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The Merlot Murders Audiobook
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(3.03) - 944 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
Lucie Montgomery's semi-estranged brother, Eli, calls her in France to tell her their father, Leland, has been killed in a hunting accident on the family's five hundred acre Virginia vineyard. But the vineyard is now shabby and run-down and her siblings want to sell it. Then Lucie's godfather tells her Leland's death was no accident. With her greedy brother, hell-raising sister, and a seemingly cut-rate vintner hired by Leland just before he died, all the suspects are disturbingly close to home. Unsure whom she can trust, Lucie must uncover the truth—and oversee a successful harvest—to save the vineyard she loves.
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"In the 1st book in the Wine Country mystery series, we meet siblings Lucie, Eli, and Mia Montgomery. They are descendants of a once-wealthy family who owns a 500-acre vineyard in Virginia along with their father and godfather. Lucie has been hiding in France for two years, recovering both emotionally and physically from a devastating car accident that crippled her left leg and left her using a cane to walk. She receives a call from Eli early one morning, only to discover that their father has died under mysterious circumstances. Lucie goes home for the funeral, and discovers that their beautiful estate has become run-down and is deep in debt. Now that her father has died, Lucie's brother and sister want to sell the vineyard and split the proceeds. However, the vineyard is still owned in part by Lucie and her godfather, Fitz, who sides with Lucie and refuses to sell. When Fitz is found dead from another "accident", Lucie quickly begins to question whether one of her siblings is desperate enough for money to kill their father and godfather. Lucie must work fast to put a stop to the killings and try to save the vineyard that she dearly loves and wants to keep within the family. Being unlike many cozies on the market today with its complex and intricate plot, I was intrigued with the style and the writing in this book. The plot was interesting, and offered plenty of twists and turns to keep me guessing as to the identity of the killer. I enjoyed the somewhat "tragic" character of Lucie, and how she continued to fight for everything she loves despite her disability. I look forward to reading more books in this fascinating new series."
— Laura (4 out of 5 stars)
Quotes
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“Crosby has constructed a neat whodunit, supported by enough wine-making lore to give it some extra body.”
— New York Times -
“Like a fine wine, full-bodied, complex and satisfying.”
— South Florida Sun-Sentinal -
“A fast-paced, intriguing debut that holds interest from cover to cover.”
— Kirkus Reviews (starred review) -
“This is a terrific kickoff to what promises to be a highly satisfying new series.”
— Publishers Weekly -
“An absorbing plot, rich with details on the wine industry, and an evocative sense of the lush Virginia countryside are the main sources of appeal here.”
— Booklist
The Merlot Murders Listener Reviews
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" This book was striking me as light and entertaining, although nothing special, until the author decided to invent some incredibly stereotypical Latino farm worker characters. It couldn't really rise again from that. "
— Jess, 2/19/2014 -
" This one was pretty good, and it was fun to read because I live in Loudoun County, VA, so I knew of the places of which the author was writing, and even recognized the ones where she had changed the name and part of the description. I enjoyed how the author intertwined wine making history and practice into the story, and even learned some things I didn't know that I will take with me to my next visit to a winery and tasting. "
— Susan, 2/14/2014 -
" fun read - in northern virginia, mystery and wine. terrific combination. "
— Millicent, 2/2/2014 -
" This book was marvelous. So many twists and turns. Introductions of characters were well done. There are some you will hate and some you will love. Luce has had a hard life and there are more struggles to come. I love a mystery within a mystery. This book delivers that and so much more. "
— Shirley, 2/2/2014 -
" Very engaging mystery. Couldn't put it down, and can't wait to dive into book 2! "
— Christi, 1/24/2014 -
" I read this mostly to see if I wanted to give it to my sister; she and her husband have started a vineyard fairly recently. Although the writing in less than sparkling, I think my sis will enjoy the references to how grapes are grown and cared for, and how the wine is tended and perfected. Also some history of grapes/wine industry in the U.S. The mystery part is just okay. "
— Janice, 1/18/2014 -
" What a fabulous cozy. My delight in this charming read might be a tad partial, the setting is my own backyard. Love the TJ references. "
