Hangman's Root by Susan Wittig Albert (1995, Paperback, Large Print)

Once again China Bayles, former lawyer and current herb shop owner, becomes involved in a death. So many people are murdered in Pecan Springs I'd be moving out - or at least away from China! In this book in the extensive series an animal researcher has been found hanged. At first suicide is suspected, the events come to life that make it look like murder. The Dottie, the Cat Lady, is suspected as she and the researcher have had several run-ins over her cattery. The book starts off with the Annual Heart of Texas Booster Club Rattlesnake Sacking Championship. The rattlesnakes loose out as they wind up, after the rodeo, at the snake factory. Of course there are the defenders of the snakes who protest this mistreatment of snakes. We find out more about Laural, China's Thyme and Seasons' helper in the book and the Whiz, a lawyer friend of Chinas, shows up again to defend Dottie after she is arrested for the murder of the researcher who happens to be her neighbor. China and Ruby are on the case as well as taking care of Dotties' animals which include a diabetic cat, the cattery and 100 (and growing) guinea pigs. Find out who really done it!