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Blood on the Vine
Between the shadowed rows of grapevines at a California vineyard, deadly secrets grow ripe and blood-red in this twisting thriller perfect for fans of Lisa Gardner.
FBI Agent Lana Burrell grew up on an idyllic Napa Valley vineyard with her best friend Jess–until Jess was murdered at the same vineyard they called home. Lana’s father is serving a life sentence for Jess’s murder, but Lana has always believed in his innocence–and has always wanted to know the truth about what really happened to her childhood friend.
Lana gave up the chance to exonerate her father for a career with the FBI, but when a killer strikes the Valley again, those old wounds reopen and she grasps at the chance to solve the case that has haunted her entire life. Two women are slain near where Jess’s body was once found, and Lana is forced to revisit the site of the fraught childhood she tried to leave behind.
Forced to partner with the local sheriff’s office that put her father in prison, and to reconnect with the wealthy family that runs a powerful wine dynasty, Lana fights the distraction of old flames and grudges reignited. With clues of a shadowy cult embedded at the center of wine country, and a mysterious stranger stalking her every move, Lana’s hope to solve the murders begins to have a darker the fear that she might be the next to die.
FBI Agent Lana Burrell grew up on an idyllic Napa Valley vineyard with her best friend Jess–until Jess was murdered at the same vineyard they called home. Lana’s father is serving a life sentence for Jess’s murder, but Lana has always believed in his innocence–and has always wanted to know the truth about what really happened to her childhood friend.
Lana gave up the chance to exonerate her father for a career with the FBI, but when a killer strikes the Valley again, those old wounds reopen and she grasps at the chance to solve the case that has haunted her entire life. Two women are slain near where Jess’s body was once found, and Lana is forced to revisit the site of the fraught childhood she tried to leave behind.
Forced to partner with the local sheriff’s office that put her father in prison, and to reconnect with the wealthy family that runs a powerful wine dynasty, Lana fights the distraction of old flames and grudges reignited. With clues of a shadowy cult embedded at the center of wine country, and a mysterious stranger stalking her every move, Lana’s hope to solve the murders begins to have a darker the fear that she might be the next to die.
336 pages, Paperback
Published April 22, 2025
20 people are currently reading
17389 people want to read
About the author
J.T. Falco
1 book63 followersJoey (J.T.) Falco is an author, screenwriter, and showrunner who recently wrapped up a four-year run on the CW’s CHARMED, during which he rose through the ranks to become Co-Showrunner. He currently has an adaptation of the Goldie Taylor novel, PAPER GODS, in development at Netflix with Angela Bassett attached to star, and his first feature, a romantic comedy called COMMON PEOPLE, is in development at Amazon with Berlanti Productions. Meanwhile, his debut novel, BLOOD ON THE VINE, is set to be released on April 22, 2025, by Crooked Lane Books, and has been optioned by Gaumont for TV development. Recently, he served as creator/showrunner of a pilot for ABC—a legal procedural called JUDGEMENT, starring Sarah Shahi and Reid Scott, and directed by Paul McGuigan. He started his career on the writing staff of shows like HEROES REBORN, SLEEPY HOLLOW, and TREADSTONE, and has developed original series with Amazon, Peacock, the CW, and USA. He’s also a three-time JEOPARDY champion, a Humanitas Prize winner, a WSET Level 2 sommelier, and a father of two.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 158 reviews
February 25, 2025
Secrets abound in wine country! FBI Agent Lana Burrell grew up in Napa Valley, California on a vineyard with her father Cliff and nearby best friend, Jess Bancroft. When Jess was murdered and Lana’s father was found guilty, Lana moved to San Francisco as a teen. With a killer in the Valley, Lana is sent to investigate the death of two women. She’s forced to partner with the sheriff’s department that put her father in prison as well as Jess’s wealthy family. As the past and present reignite grudges and emotions, Lana must keep focused on the murders.
Lana is often seen as detached and unemotional. Despite being a great investigator, she’s lived with guilt most of her life and it seems to drive her. She loves her job and believes in justice. She’s intelligent, competent, and introverted. She’s determined to solve the crimes even though it requires her to work with the local sheriff’s office. Deputy Essie Leroux is not the typical liaison assigned to work with the FBI. She’s only finished the police academy four months ago and is about sixty years old. She’s eager to help on her first assignment that’s not desk duty. I enjoyed the dynamics between the two. Both have flaws that kept them realistic.
A chilling prologue quickly hooks readers. Interspersed throughout the novel are a few letters, interviews, cross-examinations, newspaper articles, and court case summaries. These provide insight into the past and provide links to the present. Full of investigation as well as suspense and action, this crime thriller and police procedural kept me engaged. With many suspects, can Lana and Essie narrow the field and find the killer before another woman dies?
The plot is twisty and flows well. Both past and current plots are woven together seamlessly. There is the right amount of mystery, tension, and secrets to keep readers engrossed and wondering what was going to happen next. The atmospheric writing transported me to wine country. One of the things I loved was the interaction between Lana and Essie. Themes include trust, betrayal, friendship, power, murder, secrets, shadowy organizations, and much more.
Overall, this is a fast-paced, intriguing, and suspenseful tale with great characterization and plenty of action and danger that kept me engaged throughout the story. While this is a standalone novel, I would love for it to become a series. The author is an experienced screenwriter and this novel has been optioned for television development. It didn’t feel like a debut novel. Those who like police procedurals and crime thrillers will likely enjoy this novel.
Crooked Lane Books provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for April 22, 2025. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
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My 4.32 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon.
Lana is often seen as detached and unemotional. Despite being a great investigator, she’s lived with guilt most of her life and it seems to drive her. She loves her job and believes in justice. She’s intelligent, competent, and introverted. She’s determined to solve the crimes even though it requires her to work with the local sheriff’s office. Deputy Essie Leroux is not the typical liaison assigned to work with the FBI. She’s only finished the police academy four months ago and is about sixty years old. She’s eager to help on her first assignment that’s not desk duty. I enjoyed the dynamics between the two. Both have flaws that kept them realistic.
