Love Lies Bleeding

The Sixth China Bayles Mystery

by Susan Wittig Albert

Investigating the suicide of a former Texas Ranger, China discovers that the roots of avarice, ambition, and desire go deep—even into her own relationship with McQuaid. When good cops go bad, China learns a tough lesson in love. She also discovers the catastrophic effects of addictive herbs: cocaine, heroin, and marijuana.

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Pointing handDiscussion questions for Love Lies Bleeding
Warning! Contains spoilers (plot hints).

Love Lies Bleeding

Love Lies Bleeding


Love-lies-bleeding, prized for its rope-like, blood-red blossoms, has traditionally been used to stanch bleeding and treat internal hemorrhage. In the Middle Ages. it was worn by knights to symbolize purity and truth; by the Renaissance (when it was used to treat venereal disease) it had become a symbol of corruption.

South of the Border Hot Chocolate

Here is China's recipe for the South of the Border Hot Chocolate that she makes in Chapter 17 of Love Lies Bleeding. You may double or triple this recipe for convenience. And if you're into spicy stuff, experiment by adding a pinch of zippy cayenne.

  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1 tblsp flour
  • 1/4 cup cocoa
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp ground cloves
  • 1/8 tsp ground allspice
  • 1/4 tsp salt

Combine and store in a closed container until you're ready to use it. To make the hot chocolate, add 3/4 cup of the mix to 2 cups water and simmer for 4 minutes. Stir in 6 cups milk. Add 1 tsp vanilla and a dollop of whipped cream, and serve to six people (to three, if they're really thirsty).

Fifth book in the series: Rueful Death

Seventh book in the series: Chile Death

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