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Mortal Zin
Corporate attorney Nollaig (Noli) Cooper, age 34, is tough, single, and ready to change her life.
When a family birthday brings her back to her childhood home in the Santa Cruz Mountains, Peter and Tina Hanak, her adoptive parents, propose that she stay and live at their zinfandel winery. But her first day back, the body of her childhood mentor, crusading attorney John (Fitz) Fitzgerald, is discovered in a rocky ocean cove, pecked by seagulls. The sheriff insists it was suicide. Noli knows better. She teams up with Fitz’s PI, Luz Alvarado, daughter of Mexican farmworkers, to find his killer.
Noli learns the Hanaks’ winery has been sabotaged and their lives threatened. As threats escalate, Peter Hanak is framed for murder. To defend him, Noli digs through evidence from wildly diverse the ambitions of a 19th Century robber-baron, the oral history of an early winemaker, and research on zinfandel genetics. Meanwhile, Luz risks her life to expose a dot-com mogul who will stop at nothing to acquire the Hanaks’ property. Webs of greed, hatred and revenge are at last untangled when Peter reveals a painful secret he has carried since the Vietnam war. Ultimately Luz puts everything on the line to halt the escape of Fitz’s murderer, and Noli must plunge through a wall of fire to find the answers.
When a family birthday brings her back to her childhood home in the Santa Cruz Mountains, Peter and Tina Hanak, her adoptive parents, propose that she stay and live at their zinfandel winery. But her first day back, the body of her childhood mentor, crusading attorney John (Fitz) Fitzgerald, is discovered in a rocky ocean cove, pecked by seagulls. The sheriff insists it was suicide. Noli knows better. She teams up with Fitz’s PI, Luz Alvarado, daughter of Mexican farmworkers, to find his killer.
Noli learns the Hanaks’ winery has been sabotaged and their lives threatened. As threats escalate, Peter Hanak is framed for murder. To defend him, Noli digs through evidence from wildly diverse the ambitions of a 19th Century robber-baron, the oral history of an early winemaker, and research on zinfandel genetics. Meanwhile, Luz risks her life to expose a dot-com mogul who will stop at nothing to acquire the Hanaks’ property. Webs of greed, hatred and revenge are at last untangled when Peter reveals a painful secret he has carried since the Vietnam war. Ultimately Luz puts everything on the line to halt the escape of Fitz’s murderer, and Noli must plunge through a wall of fire to find the answers.
412 pages, Paperback
Published March 4, 2025
7 people are currently reading
65 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
March 3, 2025
I loved "Mortal Zin", a novel with a mystery at its heart. The mystery is an intricate puzzle for Noli Cooper, attorney in the midst of exploring a career adjustment, and Luz Alvarado, private investigator. They are determined to solve the murder of social justice attorney Fitz, mentor to Noli and employer of Luz. The strands include revenge, greed, historic personal and social trauma, and commercial sabotage, and the plot lines are believable throughout. The mystery is embedded in a fascinating examination of winemaking in the Santa Cruz mountains of California, with details of the mystery of the zinfandel grape's introduction to California, the challenges of maintaining a small family winery, and the commercial changes to the region wrought by the nearby tech industry. Additional communities play a role, including a band of Vietnam vets, a small harbor full of sailors and ssurfers, and a family with a history of communal living. The beauty of the Santa Cruz mountains, redwood forests, and beaches are beautifully described.
January 26, 2025
A thrilling story with believable characters set in California wine country
Corporate attorney Noli Cooper returns to her childhood home in the winemaking Santa Cruz Mountains to visit friends and family and to do some thinking about her future. Her hopes for a pleasant visit are shattered on her first day, when the body of her childhood mentor, John “Fitz” Fitzgerald, is found. The police call it suicide, but Noli does not accept that, and she and Fitz’s colleague, PI Luz Alvarado, decide to investigate and learn what really happened.
A good opening paragraph always makes me optimistic that I have found a good read, and Mortal Zin fulfilled my hopes! There are a lot of things to enjoy about this book. First of all, there is a thrilling plot that moves smoothly but with many twists and turns and exciting events, both past and present, as Noli and Luz probe into the motives and suspects for Fitz’s murder. There are many possibilities, including vineyard owners angry over possible labor union adoption, competition from other vineyard owners, and even carryover from Fitz’s Vietnam War days . The characters were very well developed; I felt invested in them and could understand their motivations and their hopes. This book is not just about the crime.
The atmosphere is done beautifully. Diane Schaffer actually worked in a zinfandel winery in Santa Cruz and her knowledge is a wonderful asset. The California wine country is nicely described, and I learned interesting information about winemaking and wine, especially zinfandel. I confess to getting impatient easily with drawn-out atmosphere creation, but this was as interesting as the story! Noli’s father and many of the other older people in Mortal Zin are Vietnam war veterans, and there are some interesting insights into their experiences, both during and after the war.
