I really enjoy the China Bayles mystery series set in the Texas Hill Country. I always recommend that you read them in sequence so the you understand the characters so much better. They've become friends that I am interested in and enjoy hearing more about. This particular book is an exception to the rest in that herbs and plants do not play such a part in the plot. Instead, Mexican art and art history take center stage, an interesting deviation from the typical content. I like it when China gets involved with people outside her day-to-day circle. #22 in the China Bayles series. Herbalist, and ex-lawyer China, gets involved in figuring out who beat her friend to death in a mall parking lot - and left the victim's purse on the car seat. As usual, the novel is flavored with plant lore; the title, Death Comes Quickly, is a common name for the Cranebill Geranium. There is also quite a bit of China expounding on various legal issues which I found interesting but slowed the action. Above average series entry.China Bayles series - China's friend Karen is beaten to death in a mall parking lot but not robbed. She had been advising two graduate students working on a film about the 15-year-old murder case of an art collector. Former lawyer turned herbalist China carefully researches the old case, even as one of the graduate students is attacked. Pecan Springs, Texas, police chief Sheila is waylaid with health problems, while China learns more about the cold-case victim's Mexican art obsession and who might want her case to stay unsolved.
What do You think about Death Come Quickly (2014)?
Another great China Bayles mystery with accompanying herbal info.
—Pamela
Usually like her quick read mysteries, but this one was blah.
—Bryona
Another China Bayles mystery that doesn't disappoint.
—sss
A good series...I'm always happy to see a new one.
—Ezilabeth
