Nightshade

by: Susan Wittig Albert

Published by: Berkley Prime Crime

Reviewed by Leslie Frederick

The Nightshade family of plants includes benign, decorative and toxic members. In this latest offering in the China Bayles series, seemingly benign questions lead to uncovering a toxic combination of greed and secrecy that place China and her immediate family on a dangerous path.

Nightshade completes the story line that began in Albert’s book, Bleeding Hearts, and continued in Spanish Dagger about China Bayles’ relationship with her deceased father. Although the author reassures the reader that it isn’t crucial to the story’s enjoyment to have read the other two books, it does provide considerable background and makes the reader aware of the emotion China has allowed herself to feel over the loss of her father. Not wanting to revisit the topic, China keeps her half-brother at arm’s length for as long as possible, but is finally forced to deal with Miles Danforth’s suspicions about their father’s accident.

When Miles hires China’s husband, McQuaid, to assist him in his investigation, China takes part reluctantly in the search for her father’s missing car, only to discover that Miles may know more than he is telling about the entire situation. In addition, China finds herself interacting with her father’s old legal associates, whose current actions provide even more fuel to the investigative fire.

China is also charged with breaking the news to her partner and friend, Ruby, about a substantial inheritance from her recently deceased boyfriend. While it would seem good news, Ruby is overwhelmed with caring for her mother, who is ill with Alzheimer’s and still dealing with the loss of her man. China knows she needs to address the situation with care and concern, hallmarks of her character that set these books apart from run-of-the-mill mystery series.

The author provides several chapters told from McQuaid’s point of view. This additional voice was a bit odd for me in the beginning, but as the story progressed I looked forward more and more to McQuaid’s take on the unfolding events.

Add this one to your summer reading stack and you won’t regret it. Better yet, get the three books and invest some quality time getting acquainted with China Bayles.

Armchair Interviews agrees.