MOURNING GLORIA China Bayles series, Book 19

Julia Gibson nails the female characters in this mystery, imbuing them with subtle but distinctive tonal qualities. She especially reflects China’s changing moods as the Pecan Springs, Texas, herbalist carries out a homicide investigation involving psychoactive plants and takes on the role of mother to her 11-year-old niece. Gibson and Thérèse Plummer maintain an engaging pace, and Gibson gives China a slight Texas twang. The male characters, who play only a small part in this story, are not as distinctive and sound a bit strained. Still, listeners won’t go wrong with this pleasant cozy. S.C.A. © AudioFile 2011, Portland, Maine [Published: AUGUST 2011]