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Le Sang de la vigne #13
Red-Handed in Romanée-Conti
The Winemaker Detective heads to Burgundy for the grape harvest when a hail storm strikes, and a body turns up. What dark family secrets are at play?
200 pages, Paperback
First published April 12, 2006
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
October 15, 2016
Disclaimer: ARC via Netgalley
I have to say that this is the first Winemaker Detective book that I have disliked. Undoubtedly, it is because I read it during an American election cycle that, in part, has to do with characterization and portrayal of women. Perhaps if I had read it at a different time, I would feel differently.
The writing hasn’t suffered in terms of characterization. Benjamin, Virgile, and Elisabeth are as always. One of the best parts of the book is Benjamin and Elisabeth’s visit to a restaurant/tea room. The problem isn’t even the mystery per se, it is the sub-plot that is paired with the mystery.
The mystery concerns the death and possible rape of a young women. To the attentive reader, the big reveal is hardly surprising and, to a female reader, can come across as slightly troubling considering that the behavior of one of the supporting male characters. It also comes across as a variation of women shouldn’t play with the boys. This is something that almost seems out of character for the series. Paired with the subplot involving Benjamin’s father, one is left with a book with plenty of male characters who most defend themselves from women. Normally, this wouldn’t be that big of a deal, but considering how few female characters there are (two with detailed speaking roles, and two who effect the plot by absence) compared to the male characters (six with detailed speaking roles).
However, my reaction to this could simply be because of timing. I read the book while watching one presidential candidate admit to sexually assaulting and implying that his opponent doesn’t have a perky ass. My tolerance is low at now and even the charm of Benjamin doesn’t do much to help.
I have to say that this is the first Winemaker Detective book that I have disliked. Undoubtedly, it is because I read it during an American election cycle that, in part, has to do with characterization and portrayal of women. Perhaps if I had read it at a different time, I would feel differently.
The writing hasn’t suffered in terms of characterization. Benjamin, Virgile, and Elisabeth are as always. One of the best parts of the book is Benjamin and Elisabeth’s visit to a restaurant/tea room. The problem isn’t even the mystery per se, it is the sub-plot that is paired with the mystery.
The mystery concerns the death and possible rape of a young women. To the attentive reader, the big reveal is hardly surprising and, to a female reader, can come across as slightly troubling considering that the behavior of one of the supporting male characters. It also comes across as a variation of women shouldn’t play with the boys. This is something that almost seems out of character for the series. Paired with the subplot involving Benjamin’s father, one is left with a book with plenty of male characters who most defend themselves from women. Normally, this wouldn’t be that big of a deal, but considering how few female characters there are (two with detailed speaking roles, and two who effect the plot by absence) compared to the male characters (six with detailed speaking roles).
However, my reaction to this could simply be because of timing. I read the book while watching one presidential candidate admit to sexually assaulting and implying that his opponent doesn’t have a perky ass. My tolerance is low at now and even the charm of Benjamin doesn’t do much to help.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 2, 2017
Having seen various other aspects of French wine making and selling, we now get a look at the intensive work of harvesting. Vines are ripening early and Virgile and Benjamin Cooker head off to supervise the grape picking. Two tragedies occur: a woman who was a travelling grape picker is killed, and an unexpected hailstorm knocks fruit off the vines and bruises or smashes the crop. Can the remaining workers gather it before fungus strikes? And what happened to cause a murder in this pleasant, prosperous wine region?
I found the book in all aspects to be better than many in the series, quite a challenge by now, and eminently descriptive of the people, place and labour of harvest. We also meet Cooker's father, hoping for romance in his old age, and learn more about Virgile's family.
Enjoy with a plate of French cheeses and a glass of your favourite vintage.
I downloaded an ARC from Net Galley. This is an unbiased review.
I found the book in all aspects to be better than many in the series, quite a challenge by now, and eminently descriptive of the people, place and labour of harvest. We also meet Cooker's father, hoping for romance in his old age, and learn more about Virgile's family.
Enjoy with a plate of French cheeses and a glass of your favourite vintage.
I downloaded an ARC from Net Galley. This is an unbiased review.