The author says it took her twenty years to write this, her first novel. I certainly hope it will not take twenty years before I have a chance to read her second.
I received an advance review copy of this book from Edelweiss and the publisher.
Corporate attorney Noli Cooper returns to her childhood home in the winemaking Santa Cruz Mountains to visit friends and family and to do some thinking about her future. Her hopes for a pleasant visit are shattered on her first day, when the body of her childhood mentor, John “Fitz” Fitzgerald, is found. The police call it suicide, but Noli does not accept that, and she and Fitz’s colleague, PI Luz Alvarado, decide to investigate and learn what really happened.
A good opening paragraph always makes me optimistic that I have found a good read, and Mortal Zin fulfilled my hopes! There are a lot of things to enjoy about this book. First of all, there is a thrilling plot that moves smoothly but with many twists and turns and exciting events, both past and present, as Noli and Luz probe into the motives and suspects for Fitz’s murder. There are many possibilities, including vineyard owners angry over possible labor union adoption, competition from other vineyard owners, and even carryover from Fitz’s Vietnam War days . The characters were very well developed; I felt invested in them and could understand their motivations and their hopes. This book is not just about the crime.
The atmosphere is done beautifully. Diane Schaffer actually worked in a zinfandel winery in Santa Cruz and her knowledge is a wonderful asset. The California wine country is nicely described, and I learned interesting information about winemaking and wine, especially zinfandel. I confess to getting impatient easily with drawn-out atmosphere creation, but this was as interesting as the story! Noli’s father and many of the other older people in Mortal Zin are Vietnam war veterans, and there are some interesting insights into their experiences, both during and after the war.
The author says it took her twenty years to write this, her first novel. I certainly hope it will not take twenty years before I have a chance to read her second.
I received an advance review copy of this book from Edelweiss and the publisher.
February 24, 2025
Deftly intertwining several narrative threads, including the post-war experiences of Vietnam vets, the history of growing zinfandel grapes and producing wine in Santa Cruz County, and an unsolved murder, Mortal Zin captured my attention and held me spellbound to the end. An avid mystery reader, I long for stories like this one in which each clue leads to further questions. In Mortal Zin, the storylines circle around each other with first brief and then extended provocative intersections. Suspense builds with the characters’ interactions with each other. As the characters learned to challenge their stereotypes of each other, I was completely engaged in their efforts, their insights, and their doubts. Investigating one murder leads to other discoveries. The core of the story leads to Diane Schaffer’s well-researched histories of the vineyards, providing a very realistic setting for the intrigue. This is a beautifully crafted book; the many threads are accounted for, but not overly neatly. I'm completely engaged by these characters, and I can’t wait to read whatever comes next.
February 5, 2025
I absolutely loved this smart, fast-paced thriller set in the breathtaking landscape of Northern California's vineyards. The author deftly weaves themes concerning the legacy of the Vietnam War, how we define family, and how we navigate cultural differences, in a thrilling whodunnit that also features the rich history of zinfandel grapes. I particularly enjoyed the development of the two female main characters, corporate attorney Noli Cooper and PI Luz Alvarado. Their professional relationship, personal struggles, and uneasy collaboration is an engaging subplot. This book is not just for mystery lovers or wine aficionados, although both will be delighted. It is for anyone looking for a well-written, entertaining read that illuminates thoughtful issues. Like a complex wine, Mortal Zin is multi-faceted and a pleasure to savor.
November 22, 2025
Who knew wine could be so deadly? Set in the Santa Cruz area, this mystery is rich in characters with a gorgeous backdrop. I love visiting wineries, and I could picture these in my mind.
Noli is on her way back to town at the behest of Fitz, who ends up dead. They claim it is suicide, but Noli and a few others know better. What they don't expect is for the past to be the root of the issues and the source of the turmoil in this town. While I didn't suspect the killer until closer to the end, I enjoyed unearthing the clues and trying to determine who might be behind the issues at the winery and the death of Fitz.
The book did start off slow, but this gave me time to get to know the characters and have them straight in my mind. It picks up over halfway through, and this is when my interest is piqued. I sifted through the clues in my mind while Noli, Luz, and Wolf looked for the guilty party. There is a lot to unpack, and I feel like there is even more to come if this is to become a series.
While I enjoy a nice glass of wine, I don't know a lot about the process of turning grapes into wine. I felt the author did a good job of sharing the steps without making it too technical. I liked the addition of the vine clone project, which was a real study in California that looked at the history of the different varietals of grapes.
