Mixing fine wine and murder produces "another hit" (Kirkus Reviews) in Ellen Crosby's second mystery as Virginia vineyard owner Lucie Montgomery discovers that uncovering a killer can bring a harvest of dilemma and danger.
Lucie Montgomery thinks she has troubles enough with a freak spring frost that is threatening to kill her tender young Chardonnay grapes, but when the body of Georgia Greenwood, a controversial political candidate, is found lying in her vineyard, the situation becomes complex indeed. Suspicion immediately falls on Georgia's husband, Ross Greenwood, who is not just Lucie's doctor but also a close friend. Determined to prove Ross's innocence, Lucie crosses swords with her attractive but cantankerous winemaker, Quinn Santori. Then a second vineyard-related death drives the tension even higher. Lucie still believes that in vino veritas -- in wine there is truth -- but she's starting to wonder if her own risk level is moving into the danger zone along with this year's Chardonnay.
Ellen Crosby is a former freelance reporter for The Washington Post and was the Moscow correspondent for ABC Radio News. She is the author of The Viognier Vendetta, The Riesling Retribution, The Bordeaux Betrayal, The Chardonnay Charade, and The Merlot Murders, as well as Moscow Nights, a stand-alone novel published in London. Crosby lives in Virginia with her family.
"Like a fine wine, Crosby's debut is complex and intricate.... Crosby has seamlessly woven in details about wine making and interesting historical tidbits.... This is a terrific kickoff to what promises to be a highly satisfying new series."
-- Publishers Weekly
"A neat whodunit, supported by enough wine-making lore to give it some extra body."
-- The New York Times Book Review
"A fast-paced, intriguing debut that holds interest from cover to cover."
-- Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
"An absorbing plot, rich with details on the wine industry and an evocative sense of the lush Virginian countryside."
-- Booklist
"Fast-paced...a treat for those who like unusual settings."
-- Library Journal
"Superb. Crosby delivers a fine mystery full of twists, realistic characters, and finely ladled suspense."
-- South Florida Sun-Sentinel
