Dying For Wine (Seeing Red)

Tucson Valley Retirement Community Cozy Mystery #2

by Marcy Blesy

There’s a rockin’ concert of 1960s impersonators coming to Tucson Valley to perform in the snowbird send-off concert at the Tucson Valley Retirement Community Performing Arts Center. And as the one in charge, Rosi Larue is thriving in the chaos. Diva attitudes, outrageous requests, and late flights don’t sideline what is meant to be the greatest concert this community has ever seen. That is, until a dead body shows up below the stage next to the front row of seats. Now, she’s sleuthing again with Officer Dan Daniel. Only this time, the murder is personal, and she needs to restore the reputation of Tucson Valley as being a safe place by solving this mystery quickly. What she discovers is a much deeper web of connections than she could have imagined. Throw in a condo search, a budding relationship with Keaton, and a growing Golden Retriever to Rosi’s crazy adventures, and you have a recipe for hours of laughter.

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery

243 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 5, 2023

About the author

Marcy Blesy is the author of over thirty books across genres, best known for her Tucson Valley Retirement Community Cozy Mystery Series and the Monthly Murder Movie Club Cozy Mystery Series —humorous, heartwarming whodunits filled with senior sleuths, quirky characters, and animal sidekicks. Her cozy mysteries spotlight midlife reinvention, found family, and laugh-out-loud amateur sleuthing, perfect for fans of The Thursday Murder Club, Finlay Donovan, and The Golden Girls.

Marcy also writes the Ghost Texter Paranormal Cozy Mystery Series, starring a kindergarten teacher-turned-reluctant sleuth, and the Secrets romantic mystery duo (The Secret of Blue Lake and The Secret of Silver Beach), transporting readers to the scenic and suspenseful shores of Michigan.

For younger readers, Marcy’s best-selling Be the Vet series offers interactive veterinary mysteries for kids ages 9–13. Her early chapter book series—Evie and the Volunteers, Niles and Bradford, Third Grade Outsider, and Hazel, the Clinic Cat—delight animal lovers and growing readers alike.

When she’s not writing, you’ll find Marcy treasure-hunting along Lake Michigan in search of rare red beach glass. She believes every story should offer heart, humor, and a hint of hope—whether it’s solving a mystery or chasing a dream.

Reviews

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is so refreshing to find a cozy series that 1) has an older (but not senior) sleuth, that 2) doesn’t inherit a business, 3) who goes to work, and 4) isn’t overly cutesy and covers a few more mature themes. Rosie is smart, savvy, and doesn’t sneak around to investigate; instead she is invited along. The mystery was interesting and was the central focus of the book, although there is also some character development and growth. I enjoyed visiting with Rosie, her family, and friends, and look forward to their next investigation.

I received a copy from the author for an honest review.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a fun cozy series! Rosi Laruee went to visit her parents in Tucson, Arizona in book one, but has decided to stay. She has a job working at the Tucson Valley retirement community and is organizing a concert with 1960s impersonators. All is going well until a suspicious death threatens the reputation of the community. Rosi is a clever amateur sleuth and helps solve the case while balancing a visit from her brother and his family along with a newfound romance. Rosi continues to show character growth and is a relatable main character. I look forward to reading more in this series.

[Mr Francy Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

NOT AS HUMUROS AS BOOK 1, BUT STILL A SOLID MYSTERY AND STILL LOVE THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ROSI AND KEATON.

SERIES PREMISE: In this series we follow Rosi, a Performing Arts Director in the Tucson Valley Retirement Community in Arizona. Coziness Including: Keaton (the love interest who is not a cop or a detective) and her puppy Barly.
In this book: Now as a Performing Arts Directot, Rosi is preparing for one finally show before the retirement community flies south for the upcoming season. Immediately there are issues as 2 men, both pegged to play the same role are constantly bickering. After the one-night-only show is deemed a success, Rosi finds one of the men backstage, murdered. On her watch! Officer Daniel requests Rosi's help to solve the murder.

THOUGHTS: I really enjoyed the humor in book one. Sadly that humor took a back seat in the 2nd book so I docked a star. In saying that, I found the mystery to be intriguing as I love anything set in a theater. The relationship brewing between Rosi and Keaton is so adorable and it was also nice meeting Rosi's brother, his wife and their kids in this book.
Still very much enjoying this series.

4 Stars!
xoxo.

[Tricia Sydney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rosi is back in Dying for Wine (Seeing Red)! Now that Rosi has decided to stay in Arizona, she’s taken a job at the Tucson Valley Retirement Community Performing Arts Center. Before the snowbirds leave for the summer, they are putting on a show with 60s impersonators as a big send off. Everything is great until a body is discovered after the show. It’s up to Officer Dan and Rosi to help find the murderer.

One of my favorite things about the 2nd book was getting a deeper dive into Rosi’s relationship with Keats and her family. I am totally invested in being a part of their community.

The audiobook was given to me complimentary from the author, but the review is my non-biased opinion.

[Katherine Thornton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fun murder mystery in Tucson! Great series!