I think that Luz and Noli will work well together in the future if they can learn to trust one another. They had the same goal, but it felt like they were working against each other at times.
This is a good start to a new series, and I look forward to seeing where the author takes these characters.
We give this book 4 paws up.
Noli is on her way back to town at the behest of Fitz, who ends up dead. They claim it is suicide, but Noli and a few others know better. What they don't expect is for the past to be the root of the issues and the source of the turmoil in this town. While I didn't suspect the killer until closer to the end, I enjoyed unearthing the clues and trying to determine who might be behind the issues at the winery and the death of Fitz.
The book did start off slow, but this gave me time to get to know the characters and have them straight in my mind. It picks up over halfway through, and this is when my interest is piqued. I sifted through the clues in my mind while Noli, Luz, and Wolf looked for the guilty party. There is a lot to unpack, and I feel like there is even more to come if this is to become a series.
While I enjoy a nice glass of wine, I don't know a lot about the process of turning grapes into wine. I felt the author did a good job of sharing the steps without making it too technical. I liked the addition of the vine clone project, which was a real study in California that looked at the history of the different varietals of grapes.
I think that Luz and Noli will work well together in the future if they can learn to trust one another. They had the same goal, but it felt like they were working against each other at times.
This is a good start to a new series, and I look forward to seeing where the author takes these characters.
We give this book 4 paws up.
March 4, 2025
It’s been a while since I stayed up past midnight to finish a book. Mortal Zin is packed with well-drawn characters and twists, and once I got to the last third of the book, I couldn’t put it down. Corporate attorney Noli Cooper returns to a winery in Northern California’s Santa Cruz Mountains to visit her adoptive parents, the Hanaks. She soon discovers her beloved law mentor Fitz has been found dead, written off as an apparent suicide. Noli teams up with PI Luz Alvarado, whom Fitz also mentored, to prove otherwise.
The two are strong female protagonists, with interesting backstories, and they get off to an uneasy start. The intrigue along the way touches on wine production (woven into the plot really well), Silicon Valley moneymakers, and lives broken by the Vietnam War. Mortal Zin’s action never lets up and builds to a gripping conclusion that makes me want to read the next book by Schaffer.
The two are strong female protagonists, with interesting backstories, and they get off to an uneasy start. The intrigue along the way touches on wine production (woven into the plot really well), Silicon Valley moneymakers, and lives broken by the Vietnam War. Mortal Zin’s action never lets up and builds to a gripping conclusion that makes me want to read the next book by Schaffer.
March 14, 2025
Life hasn’t been easy for Nollaig “Noli” Cooper. When she’s invited to her hometown in the Santa Cruz Mountains for a birthday party, she’s excited to go back. She can’t wait to see her adoptive parents - Peter and Tina - as well as her mentor, John “Fitz” Fitzgerald. She is stunned when she arrives home only to learn that Fitz committed suicide. Noli doesn’t buy it. She teams up with Fitz’s private investigator, Luz, to find out the truth.
As their investigation gets deeper, they find some disturbing things have been going on with Peter and Tina’s winery. They may have stumbled on something worse than they ever thought possible. Now, all their lives are in danger.
This book got off to a slow start for me, but then the story took off. It became a real page-turner. The mystery is intriguing and kept me guessing. I tried to put all the pieces together along with Noli and Luz, but this is a difficult case to figure out.
Noli is a strong character who kept this story and the investigation going. Luz has the potential to be just as strong. The supporting cast were all intriguing and mysterious. I wasn’t sure who could be trusted.
It’s a captivating and intense novel. A good adventure with a great cast of characters that I would love to meet up again with someday. I hope there is a sequel. This has the makings of a great series.
FTC Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed a free Advance Reader Copy of this book from Edelweiss and the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
As their investigation gets deeper, they find some disturbing things have been going on with Peter and Tina’s winery. They may have stumbled on something worse than they ever thought possible. Now, all their lives are in danger.
This book got off to a slow start for me, but then the story took off. It became a real page-turner. The mystery is intriguing and kept me guessing. I tried to put all the pieces together along with Noli and Luz, but this is a difficult case to figure out.
Noli is a strong character who kept this story and the investigation going. Luz has the potential to be just as strong. The supporting cast were all intriguing and mysterious. I wasn’t sure who could be trusted.
It’s a captivating and intense novel. A good adventure with a great cast of characters that I would love to meet up again with someday. I hope there is a sequel. This has the makings of a great series.
FTC Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed a free Advance Reader Copy of this book from Edelweiss and the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
March 14, 2025
Mysteries are not a genre that I normally gravitate to, but after learning that the story was set in my hometown of Santa Cruz I was intrigued. What a joy this book was to read. A definite page-turner with wonderfully developed characters that I grew to love and despise as required. The story was so well told with excellent descriptions of the physical beauty of the area as well as capturing the unique vibe of the Santa Cruz Mountains as well. It is very impressive that this is Ms Schaffer’s first novel. I look forward to her subsequent work!
