Title: Thyme of Death

Author: Susan Wittig Albert

Year Published: 1992

Why did you buy this book?

In my search for cozy mysteries, I came across this author. The herb shop theme really had my attention because I’ve always had an interest in herbs.

Do you like the cover?

It’s a simple cover but nice.

Did you enjoy the book?

China Bayles was a high power top paid defense attorney in Houston until she decided to save her sanity and pull out of the rat race. She resigned, sold her yuppie condo, moved to Pecan Springs and bought the Thyme and Seasons Herb Company. She really enjoys her shop and has gotten use to the slower pace in a small town. She still pays her bar association dues just in case but she’s quite happy now.

When China’s friend Jo is found dead of apparent suicide, she doesn’t believe it. China is familiar with the police investigation and knows that questioning the police chief will antagonize him but she just can’t believe her friend killed herself. China with the help of Ruby her free spirited friend (who rents the space next door for her new age shop) looks into Jo’s death. They uncover more questions about their friend than they do answers.

I really enjoyed this story. Being an attorney (even though she doesn’t practice now) China knows how a crime scene is worked and what’s needed to prosecute the killer. She is also very logical when she looks at the evidence (or lack there of) unlike her friend Ruby who jumps to accusations with no foundation.

Was the author new to you and would you read something by this author again?

Yes, this author was one of the first that I picked up in my search for cozy romances. I’ve already picked up the next book in the ‘China Bayles Mystery’

Are you keeping this book or passing it on?

It’s a keeper. As you know by now I love rereading favorite books and of course this is part of a long series so that alone makes it a keeper for me too.