In this exciting mystery from New York Times bestselling author Susan Wittig Albert, China Bayles fears for her husband’s life as an escaped convict targets him… Max Mantel, the killer McQuaid put away years ago, has busted out of the Huntsville prison and appears to be headed for Pecan Springs. McQuaid knows there’s only one way to stop the vengeful convict—set a trap with himself as bait. … convict—set a trap with himself as bait.
China wants to stay by her husband’s side and keep him from harm. But McQuaid insists that she get out of town and go to the Last Chance Olive Ranch, where she’s agreed to teach a workshop on herbs.
When China and her best friend arrive at the ranch, she learns the owner, Maddie Haskell, has her own troubles. She inherited the ranch and olive oil business from the late matriarch, Eliza Butler, but Eliza’s nephew is contesting the will.
While China throws herself into helping Maddie, McQuaid’s plan backfires when Mantel executes a countermove he never saw coming. Now McQuaid’s life is not the only one at stake—and this time may really be his last chance…
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couldn’t get into story, did not finish
Mildly entertaining read, but just doesn’t have “it.” After slogging through this book, I have absolutely no interest in reading any other book in the series or by the author. Some writers — John Sandford, David Baldacci, J.A. Jance, and John Grisham come to mind — grip your interest on the first page and take you on a can’t-put-it-down thrill ride to the end. Susan Wittig Albert doesn’t. It’s not bad writing, it’s just writing that seems mechanical, lifeless and superficial. The characters are one-dimensional and all but lifeless.
Have read every one of the China Baylee books.
Entertaining and had some twists
I’ve read most of this series. I really like the characters,setting and story line.
I have read all of this series of books and always want more to come. This one was as excellent as the others and maybe even better. Lot s of action as well as friends and family interactions. I hope she continues to write more and more in this series.
Been a long time fan of Ms. Albert, she continues to amuse, entertain, and educate me (like learning more about herbs).
I have read many of the mysteries in this series but this is the best yet.
Not the best of this series, but very enjoyable.
I love all of China Bayles stories!
In this latest adventure China Bayles is of to teach a weekend class on herbs at three Lat Chance Olive Ranch. This tame weekend becomes lively as disputes over inheritance of the ranch and old family secrets come to a head.
Meanwhile, back in Pecan Springs, her husband Mike McQuaid is planning to be bait in the attempt to recapture a death row escapee he caught while still a Houston policed officer. Without reliable cell service, each of them is unaware of the peril surrounding the other.
Along with the lively story line, Susan Albert incorporates information about olive oil and how to improve one’s chances of getting a quality product. As usual, she has created a gripping story line and leavened it with useful information along the way.
Two good stories intertwined
Too much fascination with guns.
Loved it!
really a poor example of the books she used to write… read 20% and quit!
I love her books.
Very exciting, very well-written, two “page-turner” story lines going at once! I highly recommend this exceptional book.
Love that Texas Hill Country. This is Albert at her best
This is he 25th book in the series and I still love them. I don’t live far the the setting and even though fictional she brings out the best of the area.
This book was a way to pass the time. Somewhat interesting but not riviting.