"Silenced by Syrah" is the third novel in Michele Scott's Wine Lover series. It's set in the Napa Valley on a vineyard. The sleuth, Nikki, is the owner's assistant and in this tale she is helping with the opening of a spa, restaurant and hotel at the vineyard. However, when Nikki finds the head chef murdered in his bath at the spa, she decides that she has to find the killer.

I've enjoyed this series from the start and this book was no exception. Ms. Scott has created an interesting set of characters and a fascinating world. And there is a touch of romance, which warms my heart. For those cooks out there, recipes and wine pairings are included to enhance the reading experience. I strongly suggest reading these books from the start of the series (Murder Uncorked (Prime Crime Mysteries) and Murder By the Glass: A Wine Lover's Mystery).

Read More......

"Cooking Up Murder" is Miranda Bliss' debut novel and the first in A Cooking Class Mystery series.

Annie still hasn't completely gotten over he ex-husband, who left her for the dry cleaner, and she's put love on the back burner. In an effort to get Annie out of the house and back into society, Eve enrolls the both of them in a cooking class. Annie doesn't want to go because she can't even boil water without catastrophic events occurring.

On the first night of class, Annie and Eve see a fellow student arguing with a man who later turns up dead. The girls decide they can solve the murder more efficiently than the police and begin their own investigation.

Ms. Bliss has created a humorous story with delightful characters. I found myself with a smile on my face as I watched Annie and Eve in their attempts to play detectives. I enjoyed the story and felt that the mystery was well-rounded and character development complete. I'm looking forward to future installments of this series.

Read More......