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Cece Barton Mystery #3
A Poisonous Pour
Not yet published
Expected 28 Apr 26Since moving from L.A. to California’s verdant wine country, widowed single mom Cece Barton has gone from Colinas wine bar manager to wine bar owner—with a chaser of sleuthing . . .
It’s Memorial Day weekend and Sonoma County’s Alexander Valley is buzzing with activity. For Cece, business at Vino y Vida is going great, as is her romance with new beau, Benjamin. Meanwhile, Cece’s neighbor, Richard Flora, is stirring up controversy with his newest article, an exposé of Regan Greene, power-hungry chair of a valley district organization. Also in the mix is the town’s upcoming big classic car show, paired with wine tastings . . .
Cece is concerned the tastings will cut into her holiday weekend profits—until she and her mechanic, Josie Jarvin, are asked to co-sponsor a booth. . . . At the show, Cece spots Regan Greene, who is displaying her restored green ’72 Thunderbird convertible. As Cece pours tastes, she witnesses several heated discussions with Regan—including an argument with wine afficionado and new Colinas hardware store owner Greg Jardis. Otherwise, all goes smoothly—until Sunday brings shocking news. Regan has been murdered . . .
Rumors fly that Richard may have orchestrated the homicide—or even committed it. But Cece knows that’s absurd. And others in Cece’s orbit seem to have discomfiting connections to Regan, from Cece’s employee, Dane, to her winemaking teacher’s sister, Yolanda, to Colinas Mayor Guittierez. And after Yolanda visits the wine bar, Benjamin says he recognizes her from a road race.
Determined to clear Richard’s name, and failing to extract any clues from detectives, Cece once again enlists her twin, Allie, as her partner-in-sleuthing. But they’ll have to act quickly, before the trail goes
sour . . .
It’s Memorial Day weekend and Sonoma County’s Alexander Valley is buzzing with activity. For Cece, business at Vino y Vida is going great, as is her romance with new beau, Benjamin. Meanwhile, Cece’s neighbor, Richard Flora, is stirring up controversy with his newest article, an exposé of Regan Greene, power-hungry chair of a valley district organization. Also in the mix is the town’s upcoming big classic car show, paired with wine tastings . . .
Cece is concerned the tastings will cut into her holiday weekend profits—until she and her mechanic, Josie Jarvin, are asked to co-sponsor a booth. . . . At the show, Cece spots Regan Greene, who is displaying her restored green ’72 Thunderbird convertible. As Cece pours tastes, she witnesses several heated discussions with Regan—including an argument with wine afficionado and new Colinas hardware store owner Greg Jardis. Otherwise, all goes smoothly—until Sunday brings shocking news. Regan has been murdered . . .
Rumors fly that Richard may have orchestrated the homicide—or even committed it. But Cece knows that’s absurd. And others in Cece’s orbit seem to have discomfiting connections to Regan, from Cece’s employee, Dane, to her winemaking teacher’s sister, Yolanda, to Colinas Mayor Guittierez. And after Yolanda visits the wine bar, Benjamin says he recognizes her from a road race.
Determined to clear Richard’s name, and failing to extract any clues from detectives, Cece once again enlists her twin, Allie, as her partner-in-sleuthing. But they’ll have to act quickly, before the trail goes
sour . . .
- GenresMysteryCozy Mystery
304 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication April 28, 2026
About the author
Maddie Day
30 books1,577 followersMaddie Day is a pseudonym for Agatha Award-winning mystery author Edith Maxwell.
As Maddie Day, Edith writes the Country Store Mysteries, from Kensington, set in southern Indiana. Maddie lived in the area some years ago and loves writing the adventures of Robbie Jordan, a country store owner and chef in South Lick, Indiana.
She also writes the Cozy Capers Book Group Mysteries, with bike shop owner Mackenzie Almeida and her cozy mystery book group solving murders in a fictional Cape Cod village.
Her new Cece Barton Mysteries series, set northern California wine country, releases in fall, 2023
Please see Edith Maxwell's author page for more information about her other mystery series and her award-winning short stories.
As Maddie Day, Edith writes the Country Store Mysteries, from Kensington, set in southern Indiana. Maddie lived in the area some years ago and loves writing the adventures of Robbie Jordan, a country store owner and chef in South Lick, Indiana.
She also writes the Cozy Capers Book Group Mysteries, with bike shop owner Mackenzie Almeida and her cozy mystery book group solving murders in a fictional Cape Cod village.
Her new Cece Barton Mysteries series, set northern California wine country, releases in fall, 2023
Please see Edith Maxwell's author page for more information about her other mystery series and her award-winning short stories.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
March 28, 2026
Fun cozy from a great writer in the genre. Enjoy learning about wine-related info, seeing CeCe's relationship with her sister and nephews, plus new boyfriend and employees. The drama in the city gov't and local organizations was intriguing. Mystery was solid. Will continue reading the series.
March 27, 2026
"A Poisonous Pour (Cece Barton Mystery Book 3)" by Maddie Day is set around Memorial Day. Cece somehow gets pulled into investigating the death of the local business association's leader. Other than the death involved wine and one of the suspects is an employee of hers, I don't really see why she feels the need to investigate this one. Yes, her elderly neighbor ends up in the hospital but there's nothing actually linking his head injury with the death. It just seems go be general nosiness in this one.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A POISONOUS POUR by Maddie Day is the magnificent, captivating cozy mystery centered around the murder of a prominent citizen during the Memorial Day holiday in Alexander Valley. After a friend and an employee become a person of interest to the police, Cece feels she must do some amateur sleuthing. Will her snooping end up putting her on top of the murderer’s hit list for endangering their freedom?