October 30, 2025
★★★★.5
Corporate attorney Noli Cooper left her childhood home and some dark memories in the Santa Cruz Mountains long ago and traded sunny California for Dublin, Ireland. A family celebration brings her back to her family’s zinfandel winery. Unfortunately, the charming surf town of Santa Cruz and the idyllic vineyard hold some dark secrets. Acts of sabotage, first targeting the wine and then her loved ones, pull Noli into a web of greed and revenge.
This cozy mystery, set in the Santa Cruz Mountains, is the start of a very promising series. This was my first book by Diane Schaffer, and I am amazed. To be honest, it would have been hard for me not to love Mortal Zin . As a former California resident, I have many fond memories of Santa Cruz and the scenic route through the mountains. As soon as Noli left the San Jose airport and started driving along Highway 17, I was transported right back. I also love zinfandel and learning about winemaking, so the book checked a lot of boxes for me.
The mystery kept me guessing about nearly everyone. Diane Schaffer handles a large cast of characters really well, and the big twist and final reveal completely surprised me. I don’t want to give anything away, but it was such a satisfying ending.
Between the characters, Noli’s name and its nod to her mother’s heritage, the mentions of local spots like the Crow’s Nest, and all the fascinating details about winemaking and California history, it’s clear Diane Schaffer did her research and drew on her own experiences. She shares everything with such a warm sense of nostalgia that I could have listened to her stories for hours. Even readers who don’t know the area will still feel immersed in the setting. She really captures the place and the vibe so well.
I am excited for more fun adventures with Noli and Luz!
Thank you to Mindbuck Media Book Publicity for the copy. All opinions are my own.
Corporate attorney Noli Cooper left her childhood home and some dark memories in the Santa Cruz Mountains long ago and traded sunny California for Dublin, Ireland. A family celebration brings her back to her family’s zinfandel winery. Unfortunately, the charming surf town of Santa Cruz and the idyllic vineyard hold some dark secrets. Acts of sabotage, first targeting the wine and then her loved ones, pull Noli into a web of greed and revenge.
This cozy mystery, set in the Santa Cruz Mountains, is the start of a very promising series. This was my first book by Diane Schaffer, and I am amazed. To be honest, it would have been hard for me not to love Mortal Zin . As a former California resident, I have many fond memories of Santa Cruz and the scenic route through the mountains. As soon as Noli left the San Jose airport and started driving along Highway 17, I was transported right back. I also love zinfandel and learning about winemaking, so the book checked a lot of boxes for me.
The mystery kept me guessing about nearly everyone. Diane Schaffer handles a large cast of characters really well, and the big twist and final reveal completely surprised me. I don’t want to give anything away, but it was such a satisfying ending.
Between the characters, Noli’s name and its nod to her mother’s heritage, the mentions of local spots like the Crow’s Nest, and all the fascinating details about winemaking and California history, it’s clear Diane Schaffer did her research and drew on her own experiences. She shares everything with such a warm sense of nostalgia that I could have listened to her stories for hours. Even readers who don’t know the area will still feel immersed in the setting. She really captures the place and the vibe so well.
I am excited for more fun adventures with Noli and Luz!
Thank you to Mindbuck Media Book Publicity for the copy. All opinions are my own.
November 9, 2025
Read my review on NovelsAlive.com by clicking the link below. It is also posted in full.
https://novelsalive.com/2025/11/07/5-...
Mortal Zin is the first book in the series by the same name, and I can’t wait for more. A debut novel by Diane Schaffer that had me gripping my seat more than once and staying up too late as the mysteries kept unfolding.
The story is set in 2009, in the hills and vineyards of Santa Cruz County. Several storylines are interspersed throughout the main arc, featuring twists and turns. There is a depth to the characters as we are introduced to each of them and slowly peel back their layers to get to know them a little at a time.
The story has a good flow, and all the information provided is essential. The attention to detail is focused, and it had me visualizing the locations, the crime scenes, the vineyards and wines, as well as the homes, outbuildings, and various businesses.
Noli, a lawyer returning to the States after working abroad for years, is at the center of the story along with the vineyards and the apple orchard. Vietnam vets are central to the storyline, and they were close friends of Noli’s dad, and she grew up around them. She was raised and grew up in a commune, which played a key role.
