Mystery writing involving herbs

I love reading mysteries, and found a fun series combining mystery and garden lore. Yes, Susan Wittig Albert’s cozy mysteries about China Bayles, owner of an herb store in Pecan Grove, Texas.
I bought two of the books, and learned that there are now 16 in this series, and that the author is on a book blog tour, where you can visit and leave a comment, and have a chance to win a copy of her newest book Nightshade.
The calendar for the blogs to visit is at http://www.abouthyme.com/ and the tour runs till April 11, 2008.
Do you enjoy growing herbs? I have lots of them, basil, chocolate mint, dill, culinary sage, chamomile, orange mint, lemon verbena, fever few, cilantro, peppermint, rosemary, apple mint, and more. Technically some of these are not herbs, but you know what I mean, I hope.
What are your favorite herbs to grow and use?