October 28, 2016
While Benjamin and his wife Elizabeth are in London visiting Benjamin's elderly father, he is called to the Burgundy region of France. He and his assistant Virgile are needed at the Lemoine estate for the wine harvest. Not long after their arrival, the body of a female worker is found on a neighboring estate. Things get tricky when the police find some of her belongings in Benjamin's rental car. Luckily he has an alibi for the time of the murder. He and Virgile join forces with Police Inspector Cluzel to try and find the murderer and the motives behind it.
Once again the authors of this series have presented readers with another winning cozy mystery full of interesting characters, great scenery and good food and wine. I love the fact that this story was really two in one, with Benjamin's father in London and Benjamin's wine mystery in Burgundy. It was also nice that Elizabeth had a larger role to play in this story as well. I hope the writers never get tired of creating new mysteries for Benjamin and Virgile to solve, because I for one, never tire of reading them.
Thanks to Le French Books for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
More reviews at: www.susannesbooklist.blogspot.com
Once again the authors of this series have presented readers with another winning cozy mystery full of interesting characters, great scenery and good food and wine. I love the fact that this story was really two in one, with Benjamin's father in London and Benjamin's wine mystery in Burgundy. It was also nice that Elizabeth had a larger role to play in this story as well. I hope the writers never get tired of creating new mysteries for Benjamin and Virgile to solve, because I for one, never tire of reading them.
Thanks to Le French Books for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
More reviews at: www.susannesbooklist.blogspot.com
January 19, 2017
I am a big fan of Le French Book and all their translations. This book is part of the series: The Winemaker Detective series and stars all the usual suspects: Benjamin, his wife Elizabeth and Virgil, Benjamin's assistant.
It starts off London. Benjamin and Elizabeth are visiting B's aging father when Benjamin is called to Burgundy to help out after a huge hail storm destroyed many crops during the Vendange.
The plot is a good one and the treachery is balanced out, as always, by stories of wine, food and a celebratory meal. We get to learn a little more about Elizabeth as she stays in London with Dad and has some strong opinions about how he cares for himself. Opinions that I share so I found the inclusion of aging, loneliness and care a welcome sideline.
But the main focus is on winemaking and what a backstabbing competitive business it is. As Benjamin and Virgil go about their detecting, the reader is treated to a very real picture of what a vendange is like, the risks involved in growing grapes even without the excitement of murder and mayhem, and the pressure to get all the grapes harvested before, in this case, they rot from the tremendous storm.
This series is fun. Especially if you love wine and food. The site of Le French Book gives summaries of the lives of the authors Jean-Pierre Alaux andNoël Balen. Neither were authors before commencing on this series. One has a long and knowledgeable history with wine and vineyards, the other is a musician and fun guy and together they have produced a not quite Cozy mystery but close.
There is a wonderful 'made for TV' series (french) called Blood on the Vine which is the exact translation of the french books. These are terrific also.
Enjoy!!
It starts off London. Benjamin and Elizabeth are visiting B's aging father when Benjamin is called to Burgundy to help out after a huge hail storm destroyed many crops during the Vendange.
The plot is a good one and the treachery is balanced out, as always, by stories of wine, food and a celebratory meal. We get to learn a little more about Elizabeth as she stays in London with Dad and has some strong opinions about how he cares for himself. Opinions that I share so I found the inclusion of aging, loneliness and care a welcome sideline.
But the main focus is on winemaking and what a backstabbing competitive business it is. As Benjamin and Virgil go about their detecting, the reader is treated to a very real picture of what a vendange is like, the risks involved in growing grapes even without the excitement of murder and mayhem, and the pressure to get all the grapes harvested before, in this case, they rot from the tremendous storm.
This series is fun. Especially if you love wine and food. The site of Le French Book gives summaries of the lives of the authors Jean-Pierre Alaux andNoël Balen. Neither were authors before commencing on this series. One has a long and knowledgeable history with wine and vineyards, the other is a musician and fun guy and together they have produced a not quite Cozy mystery but close.
There is a wonderful 'made for TV' series (french) called Blood on the Vine which is the exact translation of the french books. These are terrific also.
Enjoy!!
September 9, 2017
Benjamin Cooker is known for his annual wine-tasting reviews in the Cooker's Guide. His palate is the gold standard for his readership. He's well-known, respected, and has a penchant for immersing himself in the culture at the wine estates he visits. It might not be so surprising then, that if a good story, or a great mystery or murder, Cooker follows his nose that way as well! "The Winemaker Detective" is a moniker he has richly earned over a very lengthy series! Not all the books are translated from French to English yet, so there is still more to come.
