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Liked It “Murder mystery set in the wine making country in the state of Virginia. Unusually complex plot with the heroine carrying some past weights on her shoulders.” see full review » see other reviews » |
Didn’t Like It “Light, very light.” see full review » see other reviews » |
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“ Murder mystery set in the wine making country in the state of Virginia. Unusually complex plot with the heroine carrying some past weights on her shoulders.”
Sarah J wrote this review Wednesday, November 18 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No“Light, very light. ”
Sharon S wrote this review Sunday, August 30 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“First book in the series which features Lucie Montgomery, a Virginia winery owner. Interesting plot, a few too many sayings about wine from famous people.”
Michelle M wrote this review Thursday, July 30 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Enjoyed this a lot. Great stuff about making wine and virginia. Hope there are more to come.”
Mary M wrote this review Friday, June 19 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“I wasn't expecting much from this story, but found it to be a fast read, and very enjoyable. It was funny and well-written, with colorful characters, interesting tidbits about winemaking, and a well-constructed plot.”
Sarah S wrote this review Friday, June 12 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“This will be my first murder mystery book I've ever read. Looking forward to reading it.”
Wendy A wrote this review Monday, May 4 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“SUMMARY: Lucie Montgomery is summoned home from France when her father is found dead at the family's Virginia vineyard. It is Lucie's first trip home after an automobile accident left her disabled 2 years before, and she is stunned to find the once-elegant winery and home in shabby, run-down condition. On the eve of her father's funeral, Lucie's godfather Fitz, a partner in the family business, is found murdered, and Lucie is at odds with her brother, who wishes to sell the entire property. COMMENTS: a nice debut to the series (as an aside, I agree with Lucie and company that Virginia wines are equal to any I've ever tasted; Barboursville Winery puts out a Monticello line that does Thomas Jefferson proud.)”
Bobbie N wrote this review Wednesday, April 8 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No“I read about this author on the Virginia Wine website. The book combines history, wine lore and an excellent mystery. A very fast read and a book for anyone from Virgina who loves Middleburg.”
Diane I wrote this review Saturday, March 14 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“THE MERLOT MURDERS by Ellen Crosby (Scribner, $24) first in the Wine Country Mystery series. Rating B+
maggie m wrote this review Tuesday, April 15 2008. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
Lucie Montgomery has been living in her family home in France after a devastating car accident, and is summoned back to Virginia by her father's death. She arrives to discover her brother Eli has made all the arrangements, including a quick burial and plans to sell the family vineyard and property. Eli has a high maintenance wife, who wants a mansion, and has Eli firmly under her thumb. Eli has convinced their youngest sister, Mia, to support his plans to sell the estate. Lucie has barely gotten off the plane before this is pointed out to her as a pretty much done deal, as the property is in dire financial straights.
But things change, and when a close family friend is found dead in the winery, the ownership of the property may change. It seems their father left Mia money, and the ownership of the winery, etc is left to the roll of the dice. Lucie is going to try to work with the new winemaker and bring the neglected property back to life, though she didn't think she'd have to fight for her own life. In Atoka Virginia, a place where people don't even litter, it seems Leland Montgomery was murdered as well as family friend Fitz, and Lucie could be the next victim. Her wits are what may keep her alive, with a little help from friends.
This is not the author's first book, or I would expect it to be on some best first lists.
I enjoyed the book, and especially liked some of the supporting cast and Lucie's take on life. She is a resilient person, who can take a lot. I had one quibble, and it may be due to my advancing age. Lucie had a boyfriend in France who forged her name to
papers and emptied her bank account. When she discovered it, she didn't take any action, and I thought that was a bit too passive and wimpy. In my younger days even, there is no chance I'd take that lying down, but that's a different generation, perhaps. That said, I'm looking for the next in the series.
”
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