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Old Guys Murder Mystery #6
Who's Killing the Alchemy Winery?
Can you hear Louis Armstrong singing What a Wonderful World as you sip the most expensive wine in the world at a fabulous wedding?
Oops, put the song on pause.
The bride just died drinking that very same wine.
It looks like somebody is trying to destroy the Alchemy Winery by knocking off some of its best customers, one by one.
Charlie and Ben step in. They aren’t wine connoisseurs by any means. But they know murderers.
At the Alchemy Winery castle, there are many candidates. In this sixth adventure of Charlie, Ben, and crew, you’ll experience some wild discoveries along the way—and a wine vat of surprises. It’s clever, intriguing, full of old-guy charm, and just plain fun to read.
WHAT READERS SAY ABOUT OLD GUYS MURDER MYSTERY SERIES
***** “It has a great cast of characters that one would love to have as friends.”
***** “I must admit out of the thousands of mysteries I have read, none have ended this way. Well done!”
***** “A fast-paced, imaginative, and laugh-out-loud funny mystery.”
Oops, put the song on pause.
The bride just died drinking that very same wine.
It looks like somebody is trying to destroy the Alchemy Winery by knocking off some of its best customers, one by one.
Charlie and Ben step in. They aren’t wine connoisseurs by any means. But they know murderers.
At the Alchemy Winery castle, there are many candidates. In this sixth adventure of Charlie, Ben, and crew, you’ll experience some wild discoveries along the way—and a wine vat of surprises. It’s clever, intriguing, full of old-guy charm, and just plain fun to read.
WHAT READERS SAY ABOUT OLD GUYS MURDER MYSTERY SERIES
***** “It has a great cast of characters that one would love to have as friends.”
***** “I must admit out of the thousands of mysteries I have read, none have ended this way. Well done!”
***** “A fast-paced, imaginative, and laugh-out-loud funny mystery.”
- GenresMysteryMystery Thriller
265 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 19, 2024
163 people are currently reading
1100 people want to read
About the author
Jon Spoelstra
35 books136 followers"I can't believe I've turned into a typical old man. I can't believe it. I was young just minutes ago."
I wish I had uttered that. I didn't, but I feel it. (Attribute that quote to an American illustrator, Maurice Sendak.)
So, not accepting that I've turned into a typical old man, I wrote a mystery involving some nifty old guys, "Who's Killing All My Old Girlfriends."
I sent the manuscript to a bunch of test readers—all old men and a few old women. They loved it. They wanted to read the sequel. Even before publishing "Who's Killing All My Old Girlfriends," I wrote a sequel. "Who's Killing the Fountain of Youth."
More rave reviews came from my test readers, all oldsters.
If you're over 50 years old, I suspect that you'd enjoy these two novels. If you're under the age of 50 and have a favorite grandpa, you'd also probably like these adventures.
You might as well get started. I'm now writing the third book in the series, "Who's Killing All the Good Old Bank Robbers." So, get crackin', you'll have fun.
Happy reading,
Jon Spoelstra
I wish I had uttered that. I didn't, but I feel it. (Attribute that quote to an American illustrator, Maurice Sendak.)
So, not accepting that I've turned into a typical old man, I wrote a mystery involving some nifty old guys, "Who's Killing All My Old Girlfriends."
I sent the manuscript to a bunch of test readers—all old men and a few old women. They loved it. They wanted to read the sequel. Even before publishing "Who's Killing All My Old Girlfriends," I wrote a sequel. "Who's Killing the Fountain of Youth."
More rave reviews came from my test readers, all oldsters.
If you're over 50 years old, I suspect that you'd enjoy these two novels. If you're under the age of 50 and have a favorite grandpa, you'd also probably like these adventures.
You might as well get started. I'm now writing the third book in the series, "Who's Killing All the Good Old Bank Robbers." So, get crackin', you'll have fun.
Happy reading,
Jon Spoelstra
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
July 12, 2024
I really enjoy this series, maybe because I'm old. But the characters are great, and the story line is interesting. Just because a person is older doesn't mean they can't use their experience to solve a crime. Won this in a Goodreads Giveaway
September 3, 2024
Disclaimer: this is part of a series and I’ve read only this one!
