Corked by Cabernet (A Wine Lovers Mystery)

by: Michele Scott

Published by: Berkley Prime Crime/ Penguin

Reviewed by Kathy Perschmann

Fifth in the Wine Lover’s Mystery series, Nikki Sands find herself managing the Malveaux Estates Vineyard and hotel, and moving in with her boyfriend, the gorgeous Derek Malveaux.

While unpacking her things, Derek’s brother Simon and his partner Marco, burst in and tell her about some unexpected guests at the Spa who will be arriving soon–their new guru Alan Sansi, founder of S.E.E (Source Enlightment Elite), his family and few choice members. Their trip overseas had been cancelled, and they needed a site for workshops and a relaxing vacation, and Simon volunteered the hotel.

Nikki must take on the role of event coordinator, as Derek is in New York City, in the midst of some tricky negotiations with an Italian winemaker. Nikki’s good friend and second in command, Alyssa, helps her get the guests settled: Alan, his wife, his two daughters, Sierra and Hayden and Hayden’s fiancée Rich, and his son, Eli. There are also several SEE members, among them Juan Gonzales, Ruben Pearlman and his wife, and Iwao Yanimoto and his companion Mizuki.

Despite the supposed serenity of the group, there are a LOT of hard feelings: Eli is jealous of his father’s success, Sierra is often drunk, and Iwao is trying to get Alan to shift to his publishing house, away from Rich’s company. Juan and Ruben have lost money due to a bad investment in a movie they financed along with Iwao. Iwao seemed to be the only one who made money on the deal. Shortly after everyone arrives, Iwao is found dead on a dinner train tour through the Napa Valley.

Detective Richardson is back, and this time he asks Nikki for help in ferreting out motives and secrets. Nikki knows Derek will be furious with her, but she manages to not quite tell him all that is going on, and even ropes in Marco and Simon. Next, Mizuki is found dead in her room at the hotel. What did she know? Who will be the next to die?

You will be entranced with the mystery and also Nikki’s delectable recipes and wine pairings–a true mysterious culinary delight.

Armchair Interviews agrees this is a most tasty read.

Author’s Web site: http://www.MicheleScott.com