A chilling prologue quickly hooks readers. Interspersed throughout the novel are a few letters, interviews, cross-examinations, newspaper articles, and court case summaries. These provide insight into the past and provide links to the present. Full of investigation as well as suspense and action, this crime thriller and police procedural kept me engaged. With many suspects, can Lana and Essie narrow the field and find the killer before another woman dies?
The plot is twisty and flows well. Both past and current plots are woven together seamlessly. There is the right amount of mystery, tension, and secrets to keep readers engrossed and wondering what was going to happen next. The atmospheric writing transported me to wine country. One of the things I loved was the interaction between Lana and Essie. Themes include trust, betrayal, friendship, power, murder, secrets, shadowy organizations, and much more.
Overall, this is a fast-paced, intriguing, and suspenseful tale with great characterization and plenty of action and danger that kept me engaged throughout the story. While this is a standalone novel, I would love for it to become a series. The author is an experienced screenwriter and this novel has been optioned for television development. It didn’t feel like a debut novel. Those who like police procedurals and crime thrillers will likely enjoy this novel.
Crooked Lane Books provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for April 22, 2025. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
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My 4.32 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon.
April 18, 2025
Narrated by Abigail Reno
Presented by Spotify Audiobooks
Clearly written by a man, this one.
Aside from the gratuitous sex scenes, though, not too bad a crime novel.
Two bodies turn up so our protagonist is sent back to her hometown in Napa Valley to investigate. Along the way she's got to deal with the local rich family, a cult, and the sheriff that put her father in prison many years ago for the murder of her best friend.
I was quite intrigued at first but once the cult was introduced my mind started to drift a little bit. It all seemed a bit too far-fetched and I just found it hard to follow how everything was tying in.
The pace wasn't too bad - there always seemed to be something happening and there are plenty of different threads to follow. Lana is not too bad for a protagonist, but nothing particularly new, either.
Some of the occurrences did seem a bit unnecessary for me, and the male author was very evident. I don't think it needed as much detail as it included.
I liked the setting, with some interesting tidbits on wine-making and the like.
The narrator was decent, and gave a good performance. It was fairly easy to distinguish most voices, and there was enough emotion to convey urgency when needed. I'd happily listen to this narrator again.
Nothing particularly memorable, but a neat crime novel that ties everything together nicely.
With thanks to NetGalley for an audio ARC
Presented by Spotify Audiobooks
Clearly written by a man, this one.
Aside from the gratuitous sex scenes, though, not too bad a crime novel.
Two bodies turn up so our protagonist is sent back to her hometown in Napa Valley to investigate. Along the way she's got to deal with the local rich family, a cult, and the sheriff that put her father in prison many years ago for the murder of her best friend.
I was quite intrigued at first but once the cult was introduced my mind started to drift a little bit. It all seemed a bit too far-fetched and I just found it hard to follow how everything was tying in.
The pace wasn't too bad - there always seemed to be something happening and there are plenty of different threads to follow. Lana is not too bad for a protagonist, but nothing particularly new, either.
Some of the occurrences did seem a bit unnecessary for me, and the male author was very evident. I don't think it needed as much detail as it included.
I liked the setting, with some interesting tidbits on wine-making and the like.
The narrator was decent, and gave a good performance. It was fairly easy to distinguish most voices, and there was enough emotion to convey urgency when needed. I'd happily listen to this narrator again.
Nothing particularly memorable, but a neat crime novel that ties everything together nicely.
With thanks to NetGalley for an audio ARC
October 19, 2024
THIS is one of the best thrillers i've read omg?
Simple plot: FBI Agent Lana has no choice but to revisit the site of the nightmarish past she tried to leave behind, due to two murders that happened on the same place. The place has several secrets left covered from the past and several going on. With hints of a ancient cult embedded at the center, and someone stalking her every move, Lana’s hope to solve the murders begins to have a fear that she might be the next to die.
This is one of those only ARC's ive no criticism for, like its literally PERFECT. The right amount of suspense, thriller, and a little romance.
Simple plot: FBI Agent Lana has no choice but to revisit the site of the nightmarish past she tried to leave behind, due to two murders that happened on the same place. The place has several secrets left covered from the past and several going on. With hints of a ancient cult embedded at the center, and someone stalking her every move, Lana’s hope to solve the murders begins to have a fear that she might be the next to die.
This is one of those only ARC's ive no criticism for, like its literally PERFECT. The right amount of suspense, thriller, and a little romance.
February 26, 2025
I absolutely loved this thriller! Full of fast-paced twists and turns I was hooked from the creepy prologue and didn't look back. And here's the deal; this book hits all of the high notes that you expect from a well written thriller: a broody main character, a stunning backdrop (Napa Valley), multiple suspects and motives to keep you guessing, a fascinating murder mystery. But it also had something extra special that I personally find elevates a book for me; something that in my experience isn't often done in thrillers...education. Knowledge. I learned so much about wine making, soil composition, and Napa when it was a small farming community and not catering to the rich. This one really was the complete package and I highly recommend it to thriller lovers!
Thank you to Crooked Lane for my advanced copy of this one!
Thank you to Crooked Lane for my advanced copy of this one!
April 21, 2025
We are following FBI agent Lana Burrel, who is investigating a murder case in Napa Valley whom her father is in prison for. When similar deaths happen again and Lana is determined to free her dad and find the killer.
I thought this book was ok,I was a bit bored at times and didn’t love Lana as a main character. I hate to say that it sounded like she was written by a man, but it did. The whole “omg did I shave my legs” before sex made my eyes roll and just other ways she talked would not be how a woman would talk. It’s your typical alcoholic, horney female main character that I don’t really enjoy.
