Review: A Pairing to Die For by Kate Lansing (Blog Tour)

 
 

Genre:
Cozy Mystery
 
Format:
E-ARC
 
Publisher:
Berkley
 
Release Date:
January 26, 2021
 

Synopsis from Goodreads:
 
A young winemaker is over a barrel when her new boyfriend is accused of murder in this delightful cozy mystery.

It's fall in Boulder, Colorado, and the leaves aren't the only things changing. Parker Valentine, owner of Vino Valentine, is finally settling in to her winery and her new relationship with Reid Wallace, a local chef. But their delicate pairing is endangered when Reid's estranged family comes into town to celebrate the opening of his new restaurant.

Reid and his family are immediately at loggerheads, given their often acidic temperaments, but Parker still wants to make a good first impression. However, her efforts might be in vain when Reid's sous chef is found dead in the alley behind the restaurant, and Reid is implicated in the murder. In order to save Reid, Parker will have to find the real killer, even if the truth is difficult to swallow.
 

My Review

 
Parker Valentine is turning her new winery business into a huge success, although it’s not always easy.  Her assistant, Felix, is a huge help.  Her mother is not all that happy with Parker’s new business, but she’s trying to come to terms with it.
 
Meanwhile, Parker’s relationship with Reid Wallace, a local restaurant owner and chef, is moving along smoothly.  When Reid’s family comes to town, Parker quickly learns to appreciates her own family.  To say Reid’s family is difficult to deal with would be putting it mildly.  Parker and the Wallace family get off to a very unpleasant start and it never gets any better.
 
Then, Reid’s sous chef is found dead and the police turn right in Reid’s direction.  They are convinced he is the killer and arrest him.  Devastated, Parker vows to prove his innocence. His family is absolutely no help.  She begins an investigation and doesn’t care where it leads as long as she gets Reid out of jail.  Parker has no idea what sort of secrets have been buried and she would soon uncover.
 
I loved the first book in this series and I loved this one even more. The author has done a very good job at developing the characters.  With each page readers learn more about Parker and Reid.  Their characters take shape and come to life.  So does their relationship.  
 
The storyline is fast-paced with many twists and turns along the way.  I wasn’t expecting the direction the author took to solving the mystery, but it all made sense in the end.  It made for an exciting finale.
 
I’m looking forward to another visit to Boulder, Colorado and more delightful mysteries for Parker to solve.
 
Warning:  You may start craving wine once you start this series.  I know I did.

 

For reading challenges:
Cruisin’ thru the Cozies Reading Challenge 2021
Cloak and Dagger Reading Challenge 2021
A Literary Escapes Reading Challenge 2021 (Colorado)
 
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.