The discussions of the estates, the regions of wine-growing, the lengthy tasting notes on a wine, or the quick summary of the character of a good cigar all unfold while the mysteries add intrigue; together, these elements of the stories remain lively and quick-to-read with a light touch and satisfying finish for the reader.
In this story, a picker is found murdered, and scandalously unclothed. Someone sneaks the missing clothing into Monsieur Cooker's rental car. For a brief moment, Cooker himself is considered a suspect! A really good read with all the usual highlights described above.
The discussions of the estates, the regions of wine-growing, the lengthy tasting notes on a wine, or the quick summary of the character of a good cigar all unfold while the mysteries add intrigue; together, these elements of the stories remain lively and quick-to-read with a light touch and satisfying finish for the reader.
In this story, a picker is found murdered, and scandalously unclothed. Someone sneaks the missing clothing into Monsieur Cooker's rental car. For a brief moment, Cooker himself is considered a suspect! A really good read with all the usual highlights described above.
July 20, 2021
This is another great book in the Wine Detective series. Benjamin Cooker and his assistant Virgile Lanssien are in Burgundy helping bring in the harvest. They experience a hailstorm that threatens the crops and the death of a grape picker. The police think Benjamin is the guilty party so the two of them must do their part to find out who really killed the picker.
I have read all the books in the series up to this book. I love the unique and quirky personalities of the characters and the description of the French countryside. The story moves at a steady pace and is written in the third person point-of-view. If you are interested in wine, French countryside and/or detective mysteries, you will enjoy this series.
I have read all the books in the series up to this book. I love the unique and quirky personalities of the characters and the description of the French countryside. The story moves at a steady pace and is written in the third person point-of-view. If you are interested in wine, French countryside and/or detective mysteries, you will enjoy this series.
May 10, 2017
This is the 10th book I've read in the French mystery series starring Benjamin Cooker, whose ratings of wines can make or break a vintage. In connection with his publishing business, Cooker travels constantly throughout France's wine country, advising vintners how to get the most out of their holdings. As always, the books incorporate a societal issue. This time it is global warming and what the implications are for growing wine. Fascinating stuff.
Given the sublime teaming of wine and food, one of those home delivery meals in a box companies ought to consider building some specialty offerings based on the meal and wine pairings described in these books.
Given the sublime teaming of wine and food, one of those home delivery meals in a box companies ought to consider building some specialty offerings based on the meal and wine pairings described in these books.
August 21, 2017
When time and money prevent you from traveling to the wine growing regions of France, this series of mysteries still gives you the opportunity to experience the wines and scenery through the travels and descriptions of Benjamin Cooker and his assistant Virgile. In this outing, they are caught up in the investigation of the death of a young girl during harvesting season. As storms threaten the harvest, the death has also caused a somber mood among the workers. Benjamin's observations and curiosity play an important part in the solution of the murder while providing an entertaining read.
July 25, 2020
If you like wine or just want to learn more whilst enjoy a cosy mystery set in France, then these books are for you. They are easy to read, there is no overt violence, the descriptions of the scenery make the story come to life; and there is a great personal interaction between Benjamin and his protegee, Virgile. The stories are not overly long, and the pace is constant, all being riveting to the end.
October 10, 2016
I've been looking for the publication of the next book in this series so was very glad to see it show up on various sites. This book starts in London where Mr. Cooker has gone to visit his father along with his wife and they both get a shock. When Benjamin is called away due to the harvest, Elizabeth stays with his father. That turns out to be a good thing and the situation with his father develops throughout the book, and illustrates with some humor the issues facing older adults who have become lonely and are therefore vulnerable.
In France, Benjamin and Virgile are helping with the harvest at a venerable estate that has happy workers but some strain between father and son and a lead employee. Almost as they arrive a woman is found murdered and that casts a pall over the visit. It also throws Benjamin and Virgile into a mystery where no one welcomes their interference and where both end up in sticky situations with the police. This book has a bit more hostility in it towards the duo, yet they are not terribly concerned. Eventually they uncover some unsavory behavior by multiple people, one of whom is also manipulative and rather vicious.
I also continue to be astonished by how many specific wine regions exist in France, and the depth of their histories. While I know much of the individual family character information is fiction, the overall setting is rich in context. I received a copy for honest review through NetGalley.
