Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Blood of the Vine

Rate this book
Now a #1 Bestseller!

The Blood of Innocents . . . Sheds For You.


Bel McMaster, heir to a crumbling California wine dynasty, is teetering on the edge. As climate change wreaks havoc on his vineyards and financial missteps close in, he makes a fateful to steal a groundbreaking synthetic genome from a merciless billionaire.

Maria Garcia has fled the violent grip of a Guatemalan gangster, desperate to carve out a new life for herself and her young son. Yet the shadows of her past refuse to stay buried. Everything she’s fought for threatens to unravel.

When Bel and Maria’s worlds collide, an undeniable chemistry ignites, and so do the dangers that surround them. Fate intertwines with deadly consequences, and they find themselves at a crossroads of desperation and desire. As they navigate a treacherous landscape, the line between ally and enemy blurs. Can they trust each other long enough to survive, or will their pasts drag them into a darker fate?

In this heart-pounding thriller, secrets bleed, loyalties fracture, and the blood of innocents spills as desperate choices lead to a cascade of violence. Will they find salvation, or will the consequences destroy them both?

Kindle Edition

Published June 15, 2024

13 people are currently reading
4956 people want to read

About the author

Hunter Spicer

1 book24 followers
Hunter Spicer is a veteran technology writer. His debut thriller, Blood of the Vine, is a "pulse-pounding ride" through Northern California that keeps readers turning pages. He lives with his family in San Francisco.
https://hunterspicer.com/

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
35 (59%)
4 stars
15 (25%)
3 stars
4 (6%)
2 stars
5 (8%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
Profile Image for Donne.
1,564 reviews100 followers
November 25, 2025
This was my book clubs November selection and the one I actually voted for too! I love it when that happens. I was intrigued by the storyline of a Sonoma County vineyard that was becoming a victim of climate change. Having relocated to Solano County nearly two years ago, hubby and I have enjoyed being a short drive (approx. 40min) to the amazing vineyards in Sonoma and Napa counties. Unfortunately though, it is true that climate change does have a detrimental effect on the vineyards as well as the agricultural farms in the area. Coupled with the plight of immigrants that the farmers and vineyard owners depend on to help them keep their businesses going, so many vineyards are barely hanging on.

The book summary introduces the two storylines of Bel and the decline of his vineyard that has been in his family for three generations. Bel’s wife, Maureen, who also comes from a vineyard family, claims that because of Bel’s mismanagement of the business, and his inability to create a worthwhile line of wines (Bel is also a viticulture plant geneticist) to keep the vineyard going, the business is going bankrupt, and the property is in foreclosure. Maureen wants to get rid of the vines (that she believes are dead) and convert the land into a legal pot farm.

There is a secondary storyline of Maria, who escaped Guatemala and the local gangster, Cadejo (who is obsessed with her beauty), and came to America three years ago in order to raise the baby she was pregnant with in a better place. Maria’s husband, Carlos, comes to America to warn Maria that Cadejo knows where she is and that he is coming for her. However, before he can get to Maria to warn her, he is killed on the grounds of the world-renowned tech company, Kavali, along with an innocent bystander that was caught in the gunfire. However, before he was killed, he stole something from the company, an electronic key card. When Maria is contacted to identify Carlos’s body, she is given his possessions that were on him at the time of his death, including the key card.

The story flips back and forth between the two storylines. What the book summary doesn’t say is that the innocent bystander that was caught in the line of fire at Kavali and was actually shot by Carlos, was Bel’s beloved son, Ned. Ned was also a viticulture plant geneticist, who Bel believed was a better one than himself and who Bel was hoping would be able to save the vineyard. When Bel and Maria meet, he doesn’t know she was Carlos’s wife because for three years now, she has been living under an alias to hide from Cadejo.

I really struggled with this one during the first half that was slow, cryptic and, honestly, kind of boring. At one point (about the 40% mark), I told hubby that if this book doesn’t start getting better soon, I’m going to DNF it. Sure enough, around the 45% mark, an interesting development is revealed and intrigued me enough to continue with the story. Fortunately, the second was much better than the first half. So, I do recommend trying to hang in there through the first half because the story does get better, and kind of freaky weird too!

