by Kathleen Costa
Details at the end of this post on how to enter to win an ebook copy of this book and a link to purchase it from Amazon.
Wining, Dining and Felonies, Oh, My!
Oak Valley Vineyard, beautifully situated in the iconic Sonoma wine country, has struggled with its bottom line, but under the recent management of Emmeline Oak, there has been some improvement. Emmy has used her talents and training in the culinary arts along with hosting a variety of public events and festivals to set the vineyard apart from others. This has made the winery a nice destination for events, conferences, and memorable celebrations, and Emmy’s culinary skills adds catering gigs. She’s not alone in her mission to make the winery a success. Her support system of friends turned family are extremely valuable: vineyard manager Hector Villarreal and wife Conchita, sommelier Jean Luc Gasteon, winery manager Eddie Bliss, and of course, BFF/local jewelry designer Ava Barnett. However, along with all the challenges of running a winery, Emmy has been plagued by being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Suspicious deaths...ok, murders, have had unexpected consequences; she has, however, proven herself a pretty good amateur detective, as the handsome Detective Christopher Grant can attest. Their relationship is complex, and although “something” is going on which can curl her toes, those pesky murders seem to get in the way. Wine, dine, and a cozy murder...entertaining fun!
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Image source Gemma Halliday Publishing |
Ava Barrett, “Silver Girl,” is extremely excited about her role in a charity fashion extravaganza showcasing two San Francisco designers with opposing styles and accented with a collection of her best pieces of jewelry including a special creation with a large, princess-cut emerald. The emerald is worth a hundred thousand dollars, and Ava has taken a big chance on a high, high-end design with a loan to cover the cost, but she is confident the necklace would be snapped up after the event. Oh, be careful what you wish for, I say! Emmy is reciprocating with moral support and snapping photos to commemorate the event, but there is some concern over the missing model Gia Monroe who is set to wear the emerald necklace. Several easily dismiss her absence as her relaxing with some champagne and caviar, however, to ease Ava’s adrenaline-infused emotions, Emmy goes to look for the model. She finds Gia, but overhears a contentious conversation and a threat between Gia and one of the designers. No worries. The event goes well, and Gia ends the show with a masterful strut in her designer togs and glittering green jewel. But, remember, “It ain’t over til it’s over!” When going around to collect all the jewelry, Emmy and Ava are shocked to find Gia dead in her private dressing room, strangled by the chain on Ava’s prized necklace, and...the emerald is missing!
Improving with age! Gemma Halliday continues to make her next book better than the last. I review books with a technical eye, and Gemma’s writing style is one that has made me a fan of all her works with Wine & Dine mysteries at the top of my list. She incorporates sensory-laden descriptive language to bring to life the marvelous Sonoma setting, vineyard, and a wide range of characters, but doesn’t go overboard and rely only on the first-person narrative of Emmy’s inner thoughts and observations. She uses delightful dialogue that illustrates well the emotions, tone, and personalities. Adding to this is a drama that is very personal for Emmy and her BFF Ava. The real possibility that Ava could lose her entire livelihood if the “not insured” emerald isn’t found is a great motivator to get involved. Yes, our lead women are cognizant that there is a murder attached which means treading lightly is key to their safety. But, the designers, models, and their agents all seem less than forthcoming and holding close to their chest their personal agendas and looking into the victim reveals much, but murder? Quite the page-turner with twists, misdirections, and a final reveal fraught with peril and justice. Love it!
Bonus! Cozy mysteries and recipes go together like wine and chocolate! With Emmy a a culinary genius who owns a winery, you’re in for a treat! With each recipe, referred to and linked in the story itself, you’ll get a full list of ingredients, easy-to-follow directions, Tips! for substitutions, and the best Wine Pairings to make the meal complete: Flourless Chocolate Cake with Mocha Whipped Cream, Roasted Tomato Frittata, Sea Bass with Lemon Herb Sauce, Crepes with Bacon Onion Jam, Mama Halliday’s Apple Pie, and Authentic Mole Sauce.
Alert! Coming in 2021 is the seventh Wine & Dine Mystery book, Witness at the Winery. “When Emmy hires extra security for her small, family run winery, the last thing she expects is a frantic call, a shot in the night, and a dead body on her doorstep. Now she needs to figure out just what the victim witnessed at the winery that cost him his life... before the killer comes after Emmy next!”
Wine & Dine Mystery
A Sip Before Dying (2019) KRL Review HERE
Chocolate-Covered Death (2019) KRL Review HERE
Victim in the Vineyard (2019) KRL Review HERE
Marriage, Merlot & Murder (2020) KRL Review HERE
Death in Wine Country (2020) KRL Review HERE
Fashion, Rosé & Foul Play (2020)
Witness at the Winery (2021)
Be a Big Gemma Halliday Fan!
New York Times & USA Today Bestselling Author Gemma Halliday pens other popular and entertaining series cozy fans will enjoy. My favorite series is this Wine & Dine Mysteries, but I greatly enjoy her other series that combine full-length books and some entertaining short stories. Check out her exciting cozy series: High Heels Mystery with #13 Suspect in High Heels due in October, Hollywood Headlines with #6 Hollywood Revenge out this year, Jamie Bond, Marty Hudson, and Tahoe Tessie Mysteries. Coming this year is her thriller Dead to Rights from her Anna Smith & Nick Dade series.
Facebook–Gemma Halliday
Author Website–Gemma Halliday
Twitter @gemmahallidayca
To enter to win an ebook copy of Fashion, Rosé & Foul Play, simply email KRL at krlcontests@gmail[dot]com by replacing the [dot] with a period, and with the subject line "fashion,” or comment on this article. A winner will be chosen September 12, 2020. U.S. residents only and you must be 18 or older to enter. You can read our privacy statement here if you like.
Check out other mystery articles, reviews, book giveaways & mystery short stories in our mystery section in Kings River Life and in our mystery category here on KRL News & Reviews. And join our mystery Facebook group to keep up with everything mystery we post, and have a chance at some extra giveaways. And check out our new mystery podcast which features mystery short stories and first chapters read by local actors! A new episode goes up next week.
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Kathleen Costa is a long-time resident of the Central Valley, and although born in Idaho, she considers herself a “California Girl.” Graduating from CSU-Sacramento, she is a 35+ year veteran teacher having taught in grades 1-8 in schools from Sacramento to Los Angeles to Stockton to Lodi. Currently Kathleen is enjoying her retirement revitalizing hobbies along with exploring writing, reading for pleasure, and spending 24/7 with her husband.
Disclosure: This post contains links to an affiliate program, for which we receive a few cents if you make purchases. KRL also receives free copies of most of the books that it reviews, that are provided in exchange for an honest review of the book.
Sounds interesting! Count me in!
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ReplyDeleteThank-you for the review!
ReplyDeleteOn my TBR list. Would really like to read.
ReplyDeletediannekc8(at)gmail(dot)com
I’d love to read this! Legallyblonde1961@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteThis book looks very interesting. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDelete