So when China receives a call reminding her that she has volunteered to decorate her home for the Pecan Springs’ annual Christmas Tour of Homes, she realizes that she hasn’t even thought about how she is going to decorate, find the time to clean, or plan which outstanding herbal goodies to serve. Unknowingly prophesizing the events to come, China’s assistant Laurel reminds her that no one gets through the holiday season without some kind of crisis.

When China’s store runs out of Christmas wreaths, she calls her suppliers, Donna and Terry Fletcher, to order more. She believes she can kill two birds with one stone by stopping at Carl Swenson’s, her mistletoe supplier, who lives up the road from the Fletchers, because he doesn’t have a phone and the shop is running low of kissing balls, too.

During China’s visit with the Fletchers, they describe the boundary dispute they are having with Carl Swenson, who had sold them their land, and their suspicions that Carl is responsible for setting a trap that has injured their dog and putting sugar in their truck’s gas tank.

When Carl’s dead body is discovered a few days later, the Fletchers are prime suspects, and China is drawn into the murder investigation. She and the local sheriff, along with McQuaid a former law man himself, work together on the case. Carl had not only been unlikable, but had also been very private and reclusive so they all have their work cut out for them. China’s newest crisis isn’t her only one, though, because Ruby is acting very much out of character, and China wants to help her out, too.

Unfortunately, like many amateur sleuth tales, the mystery in Mistletoe Manis on the light side, easily solved, and without much depth. The circle of suspects is small, their motives are obvious, and China always magically solves the mystery a step ahead of everyone else. In many amateur sleuth tales, the characters support the book rather than the plot, and although they are likable, other than the pleasingly original Aunt Velda, most of them are not outstanding.

As in previous books, Susan Wittig Albert shares her knowledge of herbs with her readers, and in Mistletoe Man, she illustrates the many facets of mistletoe. Most of us know this plant best as a Christmas decoration under which a couple may kiss. Yet, it has played many roles throughout history, in folklore, and in medicine. I find fiction a wonderful vehicle to deliver information, and liken it to a kind of “Cliff Notes” for modern day renaissance women or men.

Therefore, kudos to Ms. Albert for this service and for including references and resources at the end of her book!

After nine books in the China Bayles mystery series, China’s life is still entertaining to follow. The concluding scene in Mistletoe Man between China, Ruby, and their friends is amazingly sensitive, and a poignant reminder of the role that true friends play in our lives. The final and more comical reason I enjoyed reading this book is that I find myself wanting to call China’s shop and order a fresh, beautiful kissing ball or wreath to decorate my own home for Christmas.

--Monica Pope