The character development of Bel, Maria and a few of the supporting characters was well done. Once again, the pacing of the first half was slow, but definitely kicked up into high gear in the second half. The storylines were interesting with the storyline around Bel’s attempt to save his vineyard much more interesting and, once again, got really bizarre and freaky, like sci-fi kind of creepy. Maria’s storyline was just sad and indicative of the trials and tribulations of so many immigrants who are just looking for a better and safer life for themselves and their children. I’m looking at an overall rating of 3.8 that I will be rounding up to a 4star review.
154 reviews
October 21, 2024
Hunter Spicer's Blood of the Vine is a captivating novel that expertly weaves together themes of love, technology, and the complexities of the modern world. The story follows Bel McMaster, a desperate winemaker who crosses a dangerous line in his quest to save his family's vineyard. His actions inadvertently set him on a collision course with a ruthless billionaire and draw him into a passionate yet perilous relationship with Maria Garcia.

Spicer's writing is both engaging and thought-provoking, exploring the moral dilemmas faced by his characters and the consequences of their choices. The novel's suspenseful plot, combined with its vivid descriptions of the California wine country, makes for a truly immersive reading experience.

If you're looking for a thrilling and emotionally resonant story that blends romance, technology, and a touch of mystery, Blood of the Vine is a must-read.
23 reviews1 follower
September 13, 2024
Wonderful read full of SF Bay Area connections ( especially loved the Salesforce Tower reference ). Hunter developed a compelling narrative ( influenced by Douglas Preston perhaps?) and usage of local event histories (Sonoma fire anyone remembers) to create a strong plot driven novel. Bravo Hunter!
Profile Image for Reviews.
60 reviews
July 16, 2024
Hunter really has a way of bringing emotions out of you. I felt sympathy for Bel at times but then also disappointed and pissed. I really enjoyed the story, however, the writing was just a little too slow paced for me. I lost interest towards the end and just kind of started reading another book. Definitely plan on going back and finishing this book though.
799 reviews34 followers
May 16, 2025
Blood of the Vine

A man stuck in the past. Trying to live up to the name his father built. Wondering all the “what ifs” and possibilities his son would have achieved if not for the accident. Holding grudges against his daughter for long forgotten issues. Trying to keep alive the winery his father established and gained notoriety for. The vines aren’t producing and the bank wants their money. He need to find a way to save his business, his land, and his family. The prestigious award his father one is an option; if only he had the grapes to make the wine. Another problem arises in the form of a very beautiful woman that he can’t get out of his head.

Meanwhile, Maria must figure out what happened to her husband and why. She hasn’t seen him in three years. But now she must identify his body and figure out who killed him. Afraid that whoever killed him will hurt her, she goes into hiding. But runs into a man she can’t stay away from.

They both find an enemy in a very rich man in the tech industry. The man is on a mission and does not fail.

#GoodreadsGiveaways
Profile Image for Píaras Cíonnaoíth.
Author 143 books206 followers
December 20, 2024
A pulse-pounding thriller...

Hunter Spicer's debut thriller "Blood of the Vine" masterfully blends wine country noir with Silicon Valley intrigue. When struggling vineyard owner Bel McMaster crosses paths with Maria Garcia, a woman fleeing her dangerous past in Guatemala, their unlikely connection sets off a chain of events involving a ruthless tech billionaire, stolen genome technology, and deadly consequences. Spicer crafts a compelling narrative that keeps readers on edge while tackling ambitious themes of climate change, technological innovation, and immigration.

Drawing from his tech industry background, Spicer delivers authentic scientific elements while maintaining the human element at the story's core. The brisk pacing and well-crafted suspense sequences will keep readers invested throughout. This sophisticated thriller marks Spicer as an emerging talent worth watching, especially for fans of techno-thrillers with a social conscience. Highly recommended.
Profile Image for Steven Finkelstein.
1,010 reviews12 followers
October 19, 2024
Bel McMaster is going through a crisis. A combination of climate change and dubious financial decisions has put his family’s West Coast wine empire at risk. However, he hears of technology that could save his business and keep it from going under. He steals the tech from the billionaire who has control of it.

Meanwhile, Maria Garcia has fled Guatemala and the ruthless gangster who was tormenting her. She seeks a new life for herself in San Fransisco with her young son. When the husband she left behind turns up dead, though, her tranquility is thrown into turmoil.

The lives of these two individuals cross, and they realize they share an irresistible attraction. However, their enemies are hot on their trail and are not to be denied. Who will come out on top in this titillating thriller with abundant twists and turns?
Profile Image for Marina  Lujan .
938 reviews15 followers
October 25, 2024
"Blood of the Vine" grabbed me with its captivating plot right away. The character development is excellent, and the story is teeming with emotion and tension. Bel is a complex protagonist, pushed to the limit by circumstances, while María brings a vulnerability and strength that enrich the plot. The relationship between them is passionate, but it is also tinged with secrets and deception, which adds a layer of tension that didn't allow me to put the book down.

