Cyndi J. (cyndij) reviewed on 4/28/2018 + 1032 more book reviews

25th in the China Bayles series, but no need to have read the others. Albert gives lots (a bit too much, IMO) background info in each, going over China's history every book. This one has two parallel storylines and is told with China's first person POV and third person POV for her husband McQuaid. China and her business partner Ruby are going to hold a workshop at the Last Chance Olive Ranch, where Ruby hopes China will talk to the owner Maddie. Seems Maddie inherited the ranch from the previous owner Eliza, but Eliza's nephew has brought suit to have the will nullified and it looks like he's going to get his way. The second storyline follows McQuaid, as he is threatened by a prison escapee on a mission to kill those who brought him to justice. These are cozy mysteries, never much suspense involved, but this one seems a little flat even so. The solution to Maddie's inheritance problem is telegraphed way, way in advance. McQuaid's adventure was solved without issues (at the beginning of the climatic scene, Albert tells us it's all going to be okay!) and again, the hostage scenario telegraphed way in advance. A nice enough book, but I didn't feel very involved in either of the two storylines; I thought Albert would have done better to have fleshed out one or the other.

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