China Bayles is in a pickle. The daughter of her best friend, Ruby, has
turned up on her doorstep, pregnant and in need of a place to live. And
her otherwise sensible husband has announced that he's bored with
teaching and ready for a career change. Say hello to P.I. Mike McQuaid
and Associates. There aren't actually any associates - unless you count
Ruby and China, of course. But the title does have a nice, official ring
to it. His first client is Phoebe the Pickle Queen, owner of the biggest
little pickle business in Texas. According to Phoebe, her plant manager
is embezzling, and she wants McQuaid to follow the money. Meanwhile,
Pecan Springs is hosting the annual Picklefest - and this year, China
and Ruby are on the planning committee, along with Phoebe. But just days
before the festival starts, the Pickle Queen disappears. Some say she
sold her business and split; others think the answer may lie with her
missing boyfriend. It's up to McQuaid and China to search for the Pickle
Queen - and for clues in a case that promises to leave a very sour
taste.