Chile Death is the sequel to Love Lies Bleeding which ended in a very frustrating manner. Although the author resolved the mystery in her previous book, she left China and McQuaid's personal life unresolved with an unsatisfying cliffhanger. China had finally agreed to marry McQuaid when he was shot, seriously wounded, and paralyzed in the line of duty. An entire year is a long time to wait for those answers and a ploy better used on television where the summer hiatus lasts only three months.

Chile Death begins with McQuaid alive, but struggling to regain his strength. He is spending his rehabilitation in a convalescent home. Meanwhile, China finds her life upside down. She continues to work at her business, Thyme and Seasons, and strives to care for McQuaid's son, Brian. She manages to hold herself together while maintaining a positive attitude on all fronts. Just when things seem to be getting better, China's pushy mother arrives to boss everyone around and take Brian home with her for the summer. Finally, things go from bad to worse when a depressed McQuaid wants to end their relationship for China's own good.

Along comes McQuaid's salvation in the shape of Pecan Springs' own Honchos, a group of chili aficionados and friends, who invite him to judge at their annual chili cook-off and won't take no for an answer. When one of the judges, Jerry Jeff Cody, dies of anaphylactic shock because of a peanut allergy (murder by nut), McQuaid's interest is sparked. Once it becomes known that the whole town knew of his allergy, murder is suspected.

McQuaid begins to investigate and finds that he can use his police skills from his wheelchair. He regains a purpose in life and begins feeling better about himself. He is conveniently on hand when it becomes apparent that crimes are taking place at the convalescent home, and China offers to help prove the innocence of one of the nursing staff. While investigating Jerry Jeff's life, she discovers he has a long history of womanizing and shady business dealings. She and McQuaid start interviewing the long list of suspects, share notes, and begin to work together again as a team.

Pecan Springs, Texas, holds a charming cast of characters, from McQuaid's roommate, Jug Pratt, a wizened joke-telling old man to MaeBelle Battersby, the strong, independent meter maid. The book provides a small slice of Americana and a colorful backdrop for a well-written mystery.

China is a likable and human character with foibles and assets. Her relationship with her mother, a former alcoholic, gets better in spite of her anger, and China is big enough to admit it and grow. She forces herself to trust her best friend and together they embark on a business venture, even though trusting people is difficult for her and makes her very edgy. She hangs onto McQuaid with strength and tenacity even when he is pushing her away. She is a believable and very human character.

There is a common thread in Chile Death of betrayal by those we trust showing how different people choose to deal with it, but without moralizing. The great cast of characters and food found in this book create an unusual set of ingredients which serve a delightful meal; so fire up your taste buds and enjoy reading this very original mystery as it satisfies an appetite for murder.

--Monica Pope