The plot moves at a perfect clip and keeps a sense of urgency throughout. Despite being captivated from the start, I managed to finish this novel in a matter of days. I would suggest it to everyone who enjoys a compelling narrative with deep characters and a plot that is full of surprising turns. It was definitely a great purchase.
Profile Image for L Becerra.
397 reviews9 followers
October 26, 2024
Wrapping plot

This novel would wrap you up since the beginning of the book because it is full of suspense, mystery and plot twists that wouldn’t let you put the book down until you solve this family mystery.
The way the author developed the story, giving this touch of tension and mystery, makes the book 100% more interesting because it creates a connection with the main character while he discovers all the secrets behind his family. Who doesn’t like family dramas? How can you relate with the character even if you don’t own a vine?
I wouldn’t like to spoil the main plot of this book, because is worth reading. But I would recommend it for those who like to read mystery books, or those who like tension between past and present, giving the character some moral decisions and questioning who he is. This book would not let you down. I promise!
Profile Image for Juliana.
244 reviews4 followers
November 1, 2024
best book ever

If you wanted to get out of the routine and read something different, let me tell you that you came to the right place; this book is full of suspense, mystery and adventure.
From the first page, I was obsessed with this book. The narrative and the detailed way in which the author describes the places, situations and characters is as if you were accompanying them in all their adventures and you were part of the main characters themselves.
The book is about a group of friends who get involved in a mysterious disappearance in a vineyard and everything that happens because of this. What I liked most is that it is full of unexpected twists, intrigue, disappearances and suspense. It also highlights a lot the value of friendship and the importance of relationships in our lives. I really liked it a lot, I recommend it 100%.
Profile Image for Grady.
Author 51 books1,823 followers
November 26, 2024
A vintage blend of suspense and passion – a stunning new novel!

California author Hunter Spicer makes an impressive debut in writing fiction with BLOOD OF THE VINE – a thriller novel that wisely incorporates themes of immigration, technology, and climate change set in the California wine country and San Francisco in particular.

Owner of a wine empire Bel McMaster faces challenges, both financial and environmental. Hearing that a billionaire has a genetic advancement that could solve his situation, Bel steals the dangerous ploy – a plant genome - and becomes the hunted. Simultaneously Maria Garcia has fled from a gangster in Guatemala and resettles in San Francisco, under a veil of fear. The manner in which the author bonds these two disparate people, both in jeopardy and on the run, creates an immersive, emotional, and wholly satisfying, powerful romantic thriller.
Profile Image for Rocio.
345 reviews4 followers
November 28, 2024
"Blood of the Vine" by Hunter Spicer is a novel brimming with intrigue, where desperate decisions and unpredictable consequences keep the tension high. What captivated me the most was how it explores the boundaries of morality through complex, well-developed characters whose internal struggles resonate with deep emotional impact.
It’s a story not only about danger but also a reflection on survival, family, and sacrifice. The balance between romance and suspense is masterfully handled, offering both adrenaline-pumping moments and thoughtful introspection.
I loved how the author manages the plot twists and develops the relationship between the protagonists amidst such challenging circumstances.
If you’re someone who enjoys stories that intertwine mystery with deeply human elements, I highly recommend giving this book a read!
Profile Image for Carlos Romero.
315 reviews5 followers
October 22, 2024
What I really liked about this book is the mix between a romance with a crime fiction novel. Setting this story in the California wine country it’s an amazing touch, and the story around Bel McMaster and how he steals this secret recipe from this billionaire is an amazing story. The reading is full of action, suspense, and intrigue that are caused by Bel’s action and its chain of events and far-reaching consequences. Also, the passionate relationship between Bel and Maria Garcia, this Guatemalan immigrant is something intriguing, dangerous, and compelling. This book has a bit of everything, the power of family and their bonds, can cause greed that can make everyone make decisions to preserve their wealth. This is a thrilling story that’s worth reading.
Profile Image for CarlitasFox.
1,490 reviews28 followers
October 25, 2024
An unputdownable novel
“Blood of the Vine” is a captivating novel penned by Hunter Spicer. The story revolves around Bel McMaster, who inherits a wine dynasty with some problems after being destroyed by climate change. So, he must find a way out to save his heritage. In the middle of his search, he encounters other problems and people who put stumbling blocks in the way. But he’ll do anything to put things in order.
It’s a story that will show meanness, treason, secrets, violence but also determination and will to solve problems. The characters are very dynamic and complex since some of them hide secrets that may destroy them if they don´t act. I was glued to the pages from the very beginning and liked the way events unfold. I highly recommend it.
Profile Image for S Tyty.
1,282 reviews29 followers
November 1, 2024
This heart pounding thriller is one of those that keep one hooked until the very end, overthinking about everything that happened, trying to figure out how such a great book could have been crafted by one single person. Full of action, secrets, and adventures, the story captives and makes us delve into its twists and turns.