If you’re looking for a well written book with depth and character development this ain’t it. But, if you’re hoping for a fun and quick cozy mystery book this is for you. Enjoyable to play detective along with the characters and figure out the connections!
If you’re looking for a well written book with depth and character development this ain’t it. But, if you’re hoping for a fun and quick cozy mystery book this is for you. Enjoyable to play detective along with the characters and figure out the connections!
August 3, 2024
Beer, Coffee, Golf, Old Age & Murder
The style is racy and elegant. The typos are few and far between (and those that appear are definitely not the author’s fault). The plot is suspense-full but allows the narrator to pause and pontificate (and the pontifications are by no means tedious). The saying “There’s no fool like an old fool” is turned upside down. Every chapter begins with a quote. Some from Mark Twain are genial (think genius, too) while the Marcel Proust quote towards the close of the novel is spectacular. Though the genre, crime / detective / murder mystery, may be considered “young”, Jon Spoelstra colours it “specifically” - with those well-known shades of retirement: reminiscence, free time, coffee, life-style change, just not being able to get up and run a mile like a fit, alpha male can do at any moment of the day or night. Even the knock-out is dignified by age, the loss respected, the sore jaw afterwards authentic.
Yes, I enjoyed this page-turner which is a bit unusual for me given I am critical of a genre which incorporates violence, willy-nilly, and usually glorifies it without even trying! The mayhem in “Who’s Killing the Alchemy Winery?” is by no means sensationalised. Then there is an old man’s dream, fabulous wine, the continuity of an elite tradition, perfectionism, perfidy in the family…and of course those two, other oldies sipping beer and coffee, dreaming of birdies, solving crimes the while.
Original, entertaining, atmospheric, and insightful “Who’s Killing the Alchemy Winery?” deserves five stars.
The style is racy and elegant. The typos are few and far between (and those that appear are definitely not the author’s fault). The plot is suspense-full but allows the narrator to pause and pontificate (and the pontifications are by no means tedious). The saying “There’s no fool like an old fool” is turned upside down. Every chapter begins with a quote. Some from Mark Twain are genial (think genius, too) while the Marcel Proust quote towards the close of the novel is spectacular. Though the genre, crime / detective / murder mystery, may be considered “young”, Jon Spoelstra colours it “specifically” - with those well-known shades of retirement: reminiscence, free time, coffee, life-style change, just not being able to get up and run a mile like a fit, alpha male can do at any moment of the day or night. Even the knock-out is dignified by age, the loss respected, the sore jaw afterwards authentic.
Yes, I enjoyed this page-turner which is a bit unusual for me given I am critical of a genre which incorporates violence, willy-nilly, and usually glorifies it without even trying! The mayhem in “Who’s Killing the Alchemy Winery?” is by no means sensationalised. Then there is an old man’s dream, fabulous wine, the continuity of an elite tradition, perfectionism, perfidy in the family…and of course those two, other oldies sipping beer and coffee, dreaming of birdies, solving crimes the while.
Original, entertaining, atmospheric, and insightful “Who’s Killing the Alchemy Winery?” deserves five stars.
July 16, 2024
#6 in the "Old Guys Murder Mystery" series, this was my 1st adventure with the fellas. Thank you to Goodreads giveaways and the author for a chance to read and review.
I knew I would like this series based on the authors bio. It begins by quoting Maurice Sendak "I can't believe I've turned into a typical old man. I can't believe it. I was young just minutes ago." We all feel that to some degree.
Some of us take up golf or crocheting.. Jon Spoelstra decided to write novels about a group of "Old Guys" solving mysteries. He wins.
Charlie and Ben are old time buddies, they golf occasionally, complain about the state of the world and sometimes,,, solve murders together.
This book picks up with an established friendship between Charlie and Ben and a few others, and I know I've missed the first five books, but I didn't feel totally lost. It's not exactly a cozy mystery here, but VERY entertaining and I guess if you're over 40, you can start to feel the world from these guys perspectives.
Off to read the first five..
I knew I would like this series based on the authors bio. It begins by quoting Maurice Sendak "I can't believe I've turned into a typical old man. I can't believe it. I was young just minutes ago." We all feel that to some degree.
Some of us take up golf or crocheting.. Jon Spoelstra decided to write novels about a group of "Old Guys" solving mysteries. He wins.
