A Plain Vanilla Murder


by Susan Wittig Albert


The information in this book around vanilla is astounding, which is one of the reasons the China Bayles mystery series has become such a favorite.  I had no idea vanilla beans come from orchids!  This author is entertaining as well as very informative!

The story begins with a professor and his students on an expedition in Mexico to learn about vanilla farming.  The lucrative business is rife with corruption and smuggling, especially at harvest time.  When this professor returns home and is found in what appears to be a staged suicide, the Pecan Springs Police Chief, Sheila Dawson, leads the investigation.  There are plenty of suspects, including his ex-wife, who is a close friend of China Bayles.

A Plain Vanilla Murder is sad on so many levels.  Like the rest of the books in this series, it is fast paced with plenty of surprises.  I did figure out the criminal in this one, though, which doesn't usually happen.  Another win for Susan Wittig Albert!

What have you been reading?

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