With its brisk pacing, engaging flashbacks, and a collection of well-crafted characters, this one is a commendable choice for fans of thrillers. Its appeal lies in the compelling combination of high-stakes scenarios and an addictive narrative rhythm.

This novel is especially recommended for those who appreciate stories with dynamic action scenes and complex protagonists. 5 out of 5 stars!
Profile Image for Gianfranco.
584 reviews7 followers
November 1, 2024
Very powerful

With characters full of contradictions but also certain nuances that make them all too real in the eyes of the reader, you come across a story where two paths that came treading only stones meet to accompany each other, Bel and Maria.
The passion between the characters is absorbing, the way the author details it in the narration is exquisite and exceeds the imagination. But beware, not everything in life is passion, between two worn out hearts, two souls so outraged, it is normal that distrust appears and becomes a complete limiting factor for everything to flow, to the point of decaying into violence and certain contempt.
The story has fantastic twists and turns, it left me perplexed but excited. Highly recommended.
Profile Image for Almiria.
762 reviews10 followers
November 26, 2024
What does a rogue vintner and a refugee from gang violence have in common? In Blood of the Vine by Hunter Spicer, we will find out just that as the lives of wine maker-gone-rogue Bel McMaster and Maria Garcia, fleeing from Guatemalan gangsters, intertwine. With McMaster’s wine farm on the brink of collapse due to financial mismanagement and climate change, he takes the dangerous step of stealing a synthetic genome. Garcia, on the other hand, simply wants to start a new life away from gang violence. But the past will not stay buried and these two unlikely allies will have to decide if they can trust each other, and how far. This novel is the perfect choice for fans of fast-paced thrillers with well-thought-out twists and turns and compelling main characters.
Profile Image for Fanny Polchlopek.
233 reviews
November 30, 2024
I loved it!

The genre is one of my favorites, as it combines passion, mystery, betrayals and some strong emotions. This complex story of passion shows us how complex we are as human beings, because although there is love or passion involved, we also tend to be distrustful by nature.

As a woman, I couldn't help but put myself in Maria's shoes and suffer at every moment the way her character does, her emotional conflict and the intensity with which she lives every thought. I must say that the outcome of this story seemed to me to be very well constructed. It has been a while since I was looking forward to the end of an
adventure.

If you like thrillers, well, you will be fascinated.
Profile Image for Margarita Garcia.
1,046 reviews23 followers
October 23, 2024
A must read book.

If you are looking for an exciting thriller you should read this novel. ''Blood of the Vine'' written by Hunter Spicer tells the story of Bel McMaster, a broke winemaker who decides to steal a genome from a ruthless billionaire. But his destiny crosses with Maria who is escaping from a gangster, both have to learn to trust and fight to escape death. The pace is fast and tense and introduces elements of suspense, danger, action, and passion leading to the climax. With high-adrenaline events, this novel will keep you on the edge of your seat. This is a captivating story with all the elements to make it a must-read for everyone.
Profile Image for Rodrigo J.
401 reviews5 followers
October 24, 2024
Very Interesting

This story, told by author Hunter Spicer, takes place in an environment that gradually immerses the reader in a world full of intrigue. The protagonists face challenging situations and must decide how far they are willing to go, sometimes driven by ambition and exposed to various dangers. These circumstances lead them to make desperate decisions in their attempts to keep certain secrets hidden. Mr. Bel McMaster, for instance, is determined to save the vineyard that has long belonged to his family, guarding secrets he does not want to come to light. The entire narrative unfolds around the vineyard and its cellars.
Profile Image for Ivan M.
838 reviews22 followers
October 24, 2024
Blood Of The Vine is a thriller that captivated me from page one. The book increases intensity from page one, with an original plot and a variety of characters that enrich the story. It is one of those stories that keeps you in the dark, giving the information necessary but hiding the ultimate scheme.

Overall, it was an exciting thriller. Bel and Maria are a mess, but together they might have a better chance against the evil surrounding them. Mixing a love story with criminality and bad decisions, Spicer takes the reader through a rollercoaster of emotions, keeping the plot unpredictable. It is the perfect story for the reader who is looking for a nail biting narrative.
Profile Image for Brenda.
1,362 reviews25 followers
October 25, 2024
If you are looking for a gripping thriller packed with a lot of danger and intrigue. The story goes about McMaster who is a winemaker facing financial ruin due to some climate change and very poor decisions which sets off a chain of deadly events.
The book also has a romance story in it, with a very interesting woman
The novel has a fast-paced plot in which the readers will encounter a lot of twists and turns and a lot of moral dilemmas the characters face.
Overall, this is an exciting and captivating suspense book, there's a lot of secrets and betrayal going on. If you like thrillers, this one may be for you.
Profile Image for Mariana.
653 reviews12 followers
October 25, 2024
What an incredible mystery. I really liked the author's way of writing, because he managed to keep me interested throughout my reading and I couldn't even take my eyes off this book. It is a story with too many secrets, hidden messages and a lot of tension. What happens when two very complicated stories are mixed, because it forms a story of love, desire and mystery that will leave you speechless. The characters are very interesting, they add a lot of complexity to the plot making this a must read. You should give it a chance, it's a mystery that will definitely keep you entertained and wishing to know what the end is going to be like. Amazing.
Profile Image for Aneley Sánchez.
988 reviews24 followers
October 27, 2024
For fans of thrillers.

It is one of those thrillers in which what happens, or at least most of it, can be real, and for that reason, I liked it a lot. The two main characters are a mess and they get involved in difficult and dangerous situations but incredibly, together they could become something much better that helps both of them.
Blood of the Vine by Hunter Spicer is a must read for fans of thrillers and suspense. The author built the story little by little and it captivates the reader more and more as the intrigue grows. The plot is convincing and the characters are well developed. I enjoyed it from beginning to end and I honestly recommend it!
Profile Image for Camilo.
411 reviews4 followers
October 28, 2024
Great Book!

Blood of the vine is one of those books that make the reader experience a lot of emotions along the story. This book is the perfect example that confirms that it is possible to have good books that mix more than one literary genre. Although at first one could categorize this book as a thriller, as the story unfolds, we realize that there is suspense and drama. This makes the reader go through many states of mind experiencing different emotions which generates a greater engagement with the book and simply can not stop reading it. I highly recommend this book to all those who want to pass a good time while reading.
Profile Image for Yolanda Gomez.
570 reviews9 followers
November 1, 2024
I loved this book; the story is great and the narrative is entertaining and interesting. This reading generated in me the need to read until I finished the whole story. I liked that despite being a story of mystery and intrigue, with a background of danger, it also keeps a love story inside that is very, very interesting. Personally, I loved the characters, I think the chemistry they have is very engaging and this is what generates that one cannot take their eyes off the outcome of this story of love and danger. I highly recommend it, it has an incredible plot and it will really entertain you and take you out of your reality.
Profile Image for Daniel Moreno.
856 reviews16 followers
November 1, 2024
I recommend this book for mystery lovers.

If you are passionate about mystery, this book is perfect for you, as it is without a doubt one of the most intriguing books I have ever read. The way the story is developed is admirable, the author undoubtedly has great expertise to deliver this well-constructed and developed novel. In addition to this, the characters are built in a way that you feel identified with many of them. There is one point I want to tell you as well and that is that these mysteries are family mysteries, this gives a special touch to the reading since the family dramas give them another aspect. Without a doubt, I recommend this book for mystery lovers.
Profile Image for Liz.
1,403 reviews33 followers
November 1, 2024
Bel McMaster knew that having vineyards was not an easy task, even more so when the ravages of the weather came into play. It is for this reason that Bel decides to steal an innovative synthetic genome from a ruthless billionaire. It is certainly not a very wise decision. Could Bel emerge unscathed and save his vineyard?
I really liked this installment; page after page, author Spicer takes the reader into a world of mystery, leaving them on the edge of their seat. Furthermore, the description of the scenes and the characters is very good. I recommend this read to all lovers of mystery stories with hints of adventure.
Profile Image for Laura.
280 reviews5 followers
Read
November 28, 2024
Good story

Wow, this is one of those books that sucks you in right from the start. I only meant to check it out, but didn't even realize how much of the book I had read just in that first sitting. Great story with intriguing plot lines, I mean you couldn't get more varied than Guatamalan gangsters and Sonoma County wine makers. The writing is pretty decent, good enough to keep me hooked in to the story. I'd recommend this book for those look into immerse theme in a whirling plot of intrigue and almost futuristic terror (the mysterious face melting genome stored on what looks like a bank card!). Good story.
Profile Image for Mandy Grimes.
21 reviews
November 8, 2024
Worth the Read

I entered a Kindle giveaway and won a copy and I just started reading this a few days ago. I couldn’t stop. This held my interest from the beginning to the end. I love the realism of the story and also, has an amazing ending. It didn’t leave me disappointed. I’ll definitely be getting a hard copy to be able and pick up and read again when I want to. If you like suspense and a good love story, give this book a read!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.