The death we first encounter sets the stage for a crime to be solved, even if the police want to rule it a suicide. The characters work together and complement each other in ways I didn’t expect. The manner in which the crime was solved, and the motive were portrayed nicely. I had hints along the way, but didn’t fully put all the pieces together until the end. The story had closure, but also left an opening for what they might be up to in the next book. The Book Club Questions at the back of the book were thought-provoking, and I can imagine the discussions that would ensue.
Mortal Zin is a mystery filled with friends and crimes to solve, with clues to sift through and red herrings to ignore.
https://novelsalive.com/2025/11/07/5-...
Mortal Zin is the first book in the series by the same name, and I can’t wait for more. A debut novel by Diane Schaffer that had me gripping my seat more than once and staying up too late as the mysteries kept unfolding.
The story is set in 2009, in the hills and vineyards of Santa Cruz County. Several storylines are interspersed throughout the main arc, featuring twists and turns. There is a depth to the characters as we are introduced to each of them and slowly peel back their layers to get to know them a little at a time.
The story has a good flow, and all the information provided is essential. The attention to detail is focused, and it had me visualizing the locations, the crime scenes, the vineyards and wines, as well as the homes, outbuildings, and various businesses.
Noli, a lawyer returning to the States after working abroad for years, is at the center of the story along with the vineyards and the apple orchard. Vietnam vets are central to the storyline, and they were close friends of Noli’s dad, and she grew up around them. She was raised and grew up in a commune, which played a key role.
The death we first encounter sets the stage for a crime to be solved, even if the police want to rule it a suicide. The characters work together and complement each other in ways I didn’t expect. The manner in which the crime was solved, and the motive were portrayed nicely. I had hints along the way, but didn’t fully put all the pieces together until the end. The story had closure, but also left an opening for what they might be up to in the next book. The Book Club Questions at the back of the book were thought-provoking, and I can imagine the discussions that would ensue.
Mortal Zin is a mystery filled with friends and crimes to solve, with clues to sift through and red herrings to ignore.
October 2, 2025
Mortal Zin is a lively, character-driven novel that blends crime, suspense, and a touch of dark humor into a story that feels gritty as well as entertaining. From the opening chapters, the book throws readers into a world of ambition, temptation, and danger, where choices are rarely clean and every action carries weight. It’s the kind of story that keeps you engaged with its mix of sharp dialogue, fast pacing, and a cast of flawed, unforgettable characters.
What stands out most is how the author builds atmosphere. The settings feel vivid as bars, back alleys, and quiet corners all carry an undercurrent of tension, making the reader feel like something is always about to happen. The tone shifts seamlessly between high-stakes tension and wry humor, offering moments of relief without ever letting go of the suspense. This balance gives the book an energy that pulls you along while still allowing space to appreciate its layered characters.
At its heart, Mortal Zin is a story about choices and consequences. It digs into how people justify their actions, whether driven by greed, survival, or loyalty, and what happens when those justifications unravel. The protagonist’s arc is particularly compelling, as he is constantly walking the line between control and chaos, morality and survival.
Overall, Mortal Zin is a smart, engaging read for anyone who enjoys crime fiction with depth. It isn’t just about the mechanics of the plot, but about the people who inhabit it, their flaws, ambitions, and the shadows they carry. Suspenseful, atmospheric, and at times darkly funny, it’s a book that will resonate with fans of noir and contemporary thrillers alike.
What stands out most is how the author builds atmosphere. The settings feel vivid as bars, back alleys, and quiet corners all carry an undercurrent of tension, making the reader feel like something is always about to happen. The tone shifts seamlessly between high-stakes tension and wry humor, offering moments of relief without ever letting go of the suspense. This balance gives the book an energy that pulls you along while still allowing space to appreciate its layered characters.
At its heart, Mortal Zin is a story about choices and consequences. It digs into how people justify their actions, whether driven by greed, survival, or loyalty, and what happens when those justifications unravel. The protagonist’s arc is particularly compelling, as he is constantly walking the line between control and chaos, morality and survival.
Overall, Mortal Zin is a smart, engaging read for anyone who enjoys crime fiction with depth. It isn’t just about the mechanics of the plot, but about the people who inhabit it, their flaws, ambitions, and the shadows they carry. Suspenseful, atmospheric, and at times darkly funny, it’s a book that will resonate with fans of noir and contemporary thrillers alike.
October 13, 2025
Ah, the perfect glass of wine - White Zinfandel to be exact. In Diane Schaffer’s “Mortal Zin”, we join Nollaig Cooper as she returns to her roots in the Santa Cruz Mountains of Southern California. Noli is a successful international corporate attorney who is ready for a change. She grew up in a mountain commune of Viet Nam Vets, one of which was her father. When he died in a landslide from a major earthquake, Noli went to live with one of his veteran buddies, Peter Hanak and his wife, Tina. Now Noli is returning to celebrate Tina’s sixtieth birthday as well as a job opportunity with another of her father’s buddies, John Fitzpatrick, known as Fitz. Upon reaching Santa Cruz she finds Fitz dead and Peter and Tina’s vineyard in trouble. What in the world could have happened!