I didn’t guess the killer so that had a nice twist at the end, but I would have liked to see what happened with her dad. The ending was a bit abrupt. I would give this author a try again in the future.
Thank you to Netgalley and Spotify Audiobooks for an advanced copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
I thought this book was ok,I was a bit bored at times and didn’t love Lana as a main character. I hate to say that it sounded like she was written by a man, but it did. The whole “omg did I shave my legs” before sex made my eyes roll and just other ways she talked would not be how a woman would talk. It’s your typical alcoholic, horney female main character that I don’t really enjoy.
I didn’t guess the killer so that had a nice twist at the end, but I would have liked to see what happened with her dad. The ending was a bit abrupt. I would give this author a try again in the future.
Thank you to Netgalley and Spotify Audiobooks for an advanced copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
April 28, 2025
Thank you Net Galley for the advanced reader copy.
I really did enjoy this thriller!! I give it a 3.5 but rounded up for Good reads .
Lana is an FBI agent who grew up in wine country. She gets called back home to solve a few murders but all things lead to her past ……
I really did enjoy this thriller!! I give it a 3.5 but rounded up for Good reads .
Lana is an FBI agent who grew up in wine country. She gets called back home to solve a few murders but all things lead to her past ……
April 17, 2025
Blood on the Vine by J.T. Falco is a crime mystery novel about women being slain in the Napa Valley.
First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Crooked Lane Books, and the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
I am so sick of authors making their female protagonist (usually a detective) solve all their problems with alcohol. Talk about an over-used trope. Most of the male authors make the women having sex with men they just meet. And here we go again.... So, unless you try feeling sorry for her, it is almost impossible to actually like the protagonist.
I did find the book a little overly detailed at times, and found myself skimming parts about the wine industry, and about the history of some of the historical characters, like Steiner. So if I am skimming, I am not enjoying....
It started off a little slow, but eventually the pace picked up. Character wise, I loved Essie. She was wonderful.
The actual plot was quite good. There were enough suspects to make me question and change my choices quite often, so that kept things interesting.
Overall, it wasn't bad for a debut novel, and I will watch this author.
Anyway, until next time....
For a more complete review of this book and others (including the reason I chose to read/review this book, my own synopsis of the book, its author information and a favorite quotation or two from the book), please visit my blog: http://katlovesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
April 25, 2025
4.5 overall!
This thriller is going to be perfect for summer! It has murder, cults, and of course, plenty of wine. From the first chapter alone I was hooked and couldn’t stop reading. I loved Lana she was such a badass and her field agent Essie had me laughing, their partnership was wonderful. I really enjoyed the mixed media that was sprinkled throughout and how it tied in with the overall story. There are so many twists and turns I loved seeing how it all connected and came together at the end. I also learned so much about wine and everything that goes into making it, which was a lovely plus.
Overall, I highly recommend this thriller to anyone who loves cults, police procedurals, and wine!
Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for my ARC in exchange for my honest review!
This thriller is going to be perfect for summer! It has murder, cults, and of course, plenty of wine. From the first chapter alone I was hooked and couldn’t stop reading. I loved Lana she was such a badass and her field agent Essie had me laughing, their partnership was wonderful. I really enjoyed the mixed media that was sprinkled throughout and how it tied in with the overall story. There are so many twists and turns I loved seeing how it all connected and came together at the end. I also learned so much about wine and everything that goes into making it, which was a lovely plus.
Overall, I highly recommend this thriller to anyone who loves cults, police procedurals, and wine!
Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for my ARC in exchange for my honest review!
June 24, 2025
Book Blog | Bookstagram
Actually way better than I expected it to be, not necessarily because of the plot, but the MC really elevated this otherwise typical procedural with a tangible, likable personality.
This book:
Full RTC.
⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 4 stars
Book source: Netgalley in exchange for a review.
Actually way better than I expected it to be, not necessarily because of the plot, but the MC really elevated this otherwise typical procedural with a tangible, likable personality.
This book:
Full RTC.
⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 4 stars
Book source: Netgalley in exchange for a review.
July 12, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for the ARC.
Book Review: Blood on the Vine by J.T. Falco
Blood on the Vine by J.T. Falco is, without a doubt, one of the most gripping thrillers I’ve read this year. It’s a brilliant cocktail of everything I love in a novel: crime, mystery, cults, New Age philosophies, and conspiracy theories all woven into a dark and intense thriller. From the very first chapter, I was hooked. The pacing is tight, the twists are well-executed without feeling overdone, and the way the narrative plays with cult mythologies adds a unique and refreshing touch to the genre. This book had me glued from start to finish; it was exactly my cup of tea.
That said, I was fully prepared to give this book a five-star rating. Unfortunately, two things seriously disrupted the experience for me. First, the unnecessary and distasteful Charlie Hebdo Muslim stereotype joke—completely out of place, unwise, and offensive. The author could have made the same point or injected dark humor without resorting to targeting a group of people. It stood out in a bad way and left a sour taste.
Second, the romantic and se?ual scenes between the main character and the love interest felt not only forced but completely out of sync with the tone of the story. They were jarring, awkward, and detracted from the otherwise gripping narrative. Given the dark, serious themes at play, the story would have been stronger without them.
Despite these disappointments, Blood on the Vine remains a powerful, unique, and thrilling read. If you enjoy intelligent, layered crime fiction with a dark, conspiratorial edge, this one will definitely pull you in. I just wish it had been more thoughtful in certain choices.
Book Review: Blood on the Vine by J.T. Falco
Blood on the Vine by J.T. Falco is, without a doubt, one of the most gripping thrillers I’ve read this year. It’s a brilliant cocktail of everything I love in a novel: crime, mystery, cults, New Age philosophies, and conspiracy theories all woven into a dark and intense thriller. From the very first chapter, I was hooked. The pacing is tight, the twists are well-executed without feeling overdone, and the way the narrative plays with cult mythologies adds a unique and refreshing touch to the genre. This book had me glued from start to finish; it was exactly my cup of tea.