— Deb, 1/15/2014 -
" Well-written, good plot, surprising characters. I would have rated this higher if I was a wine-person. But not being so, it was a little hard for me to get into the winery part of the story. "
— Nancy, 1/6/2014 -
" While I liked this book I'm only giving it 3 stars. It was just an average mystery. It did seem to drag on a little at times. "
— Sherri, 1/4/2014 -
" A fun & light mystery. A little formulaic in the way chapters were organized. But still a satisfying mystery for wine lovers. "
— Holly, 12/18/2013 -
" I really enjoyed this. A fun read about our beloved Virginia wine country. Perfect for reading on the plane...I can get through one per leg of those long trips I take...just got 2 more from the series to tuck into on my way to Oman! "
— Janeen, 10/2/2013 -
" First in a new murder mystery series that takes place in Virginia wine country. Enjoyable! "
— Cindy, 7/8/2013 -
" I remember enjoying this, but can't remember the book at all...... Tells you a little about how good it was.... "
— Jan, 5/13/2013 -
" I loved this first book and learned a lot about wineries and how to grow wine. Can't wait to read more in this series. "
— Toni, 4/26/2013 -
" I really enjoyed this series, wonder how come I never came across it before? It's a great read! "
— Jaci, 4/17/2013 -
" I really enjoyed this book. Read it for a book discussion but didn't get it read before the discussion but finished it afterwards and the group is going yo read the next book. "
— Linda, 4/16/2013 -
" This wasn't the best, but it definitely had a appeal. "
— Sue, 1/12/2013 -
" A new series for me. Loved it! Can't wait to read the next one. "
— Jeanne-Marie, 11/23/2012 -
" 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, 7/20/2012 -
" I'm so glad I gave this book a try. I enjoyed the variety of characters, the setting was perfect and the mystery kept me intrigued until the very end. Looking forward to reading Book 2! "
— Kimberly, 4/13/2012 -
" Greatcharacter development and learned a lot about the wine industry. Fun read!! Look forward to her other books. "
— Stacy, 2/2/2012 -
" I REALLY like this author's writing style. I love "feeling" the climate in the vineyard, and the strong sense of place in these books. I'll be picking up the next book in this series soon. "
— Katie, 8/31/2011 -
" New series for me, set in Virginia in a vineyard. Lots of background on wine making which I found interesting. Listened to the audiobook while exercising. "
— Margaret, 5/2/2011 -
" I found more interesting info about historical Virginia and the wine industry from a vineyards outlook but the mystery part was really just an add on. "
— Judy, 4/7/2011 -
" fun read - in northern virginia, mystery and wine. terrific combination. "
— Millicent, 1/15/2011 -
" I liked it because I couldn't guess who the murderer was. I was very surprised. Nice visual book and it runs along at a good easy pace. "
— Ellen, 12/16/2010 -
" I really enjoyed this series, wonder how come I never came across it before? It's a great read! "
— Jaci, 11/28/2010 -
" I "read" this as an audiobook so I'm not sure if that had something to do with my rating, but I thought it was just ok. a little too much random detail for me. "
— Andrea, 10/12/2010 -
" I really enjoyed this. A fun read about our beloved Virginia wine country. Perfect for reading on the plane...I can get through one per leg of those long trips I take...just got 2 more from the series to tuck into on my way to Oman! "
— Janeen, 9/23/2010 -
" I remember enjoying this, but can't remember the book at all...... Tells you a little about how good it was.... "
— Jan, 9/18/2010 -
" This was a well written, and entertaining, book. Lots of guess work and intrigue. Looking forward to reading the rest in the series. <br/>Thanks for the recommendation, Linda! "
— Carolyn, 9/14/2010 -
" I liked this book, overall. The beginning is a little strange in the relationships between the characters. The animosity between the characters is hard to figure out. However, as the story went on, it was much more interesting. I am glad that I stuck with it, and plan on going on in the series! "
— Lizz, 9/11/2010 -
" It was nice to read the first one of the series having read the one on the "new shelf" first. "
— Ruth, 9/11/2010
About Ellen Crosby
Ellen Crosby is the author of the Virginia Wine Country Mystery series and the Sophie Medina Mystery series, as well as the stand-alone novel Moscow Nights. She is a former freelance reporter for the Washington Post and was the Moscow correspondent for ABC Radio News and an economist at the US Senate.
About P. J. Davis-Oran
P. J. Davis-Oran is a an actress and singer who has performed in theaters across the country, playing such diverse roles as Blanche in A Streetcar Named Desire, Pauline in The Winter’s Tale, and Doatsea Mae in The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas. She has appeared on television as well and currently lives in New York City.