CHILE DEATH

TITLE: CHILE DEATH
AUTHOR: SUSAN WITTIG ALBERT
Pages: 300
Date: 05/02/2008
Grade: 4+
Details: nr. 7 China Bayles Mystery
Own

McQuaid is not going to die, but at the same time, it's unclear whether or not he'll ever walk again. And the uncertainty leaves him depressed and withdrawn.
He reluctantly agrees to be a judge in the annual Chile cook off in Pecan Springs, where he witnesses the death of another judge, Jerry Jef Cody, who dies as a result of eating peanuts, to which he is allergic. The problem is that peanuts are not part of a traditional Texan Chile.
While the police decides they're dealing with an accidental death, China and McQuaid decide to investigate. They soon find a few possible suspects, and McQuaid comes out of his depression, proposing marriage to China.
But will China be able to walk down the isle after her encounter with a bitter murderer?
As always a solid mystery and a good story.
This was the first book I read in the Booktactoe challenge.