So happy with this story--vintage China Bayles! I got worried a few books back but this was an excellent story/mystery--full of China and Ruby's antics and McQuaid investigations plus all the fun holly information. Great entry 18 books in and counting. Already have the next one and am excited to start it!
Nice reliable cozy by Albert. I thought China really ought to have expressed more skepticism about Sally, but it was supposed to be Christmas after all. I like all the characters and the herb shop is a nice setting. No surprises or plot twists here, it goes almost exactly where you think it will.
It doesn't matter where you start in this series, Albert gives you exhaustive backstory on the character's lives so you know who's who. If I were reading this series in order, especially without a long time between each book, that would get irritating in a hurry. But I'm skipping around and so it's okay to have the refresher each time.
All in all, a pleasant way to pass a couple hours; no major intellectual effort involved, and the bad guy gets what is deserved.
It doesn't matter where you start in this series, Albert gives you exhaustive backstory on the character's lives so you know who's who. If I were reading this series in order, especially without a long time between each book, that would get irritating in a hurry. But I'm skipping around and so it's okay to have the refresher each time.
All in all, a pleasant way to pass a couple hours; no major intellectual effort involved, and the bad guy gets what is deserved.
