Title: The Merlot Murders: A Wine Country Mystery
Author: Ellen Crosby
First published January 1, 2006
304 pages, ebook
ISBN: 9780743293891 (ISBN10: 0743293894)
Rating: 3.46
Overview
Ellen Crosby’s The Merlot Murders: A Wine Country Mystery is a tantalizing read that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Vineyard heiress, Lucie Montgomery, receives a call in the middle of the night that changes her life forever.
Her father has been killed in a hunting accident just as the fall harvest is about to begin. But as Lucie starts to investigate, she realizes that her father’s death was no accident, and whoever killed him was motivated by the potential sale of the vineyard.
With her greedy brother, rebellious sister, and a shifty vintner all under suspicion, it’s up to Lucie to uncover the truth and save the vineyard she loves. The Merlot Murders is a gripping mystery that will keep you guessing until the very end.
About the Author
Meet Ellen Crosby, an accomplished author known for her captivating mystery novels. Her latest work, BLOW UP, is the third book in the thrilling Sophie Medina series and is set to be released in May of 2023.
In addition to this, Crosby has authored twelve books in the Virginia Wine Country mysteries and a standalone mystery titled MOSCOW NIGHTS.
Before embarking on her writing career, Crosby worked as a freelance reporter for The Washington Post, a Moscow correspondent for ABC Radio News, and an economist for the US Senate. She has lived overseas for many years but now resides in the suburbs of northern Virginia with her husband.
To learn more about her work, visit her website.
Editoral Review
“The Merlot Murders: A Wine Country Mystery” by Ellen Crosby is a delightful read for lovers of both wine and mystery. Crosby is a seasoned author, having already penned several books in this genre.
This makes her an apt author to deliver a tale of mystery and detective work set amidst the vineyards of Virginia’s wine country.
The book is a cozy mystery, characterized by easy and comfortable reading, set in a peaceful and idyllic location.
The story follows Lucie Montgomery, a winemaker in Virginia, as she returns home after the untimely death of her father. However, when she uncovers a secret tunnel in the vineyard and a friend’s death in a nearby location, Lucie is plunged into the world of murder and mystery.
Crosby has done an excellent job of developing a cast of charming and realistic characters, which adds to the authentic feel of the story. The infusion of actual facts and figures about the wine industry, including tastings and vineyards, is also an excellent touch.
Her easygoing writing style is also commendable, allowing readers to immerse themselves in the book. The plot is engrossing, with the author’s vivid descriptions of the verdant landscape, vineyards under the setting sun, and the winemaking process, holding readers’ attention.
The writing is easy to follow, the plot unfolds at a comfortable pace, and the mystery unravels gradually. However, one shortcoming of the book is that the culprit’s identity seems a bit of a stretch, making it appear improbable that the killer would have committed the act.
Overall, “The Merlot Murders: A Wine Country Mystery” is an excellent read for fans of cozy mysteries, as well as wine lovers. The story intrigues, and the author succeeds in painting an authentic image of wine country in Virginia, transporting readers to this blissful location.
The book receives a rating of 4.5 stars out of 5.