“Mortal Zin” was a bit of a slow start for me, but it didn’t take long for this book to grab my attention so that I didn’t want to put it down. Greed, past hurts, and revenge are all mixed together to result in a skillfully written “who-dun-it”. I wasn’t able to figure out who was the bad guy until the very end. Ms. Schaffer has done a wonderful job of depicting the lives of returning Viet Nam vets and how they coped and survived. I enjoyed learning about the wine making process and now definitely want to visit some wineries. Anyone who likes murder mysteries and wine will enjoy this book.
I wish to thank Sibylline Press for the complimentary eARC of this book and for selecting me to review it on NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
#MortalZin
#SibyllinePress
#NetGalley
#SouthernCalifornia
#Vineyards
#MurderMysteries
“Mortal Zin” was a bit of a slow start for me, but it didn’t take long for this book to grab my attention so that I didn’t want to put it down. Greed, past hurts, and revenge are all mixed together to result in a skillfully written “who-dun-it”. I wasn’t able to figure out who was the bad guy until the very end. Ms. Schaffer has done a wonderful job of depicting the lives of returning Viet Nam vets and how they coped and survived. I enjoyed learning about the wine making process and now definitely want to visit some wineries. Anyone who likes murder mysteries and wine will enjoy this book.
I wish to thank Sibylline Press for the complimentary eARC of this book and for selecting me to review it on NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
#MortalZin
#SibyllinePress
#NetGalley
#SouthernCalifornia
#Vineyards
#MurderMysteries
February 17, 2026
⭐⭐⭐
Mortal Zin by Diane Schaffer is an ambitious debut novel that I genuinely enjoyed. Corporate attorney Noli Cooper returns to her childhood home in the Santa Cruz Mountains for a family birthday, and her adoptive parents propose she stay and help with their zinfandel winery. But her first day back, the body of her childhood mentor and crusading attorney Fitz is discovered in a rocky ocean cove. The sheriff calls it suicide. Noli knows better. She teams up with Fitz's PI, Luz Alvarado, daughter of Mexican farmworkers, to find his killer. Meanwhile, the Hanaks' winery is being sabotaged, their lives threatened, and eventually Peter Hanak is framed for murder. To defend him, Noli digs through evidence spanning a 19th century robber-baron's ambitions, the oral history of an early winemaker, and zinfandel genetics research. And Luz is risking her life to expose a dot-com mogul determined to acquire the property at any cost.
Here's my issue: there is a LOT going on. The winery sabotage, the murder investigation, the robber-baron history, the Vietnam secret, the dot-com mogul, the genetics research. At times it stretches believability trying to connect everything together. The story would have been stronger with a tighter focus.
That said, Noli and Luz are compelling characters, the Santa Cruz Mountains setting is vivid, and the winery backdrop is interesting. For a debut novel, Schaffer shows real promise. I'd definitely read more from this author.
#MortalZin #DianeSchaffer #MysteryBooks #DebutNovel #BookReview
Mortal Zin by Diane Schaffer is an ambitious debut novel that I genuinely enjoyed. Corporate attorney Noli Cooper returns to her childhood home in the Santa Cruz Mountains for a family birthday, and her adoptive parents propose she stay and help with their zinfandel winery. But her first day back, the body of her childhood mentor and crusading attorney Fitz is discovered in a rocky ocean cove. The sheriff calls it suicide. Noli knows better. She teams up with Fitz's PI, Luz Alvarado, daughter of Mexican farmworkers, to find his killer. Meanwhile, the Hanaks' winery is being sabotaged, their lives threatened, and eventually Peter Hanak is framed for murder. To defend him, Noli digs through evidence spanning a 19th century robber-baron's ambitions, the oral history of an early winemaker, and zinfandel genetics research. And Luz is risking her life to expose a dot-com mogul determined to acquire the property at any cost.
Here's my issue: there is a LOT going on. The winery sabotage, the murder investigation, the robber-baron history, the Vietnam secret, the dot-com mogul, the genetics research. At times it stretches believability trying to connect everything together. The story would have been stronger with a tighter focus.
That said, Noli and Luz are compelling characters, the Santa Cruz Mountains setting is vivid, and the winery backdrop is interesting. For a debut novel, Schaffer shows real promise. I'd definitely read more from this author.
#MortalZin #DianeSchaffer #MysteryBooks #DebutNovel #BookReview
September 1, 2025
The book with multiple genres, but as the main, I'd call it a detective.