[Julie Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. This is such a fun series that I am loving it. I really like the quirky cast of characters and in this book with divas and all, there is quite a few. The story is written well and is not only full of drama but destined to be entertaining and develop the main characters. I really like Rosi as a main character and amateur sleuth, she isn't nosy with it or constantly putting herself in danger. In fact she gets involved because most people rely on her and she is the type of person you would like to know. The character who plays the love interest (Keaton) is just a sweetie. Rosi has a nice group of friends and family, that it is a pleasure to listen to and how they interact with each other. The mystery was interesting and took a number of turns and best of all kept me guessing as I tried to work out who the killer was. I can't wait for the next book.
Rosi is loving her decision to stay in Tucson valley and is looking for a condo, while planning a big concert in the retirement community center with lots of tribute acts from the 60's. She thought finding the right place to live was hard but the demands and fighting of the performers is no laughing matter. Especially as at the end of the show one of the singer's is found dead. Can Rosi help find the motive behind the killing? Or will her show be a one hit wonder?
I like the narrator. She was good at creating different sounding voices that just brought the characters to life.
I was given this free review copy audio book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Tuscon Valley Retirement Community series and I enjoyed it as much as the first one.

Rosi has made the decision to move to Tucson Valley and leave behind the cold winters of Illinois. She is settling into her new role At the Tuscon Valley Retirement Community Performing Arts Center. A farewell event featuring impersonators of some of the biggest stars of the 60s is being held for the community's snowbird residents. Rosi handles the diva attitudes and outrageous requests without letting the performers' disparate personalities get in the way of making this the greatest concert the community has ever seen. The concert is a success and Rosi is pleased with how everything turned out, up until one of the performers is found dead at the foot of the stage. Once again Rosi puts her sleuthing skills to work to to assist Detective Daniels in tracking down a murderer. She is aware that in order to preserve the community's and the Performing Arts Center's reputation, they need to discover this culprit as soon as possible. The plot takes a lot of turns and involves a number of suspects before the killer is identified because she unearths more secrets than she could have predicted while conducting her investigation.

I'm having a great time with this series since the characters are interesting and entertaining, with a wide range of personalities. In addition to the search for a killer, the side stories are just as interesting. Rosi is still getting to know Keaton and is excited to see where their new relationship goes. She is also looking for a new place to live so she can move out of her parents' house. As a dog lover, I love Barley, her Golden Retriever.

I laughed out loud at some of the quirky characters in this series, which is lighthearted and entertaining along with a mystery that has a twist and an unexpected conclusion.

[Deborah Almada · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fun series. This is book two of the series. I was fortunate enough to get a copy of book one from the author and enjoyed it so much I had to run out and buy the second. I will be working to fit the rest of this series in between my obligations. If you enjoy humor, a spunky main character, and a cute pup with your mystery, I recommend this series. Rosi has decided to stay in Arizona and has accepted a job at the Tuscan Valley Retirement Community Center. Since her parents are snowbirds and rent, she is looking for a condo as well as getting settled in her new job. Rosi is in charge of a concert of 60's impersonators coming to the center as part of a fund raiser. Although many of the performers are divas, Rosi has everything under control, and the concert is a huge success until one of the performers is found dead by the stage while the others are signing autographs. Can Rosi help our young officer Dan Daniel figure out what happened and make the seniors feel safe using the center again? Come along for an amusing journey as Rosi juggles her new life, family drama, and an interesting mystery. A fun, fast, and highly amusing tale, join the fun!

[Gina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kindle unlimited. Meh! Didn’t like it as much as the last one. First off, though this is petty, the timeline of the music at the show seemed off. The music seemed older than many of the seniors who attended, no big deal I guess. Also, it kind of drives me crazy that the performers were imitating famous singers whose names were made up names close enough to be able to figure who they were talking about. The real song names were used though, just seemed odd.

I don’t love Sophia and Keats as a couple.

The ending was much too sudden

I’ll probably continue on in the series at some point but I started the series thinking main characters would be seniors but turns out they’re snow birds and heading back home for the summer. Oh well

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading and enjoying Dying to Go #1, I wanted to keep reading about Rosi Laruee. Dying For Wine #2 continues from where the first book left off. Rosi has begun her new job as marketing and social media person for the Tucson Valley Retirement Center. She is looking for a condo to move to with her dog, Barley and she is enjoying her relationship with landscaper Keaton. She has put a lot of time and effort into the Snowbird Send-Off Concert at the Performing Arts Center that features 1960s impersonators. The show is a big hit until one of the performers, Sherman Padowski, is found dead. So Rosi and the sheriff begin sleuthing again. I like that this series has older characters and how easy it is to "get into" the plot. I hope this series lasts for many books!

[Tara Kat (MagnoliaPigeonBookBlurbs) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is an absolute hoot & a half! From the head scratching mystery to the budding romance I can’t wait to see what happens next! Marcy Blesy has created such a fun series full of Golden Girls vibes, lovable characters, adorable puppies and a hilariously heartfelt community!

🎧 Amazing Narration
📚 2nd in the Series
😹 Hoot & a Half
👵🏼 Retirement Community
🐾 Adorable Puppy
🔍 Cozy Mystery
🕵️‍♀️ Amateur Sleuth
🎤 Community Show
♥️ Romance
🫶🏼 Family
🏜️ Arizona

Method Read: 🎧
Torii Alaniz’s narration was fantastic and really brought the story to life!


