About this series
China Bayles is a series by Susan Wittig Albert. We list 28 books in this series so far, in reading order.
Start with Book 1: Thyme of Death.
Tagged on most books in this series: Gardening, Southern and Animals.
If you like China Bayles, try A Farm-to-Fork Mystery by Lynn Cahoon, Dewberry Farm Mysteries by Karen MacInerney and An Olive Grove Mystery by Kelly Lane.
What readers say
A long-running Texas series about China Bayles, a former big-city lawyer who runs an herb shop in Pecan Springs. Readers love the herbal lore and recipes, the small-town setting and supporting characters like her best friend Ruby, and many treat the series as an old comfort favorite. Common criticisms are a heroine some find cool or flat, slow pacing, thin mysteries and early books that feel dated, and some readers find the language and content stronger than a typical cozy.
Best for: Readers who love gardening and herbal lore and want a grown-up small-town mystery series.
Summary of public reader reviews, updated October 2026.
📖 Reading Order
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