Noli has burnout and comes back to her hometown, in hopes of having her old job back as the PI instead of a big city corporate lawyer. She has stayed with her godparents since her parents are both dead (one under the strangest and most tragic circumstances), and now she returns here. By the door, she finds a disturbing note from one of her father's friends, and calls him just to find out that he was found dead. Creepy, right?
She meets Luz, the new PI who worked for the latter friend, and together they are looking into the whole situation.
The vinery business, conspiracies, literal Vietnam flashbacks, family mysteries, vine-making process, and murder mystery are coming one after another. Loss, love, grief, and revenge - all these make the story worth your time. If you want to know how to make your own vineyard work, it is the right place to find out.
As for me, the story is going too slow at the beginning, and too fast in the second half of the book. By the end, the events are going like a rollercoaster, and it's hard not to lose it.
As for a debut novel, it is a solid 4/5. Not considering this fact, it is 3-3.5 tops.
Noli has burnout and comes back to her hometown, in hopes of having her old job back as the PI instead of a big city corporate lawyer. She has stayed with her godparents since her parents are both dead (one under the strangest and most tragic circumstances), and now she returns here. By the door, she finds a disturbing note from one of her father's friends, and calls him just to find out that he was found dead. Creepy, right?
She meets Luz, the new PI who worked for the latter friend, and together they are looking into the whole situation.
The vinery business, conspiracies, literal Vietnam flashbacks, family mysteries, vine-making process, and murder mystery are coming one after another. Loss, love, grief, and revenge - all these make the story worth your time. If you want to know how to make your own vineyard work, it is the right place to find out.
As for me, the story is going too slow at the beginning, and too fast in the second half of the book. By the end, the events are going like a rollercoaster, and it's hard not to lose it.
As for a debut novel, it is a solid 4/5. Not considering this fact, it is 3-3.5 tops.
December 19, 2025
This is a good debut novel. A murder is discovered early on so there is an engaging hook at the beginning. It takes a while for the plot to get exciting but it does after a bit. There is a good amateur sleuth in Noli and her investigative actions are balanced with her relationships with others. The plot progresses by following a number of different characters. The narrative is not in first person so it is not confusing. There is more to the story than just solving the mystery, such as Vietnam War vets, their experiences and PTSD. There is a good dose of suspense near the end.
The strength of the novel is the fascinating information about zinfandel grapes and the history of grape varieties in general. There is also an exploration of the culture of grape growers and how grapes are processed. The setting is developed well and helps readers understand prime land for growing grapes.
This is an entertaining mystery woven around growing zinfandel grapes.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book through Mindbuck Media. My comments are an independent and honest review.
The strength of the novel is the fascinating information about zinfandel grapes and the history of grape varieties in general. There is also an exploration of the culture of grape growers and how grapes are processed. The setting is developed well and helps readers understand prime land for growing grapes.
This is an entertaining mystery woven around growing zinfandel grapes.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book through Mindbuck Media. My comments are an independent and honest review.
December 22, 2024
Diane Schaffer's Mortal Zin is an engaging and intricately-plotted mystery set against the rich backdrop of the Santa Cruz Mountains winemaking industry that explores the themes of family secrets, social justice and the legacy of the past. Noli Cooper returns to her godparents' winery, only to have her mentor, Fitz, a prominent local lawyer, turn up dead under suspicious circumstances a day later. Determined to uncover the truth, Noli teams up with Fitz's Private Investigator, Luz Alvarado. Together, these strong and resourceful women untangle a web of sabotage, greed, deceit, and revenge. Schaffer's compelling characters and spot-on descriptions of the local culture, coupled with the historical intrigue of the zinfandel grape, adds an even deeper dimension to this already well-crafted story.
October 26, 2025
Mortal Zin is a fun, zippy, thrilling murder-mystery of a book. Murder-mystery is my favorite genre, and this one was high octane. The chapters were short, and covered multiple viewpoints. I liked seeing the story through Noli and Luz the most - they were complicated, motivated, awesome women who worked hard to bring justice to Fitz, and their community. Speaking of community, the one that the author built in the Zinfandel fields of California was so rich and layered. This book had everything from communes, to small towns, to rich assholes buying up small businesses, to the small business owners struggling. I thought it would be too much to follow, but the author deftly wove each of the story threads through the other into a satisfying conclusion.
I would definitely read more stories with Luz or Noli as the protagonist (or both!)
I would definitely read more stories with Luz or Noli as the protagonist (or both!)
March 4, 2026
This book leads the reader on a complex and circuitous journey through international crime figures, winemaking royalty, the science of wine making, PTSD, long hidden secrets, and revenge. The two female protagonists are brave, gritty, and smart. But both are damaged in their own way. Their alliance is at first somewhat tenuous and adversarial, but eventually they come to respect and rely on one another.
