This interesting mystery takes us into the wine making industry of California – and some of its dark secrets…
Wine maker Angela and Matteo, her husband and colleague, have another argument about her success – she works at the best vineyard in the area, Matteo ‘only’ for a poor rival, which hurts his Italian ego. That same evening, while trying the wine in the shed as always, someone pushes her into the vat…
At the same time, our old friends Kelly and Mike, who have solved more than a dozen ‘Cedar Bay’ mysteries together, happen to be at the vineyard as tourists; and when Angela’s body is discovered, the local sheriff asks them for help. They start investigating, and soon realise that, even though Angela seemed to be so popular, there are more than enough suspects! Matteo, the prime suspect, whom Kelly thinks innocent, though; young and ambitious Caitlin, who wanted Angela’s job; Mrs Moretti, the jealous wife of the vineyard owner; Carlos Romero, Moretti’s rival and Matteo’s employer; his young niece Alessandra who’s obviously in love with Matteo… There’s no physical evidence, though, of the murderer – except for a sole print from a pair of sandals the sort that everybody on the vineyard wears, it seems…
A clever, intriguing little murder puzzle with a beautiful ambience and generous information on food and drink, including of course some tasty recipes at the end. Though perhaps the cat is let out of the bag a little early, we can follow the last steps that lead to the apprehension of the murderer. The lovable protagonists make the story worthwhile, and they make us want to read more of their adventures!
Roberta Franklin 