Killer Vintage: A West Texas Wine Thriller

by Eric D. Sanchez

392 pages, Paperback

Published August 19, 2025

Reviews

[Jenna Gilmore · Rating 1 out of 5]

EDIT: it looks like the author or publisher purchased dozens of bot reviews to give the book 5 stars. Which is disgusting. Because tell me why there’s DOZENS of 5-star reviews all posted 10 days ago?? This is wrong and horrible. There’s no organic way to explain this about a book published in August.

** This book was provided to me via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review **

I, unfortunately, had to DNF this book. I was really excited to read it because of the cover and the title (AKA the reasons I rated this book 2 stars), but I’m over 80 pages in and bored out of my mind.

There are several different plots going on, which I’m sure will eventually connect, but right now it’s too much that I can’t get invested in one storyline enough to keep going. The main character is barely in it at this point. We also spend way too much time on info dumping things that don’t matter hardly at all. The wine tour chapter was so boring.

I’m so sad this book didn’t work out, because I really love the cover and title. However, I’m learning that I don’t need to waste my time on reading something I’m not enjoying.


Rating: 1.8/5

Recommend? No

[FaithfulReviewer (Jacqueline)]

Thanks to Brown Books Publishing Group, the author and NetGalley for a DRC in return for an honest review.

The blurb for Killer Vintage sounded like an intriguing premise with the promise of a drug cartel standoff with the federal government - it was giving serious Breaking Bad vibes (one of my all-time favourite shows). This and the fact that the author, Eric D Sanchez, had insider knowledge of the winemaking business due to him being a former winery tour guide himself, made me want to request this title immediately. Sadly though, this seems to be a polarising debut thriller, judging by other reviews I've read - you either love it or hate it. I'm afraid I fall into the latter camp. This novel really didn't float my boat at all. The book opens almost immediately with the murder of a DEA agent, you would think therefore that this was going to be a fast paced thriller - wrong! It was very slow to get going and I just couldn't bring myself to carry on reading. So unfortunately this was a DNF for me.

#KillerVintage #NetGalley

[Ethan Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Killer Vintage is an absolute page-turner! From the dusty vineyards of West Texas to the shadowy secrets hidden beneath the winery’s walls, Eric D. Sanchez spins a thriller that is both tense and richly atmospheric. I loved how Bud Garza’s ordinary summer job evolves into a deadly investigation alongside DEA agents — the stakes keep rising in the most satisfying way. The blend of mystery, crime, and wine culture kept me hooked, and the writing feels authentic and grounded. Highly recommended for fans of suspenseful crime thrillers with a fresh setting!

[Samuel · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun, gritty read! Killer Vintage offers a unique fusion of crime thriller intensity and the surprising backdrop of West Texas wine country. Bud Garza’s journey from lifeguard to reluctant sleuth is compelling, and the mysteries surrounding the winery are full of twists that kept me guessing. Some pacing issues slowed me down at times, but the setting and characters were so vivid that I stayed engaged from beginning to end. A great pick for readers who enjoy character-driven thrillers with atmosphere

[Andrew Cole · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliantly crafted thriller! Killer Vintage had me gripped from the opening pages. The combination of a high-stakes criminal mystery and the unique environment of a West Texas winery gave this novel tons of personality and grit. Sanchez’s vivid sense of place transports you right into dusty vineyards and clandestine cellar rooms. Bud’s photographic memory and quick thinking were exciting to follow, and every chapter delivered tension and new surprises. Definitely a standout in modern crime fiction!

[Israel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Killer Vintage is a refreshing and ambitious debut that stands out in the crowded thriller genre by marrying a classic mystery with an unexpectedly rich and atmospheric backdrop — the sun-soaked vineyards of West Texas. From the first page, this novel grips you with its unique premise: a summer job at a bustling winery becomes the gateway into a dark and dangerous world when a missing DEA agent’s trail leads straight to South Plains Cellars.

[Samuel Ayedun · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Killer Vintage by Eric D. Sanchez is a gripping and suspenseful read that keeps you guessing from start to finish. The atmosphere is dark and tense, and the story unfolds with well-timed twists that hold your attention. The characters feel realistic, with hidden motives that add depth to the plot. Overall, it’s an engaging thriller and a solid choice for readers who enjoy mystery and suspense.

[Nora Vance · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has a compelling premise — the wine industry mixed with murder and DEA intrigue — and I appreciated the atmospheric West Texas setting. The author’s passion for the wine world really shines through, adding interesting detail to the story. However, the pacing felt uneven at times, and a few characters didn’t develop as deeply as I’d hoped. Still, it’s an enjoyable mystery overall with enough suspense and smarts to satisfy most thriller fans.

[Trace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Killer Vintage is a tightly written and engaging crime novel that blends regional authenticity with a gripping mystery. Eric D. Sanchez does an excellent job transforming a seemingly laid-back winery setting into the center of a dark and dangerous operation. The characters feel real, the pacing is strong, and the tension builds naturally as the story unfolds. A standout read for fans of intelligent, character-driven thrillers with a strong sense of place.

[Grace Royal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set against the wide open High Plains of Texas, Killer Vintage delivers far more than its premise suggests. What begins as a coming-of-age story quickly evolves into a suspenseful crime thriller with real stakes. Bud Garza is a well-developed protagonist whose curiosity and photographic memory pull him into a dangerous world he never expected. The blend of local detail, crime investigation, and escalating tension makes this novel both immersive and hard to put down. Highly recommended.

[Mitsie Montijo]

Killer Vintage is a gripping, sun soaked thriller that transforms the wine country of West Texas into a noir tinged labyrinth of secrets, violence, and ambition. Set in the sweltering summer of 1994, Author Eric D. Sanchez blends atmospheric setting, compelling character work, and a slow burn mystery to craft a novel that feels both classically suspenseful and refreshingly unique.

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a delightful combination of wine culture and high stakes crime. Sanchez’s insider knowledge of the wine industry elevates the story beyond just another mystery; you can practically smell the oak barrels and feel the dusty Texas sun. The characters are vibrant and engaging, and the mystery unfolds in a way that kept me turning pages late into the night.

[Carbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Killer Vintage: A West Texas Wine Thriller is an exciting and well crafted story that blends mystery, suspense, and the unique setting of West Texas wine country. The plot keeps readers hooked with unexpected twists, while the characters and atmosphere make the story feel vivid and engaging. A great pick for anyone who enjoys a fast paced and entertaining thriller.

[John Dave · Rating 4 out of 5]

Killer Vintage: A West Texas Wine Thriller kept me hooked from start to finish. I loved the West Texas wine setting, it felt fresh and different, and the suspense built at just the right pace. The characters felt real, and the twists genuinely surprised me. If you enjoy thrillers with strong atmosphere and steady tension, this is definitely worth reading.

[Homo · Rating 5 out of 5]

The friendship between Susan and Isabella is the emotional backbone of the story. Their conversations feel honest and layered, showing how affection can include disagreement, fear, and fierce protection. It adds depth rarely seen in historical romance.

[Mary Jeneverre · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read!

[Heldi A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eric D. Sanchez delivers a smart, layered story with strong characters and an intriguing plot. Bud Garza is a surprisingly relatable protagonist, and the pacing kept me turning pages.

[Drey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Killer Vintage is a gripping, fast-paced thriller with clever twists and a unique wine-country setting. A fun, engaging read for mystery lovers.

[Anne Tyler · Rating 5 out of 5]

The West Texas setting feels authentic and vivid. You can tell the author knows the landscape and culture well, it adds depth to every scene.

[Reader]

This is lovely 🌹 it sent chills down my spine

[Charles · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved how the winery setting became almost a character itself. The tension builds steadily, and the payoff is worth it.

[Jacob M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well-researched, intelligently written thriller. The DEA storyline felt realistic, and the stakes kept escalating naturally.

[Chris L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bud Garza is such a compelling lead—flawed, sharp, and believable. His photographic memory adds a unique edge to the story.

[Dunamis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel balances humor, suspense, and danger incredibly well. It never feels forced, and the dialogue flows naturally.

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you enjoy crime thrillers with a strong sense of place, Killer Vintage is absolutely worth your time.

[Dvonne James · Rating 5 out of 5]

A slow burn that turns into a full-throttle thriller. The author takes time to build the world, and it pays off big.

[Ronald · Rating 5 out of 5]

I appreciated the depth of the plot. Nothing felt random—every detail mattered, especially as the mystery unfolded.

[Francis J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

The intersection of wine culture and organized crime was unexpected and fascinating. Very creative premise.

[Christopher · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book kept me guessing until the end. Just when I thought I had things figured out, the story took another turn.

[Donald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Strong character development and an engaging storyline make this a standout read. I’m impressed by the scope of the story.