Like a great Zinfandel vintage, this is an exciting and intense read. But the elements are complex with notes of history, mental illness, and love in all its flavors and varieties. This is the first vintage, let’s hope there will be more to come.
Like a great Zinfandel vintage, this is an exciting and intense read. But the elements are complex with notes of history, mental illness, and love in all its flavors and varieties. This is the first vintage, let’s hope there will be more to come.
November 13, 2024
On her first day home for a visit, Noli Cooper learns her friend and childhood mentor has been found dead on a nearby beach. Suicide? Or murder? Solving this mystery is only the tip of the iceberg in this captivating mystery, which weaves wine history and war history as danger increases for Noli and the people she loves. In the same way Louise Penny's mysteries leave readers craving a fresh croissant or a cup of hot chocolate, Mortal Zin will make you want to settle in for an uninterrupted read with a glass of zinfandel and your own private charcuterie.
August 26, 2025
Nola Cooper is a corporate attorney looking for a change when a former mentor, a lawyer and activist is found dead, an apparent suicide. Nola and others of Fritz’s friends do not believe this is the case and prove that the “suicide note” was not his handwriting. But the sherif, an old adversary of Fritz is determined to close the case down. Working with Fritz’s friend and PI Luz Alvarado they tackle a case much more convoluted than it appears. Set in California wine country, and the wine is an important element of the story.
September 14, 2025
Wow, there is so much I love about this book. First, the location is in my home area, and I love how Diane Schaffer accurately describes the towns and locations. I also love all the insight and knowledge of wine-making. Her description of the harvest and crushing is so perfectly accurate. That is just the background on this thriller. You have the subject of PTSD, and some stories of the horrors of the Vietnam War. Mix in a little family drama, and you will have a book that should be savored like a good glass of zin.
Thank you to Netgalley and Sibylline Press for the ARC
Thank you to Netgalley and Sibylline Press for the ARC
December 4, 2024
Mysteries are not my thing, but I really liked this one. I was grabbed by the opening scene of a body found on the beach. Suicide or murder? You will have to read to find out. On the way, Schaffer weaves in the history of zinfandel and this reader learned a lot about winemaking. Also woven into the story is the Vietnam War, an attempted property seizure, a fire, and many twists and turns. No spoilers here. Highly recommend this interesting and rich novel which is so much more than a whodunit!
March 11, 2025
This mystery is just stellar. The two female leads are at odds until they learn to work in tandem. A runaway girl, a buried chamber, mysterious death(s), sabotaged harvests and the misty, mountainous Santa Cruz coastline together make a novel that is a page-turner from the first to the last page. Diane Schaffer is a skillful, deft writer and her characters (who will come back in a sequel down the line) are friends you didn't know you wanted to meet.
Absolutely five stars!
Absolutely five stars!
December 18, 2025
This book got off to a slow start for me, but then the story took off. It became a real page-turner. The mystery is intriguing and kept me guessing. I tried to put all the pieces together along with Noli and Luz, but this is a difficult case to figure out. Noli is a strong character who kept this story and the investigation going. Luz has the potential to be just as strong. It’s a captivating and intense novel.
March 4, 2025
I don’t usually read mysteries, but this one grabbed me from the first page. In addition to an intriguing plot that keeps the reader guessing, we come to love the main characters, particularly the two strong, courageous women who help crack the mystery. In the process, I learned a lot about the history of making Zinfandel!
February 12, 2025
Mortal Zin reads like a Dan Brown thriller. The pacing and plot line kept me on the edge my seat! This is one of those books that I was reluctant to finish, since I didn’t want my relationship with the characters to end. Can’t wait for the next installment of the Mortal Zin series!
March 7, 2025
If you like your mystery served with wine, you'll love Mortal Zin! I enjoyed learning about the wine-making process, and zinfandel, which I didn't know much about. This mystery has great characters, twists and turns, and a satisfying ending.
Read
May 5, 2025A super-smart, quick-paced murder mystery set in the Santa Cruz CA mountains. A deep understanding of the “weird” culture of Santa Cruz and wine making melds with a shrewd way with words makes Mortal Zin a winner on so many fronts.
February 4, 2026
Excellent Debut Novel
It will take me a bit to sit with the wrap up in this book. I enjoyed the characters, the location, and the wine techniques. I have a feeling we will read more from this author.
It will take me a bit to sit with the wrap up in this book. I enjoyed the characters, the location, and the wine techniques. I have a feeling we will read more from this author.
April 28, 2025
Got me out of a reading slump! I am a sucker for a good mystery and this did not disappoint. I loved everything about it!
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