Book Review: Mistletoe Man

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Mistletoe Man     Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
Susan Wittig Albert
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Amateur Sleuth   Cozy
Series: China Bayles # 9
Berkley, Oct 2000, $21.95, 304 pp.

Four months have passed since the wedding that almost was not, but China Bayles and Mike McQuaid are settled into marital bliss. China is slowly overcoming her fears of marriage and commitment while still running her herb shop, Thyme and Seasons. She is also working on a new business venture with her partner Ruby Wilcox. They think that Thyme for Tea, an authentic tea shop in the heart of Texas is a sure winner. Meanwhile, Mike continues to heal from injuries suffered a year ago and is writing the definitive history of the Texas Rangers (law enforcement - not baseball).

For no apparent reason, Ruby turns ice cold towards China while two lizards belonging to Mike’s son disappears down the drainpipe. Finally, someone runs over China’s mistletoe supplier with the evidence pointing towards the family in a land dispute with the victim. China likes the alleged perpetrators, flower growers who provide her with Christmas wreaths. She drags Ruby with her and begins sleuthing, not yet aware that their initial findings make things worse for the flower growing family.

One of the most endearing and personable amateur sleuths is China Bayles, a person that readers feel they know and like. In every novel in the series, best-selling author Susan Wittig Albert makes China and her support cast feels like neighbors. MISTLETOE MAN is a complete package that deals with new marriages, estranged friendships, and the maturity that one person cannot save the world but can make it a bit better for everyone. The personnel side enhances a fantastic mystery filled with curves that leave the reader guessing until the end, a trademark of Ms. Albert.

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner