I selected A Plain Vanilla Murder from NetGalley because I had read some earlier books in the series. With its interesting tidbits on herbs and spices, it was a series that my mother had especially enjoyed, and she shared her paperbacks with me. The main character and her cop friend are enjoyable strong female characters.

This new addition to the series did not disappoint. It's been a few years since I've read the other ones, but nothing ever made me feel left out, although I'm sure many books have come between the last one I read and this new one. The POV switches between China and Cookie, the Sheriff. The dual perspectives give us many angles into the investigation, but without repetition.

The mystery itself was complicated and the clues were numerous and diverse. This allowed me to try to put the puzzle together along with the sleuths. As is not unusual, I was a bit ahead of the game, but I still enjoyed watching it unfold.

I did catch one point where the investigators seemed to be considering some information new that they had already obtained themselves from another source. It is possible that this relied on a slight nuance of detail, but it did seem like they had forgotten that they had already known something. However, this was not significant enough to seriously detract from the enjoyment of the read.

Overall I strongly recommend this book and the entire series to lovers of cozy mysteries. A definite four-star read. I hope to get my hands on more of Albert's work in the future.

I have never read any of this author's books before so I came into this knowing nothing about any of the prior 26 books. Unfortunately, I didn't like this book, didn't really like the characters or the plot. The characters were boring and in the case of the police chief so much focus was on her being pregnant and the kinds of things that a pregnant woman goes through, it just didn't seem to make much sense for this book and became boring rather quickly. I knew nothing about vanilla so the knowledge about where vanilla comes from and how it grows was interesting. Maybe if I had read some/all of the previous 26 books this one would have made more sense and been more interesting. I really wanted to like this book, and I was looking forward to reading some of her other books.

Not too many pages into reading this China Bayles series installment, I sent my husband a text: "please bring home some lactose free vanilla ice cream." I advise you follow my lead. One of the things I like the best about Ms. Witting Albert's books are that I learn about things, herbs and spices, that we generally take for granted. While I knew there were political and economical issues surrounding vanilla, I wasn't aware of just how deep they went. And this education is all enclosed in a really good story about death, revenge, and poor Smart Cookie's final days of pregnancy. I'm impressed that the series continues to remain strong and character driven.

I've fallen behind in the China Bayles series, so looked forward to the latest entry in the series. I've traveled through the vanilla country of Veracruz several times, and am currently growing my first two orchids, so naturally I was interested in the premise of this mystery: the death of a professor and international orchid smuggling. The novel is fast paced and told from different points of view--and therein is my only objection. Not the different points of view--I don't mind that technique at all. But China's first person point of view, written in the past tense, but other character's chapters (largely told from the very pregnant Sheila's point of view) are written in the present tense. And the switch back and forth between these was very annoying. Otherwise, this is another good book from Albert, with some surprising twists at the end that kept the suspense level high and surprised even me.

Despite the title of this novel, the murder mentioned in the title is anything but plain vanilla! Of course, the author would state that there is no such thing as plain vanilla anyway; I would agree. A professor of botany who has a great interest in vanilla has been murdered. The murder at first looks like a suicide, but it soon becomes clear that it is not. His ex-wife is the first suspect, of course. But then it turns out that the professor might have been involved in this several shady dealings, perhaps smuggling or taking full credit where it should have been shared.

While I read a lot of mysteries, this was a new author for me. The research is very detailed; I liked the extra details included in the author's note and the vanilla recipes at the end. These aren’t baking recipes; instead, they are recipes that can serve as foundations of other dishes, like homemade vanilla extract, vanilla powder, and even vanilla salt. The author has created a cast of characters whom I could tell had been together for a long time in the earlier books of the series. I like how the narrative focus shifted between the amateur sleuth and the detective. I appreciated that they weren’t at odds and actually worked together; they do have different approaches, so they come up with different information. I am used to reading stories where part of the conflict involves the relationship between the amateur and the real detective. It was refreshing to read a different take. The mystery itself had lots of twists and turns—like the many different notes as pure vanilla—creating a delightful rabbit hole to go down in order to figure out the who and the why. While this might have been my first book by this author, I'm sure it won't be the last.

China Bayles is like an old friend at this point. I may have missed a book or two but I have been a reader for decades. I love the herbs, the recipes and character growth. In this book Sheila is pregnant. A few books ago that wouldn’t have seemed possible. I especially loved the vanilla focus of this book. A few weeks ago I read the blood orange book and really liked the way that book centered around a specific plant too. I don’t think I will ever tire of this series. There is always more to learn! Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the arc.

Vanilla is in the air, China along with friend and business partner Ruby are offering a workshop on the spice and all it has to offer. Meanwhile a professor of botany at the local college is found dead of an apparent suicide. The University's head campus officer seems to think there is something weird about the mans death so she brings in local law enforcement to decide. When the medical examiner rules the death a homicide not a suicide the hunt for a murderer begins. The dead man happens to be the ex of one of China's good friends so she feels she must do what she can to help her. China soon learns that the man had more enemies than friends and reasons for wanting him dead span from stealing others research to dating someone half his age. With so many avenues to pursue finding a killer seems impossible. Chief of Police Sheila Dawson is also on the case several pounds heavier and very pregnant. She has been hoping for a case that will take her away from her desk and keep her in the game. Follow along as these two women follow their own avenues of investigation in the hunt for a killer. This is a great series that has truly stood the test of time. I enjoyed getting to know Sheila better and how the author made her a bigger part of the book. China has grown so much as a character throughout the years and I enjoy seeing where she is headed with each new read. I get excited over the wonderful facts that the author includes about whatever spice or herb that the book is about and the recipes are a lovely addition. I look forward to the next book and can't wait to see where the author takes China to next.

Good plot, great characters and very good writing, but there's just too much of it. This book contains more about pregnancy and plants than about murder.

A Plain Vanilla Murder is the twenty-seventh book in The China Bayles Mystery series.

I’ve read all the books in this series and am always happy when a new book appears on the shelves. I can always count of Ms. Albert providing me with a well-written, plotted, and told story. Then there are the interesting characters that we have seen develop along the way. I’ve grown to love China, Ruby Wilcox, Sheila Dawson and particularly the adorable adopted niece, Caitie and the staff that keeps China’s herb shop running. Another thing that I particularly enjoy is how each book is named after a spice, herb or plant and then it will become an integral part of the story and there are chapter headings that provide additional information and uses of that particular item.

This book centers around the death of Carl Fairlee, a botany professor at Central Texas State University, who was found dead in his greenhouse atop the botany building. It is first thought that it was suicide but when Security Chief Denise Maxwell has her doubts and calls Sheila Dawson, Pecan Springs Police Chief and asks for a second opinion. Once Dawson and her lead detective, Dylan Miller, they have their doubts and take over the investigation. They soon discover that it is in fact murder and find many possible suspects. Naturally his ex-wife, Maggie Walker immediately becomes a prime suspect due to a messy divorce. As more information becomes available they learn that Fairlee might have been dealing in illegally imported orchids. Also, the graduate student that works with Fairlee loses his girlfriend to Fairlee and they were going to patent a hybrid orchid, which Fairlee registered in just his name. Maggie is able to drop to the bottom of the suspect when her daughter is kidnapped from her bed one night. China hopes she can find the daughter before the killer has a chance to strike again.

I’m anxiously awaiting the next book in this exciting and informative series.

China Bayles and her best friend and business partner, Ruby Wilcox, are excited to be leading a workshop about vanilla. However, it does bring back some unhappy memories about the death of one of their former employees who died on a trip to the same Mexican vanilla-growing area that China had also visited. It’s been a couple of years since that ill-fated trip and now China’s friend Sheila Dawson, the chief of police, is called in to investigate the suspicious death of the professor who had lead the trip to Mexico. Sheila is a great investigator, and with China’s help, they are determined to learn the truth.

This book is partially narrated in the first person by China and is partially told in the third person from Sheila’s point of view. China’s chapters are told in a casual, friendly style, like she’s talking to an old friend. Since they are in the third person, Sheila’s chapters don’t have the same warmth, but still allow the reader to get to know Sheila better. I like seeing things through the eyes of the two different characters since it gives a complete view of the investigation. I have read almost all of the books in this long-running series and as expected, the author has done a lot of research on vanilla, which plays a large role in the main plot. I didn’t need all of the details that were included, but it was interesting to learn how much goes into producing vanilla and why it’s so expensive. There are a couple of recipes throughout the book and then even more at the end that show different ways to use vanilla beans.

There were plenty of suspects and possible motives in this book. I like that Sheila and China each gathered information individually and then compared notes to find out what really happened to the professor. Just as China and her friend Ruby’s skills complement each other in their various business ventures, Sheila and China’s different investigative styles work to help them solve the case. Although I’ve read most of the books in this series, I think new readers would enjoy the book just as much as those who follow the series. Fans of Ellery Adams or J.A. Jance will enjoy reading “Plain Vanilla Murder.”

I received this book from NetGalley through the courtesy of Persevero Press. The book was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Susan puts a spark of intrigue and adventure into every China Bayle's book. Love the info given at the beginning of each chapter relationship to the subject of the book. Enjoy!

The review appears in the June issue of Gumshoe Review. The link is included below. The review is exclusive to Gumshoe Review for the month of June but a link to the review can be used.

4.5 stars
I really enjoyed the book and I’m kinda sad that I found out about other 26 books previous to this one. It feels like I was really living under a rock lately.
After reading it in one sitting, I will never take for granted my vanilla flavours meals or orchids.
Apart from learning a lot about where and how we can get the real vanilla flavour, the book is a very fast paced read, with strong heroines and an interesting story. We all know how some people get addicted to something and are able to cross the laws to get that thing they worshipped so much.
I remember watching a Midsummer Murders episode about black market of orchids and this book is really worth of on episode/movie.
I’ll definitely check more books in the series because I found it addictive.

Arc provided by NetGalley and the publisher for a honest review
#APlainVanillaMurder #NetGalley

It's always nice to visit again with China, Ruby, Sheila, and the others in Pecan Springs but if you haven't read the series- don't worry, you'll be fine. You'll also learn something about herbs, flowers, and other things that grow in the earth, in this case vanilla. China has an uncanny ability to get involved in investigations and this time out she's helping Sheila, who is quite pregnant, with the murder of a botany professor. As readers of the genre know, there's always more to a victim than meets the eye. There are some cool quirky characters and a good spirit to this series. Thanks to net galley for the ARC. Perfect for Albert's fans and for those looking for a new series.

This book is equal parts history lesson (focusing on the history of the vanilla trade) and mystery. I've read other books in the series, so I'm familiar with the characters/setting of the story. There were a number of side stories that were going on at the same time, which did make the book, as a whole, longer than it actually was. However, while there seemed to be quite a few story lines happening at the same time, things came together nicely by the end. Reading books in this series is like catching up with old friends. Albert has a way of making you feel like you've known the characters, and Pecan Springs, your entire life.

This a very good mystery with lots of action and suspense, with the addition of scientific information about the vanilla orchid and some recipes with vanilla. Carl Fairlee, a botany professor at Central Texas State University, is found dead in his green house at the top of the university building. The university Head of Security, Maxwell, calls her former boss, Sheila, now the very pregnant Chief of Police in Pecan Springs. It appears to be a suicide, but Maxwell would like to have Sheila's opinion. Sheila and Detective Dillan Miller to to the University and decide that it is probably murder. Sheila is happy to be doing real detective work as a change from all her paperwork in the office.

Unfortunately for the police, Fairlee has angered several people who might have murdered him. The department Chair, Dr. Selms is furious that Carl built the greenhouse without asking and stole some of his research; Carl's graduate student, Logan, has just found out that Carl has submitted a plant patent for the new orchid Logan hybridized and has stolen his girlfriend Jennifer; Carl wanted to marry Jennifer, Professor Haley's daughter, which Haley doesn't want to happen; Carl's secretary used to date him, but he is now dating Jennifer; and a few years previously, Carl was hitting on one of his students on a field trip in Mexico, and she was killed because Carl didn't want to drive the safe trail (the mother has been threatening to sue); and Carl's ex wife, Maggie, has been very angry about how he handled the divorce and was seen to steal an orchid from his greenhouse.

China Bayles, an ex lawyer, now running an herb shop, is a good friend of both Maggie and Sheila. who runs a greenhouse with lots of exotic plants. Many of the plants were hers were kept by Carl and she stole the plant from him as payback. China is trying to help out Maggie, who is a suspect. However, when Maggie's 13 year old daughter Chelsea is kidnapped from her bed in the middle of the night, China figures out who did the kidnapping and finds where Chelsea is being kept, and in the process figures out who killed Carl Fairlee.

China Bayles is running her ''Not Just Plain Vanilla Workshop'' at her Thyme & Seasons Herb Shop. She is using her photos and insight gained from a trip to Veracruz, Mexico with botany professor Fairlee who is a prominent researcher specializing in vanilla orchids. When Fairlee is found shot dead in his university greenhouse, the campus police have doubts that it was a suicide and call in the Pecan Springs police. A very pregnant chief Sheila Dawson is eager to step away from the desk and lead the investigation. There are plenty of suspects for the murder: former lovers, his ex-wife, disgruntled graduate student Logan Gardner, jealous university colleagues, and a gang of orchid smugglers. But when Fairlee's 13-year-old daughter Chelsea is kidnapped from her bedroom, it's a race against time to find her kidnapper and the killer.

This was an enjoyable read and another strong entry in the long-running China Bayles mystery series.

I received an eARC via Netgalley and Persevero Press with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book and provided this review.

It took a while to get use to the writing style but when I got past it I enjoyed the story. I like the combination of both the police investigation as well as the non-official. The ending was a surprise. #AplainVanillaMurder #NetGalley

"A Plain Vanilla Murder" the 25th installment in the long running mystery series featuring amateur sleuth China Bayles." by Susan Wittig Albert. I enjoyed visiting Pecan Springs again .

I have been a fan of China Bayles Mysteries for over a decade. But must admit I haven't read any in a few years. I do love the way Susan Wittig Albert weaves a story with history and natural history so that you end up learning something as well as escaping for a few hours.

I was thrown off by the fact that the story didn't focus much on China’s family, Ruby, per previous books but tended to really focus on the very pregnant Police Chief Shelia and how she manages to jump into the thick of things, despite her late stages of pregnancy. With that said it still was a good story.

There are twists and turns and red herrings throughout the story and it moves at a steady pace. I had a hard time putting it down.

I requested and received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Persevero Press and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my OWN.

Another wonderful book by Suan Albert. In this story a murdered professor with a questionable past if found murdered in his green house. A very pregnant Police Chief has to solve the case, find bathrooms and deal with her assistant leaving to care for family.
China Bayles gets dragged into the case when a friend needs her help legally. She also provides much real information about orchids, vanilla and plant smuggling. One of the reasons I read Albert is I always learn something while enjoying a good read.