Thank you so much Marcy Blesy for the gifted audiobook! 🎧

[Marilyn Larkin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Impersonators gone wrong

Rosi is settling in to her new job and relationship in Tucson Valley. As a marketing/program director of the community center she has set up a variety show featuring impersonators of some loved performers from the '60s. Things are not going exactly smooth but the show goes off without a hitch until one of the performers is found dead after the show. Rosi, officer Dan and Keaton work to solve the murder. Lots of twists and turns later the murder solved and things can get back to normal.

[Anita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rosi Larue has helped organize a concert of 60's music a the Tucson Valley Retirement Community. The concert was a complete success, but right after the concert one of the stars of the show is found dead at the base of the stage. Rosi can't help but do her own little investigation and Officer Dan Daniel welcomes her help. She wants to solve this crime quickly because the resident's of the retirement community are beginning to get nervous.
Another great mystery in the Tucson Valley Retirement Community Cozy mystery series.

[Dawn Steenken korzekwa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice follow up

A nice follow-up to the 1st in the series. This one has Rosi moving on and settling down in Tucson. However, trouble has shown up once again. Have no fear because Rosi and Office Dan will get to the bottom of it. We get to meet Rosi's brother, sister-in-law, and her niece and nephews in this story as well. So our characters' backgrounds are growing as well, and you just can't help but love them!! This series is definitely something!! Can't wait to see what they get into next!

[JoAn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dying For Wine is the second book in this light cozy mystery series by Marcy Blesy and was a good follow up to the first book. Rosi is growing organically in each book and I find her very relatable. She has accepted a job at the Tucson Valley Retirement Community and plans to make this her new home. The mystery was complicated with plenty of twists and a few red herrings that did their job of diverting me from guessing who the culprit was until the end. A very enjoyable read and I'm looking forward to reading more in this series.

[booksy.tx.ana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did this audiobook in just a few hours. I really loved the first book and was excited to go back to Rosie and the retirement home. Who knew old people were so hectic? I love the different scenarios that this setting provides. Rosie’s investigative journalism background can’t help but snoop. And with good cause, when apparently the cops need some help. I love the new journey she’s on in this new phase of life.

[Amy Horsch · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book as much as I did the first in this cozy mystery series! The characters are fun and I love their personalities! Once again, Marcy kept me guessing up until the end. I mostly listened to the book on audible and the narrator did a great job of bringing the characters to light! I can’t wait to read the next book in this series!

[Cherie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rosi Larue finds herself organizing a concert of 1960's impersonators at the Tucson Valley Retirement Community Performing Arts Center. Unfortunately, one of the impersonators turns up dead so Rosi ends up working on investigating with Officer Dan Daniel.

I enjoyed revisiting with Rosi Larue and all the secondary characters. The story was a fun escape, and the killer was not easy to guess.

[Jennifer Kovaleski · Rating 4 out of 5]

The characters are relatable and interesting. Rosi is smart, capable and starting over after a bad marriage. She is finally settling in to the idea of moving to Arizona full time and is busy with her job and her boyfriend Keaton. Of course another murder keeps her busy as well. Fun fast read with a good mystery.

[Amary Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun retirement community cozy

Rosi's eighties revival show brought enough talent to sell out. Ticket demand was high. So we're tempers and after the show came the discovery of a body. Follow the investigation. Great read

[Sheila Casinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun!

This little mystery is fun to read. You get caught up in the lives of Rosi and Keats and her exploits in solving the murder of the week…who said retirement communities were boring?

[Abby Westling · Rating 3 out of 5]

I appreciate the unique mystery storyline, at least to me. Rosi is such a hysterical character and is so genuine. Her amateur sleuthing skills is truly what is saving Tucson Valley from murders. Wonder what she will solve next!

[Lindzanne1_bookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fun filled book in the series! It was such a quick and entertaining read! Totally bingeable too! So much mystery and suspense that will keep you guessing. There are a lot of suspects and so many unanswered questions.

[Vicky · Rating 1 out of 5]

Just couldn't do it. I purchased the entire series but this book is such a disappointment with the phony names of past entertainers, I just couldn't get into the story. cutesy names, but noting actual songs just pulled me right out. I'm giving the series to a free library.

[Juli Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super funny, entertaining book 2 in the Tucson Valley Retirement Community Cozy Mystery Series. I love Rosi, and each of the quirky characters are so endearing, even the ornery ones!

[Nanc · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very entertaining read. I'm enjoying this series!

[Maryann Hartman · Rating 5 out of 5]

fun read!!

Rosie’s adventures lead to fun and challenging plot twists. Snuggle up and enjoy her adventures as she establishes a new life

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book

This is a fun, quick read. I look forward to reading the rest of this series and see what the main character, Rosi does next!

[Christa Lynn Sapp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun read with loveable characters

I am really enjoying the adventures of Rosi. Great stories with well thought out conclusions. Fun to read, I am ready for the next installment!

[Michele · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice, quick, easy read cozy mystery.