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, 10/30/2013" I had forgotten how intriging this author is with the twists + turns. I was ready NOT to like this story- i'm not a fan of the stories that take place out of the area/state of the storyline's norm, but this worked! "
— Laura, 10/23/2013" My only comment is that this is the most tortured effort of a title I think I've ever read. "
— Miki, 10/16/2013" so far, so good -this is a top notch series! I loved it - the main character is a favorite and I enjoyed the storyline. These should be read in order to follow character development. "
— Angie, 8/6/2013" I was disappointed that not all loose ends were tied up. For instance, why was part of the prize winning wine tainted? I thought the body was in the wine barrel. I did not like the ongoing conflict with the two romantic main characters. It seemed forced and vague. Audio on way to Yellowstone. "
— Katie, 6/20/2013" I love this series...I only wish Ellen could write them more often...it's a long time until the next one! "
— Linda, 4/23/2013" I like this series but I was a bit bored with this one. I don't know if it was me or what.... I will still read the next in the series, though. "
— Jen, 3/21/2013" It was an ok read. I really did love all of the historical facts. The story itself just seemed a little slow. "
— Sanjuaqin, 12/30/2012" Once again I enjoyed the characters and story line as Luce and Quinn dance around each other. The plot is well developed and it isn't obvious how it will come together in the end. And, an added bonus, I discovered a new white wine I like! I look forward to reading another in the series. "
— Rosalee, 11/23/2012" Great addition to her series. Read it one day when I had lots of time to read. Lucie's adventures kept my interest and I learned some interesting wine notes and history. The way Ellen left some strings untied I am guessing this is not the last in her series which is good. "
— Michelle, 11/11/2012" Thought this book one of the best of Ellen Crosby's Wine Country Series. Washington, DC locale added greatly to the plot. "
— Shirley, 10/8/2012" I love all the "Nikki Sands" winery owner snoop series. "
— Barbara, 10/4/2011" Loved it, as I have all of Ellen's books! "
— Cindy, 8/31/2011" I couldn't put it down!!!!!! A very good read!!!!! Love this series!!!! "
— Carol, 7/24/2011" This wine country mystery goes on the road and takes place in Washington DC. It had less about wine growing and more about DC. That was ok with me. "
— Ruth, 3/25/2011" I like this series but I was a bit bored with this one. I don't know if it was me or what.... I will still read the next in the series, though. "
— Jen, 1/12/2011" I really enjoy this series like you, Linda. Thanks for telling me about it. So...do you thin Quinn will be back! "
— Carolyn, 12/13/2010" 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, 12/9/2010" I love this series...I only wish Ellen could write them more often...it's a long time until the next one! "
— Linda, 12/1/2010" Very good story; highly recommend. Will read more of her wine series. "
— Judy, 11/18/2010" I loved this book, but get them together already! "
— Rhonda, 10/22/2010" I couldn't put it down!!!!!! A very good read!!!!! Love this series!!!! "
— Carol, 10/15/2010" A good story, but I wish Lucie had stayed back on the vineyard in Loudo County. Most of the tale takes place in DC, with an occasional trip back to remind readers of the vineyard. "
— Phil, 10/12/2010" Listening to it. Like it so far. Like the change of setting. <br/> "
— Ruth, 9/26/2010" I had forgotten how intriging this author is with the twists + turns. I was ready NOT to like this story- i'm not a fan of the stories that take place out of the area/state of the storyline's norm, but this worked! "
— Laura, 9/8/2010" One of her best yet. "
— Cindy, 9/5/2010Ellen 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.
Christine Marshall is an actress, director, and designer living in Portland, Maine. She teaches for the Maine State Ballet and produces plays with her theater company, Mad Horse. In addition to audiobooks, she records the online version of the New Yorker.