That said, I was fully prepared to give this book a five-star rating. Unfortunately, two things seriously disrupted the experience for me. First, the unnecessary and distasteful Charlie Hebdo Muslim stereotype joke—completely out of place, unwise, and offensive. The author could have made the same point or injected dark humor without resorting to targeting a group of people. It stood out in a bad way and left a sour taste.
Second, the romantic and se?ual scenes between the main character and the love interest felt not only forced but completely out of sync with the tone of the story. They were jarring, awkward, and detracted from the otherwise gripping narrative. Given the dark, serious themes at play, the story would have been stronger without them.
Despite these disappointments, Blood on the Vine remains a powerful, unique, and thrilling read. If you enjoy intelligent, layered crime fiction with a dark, conspiratorial edge, this one will definitely pull you in. I just wish it had been more thoughtful in certain choices.
October 1, 2024
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC Most families have skeletons in the closet, literally and figuratively. These winery families have both. FBI agent Burrell returns to her hometown to investigate recent murders. Four women have gone missing or been murdered during the last 50 years. Could these cases be linked to each other? Lana’s father is in prison for the murder of Agent Burrell’s best friend from high school. Is he guilty or was he wrongly convicted? This book took many twists and turns. Just when you think you have figured out who the murderer(s) could be, the plot takes yet another turn. There are complicated and sometimes disturbing family dynamics among these families going back generations. It took a while to pull the plot to a conclusion. A good read overall. Looking forward to reading more from JT Falco.
October 20, 2024
[NetGalley Read #16]
5 ⭐
Incredible. Very True Detective-ish. Murders (in different years). Cults. Powerful families. Colorful characters. Generational trauma. The lead detective going through emotional hell. And wine.
Highly Recommended. 👍
5 ⭐
Incredible. Very True Detective-ish. Murders (in different years). Cults. Powerful families. Colorful characters. Generational trauma. The lead detective going through emotional hell. And wine.
Highly Recommended. 👍
February 4, 2025
I cannot get behind the twist in this book. The main character is unlikeable to the nth degree and the pacing drags for what is a relatively short book (320 pgs). Skip this one.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 3, 2025
Probably 3.5 ⭐️
February 22, 2025
The blurb:
Lana Burrell grew up on an idyllic Napa Valley vineyard with her best friend Jess--until Jess mysteriously disappeared and Lana's father was falsely accused of her murder. Over twenty years later, he's still serving a life sentence, but Lana knows he's innocent, just like she knows Jess's real killer is still out there. Now, as a seasoned FBI agent in the San Francisco field office, Lana figures she can handle just about anything--until a killer strikes the Valley again and those old wounds come bursting open. Two women are slain in ritualistic fashion near the vineyard she once called home, and Lana has no choice but to revisit the site of the nightmarish past she tried to leave behind. A past that seems to be repeating itself as the blood and wine continue to spill all over Napa Valley. With rumors of a dangerous cult embedded at the center of wine country, the most powerful family in the Valley breathing down her neck, and a mysterious stranger stalking her every move, Lana's quest to solve the murders takes an even darker turn when she soon realizes the awful truth: she might be the next to die.
My thoughts:
This book was fast paced and twisty. I was captivated from the start and was hooked until the finish. I devoured the book in 24 hours!
Lana was fierce and determined in solving the recent murders, and finding links to the past. The story was packed full of secrets, and I did not see the twist at the end. Essie was a great character too, I enjoyed all the witty one liners she came out with.
4.5⭐️
Thank you so much to Netgalley and Crooked Lane books for the advance copy of this book. Opinions expressed here are my own.
Lana Burrell grew up on an idyllic Napa Valley vineyard with her best friend Jess--until Jess mysteriously disappeared and Lana's father was falsely accused of her murder. Over twenty years later, he's still serving a life sentence, but Lana knows he's innocent, just like she knows Jess's real killer is still out there. Now, as a seasoned FBI agent in the San Francisco field office, Lana figures she can handle just about anything--until a killer strikes the Valley again and those old wounds come bursting open. Two women are slain in ritualistic fashion near the vineyard she once called home, and Lana has no choice but to revisit the site of the nightmarish past she tried to leave behind. A past that seems to be repeating itself as the blood and wine continue to spill all over Napa Valley. With rumors of a dangerous cult embedded at the center of wine country, the most powerful family in the Valley breathing down her neck, and a mysterious stranger stalking her every move, Lana's quest to solve the murders takes an even darker turn when she soon realizes the awful truth: she might be the next to die.
My thoughts:
This book was fast paced and twisty. I was captivated from the start and was hooked until the finish. I devoured the book in 24 hours!
Lana was fierce and determined in solving the recent murders, and finding links to the past. The story was packed full of secrets, and I did not see the twist at the end. Essie was a great character too, I enjoyed all the witty one liners she came out with.
4.5⭐️
Thank you so much to Netgalley and Crooked Lane books for the advance copy of this book. Opinions expressed here are my own.
April 23, 2025
ARC audiobook provided in exchange for an honest review.
I loved how the female narrator handled this whole story by herself! She was clear and concise and easy to listen to for hours on end. The story completely took me by surprise and had so many different twists and turns, I never knew what direction it was headed! I live pretty close to Napa Valley and don’t read too many books centering around it, which I enjoyed. I would recommend to anyone who likes psychological thrillers, mysteries, and detective stories!
I loved how the female narrator handled this whole story by herself! She was clear and concise and easy to listen to for hours on end. The story completely took me by surprise and had so many different twists and turns, I never knew what direction it was headed! I live pretty close to Napa Valley and don’t read too many books centering around it, which I enjoyed. I would recommend to anyone who likes psychological thrillers, mysteries, and detective stories!
January 30, 2025
Blood on the Vine by J.T. Falco is one of those thrillers that pulls you in slowly, but won’t let go once the plot starts cooking!
This story follows FBI agent Lana Burrell. As a teenager, her best friend Jess was murdered and her father was framed for her murder. She’s left the Napa Valley life behind, but when two women are murdered within a month in the same community, her boss calls her in to lead the investigation. As she returns to the past she’d left behind, she must contend with the police officer who put her father behind bars and the Jess’ family, a center of wealthy wine dynasty. With clues of a shady cult in the middle of wine county and a stalker following her every move, Lana works to solve the murders with mounting fear that she could be the killer’s next victim.
I wasn’t fully sure what to think of this one as it went on. The plot drew me in quickly, but I thought it lost a little steam in the middle. That ending though does barrel through! I had some suspicions on who the murderer was, though the extent of the deed I couldn’t have guessed! I do think the ending was a bit abrupt. Would have liked to see a bit more to wrap it up.
I really liked these characters. Lana was a fantastic main character, well developed and sympathetic when she needed to be. The cast of supporting characters are colorful! The doubt is well placed on a lot of these characters which made it exciting. I really loved Essie the best! Her dynamic with Lana was fantastic.
This one is fun. I definitely suggest checking it out once it comes out!
Thank you to Crooked Lane Books and Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Release Date: 4/22/24
This story follows FBI agent Lana Burrell. As a teenager, her best friend Jess was murdered and her father was framed for her murder. She’s left the Napa Valley life behind, but when two women are murdered within a month in the same community, her boss calls her in to lead the investigation. As she returns to the past she’d left behind, she must contend with the police officer who put her father behind bars and the Jess’ family, a center of wealthy wine dynasty. With clues of a shady cult in the middle of wine county and a stalker following her every move, Lana works to solve the murders with mounting fear that she could be the killer’s next victim.
I wasn’t fully sure what to think of this one as it went on. The plot drew me in quickly, but I thought it lost a little steam in the middle. That ending though does barrel through! I had some suspicions on who the murderer was, though the extent of the deed I couldn’t have guessed! I do think the ending was a bit abrupt. Would have liked to see a bit more to wrap it up.
I really liked these characters. Lana was a fantastic main character, well developed and sympathetic when she needed to be. The cast of supporting characters are colorful! The doubt is well placed on a lot of these characters which made it exciting. I really loved Essie the best! Her dynamic with Lana was fantastic.
This one is fun. I definitely suggest checking it out once it comes out!
Thank you to Crooked Lane Books and Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Release Date: 4/22/24
July 7, 2025
As soon as the female main character mentioned her period I knew the author was male. Ugh. I’m done with male authors.
May 19, 2025
Blood on the Vine is a gripping and intricate murder mystery with an atmospheric backdrop of Napa Valley wine country. The story follows Lana Burrell, an FBI agent who returns to her hometown in Napa Valley to investigate a series of ritualistic-style murders on the same vineyard where her best friend Jess disappeared two decades earlier. Lana’s father was wrongfully convicted for Jess’ murder and sent to prison for life. As Lana investigates, she uncovers a web of secrets behind Jess’ wine dynasty family, finds evidence of a clandestine cult, and realizes she’s been followed by a dangerous figure.
This is the debut novel of accomplished screenwriter J.T. Falco, but the intricate plot and immersive storytelling make it feel like reading the work of a veteran thriller author! The story is mostly told from Lana’s POV in a present-day timeline, with additional flashback scenes detailing her final conversations with Jess and her father’s trial in 2003. Falco’s writing is fresh, vividly descriptive, and has an abundance of atmospheric tension throughout. The novel explores themes of family betrayal, the quest for justice, and the long-lasting effects of unresolved trauma. The story also gives readers a lot of interesting facts about winemaking and the family dynasties behind it.
All of the characters in this book are complex and intriguing. Lana is a fearless, outspoken, & multidimensional protagonist. Her life path was forever changed by her father’s incarceration, prompting her to pursue a career in the FBI with a thirst for justice. She admittedly feels guilt for not regularly visiting him in prison and, more importantly, not being able to prove his innocence. Her assignment on a case in her hometown forces her to confront her unresolved trauma and the family that put her father in prison. What’s most admirable about her character is the boldness she shows when interrogating suspects—whether they be powerful wine moguls, a police chief, or even the governor of California, she’s never intimidated and doesn’t hesitate to ask uncomfortable questions! Her temporary partnership with Deputy Essie Leroux, a 60-year-old rookie cop, provides humor and emotional depth to the story—having lost her mother at an early age, Essie becomes somewhat of a surrogate mother figure to her by the end, and their dialogue is hilarious and heartfelt. There are also some fantastic side characters, including Jess’ “wine dynasty” family members, who all are very suspicious, and cultish townsfolk who harbor secrets—with so many suspects and layers to this story, guessing the killer isn’t easy!
The story has good pacing overall. The midsection does slow down a bit, but at the same time a heated romance subplot emerges, and Lana delves deep into her investigation with some compelling confrontational dialogue scenes. The story regains momentum in the second half and culminates with jaw-dropping twists and a high-stakes showdown that will have readers on the edge of their seats! The ending that follows feels a bit rushed—it would have been a bit more satisfying to have included an epilogue for more character/plot resolution after such intricate and engaging storytelling.
Overall, Blood on the Vine is a standout debut novel that is a must-read for fans of whodunit mysteries, intricate storytelling, and multi-layered psychological thrillers. Falco’s background as a screenwriter is evident in the vivid, cinematic-like prose, and it’s easy to picture a film adaptation! If you’re looking for your next bingeable thriller with lots of atmospheric tension and truly unguessable twists, grab a copy of this book!
This is the debut novel of accomplished screenwriter J.T. Falco, but the intricate plot and immersive storytelling make it feel like reading the work of a veteran thriller author! The story is mostly told from Lana’s POV in a present-day timeline, with additional flashback scenes detailing her final conversations with Jess and her father’s trial in 2003. Falco’s writing is fresh, vividly descriptive, and has an abundance of atmospheric tension throughout. The novel explores themes of family betrayal, the quest for justice, and the long-lasting effects of unresolved trauma. The story also gives readers a lot of interesting facts about winemaking and the family dynasties behind it.
All of the characters in this book are complex and intriguing. Lana is a fearless, outspoken, & multidimensional protagonist. Her life path was forever changed by her father’s incarceration, prompting her to pursue a career in the FBI with a thirst for justice. She admittedly feels guilt for not regularly visiting him in prison and, more importantly, not being able to prove his innocence. Her assignment on a case in her hometown forces her to confront her unresolved trauma and the family that put her father in prison. What’s most admirable about her character is the boldness she shows when interrogating suspects—whether they be powerful wine moguls, a police chief, or even the governor of California, she’s never intimidated and doesn’t hesitate to ask uncomfortable questions! Her temporary partnership with Deputy Essie Leroux, a 60-year-old rookie cop, provides humor and emotional depth to the story—having lost her mother at an early age, Essie becomes somewhat of a surrogate mother figure to her by the end, and their dialogue is hilarious and heartfelt. There are also some fantastic side characters, including Jess’ “wine dynasty” family members, who all are very suspicious, and cultish townsfolk who harbor secrets—with so many suspects and layers to this story, guessing the killer isn’t easy!
The story has good pacing overall. The midsection does slow down a bit, but at the same time a heated romance subplot emerges, and Lana delves deep into her investigation with some compelling confrontational dialogue scenes. The story regains momentum in the second half and culminates with jaw-dropping twists and a high-stakes showdown that will have readers on the edge of their seats! The ending that follows feels a bit rushed—it would have been a bit more satisfying to have included an epilogue for more character/plot resolution after such intricate and engaging storytelling.
Overall, Blood on the Vine is a standout debut novel that is a must-read for fans of whodunit mysteries, intricate storytelling, and multi-layered psychological thrillers. Falco’s background as a screenwriter is evident in the vivid, cinematic-like prose, and it’s easy to picture a film adaptation! If you’re looking for your next bingeable thriller with lots of atmospheric tension and truly unguessable twists, grab a copy of this book!
April 15, 2025
First off, I didn’t even realize this was J.T. Falco’s debut novel until after I finished it. It felt way too polished and gripping for a first-timer. Seriously impressive.
I listened to the audiobook version, narrated by Abigail Reno, and wow… she nailed it. I was hooked from the very first minute. She really brought the story to life, especially the tense and eerie moments scattered throughout the book.
Now let’s talk about Lana. She’s... complicated. Not exactly someone you'd want to grab coffee with—especially with the way she treats Deputy Leroux—but there's something about her that pulls you in. The more you learn about her past, the more you understand where she’s coming from. You can tell she’s 100% committed to her job and trying to do right by everyone, even if she’s not super warm and fuzzy about it.
I absolutely loved the setting. I don’t think I’ve ever read a book set in Napa Valley, and now I’m wondering why more thrillers don’t go that route. The contrast of lush vineyards with this ominous, creeping sense of dread? Perfection. It added so much atmosphere and made me want to keep going just to stay in that world a bit longer.
As for the plot—it’s the kind that makes you side-eye everyone. I thought I had it figured out more than once, and then bam, the twist hit me right out of the blue. So well done. Super satisfying.
Even though it’s technically a standalone, I can totally see this becoming a series. I’d be the first in line for book two if Lana decides to take on another case!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Spotify Audio for the audiobook in exchange for my honest review.
I listened to the audiobook version, narrated by Abigail Reno, and wow… she nailed it. I was hooked from the very first minute. She really brought the story to life, especially the tense and eerie moments scattered throughout the book.
Now let’s talk about Lana. She’s... complicated. Not exactly someone you'd want to grab coffee with—especially with the way she treats Deputy Leroux—but there's something about her that pulls you in. The more you learn about her past, the more you understand where she’s coming from. You can tell she’s 100% committed to her job and trying to do right by everyone, even if she’s not super warm and fuzzy about it.
I absolutely loved the setting. I don’t think I’ve ever read a book set in Napa Valley, and now I’m wondering why more thrillers don’t go that route. The contrast of lush vineyards with this ominous, creeping sense of dread? Perfection. It added so much atmosphere and made me want to keep going just to stay in that world a bit longer.
As for the plot—it’s the kind that makes you side-eye everyone. I thought I had it figured out more than once, and then bam, the twist hit me right out of the blue. So well done. Super satisfying.
Even though it’s technically a standalone, I can totally see this becoming a series. I’d be the first in line for book two if Lana decides to take on another case!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Spotify Audio for the audiobook in exchange for my honest review.
April 17, 2025
I enjoyed this book way more than I anticipated. I knew I was going to like it—murder, vineyards, and cults? Count me in—but thrillers often lose me when I start spotting patterns early on. That wasn’t the case here. I had my suspicions about who the killer might be but ended up second-guessing myself thanks to some well-placed red herrings.
What really stood out to me was how tight and cinematic everything felt. Every scene was purposeful, every thread neatly tied off. It wasn’t until the afterword that I realized Falco wrote this during the writers’ strike, and suddenly it made perfect sense—this read like it was crafted by someone who knows screenwriting inside and out. The detail-oriented nature of the storytelling kept me totally locked in.
I received the audiobook version of this, produced by Spotify Audiobooks (which, funny enough, I didn’t even realize was a thing until now—despite being a regular audiobook listener on the platform). The production quality was top-notch, and Abigail Reno's narration was excellent.