In France, Benjamin and Virgile are helping with the harvest at a venerable estate that has happy workers but some strain between father and son and a lead employee. Almost as they arrive a woman is found murdered and that casts a pall over the visit. It also throws Benjamin and Virgile into a mystery where no one welcomes their interference and where both end up in sticky situations with the police. This book has a bit more hostility in it towards the duo, yet they are not terribly concerned. Eventually they uncover some unsavory behavior by multiple people, one of whom is also manipulative and rather vicious.
I also continue to be astonished by how many specific wine regions exist in France, and the depth of their histories. While I know much of the individual family character information is fiction, the overall setting is rich in context. I received a copy for honest review through NetGalley.
March 19, 2017
Review to come
October 12, 2016
This is a book that makes you want to be a part of Benjamin Cooker's family. His father is in England in love with a healthcare worker. His daughter is in New York and he has to be in France at the grape harvest. A murder is committed and he follows the police. If that interests you we won't mention the weather that was hailing, etc... It is a nice read and keeps you captured to your chair.
December 18, 2016
Title: Red-handed in Romanée-Conti - Winemaker Detective Book 12
Author: Jean-Pierre Alaux & Noël Balen
Translated by: Sally Pane
Published: 11-15-2016
Publisher: Le French Book
Pages: 140
Genre: Mysteries, Thrillers and Suspense
Sub Genre: Cozy Mystery; Amateure Sleuths; Culinary
ISBN: 13-978-1939474650
ASIN: B01LZJS0KE
Reviewer: DelAnne
Reviewed For: NetGalley
My Rating: 4.5 Stars
I receive a copy of Red-handed in Romanée-Conti from the Publisher an NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
Benjamin Cooker must leave his wife Elizabeth behind to help his father when he goes to a vineyard Burgandy with his assistant Virgile Lanssien to organize the harvest. An impending hailstorm threatens the valuable grapes, Cooker must referee between the old time vintner and his modern heir, add to the stress level the body of a woman who was picking grapes was found on a neighboring vineyard. When the police find links between the victim and Cooker he falls under suspicion. With an alibi to prove he was innocent cooker and Lanssien help the local police investigate, but with the area vintners and resident leery of the two it is not an easy task.
As always Jean-Pierre Alaux & Noël Balen bring the story to life with picturesque descriptions of the scenery and characters that are well developed and believable. The plot is well thought out and delivered at a steady to quick pace. This unique series appeals to those who love to read cozies, enjoy learning about different locales and wines and intriguing sleuths then you need to check out this mystery series.Red-handed in Romanée-Conti can be read as a stand alone book, but is best to read the entire series from the beginning to see how Benjamin Cooker and Virgile Lanssien have grown and their relationship has developed throughout the series. My rating for Red-handed in Romanée-Conti is 4.5 out of 5 stars. The Winemaker Detective series continues to be one of my favorites. Many thanks to Sally Pane for sharing her talents in translating it from the original French to English text.
Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LZJS0KE/...
Barnes and Noble link: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/red-h...
GoodReads link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
The Reading Room link: https://www.facebook.com/permalink.ph...
Author: Jean-Pierre Alaux & Noël Balen
Translated by: Sally Pane
Published: 11-15-2016
Publisher: Le French Book
Pages: 140
Genre: Mysteries, Thrillers and Suspense
Sub Genre: Cozy Mystery; Amateure Sleuths; Culinary
ISBN: 13-978-1939474650
ASIN: B01LZJS0KE
Reviewer: DelAnne
Reviewed For: NetGalley
My Rating: 4.5 Stars
I receive a copy of Red-handed in Romanée-Conti from the Publisher an NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
Benjamin Cooker must leave his wife Elizabeth behind to help his father when he goes to a vineyard Burgandy with his assistant Virgile Lanssien to organize the harvest. An impending hailstorm threatens the valuable grapes, Cooker must referee between the old time vintner and his modern heir, add to the stress level the body of a woman who was picking grapes was found on a neighboring vineyard. When the police find links between the victim and Cooker he falls under suspicion. With an alibi to prove he was innocent cooker and Lanssien help the local police investigate, but with the area vintners and resident leery of the two it is not an easy task.
