Synopsis from Goodreads:
Raise a glass to Cece Barton, a widowed single mom and recent L.A. transplant to California wine country, who suddenly finds herself at the center of a murder investigation in this sparkling new mystery series from Agatha Award–winning and national bestselling author Maddie Day.
As the manager of Vino y Vida Wine Bar in Colinas, Cecelia “Cece” Barton’s first Alexander Valley harvest is a whirlwind of activity. Her twin sister, Allie Halstead, who owns a nearby Victorian bed & breakfast, is accustomed to the hustle and bustle of peak tourist season. But Cece barely has a moment to enjoy her new home in between worrying about her estranged college-age daughter, juggling her responsibilities at the bar, and navigating the sticky politics of the local wine association. Just when it seems things can’t grow any more intense, Colinas is rocked by a murder within the wine community . . . and Cece is identified as a possible suspect!
With her reputation and her livelihood on the line—and the Sonoma County deputy sheriff breathing down her neck—Cece has no choice but to open up her own murder investigation. Tensions are already high in the valley, as a massive wildfire creeps toward Colinas, threatening homes, vineyards, and the vital tourist trade. And now, with a murderer on the loose, and Cece’s sleuthing exposing the valley’s bitterest old rivalries and secret new alliances, Colinas feels ready to pop! But with Allie’s help, Cece is determined to catch the killer and clear her name before everything she’s worked so hard for goes up in flames. .
My Review
Cece Barton manages a wine Bar in Colinas, California. She recently moved from L.A. Her twin sister lives close by. Cece is estranged from her daughter since the death of Cece’s husband. So, Cece has her hands full, but she had no idea just how full they would be when murder strikes the small town. Cece takes it upon herself to find the killer, especially since she argued with the victim just the day before.
Murder Uncorked is the first in a brand-new cozy mystery series, the Cece Barton Mysteries. I’ve been wanting to read this author for a long time, and I was delighted to see a new series. I could get in on the ground floor.
I love the wine bar setting, although I was craving for a glass of wine as I read through this book.
It took me some time to warm up to Cece and the rest of the supporting cast. It got off to a slow start for me, which sometimes happens when the author is introducing a new cast of characters. There were quite a number of them in this story. I had a bit of difficulty keeping them all straight, but then it all came together.
Some parts of the book were slow-moving for me, while other parts kept me at the edge of my seat. I wasn’t overly surprised at who the culprit turned out to be, but it made perfect sense. The ending was quite intense. I’m looking forward to continuing this series and seeing where it leads.
For reading challenges:
Craving for Cozies Reading Challenge 2023
FTC Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed a free Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
I've read one book by this author and am really wanting to read more by her. This series looks really fun.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like a good start to a good series.
ReplyDelete