Kate Lansing

When a dream comes true, it is sometimes difficult to fathom, even when it is happening right in front of your eyes. The grand opening of Vino Valentine, a winery and tasting bar, was hosted by owner Parker Valentine and assisted by employee Anita Moore. An evening of celebration that came to a crashing halt. What business can survive the social media hashtag of KillerChardonnay? First impressions are lasting impressions, aren't they?

I love the differences between cozy mysteries. Wine tasting, preferably a Merlot for me, and a visit to Boulder, Colorado, was enticing as both were new experiences in the setting and for an entrepreneur's business. What was difficult for me to move beyond was the difference from any other cozy mystery I've ever read in handling the crime scene. Setting that aside, I loved the name of Parker's cat, Zinfandel, Zin for short. I enjoyed Parker's relationship with her brother, Liam, and longtime friend Sage. It was a delight to read of the wine and food pairing conversations, particularly as romantic sparks were in the air. The ultimate surprise for me was I didn't know that throwing a frisbee had become a team sport pastime of Ultimate Frisbee.

It will be up to you which wine you prefer at Vino Valentine's. After you decide your favorite, don't forget Recipes and Wine Pairings are provided at the book's end.

Reviewer's Note: The book cannot be considered a clean, cozy mystery due to language.… (meer)

This is basically a chick lit/teen romance disguised as a cozy mystery (the characters are not teenagers but they act like one). And the mystery is so light weight I guessed who the murderer was way before the half way mark. A huge letdown because I don't like to guess (I like to be surprised!) but it was so glaringly apparent, I couldn't help it.

All could've been forgiven if the side stories were compelling and the characters warm, funny or endearing but nope. Characters were flat, boring & not all that interesting. The book was also overly maudlin in parts causing the whole story to just drag.

It was a chore to finish this. The story is padded with so much filler and stretched out in such a deliberately contrived matter...it was annoying to read! The exact antithesis of fun. Akin to watching a tediously long, boring movie when you know how it's going to turn out and the end cannot come fast enough.… (meer)