As always Jean-Pierre Alaux & Noël Balen bring the story to life with picturesque descriptions of the scenery and characters that are well developed and believable. The plot is well thought out and delivered at a steady to quick pace. This unique series appeals to those who love to read cozies, enjoy learning about different locales and wines and intriguing sleuths then you need to check out this mystery series.Red-handed in Romanée-Conti can be read as a stand alone book, but is best to read the entire series from the beginning to see how Benjamin Cooker and Virgile Lanssien have grown and their relationship has developed throughout the series. My rating for Red-handed in Romanée-Conti is 4.5 out of 5 stars. The Winemaker Detective series continues to be one of my favorites. Many thanks to Sally Pane for sharing her talents in translating it from the original French to English text.
Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LZJS0KE/...
Barnes and Noble link: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/red-h...
GoodReads link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
The Reading Room link: https://www.facebook.com/permalink.ph...
November 16, 2016
Red-handed in Romanée-Conti was my introduction to Alaux and Balen’s Winemaker Detective series. I loved it! Unlike other foreign books I have read, the translation was clean and smart, making the story a pleasure to read as well, but introducing ideas and terms that were new to me. There is a lot of detail given about wine, winemaking, wine tasting, and vineyards; this brought a lightness to the mystery as did the side story about Benjamin Cooker’s father. Both the emphasis on the wines and the side story were consistent in how they connected to the main story, and felt like a good balance of background information, rather than the excessive rabbit trails found in some books.
The mystery was somewhat predictable; however, there were enough suspects to keep me unsure of the perpetrator until the very end. I liked how there were three people doing the detective work, sometimes together, sometimes independently, so there were times I was kept unaware of some new development that one of the characters had already discovered. The personalities in the story were all interesting and engaging; there were many likeable people who moved the story along. The pacing was good, the setting educational, and the content was clean – I could recommend this to teenagers and adults without hesitation. I’m looking forward to reading other books in this series.
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The mystery was somewhat predictable; however, there were enough suspects to keep me unsure of the perpetrator until the very end. I liked how there were three people doing the detective work, sometimes together, sometimes independently, so there were times I was kept unaware of some new development that one of the characters had already discovered. The personalities in the story were all interesting and engaging; there were many likeable people who moved the story along. The pacing was good, the setting educational, and the content was clean – I could recommend this to teenagers and adults without hesitation. I’m looking forward to reading other books in this series.
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 23, 2016
Princess Fuzzypants here:
As a cat, I do not drink wine. My family does and I have enjoyed this series because it helps me understand different French wines and wine regions. It doesn't make me want to drink wine but my Momma says it has that effect on her. *Sigh*
This time Benjamin is confronted with hostility both natural and human. He is in Burgundy to help with the harvest. As an outsider from a competing region, he is held in suspicion by many. When he becomes involved in the investigation of the murder of a young wine employee, he raises many a local hackle.
He must also contend with stresses coming from his father, back in London. Luckily, his wife, Elizabeth is able to assist and help bring his father through a trying and emotional time. His assistant in Burgundy is his associate, Virgile, with whose help he is able to sort through both damaged grapes and damaged people.
Some of these books spend much time on the ambience of the area and the wines of the region highlighted. This one is still a travelogue that entices the reader to want to visit but the murder does take an equally important role in the story as the storms that threaten to wipe out the crop. Because there is so much emphasis on location, a mystery purist may find the detail distracting. I find it charming. But I still have no desire to sample wines.
I give it five purrs and two paws up.
As a cat, I do not drink wine. My family does and I have enjoyed this series because it helps me understand different French wines and wine regions. It doesn't make me want to drink wine but my Momma says it has that effect on her. *Sigh*
This time Benjamin is confronted with hostility both natural and human. He is in Burgundy to help with the harvest. As an outsider from a competing region, he is held in suspicion by many. When he becomes involved in the investigation of the murder of a young wine employee, he raises many a local hackle.
He must also contend with stresses coming from his father, back in London. Luckily, his wife, Elizabeth is able to assist and help bring his father through a trying and emotional time. His assistant in Burgundy is his associate, Virgile, with whose help he is able to sort through both damaged grapes and damaged people.
Some of these books spend much time on the ambience of the area and the wines of the region highlighted. This one is still a travelogue that entices the reader to want to visit but the murder does take an equally important role in the story as the storms that threaten to wipe out the crop. Because there is so much emphasis on location, a mystery purist may find the detail distracting. I find it charming. But I still have no desire to sample wines.
I give it five purrs and two paws up.
July 8, 2017
Interesting twists and turns. I just love the calm thought process and the suave poking of Mr. Cooker. The parallel story with his father was interesting, but did however seem a bit like filler.
October 15, 2016
The twelfth book in Winemaker Detective Mystery series.
Benjamin Cooker, the wine making expert and his young assistant, Virgile , had gone to the Lemoine family vineyard in Burgundy to advise the owners, Marcel and his son, Raphael, on the best way to process the wine harvest. While they were in the midst of the harvest, a destructive hail storm erupted. After the brief storm, the pickers scrambled to salvage the grapes not yet picked.
The following day, the dead and naked body of a young female picker was discovered in the ruins of an old monastery nearby. Benjamin, an amateur detective, decides to investigate the murder on his own. Soon he teamed up with Inspector Cluzel of the criminal investigation of the police and together they solved the mystery.
I have read other books in this series. However I found that there were too many details about wines and wine production and less about the crime and how it was solved. Therefore it might have more appeal to those with a genuine interest in winemaking.
Benjamin Cooker, the wine making expert and his young assistant, Virgile , had gone to the Lemoine family vineyard in Burgundy to advise the owners, Marcel and his son, Raphael, on the best way to process the wine harvest. While they were in the midst of the harvest, a destructive hail storm erupted. After the brief storm, the pickers scrambled to salvage the grapes not yet picked.
The following day, the dead and naked body of a young female picker was discovered in the ruins of an old monastery nearby. Benjamin, an amateur detective, decides to investigate the murder on his own. Soon he teamed up with Inspector Cluzel of the criminal investigation of the police and together they solved the mystery.
I have read other books in this series. However I found that there were too many details about wines and wine production and less about the crime and how it was solved. Therefore it might have more appeal to those with a genuine interest in winemaking.
November 22, 2016
Another good story in the Winemaker series. I enjoyed reading it, everything from the details about wine and food (and even cigars), to the murder mystery. The introduction of Benjamin's father was a fresh addition as he proved to be a very interesting character and I loved the relationship between him and Elizabeth. The only thing that bothered me was how, at the beginning, Benjamin and Virgil discuss how there are more and more females in the winemaking business and how that is a good thing, but in the end, it turned out the only female character was the murderer. It sort of negated the good intentions at the beginning of the novel of painting winemaking as an equal opportunities business.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 14, 2016
I love this series. Not only are you in for a good mystery series, but you learn about wines from the different regions of France. In this book, you also learn a little about how the wine is produced, harvested and what happens when you run into difficulties due to weather.
Benjamin Cooker is headed to participate in the wine harvest in Romanee-Conti, when the body of a girl is discovered. After various plot turns, when even the Wine Detective becomes a suspect at one point, when the murdered girl's underwear is found in his rented car, the murder is finally solved. We are also introduced to Benjamin's elderly father, who wants to remarry, but, when his fiancée skips out, he discovers her unsavoury past. We can be sure to hear more about his father in later books.
Benjamin Cooker is headed to participate in the wine harvest in Romanee-Conti, when the body of a girl is discovered. After various plot turns, when even the Wine Detective becomes a suspect at one point, when the murdered girl's underwear is found in his rented car, the murder is finally solved. We are also introduced to Benjamin's elderly father, who wants to remarry, but, when his fiancée skips out, he discovers her unsavoury past. We can be sure to hear more about his father in later books.
December 2, 2016
I received this eBook via Netgalley for my review.
Another trip into wine country. Benjamin is accused, Virgil seems more vigilant, while Elizabeth handles her aging father-in-law with kid gloves. I love the beginning of the story where dementia and other ailments of aging besiege Benjamin's father and is incorporated into the story. A lovely addition. Another lesson in the caretaking of a vineyard, this time dealing with a momentous hail storm. Rape is hinted at, abuse discussed, but not with any explicit detail. Evidence points to Benjamin being the murderer, while an apparent apparition runs amock at the Abbey. Another fine adventure in wine, family, vineyards and love.
Another trip into wine country. Benjamin is accused, Virgil seems more vigilant, while Elizabeth handles her aging father-in-law with kid gloves. I love the beginning of the story where dementia and other ailments of aging besiege Benjamin's father and is incorporated into the story. A lovely addition. Another lesson in the caretaking of a vineyard, this time dealing with a momentous hail storm. Rape is hinted at, abuse discussed, but not with any explicit detail. Evidence points to Benjamin being the murderer, while an apparent apparition runs amock at the Abbey. Another fine adventure in wine, family, vineyards and love.
