BLEEDING HEARTS

China Bayles, lawyer turned herbalist, once again dusts off her sleuthing skills in Albert's entertaining mystery series. When the charming and successful high school football coach in China's Texas town turns up with a bullet in his heart, China begins to ask questions. Narrator Julia Gibson does justice to Albert's rich characters, especially the capable yet emotionally vulnerable China. Gibson portrays China with a firm voice that is soft around the edges. Gibson also captures Albert's take on Texan characters--with their stereotypical penchants for beautiful socialites and successful football coaches. She sensitively portrays a confused teenager who is involved with the football coach and adds color to China's wacky circle of friends. N.M.C. © AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine [Published: JUN/ JUL 07]