This is a 5/5 star read for me. Twisty, well-paced, and unexpectedly layered. The ending left me with a bit of “wait, what?” energy—but in a very good way. I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for whatever J.T. Falco does next. Big thanks to NetGalley and Spotify Audiobooks for the advanced copy!
What really stood out to me was how tight and cinematic everything felt. Every scene was purposeful, every thread neatly tied off. It wasn’t until the afterword that I realized Falco wrote this during the writers’ strike, and suddenly it made perfect sense—this read like it was crafted by someone who knows screenwriting inside and out. The detail-oriented nature of the storytelling kept me totally locked in.
I received the audiobook version of this, produced by Spotify Audiobooks (which, funny enough, I didn’t even realize was a thing until now—despite being a regular audiobook listener on the platform). The production quality was top-notch, and Abigail Reno's narration was excellent.
This is a 5/5 star read for me. Twisty, well-paced, and unexpectedly layered. The ending left me with a bit of “wait, what?” energy—but in a very good way. I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for whatever J.T. Falco does next. Big thanks to NetGalley and Spotify Audiobooks for the advanced copy!
April 5, 2025
Impressive debut thriller!
After Lana Burrell’s high school best friend, Jess, disappears and is assumed to be murdered. Lana’s dad is convicted of the crime and is spending the rest of his life in prison. Lana went on to become an FBI agent and she is called back home to Napa Valley when two more girls are found dead surrounding very bizarre circumstances.
Could these murders be connected to Jess’s disappearance? Has the killer been loose all these years? Is her dad actually innocent? Lana will discover that the wine country she thought she knew is full of deep dark secrets involving some very powerful people. And the shocking answers she finds just could cost her everything.
This story is everything a thriller lover is looking for: intricately plotted with ZERO fluff; every twist and turn propels the plot line, it contains a captivating murder mystery to solve, nail biting suspense, complex characters to either loathe or root for, and a shocking but satisfying ending leaving the reader breathless and a little sad it’s over. This is definitely an author to watch and I can’t wait to read what he writes next!
Thank you Netgalley, Crooked Lane Books, and the author for this eARC in exchange for my honest review. This book will be available for purchase on April 22, 2025
After Lana Burrell’s high school best friend, Jess, disappears and is assumed to be murdered. Lana’s dad is convicted of the crime and is spending the rest of his life in prison. Lana went on to become an FBI agent and she is called back home to Napa Valley when two more girls are found dead surrounding very bizarre circumstances.
Could these murders be connected to Jess’s disappearance? Has the killer been loose all these years? Is her dad actually innocent? Lana will discover that the wine country she thought she knew is full of deep dark secrets involving some very powerful people. And the shocking answers she finds just could cost her everything.
This story is everything a thriller lover is looking for: intricately plotted with ZERO fluff; every twist and turn propels the plot line, it contains a captivating murder mystery to solve, nail biting suspense, complex characters to either loathe or root for, and a shocking but satisfying ending leaving the reader breathless and a little sad it’s over. This is definitely an author to watch and I can’t wait to read what he writes next!
Thank you Netgalley, Crooked Lane Books, and the author for this eARC in exchange for my honest review. This book will be available for purchase on April 22, 2025
November 4, 2024
Woooow. This cured my slump.
FBI Agent Lana Burrell heads back to her roots in Napa Valley to investigate two murders tied to the vineyards she grew up around. Which happens to be the same place her father was convicted of murdering her childhood best friend. Not only does she have to finally face the past, but she has to partner with the Sheriff who put her father behind bars.
The plot was a slow burn and I truly didn’t see the twist and turns coming. The story had so much depth to it with a potential cult, family drama, murder and of course wine.
The character development is really what shined for me. I felt like I really understood Lana. She is a bit chaotic, but so very likable. She lives in her head and is very self aware, strong, determined and funny. Her growth throughout the novel was amazing to watch.
I couldn’t put this one down once I started and I am so very thankful to Net Galley and Crooked Lane Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest feedback.
FBI Agent Lana Burrell heads back to her roots in Napa Valley to investigate two murders tied to the vineyards she grew up around. Which happens to be the same place her father was convicted of murdering her childhood best friend. Not only does she have to finally face the past, but she has to partner with the Sheriff who put her father behind bars.
The plot was a slow burn and I truly didn’t see the twist and turns coming. The story had so much depth to it with a potential cult, family drama, murder and of course wine.
The character development is really what shined for me. I felt like I really understood Lana. She is a bit chaotic, but so very likable. She lives in her head and is very self aware, strong, determined and funny. Her growth throughout the novel was amazing to watch.
I couldn’t put this one down once I started and I am so very thankful to Net Galley and Crooked Lane Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest feedback.
April 1, 2025
Lana Burrell is an FBI Agent. She is sent to the Napa Valley to look into the murder of two young women. Lana is reluctant. She grew up in the Napa Valley and lived there until her best friend disappeared and her father was accused and convicted of her murder.
Lana soon finds herself deep in the investigation and being reminded of the time she would most like to forget. The murders took place on or near Bancroft land which isn't surprising since they own a lot of the valley. But the Bancrofts had a lot to do with the events she'd like to forget. Her best friend Jess was a Bancroft and the first love she left behind was her best friend's brother Jonah. Jess's mother is now running the vineyard. The current sheriff was a deputy who arrested her father.
The sheriff assigns her a deputy to be her liaison - a 60+ woman who has only been a deputy for four months. But Essie proves to be a lot of help in the investigation despite really wanting the killer to be the Bancroft who sued her and her husband for selling some wine they produced on their land.
This was a twisty thriller as secrets of the past are revealed, bodies are discovered, cults are outed, and a murderer is found -- but not before Lana finds herself in danger of losing her own life.