Charlie and Ben are old time buddies, they golf occasionally, complain about the state of the world and sometimes,,, solve murders together.
This book picks up with an established friendship between Charlie and Ben and a few others, and I know I've missed the first five books, but I didn't feel totally lost. It's not exactly a cozy mystery here, but VERY entertaining and I guess if you're over 40, you can start to feel the world from these guys perspectives.
Off to read the first five..
June 26, 2024
Being an "old gal" myself (73), I love these books. The dialogue is great and keeps the action moving forward. I particularly love the fact that the guys appreciate a women's attractiveness and Mr. Spoelstra doesn't get caught up in today's political correctness b.s. Since my husband and I love cruising, I'm hoping the reference at the end to a "new case" with Reggie will actually be the setting for the next book.
August 26, 2024
Another Great Mystery by Jon Spoelstra
Another wonderful adventure with the old guys. I love reading books that the main characters are my age or maybe a little older, but still they are active and a vital part of the crime solving team. There were some of the same characters that were in the previous books, in this story as well as some new people. Not all of them are nice guys. A very exciting and unique ending. Loved it. Can't wait for book 7.
Another wonderful adventure with the old guys. I love reading books that the main characters are my age or maybe a little older, but still they are active and a vital part of the crime solving team. There were some of the same characters that were in the previous books, in this story as well as some new people. Not all of them are nice guys. A very exciting and unique ending. Loved it. Can't wait for book 7.
June 23, 2024
Who’s Killing the Alchemy Winery?
This series keeps getting better and I really enjoyed the first book in the series. Imagine how I feel about this one. Characters are developed nicely. It feels like I have known the two main characters forever. Good action and suspense. Interesting story line. Couple of nice twists. The entire series is recommended.
This series keeps getting better and I really enjoyed the first book in the series. Imagine how I feel about this one. Characters are developed nicely. It feels like I have known the two main characters forever. Good action and suspense. Interesting story line. Couple of nice twists. The entire series is recommended.
June 30, 2024
Charlie and Ben are best friends, avid golfers, and crime sleuths. Although that isn't exactly their intention. They're supposed to be retired, but they keep getting pulled back in. In this latest novel in the series, they're investigating the murders of a half dozen people associated with the best winery on earth (good descriptions!) Good humor, realistic characters, and a solid mystery.
August 24, 2024
The old guys are at it again!
I really enjoy reading these stories. They are full of characters, all believable and entertaining. It makes me want to go back and re-read the others in the series. So sit back and enjoy the ride!
I really enjoy reading these stories. They are full of characters, all believable and entertaining. It makes me want to go back and re-read the others in the series. So sit back and enjoy the ride!
September 28, 2024
His ideas never get old
I like everything about this series. The cast of characters are hilarious even if the situations seem far fetched. As long as he writes them I will read them. Can't wait for the new book next year.
I like everything about this series. The cast of characters are hilarious even if the situations seem far fetched. As long as he writes them I will read them. Can't wait for the new book next year.
December 16, 2024
gotta love these old guys!
Another wonderful story in this series with this gents of a certain age. I love this series and and always look forward to to the next book because I know it will be a good read.
Another wonderful story in this series with this gents of a certain age. I love this series and and always look forward to to the next book because I know it will be a good read.
February 23, 2025
This is yet another wonderful book in the old guys series.
Many of the characters you’ve come to expect are in this story and they do not disappoint but the new characters are really what makes this book special. The ending will be more of a surprise than usual.
Many of the characters you’ve come to expect are in this story and they do not disappoint but the new characters are really what makes this book special. The ending will be more of a surprise than usual.
August 9, 2025
Enjoyable, fun & easy read. Love the 2 main characters, Charlie & Ben who are enjoying their retirement as well as their favorite pastime- golf, yet are ready to dive into crime solving especially when it’s to help an old friend
September 17, 2024
Still fun, but...
The formula still works pretty well, but the writing seems to start plodding just a bit. And maybe, just maybe, the roof finally does get fixed
The formula still works pretty well, but the writing seems to start plodding just a bit. And maybe, just maybe, the roof finally does get fixed
October 16, 2024
A fun read with great characters, good dialogue and an intriguing plot. First of this series I've read and I'm going to going back for more.
September 5, 2025
Absolutely unputdownable, I love his writing....This is my 2nd of his books and I want them all.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews