I found this slightly-battered paperback on the ongoing-book-sale shelves in the Hudson NH public library. I've read other books in this series, and I like the herb-design cover on this one.

Since this focuses on the theme of herbal dyes, it doesn't have as many culinary tips and recipes as other books (though there is a tasty beans-in-a-pot recipe tucked in), but the info on the history and background of natural coloring agents add a nice touch to the story. The plot itself centers on an unliked landowner in the small Texas town of Indigo whose plans to sell his mining rights might spell doom for the rest of the town. When he turns up dead - which happens in the opening sentence, yet! - the hunt is on for a killer, with some trouble ensuing because so many people had a motive...

Since the story mainly takes place in Indigo, away from China Bayles' home town, there's a new set of characters to deal with - and new potential victims and suspects as well.

I left this book on a bench near the beach at around 11; hope the finder enjoys it!

*** Released as part of the 2015 September Sapphire release challenge. ***