Lana soon finds herself deep in the investigation and being reminded of the time she would most like to forget. The murders took place on or near Bancroft land which isn't surprising since they own a lot of the valley. But the Bancrofts had a lot to do with the events she'd like to forget. Her best friend Jess was a Bancroft and the first love she left behind was her best friend's brother Jonah. Jess's mother is now running the vineyard. The current sheriff was a deputy who arrested her father.
The sheriff assigns her a deputy to be her liaison - a 60+ woman who has only been a deputy for four months. But Essie proves to be a lot of help in the investigation despite really wanting the killer to be the Bancroft who sued her and her husband for selling some wine they produced on their land.
This was a twisty thriller as secrets of the past are revealed, bodies are discovered, cults are outed, and a murderer is found -- but not before Lana finds herself in danger of losing her own life.
April 17, 2025
That prologue 👀
A murder mystery set in wine country? Say no more—I’m in! Working in the wine industry, I was completely drawn in by the richly atmospheric setting. The detailed descriptions, especially of Napa Valley, felt so authentic and immersive, it was like stepping right into the vineyards I know so well.
This was such a gripping read—where past and present collide in a twisty, corkscrew-like police procedural and crime thriller. I couldn’t put it down.
Learning that Flaco is a screenwriter and that this story is already optioned? It makes perfect sense. It reads with cinematic flair and doesn’t feel like a debut in the slightest. I’m already looking forward to whatever comes next!
A murder mystery set in wine country? Say no more—I’m in! Working in the wine industry, I was completely drawn in by the richly atmospheric setting. The detailed descriptions, especially of Napa Valley, felt so authentic and immersive, it was like stepping right into the vineyards I know so well.
This was such a gripping read—where past and present collide in a twisty, corkscrew-like police procedural and crime thriller. I couldn’t put it down.
Learning that Flaco is a screenwriter and that this story is already optioned? It makes perfect sense. It reads with cinematic flair and doesn’t feel like a debut in the slightest. I’m already looking forward to whatever comes next!
April 22, 2025
Blood In The Vine is a captivating, thrilling, and very twisty murder mystery with several murders that need to be solved.
💫💫💫💫💫
FBI Agent Lana Burrell is tough, determined, and unconventional. That is why she is sent to Napa Valley to help with the murder of two women. Lana is hesitant to go back. It is the place where her best friend was killed, but her body was never found, and where her father was framed for her murder. Lana will be caught in a web of lies, deceit, guarded deadly secrets, a powerful family, and even a sex cult!
A must-read that will keep you at the edge of your seat, and you won't see the killer coming!
Thank you, Netgalley and Crooked Lane Books, I loved this book!
💫💫💫💫💫
FBI Agent Lana Burrell is tough, determined, and unconventional. That is why she is sent to Napa Valley to help with the murder of two women. Lana is hesitant to go back. It is the place where her best friend was killed, but her body was never found, and where her father was framed for her murder. Lana will be caught in a web of lies, deceit, guarded deadly secrets, a powerful family, and even a sex cult!
A must-read that will keep you at the edge of your seat, and you won't see the killer coming!
Thank you, Netgalley and Crooked Lane Books, I loved this book!
April 23, 2025
Blood on the Vine by JT Falco was an enjoyable mystery. The ending felt a little rushed and everything was neatly tied up, but otherwise I found it entertaining. The narrator did a decent job with voicing the different characters, especially Deputy Essie. Deputy Essie was my favorite character overall because it was fun imagining a woman going into the police academy on her sixties, set in her ways but eager to learn and be of assistance. Thank you NetGalley for this advance copy of the audiobook. All opinions are my own.
October 27, 2024
Thank you so much to NetGalley for this book!! It was such a surprise!! I read this in one day and couldn’t put it down, it had an amazing plot, I could relate to the characters the story had lots of depth and turns and things that were completely unexpected. Also the history of “wine” was so fascinating! I’m an avid mystery book reader and it’s really really hard for me not to guess the “killer” and I had no idea! I highly recommend this book and I’m going to see what other books he has.
Specifically for the author though I recommend adding a *TW* as there is very brief material on rape. And readers need to be aware of this!
Specifically for the author though I recommend adding a *TW* as there is very brief material on rape. And readers need to be aware of this!
April 10, 2025
Wow I loved this! Thank you to Netgalley and the author for the ARC of the audiobook.
This is a straightforward, solid mystery novel that really shines because of the unique setting of Napa wine country. If you like mysteries and you are looking for something thats the same, but different, you'll probably like this one. This book has just enough of other elements to set it apart - several interesting characters, backstory, wine knowledge, a cult, even a little tiny bit of romance. It's easy to follow with just enough twists to keep it interesting, and the ending wasn't obvious. Also, the audiobook narrator was superb. 4.5 stars, rounding up to 5.
Also, this is a debut author, which makes it extra impressive! I'll definitely be keeping an eye out for future works by JT Falco.
This is a straightforward, solid mystery novel that really shines because of the unique setting of Napa wine country. If you like mysteries and you are looking for something thats the same, but different, you'll probably like this one. This book has just enough of other elements to set it apart - several interesting characters, backstory, wine knowledge, a cult, even a little tiny bit of romance. It's easy to follow with just enough twists to keep it interesting, and the ending wasn't obvious. Also, the audiobook narrator was superb. 4.5 stars, rounding up to 5.
Also, this is a debut author, which makes it extra impressive! I'll definitely be keeping an eye out for future works by JT Falco.
September 11, 2025
WoW WOW WOW wow WOW!!! THE best thriller I have read to date!!! I’m pretty good at predicting the end before it happens and I would have NEVER guessed!!! The only adjustment I would have made was the abrupt ending, but even then, I believe it leaves it opened ended for, dare I say, sequel? Would love that!! I highly recommend! Going into this I had low expectations, it’s a book club book, and come Sunday I’m getting to meet JT Falco!! Boy! Am I pleasantly surprised and even more excited!!
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