of Blood Orange from NetGalley in exchange for an honest evaluation of the novel!