He is conveniently on hand when it becomes apparent that crimes are taking place at the convalescent home, and China offers to help prove the innocence of one of the nursing staff. While investigating Jerry Jeff's life, she discovers he has a long history of womanizing and shady business dealings. She and McQuaid start interviewing the long list of suspects, share notes, and begin to work together again as a team. Pecan Springs, Texas, holds a charming cast of characters, from McQuaid's roommate, Jug Pratt, a wizened joke-telling old man to MaeBelle Battersby, the strong, independent meter maid. The book provides a small slice of Americana and a colorful backdrop for a well-written mystery.
China is a likable and human character with foibles and assets.
Her relationship with her mother, a former alcoholic, gets better in spite of her anger, and China is big enough to admit it and grow. She forces herself to trust her best friend and together they embark on a business venture, even though trusting people is difficult for her and makes her very edgy. She hangs onto McQuaid with strength and tenacity even when he is pushing her away. She is a believable and very human character. There is a common thread in Chile Death of betrayal by those we trust showing how different people choose to deal with it, but without moralizing.