Grapes of Death

by Joni Folger

When Elise Beckett’s long-distance beau, Stuart, offers her a dream job in organic horticulture research, she’s torn between the opportunity of a lifetime and her responsibilities at her family’s River Bend vineyard. But before Elise has time to make her decision, Uncle Edmond—the family’s money-loving and temper-toting black sheep—is found dead on vineyard land. What seems to be an accidental drowning proves to be murder, and every Beckett, even Elise, is a suspect.

Sheriff’s Deputy Jackson Landry must catch Edmond’s killer, and Elise is determined to help him—whether he wants her to or not. Delving deeper into the mystery, Jackson and Elise become tangled in a long vine of suspects and dark secrets. Now a race is on for them to stop the deadly plot before the murderer claims another victim.

Genres: Cozy Mystery, Cozy, Mystery

319 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 18, 2023

Reviews

[Lori · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️ — This book fell flat

This book started off so good! It gave me cozy winery romance vibes, and I thought we would get that with a mystery to solve. Unfortunately, the author’s characterization of the deputy as well as the real hard lean into southern idioms ruined it for me. I even thought the way the deputy solved the case was a little far-fetched…

I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a medium-paced, mysterious read!

Trigger warnings for murder and violence.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining

Mystery, murders, conspiracy bring the family vineyard into action as the police and the family search for answers. Add in the beginning of a love interest then you have the makings of a good book.

[sharry turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read. It went fast!!

I enjoyed the caricatures and story plot was well done. I hope the series is as good as the first!

[michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

New favorite cozy.

I enjoyed this book from beginning to end. I am about to read the next book. Thank you Joni Folger.

Stephanie L.

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

A library find.
December 2024.
Interesting.
Contained a few unnecessary cuss words.
A lazy day read.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The mystery wasn't difficult to figure out, but the plotting was classic and I enjoyed it. Going to continue with series.

[SylviaV · Rating 3 out of 5]

Grapes of Death by Joni Folger - (River Bend Vine yard Cozy Mysteries Book 1).

My thoughts:
Predictable plot twists for a cozy mystery, questionable decisions made by the main character. I like this book, but not enough to purchase the rest of the books in the series. A nice quick read.