Bleeding Hearts

A China Bayles Mystery

By: Susan Wittig Albert

Narrated by: Julia Gibson

National best-selling author Susan Wittig Albert's poetic beauty and West Texas flavor permeate her China Bayles mysteries.

The high-school principal asks China to secretly investigate the popular football coach who led the Panthers to six state championships. Soon after China confirms the coach's predilection for teenage girls, one of his victims turns up dead, and suspicion falls upon the lecherous coach.

Crack another case with China Bayles.©2006 Susan Wittig Albert (P)2006 Recorded Books

Critic reviews

"Albert's characterization is strong - China delights as ever." ( Publishers Weekly)

Great mixture of characters and plot

I have only read several of the China Bayles mysteries prior to this one, but enough to know who the characters are and remember I enjoy them. (I prefer reading series in order, just haven't with this one). But, even as a stand alone, this book was really good.

I think Susan Wittig Albert gets the mix/balance of characters--and their side stories and plot lines-- just right. This book was a little slow getting set up, but once it was into the story I really didn't want to stop listening.

Basically, the town's coach, who is loved and respected by everybody, has an ugly dark side. And this leads to his murder. China is brought into the story from several directions--but it all gets pulled together masterfully. Additionally, as a sub plot, she is invited to read letters that involve her (now deceased) father, given to her by a man she knew when younger, but is now shocked to learn of their true relationship. It would appear that this plot will be extended into the next book, as it opened a door to further development.

This was a great listen--I think, among cozy mysteries, that this series is one of the best. I believe the narrator is okay, but sometimes felt the southern accent was a bit heavy. But that's my taste. I still highly recommend this book!