October 25, 2016
Originally written in French and translated into English, it certainly did not lose anything via the translation. These books are such fun, wine and a lovely mystery entwined together. This one had a little funny family stream running through it with Benjamin's father as a side story. I really enjoy these books, they take me to vineyards, full of sunshine, (although not so much sunshine in this one) holidays and intrigue.
This book was provided to me in return for an honest and unbiased review
This book was provided to me in return for an honest and unbiased review
November 8, 2016
Another great story with Benjamin Cooker. I do like this series. I liked that the story included his aging father. It is a reality of aging so it was interesting to see how it was handled by the busy couple. I am getting to like the assistant a bit more in this story. He was not quite the skirt chaser this time. I liked that Benjamin was having problems as a result of his nosy ways. Overall I just plain liked it!
I received this book from the publisher on Net Galley.
I received this book from the publisher on Net Galley.
November 10, 2016
Another great story as the Winemaker Detective and his faithful associate deal with a strange murder at an abandoned abbey near a vineyard devastated by a hailstorm. It has good information about both food and wine, a sub-plot involving Cooker's father, and a convoluted mystery. Each new episode is as good as the first, and the series entrances the reader. I'm looking forward to more.
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December 15, 2016full review can be found here:
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November 15, 2016Another winner in this marvelous series set in the wine-making world. Another vineyard, another murder to solve. Personally, if I was a vintner, I wouldn't hire Benjamin Cooker...
I found this book especially interesting reading about how weather affects a vintage and how the winemakers cope to save the harvest. Also, for the first time in the series, it delves into Cooker's relationship with his father, so a little more insight into his personal life.
As usual, the reader is transported to France, wishing they were seated with the characters in a 4-star restaurant savoring a luscious meal followed by a good cigar...with great bottles of wines, of course!
P.S. spoiler alert - they solve the murder, too!
I found this book especially interesting reading about how weather affects a vintage and how the winemakers cope to save the harvest. Also, for the first time in the series, it delves into Cooker's relationship with his father, so a little more insight into his personal life.
As usual, the reader is transported to France, wishing they were seated with the characters in a 4-star restaurant savoring a luscious meal followed by a good cigar...with great bottles of wines, of course!
P.S. spoiler alert - they solve the murder, too!
August 7, 2017
This is Cooker and Co. at their finest, matching those around them wit for wit, glass for glass.
As much as I enjoy following Benjamin and Virgile throughout this series, Elizabeth has grown to be my favorite character. Her interactions with “Beau-Papa”, as she calls Benjamin’s father, are some of the best scenes in this book. Readers really get to see the different facets to her in this work, and it is quite the treat.
This doesn’t mean that Cooker and Virgile’s adventures are taking it easy in the meantime, far from it! They’re embroiled in a case, a vineyard’s race against time, and simmering family intrigues. Readers must take a deep breath and try to keep up!
This particular book goes more into the wine process than the previous in the series, and really brings that side to life. From Virgile reminiscing about his grandmother and childhood memories – to Benjamin advising local winemakers using both old and new techniques – the authors’ love for this craft really shines through. It allows the reader to enjoy the story on a deeper level, something the authors find a new way to achieve every time.
Yet another stellar read!
I received a review copy of this work from the publisher through NetGalley
As much as I enjoy following Benjamin and Virgile throughout this series, Elizabeth has grown to be my favorite character. Her interactions with “Beau-Papa”, as she calls Benjamin’s father, are some of the best scenes in this book. Readers really get to see the different facets to her in this work, and it is quite the treat.
This doesn’t mean that Cooker and Virgile’s adventures are taking it easy in the meantime, far from it! They’re embroiled in a case, a vineyard’s race against time, and simmering family intrigues. Readers must take a deep breath and try to keep up!
This particular book goes more into the wine process than the previous in the series, and really brings that side to life. From Virgile reminiscing about his grandmother and childhood memories – to Benjamin advising local winemakers using both old and new techniques – the authors’ love for this craft really shines through. It allows the reader to enjoy the story on a deeper level, something the authors find a new way to achieve every time.
Yet another stellar read!
I received a review copy of this work from the publisher through NetGalley
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