When Lucie Montgomery visits Washington, DC, she doesn't expect that her reunion with old friend Rebecca Natale is a setup. But Rebecca disappears into thin air after running an errand for her boss, billionaire philanthropist and investment guru Sir Thomas Asher. Also missing: an antique silver wine cooler looted by British soldiers before they burned the White House during the War of 1812. The next morning Lucie identifies Rebecca's neatly folded clothes found in a rowboat floating in the Potomac River. Is it suicide, murder, or an elaborate scheme to disappear?
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"This was a compelling read, with the added attraction of taking place in Washington part of the time. I enjoyed seeing places I've seen through Lucie's eyes. One reason I like this series is because Lucie is not perfect, either physically, (she uses a cane following a car accident) or in other ways. Her romance is not a way in the park either. Good read."
— Vera (5 out of 5 stars)
“The book works well as an amateur-sleuth novel but also explores the value of friendship, independence and wine lore…The Viognier Vendetta proves to be a fine vintage.”
— The Miami Herald“Ellen Crosby is a writer with flair, and her compelling plot, likeable heroine, wealth of wine lore and sure sense of Virginia’s horse country combine in a crisp read that goes down smoothly with a pleasant finish.”
— Richmond Times-Dispatch“Full of Washington historical lore, this addictive whodunit also updates Lucie’s relationship with brooding Quinn Santori, her Montgomery Estate Vineyard winemaker lover.”
— Publishers Weekly“Marshall’s smooth, honeyed voice makes for pleasant listening…she keeps the story moving at an appropriate pace. Listeners will look forward to Lucie’s return.”
— AudioFile“The meticulously researched historical background—always a hallmark in Crosby’s novels—is nicely balanced by an intriguing mystery.”
— Booklist“Another pleasing combination of mystery, history and romance in a series that never disappoints.”
— Kirkus“A fascinating mystery with a great plot, vivid characters and the art of wine making. The historical information is like frosting on a cake, making this a thoroughly delicious read.”
— Romantic Times" Really enjoyed the Washington DC scenes. And, as always, enjoyed learning more about the production of wine. "
— Kathy, 2/10/2014" good like all the rest. fun little mystery series "
— Sonya, 1/24/2014" I really enjoy this series like you, Linda. Thanks for telling me about it. So...do you thin Quinn will be back! "
— Carolyn, 1/20/2014" I absolutely love this Virginia-based wine country series. "
— Ami, 1/19/2014" The 5th in the wine country mystery series--fun read! "
— E, 1/15/2014" Mystery Novel set in Washington! Quick fun read for the beach (or the metro). "
— Lindsay, 1/11/2014" I didn't realize the book was part of a mystery series when I selected it so it was a little annoying that not everything was wrapped up at the end, although the main mystery was solved satisfactorily. It was fun that the story took place in Virginia wine country since I live so close. "
— Sarah, 1/11/2014" I loved this book, but get them together already! "
— Rhonda, 12/29/2013" So addicted to these books. The setting and history are a little piece of home. The murder and romance is a plus! Although I am so mad at Quinn!! "
— Karla, 12/18/2013" Good, but predictable. Love the history. "
— Amy, 11/13/2013" Light mystery, started out with an interesting story but ended up dragging on and on toward the middle and end. "
— Donna, 10/30/2013Ellen 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.
Lance Roger Axt created the audio theater production company Play it by Ear Productions, and served as producing director from 2002 through its end in 2010. During those eight years, he produced many programs, including world-premiere radio one-acts for the award-winning anthology series We Have Ignition.
Lance is a proud member and, as of 2010, vice president, of the National Audio Theater Festivals, Inc., an organization dedicated to the education and promotion of contemporary audio theater. He is one of the co-creators of the Norman Corwin Award for Excellence in Audio Theater, the only award of its kind in America honoring life achievement in audio theater and radio drama, for which he serves on the nominating committee.