Cat's claw

 by Susan Wittag Albert. China Bayles, the herbalist and amateur sleuth, is back, coming to the aid of her friend Sheila Dawson, the first female police chief in Pecan Springs, Texas. Larry Kirk, the local techie, is found dead in his kitchen. It may be suicide, since he was in the midst of a difficult divorce, but China tells Sheila that he had asked her for help dealing with a stalker. When other evidence casts doubt on suicide, Sheila and her staff have lots of work to do. Sheila is also dealing with sexism in her department and a high-profile case involving George Timms, a local bigwig who was caught burglarizing Kirk's computer stores. Could the cases be related? When George disappears, Sheila's investigation uncovers some shocking secrets that could be a motive for murder. She must solve both cases while worrying about her husband, a private investigator who is on his way to the dangerous town of Juarez, Mexico, to find a kidnapped child. Readers will enjoy the small-town atmosphere, the herbal lore and recipes, and the well-crafted puzzle in this mystery featuring two strong women. --Booklist (Check Catalog)