Cece is happy with her life. She’s the owner of the successful and fun Colinas Wine Bar. She’s once again close with her daughter. She’s in love with Benjamin and very happy with their less than typical arrangement. She now lives close to Allie, her twin, and family making it easy for her to spoil her twin nephews. But like a momma bear, she’s determined to protect those she cares about. When Regan Greene, director of the Alexander Valley District Association and apparently disliked by so many, was murdered, first it was curiosity that got Cece thinking about who murdered her. Richard Flora, her elderly neighbor and dear friend, wrote a harsh commentary on the murder victim just prior to her demise causing him to become a suspect. Cece kicks in her amateur sleuthing skills into high gear to clear his name. Then an employee and other friend’s names are on the suspect list as well, meaning she needs to find answers quickly. With so many that wished the hateful tyrant named Regan gone, with one even voicing she wished her dead, can she figure out the true culprit?
Cece worked with the police on other crime solving events. They weren’t surprised when she starts asking questions. They know she passes on the tidbits she finds. However, the information only goes one way. She must rely on people with knowledge of how to find the answers she needs – like how did Regan died and where. When Benjamin pops in, when his job allows, he often is able to give her some clues as long as it’s not privileged information because he won’t break protocol.
A POISONOUS POUR is a fabulous, spellbinding story that will have you searching for clue right alongside Cece in this fabulously laid out mystery. At times, you feel like you’re woolgathering when you venture down a dead end and second guessing the clues. However, soon the puzzle pieces all fall in place. But the last piece may mean life or death for Cece! Maddie Day gives us a story of mystery, romance, family, friendship, deception, intrigue, truth and justice. A POISONOUS POUR is splendidly written to keep the reader’s interest piqued and quickly turning pages trying to figure out whodunit. It is an amazing FIVE STAR book that I highly recommend to everyone! A POISONOUS POUR, part of the A Cece Barton Mystery series, can definitely be read as a standalone book.
I received an ARC of this book with no requirement or expectations of a review. All opinions are completely my own.
#APoisonousPour #CeceBartonMystery #MaddieDay
Cece is happy with her life. She’s the owner of the successful and fun Colinas Wine Bar. She’s once again close with her daughter. She’s in love with Benjamin and very happy with their less than typical arrangement. She now lives close to Allie, her twin, and family making it easy for her to spoil her twin nephews. But like a momma bear, she’s determined to protect those she cares about. When Regan Greene, director of the Alexander Valley District Association and apparently disliked by so many, was murdered, first it was curiosity that got Cece thinking about who murdered her. Richard Flora, her elderly neighbor and dear friend, wrote a harsh commentary on the murder victim just prior to her demise causing him to become a suspect. Cece kicks in her amateur sleuthing skills into high gear to clear his name. Then an employee and other friend’s names are on the suspect list as well, meaning she needs to find answers quickly. With so many that wished the hateful tyrant named Regan gone, with one even voicing she wished her dead, can she figure out the true culprit?
Cece worked with the police on other crime solving events. They weren’t surprised when she starts asking questions. They know she passes on the tidbits she finds. However, the information only goes one way. She must rely on people with knowledge of how to find the answers she needs – like how did Regan died and where. When Benjamin pops in, when his job allows, he often is able to give her some clues as long as it’s not privileged information because he won’t break protocol.
A POISONOUS POUR is a fabulous, spellbinding story that will have you searching for clue right alongside Cece in this fabulously laid out mystery. At times, you feel like you’re woolgathering when you venture down a dead end and second guessing the clues. However, soon the puzzle pieces all fall in place. But the last piece may mean life or death for Cece! Maddie Day gives us a story of mystery, romance, family, friendship, deception, intrigue, truth and justice. A POISONOUS POUR is splendidly written to keep the reader’s interest piqued and quickly turning pages trying to figure out whodunit. It is an amazing FIVE STAR book that I highly recommend to everyone! A POISONOUS POUR, part of the A Cece Barton Mystery series, can definitely be read as a standalone book.
I received an ARC of this book with no requirement or expectations of a review. All opinions are completely my own.
#APoisonousPour #CeceBartonMystery #MaddieDay
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I received a free copy from the publisher through Netgalley and voluntarily reviewed it.
I really like Maddie Day's writing and this series is really good so far, so I was very excited to get my hands on the third book in this series. A Poisonous Pour follows Cece as she gets involved in another mystery, a much disliked women dies and her neighbor recently wrote an article about her power hungry ways. Cece knows her neighbor Richard isn't the killer and gets involved trying to figure out who is.
I really like this series so far and enjoyed returning to Colinas and reading about Cece and her friends and family again. The mystery in this one kept me guessing, there were some suspects and new information that came to light throughout, but most of them stayed a plausible suspects until the end. I was a bit disappointed Cece wasn't the one who figured it out as the killer confronted it, but it was a solid mystery.
While I enjoy the mystery, what really makes this series for me is the characters and the daily life scenes. I really enjoy reading about Cece, seeing her interact with her friends and family and reading about her daily life. It's just so cozy and comforting and I really enjoy it. There are some new characters that gets introduced in this one, among which one I think will stay Cece's friend. There's also more about Cece's romance and some sweet scenes involving them.
To summarize: Another solid installment in this series. I really like reading about Cece and her friends and family. The mystery kept me guessing with plenty of suspects, but I wasn't sure who did it. The reveal made sense, but the killer confronted Cece instead of her figuring it out, which I prefer. I especially like reading about Cece and her daily life and seeing her interact with the other characters. I really enjoyed this one and really like the author's writing.
I really like Maddie Day's writing and this series is really good so far, so I was very excited to get my hands on the third book in this series. A Poisonous Pour follows Cece as she gets involved in another mystery, a much disliked women dies and her neighbor recently wrote an article about her power hungry ways. Cece knows her neighbor Richard isn't the killer and gets involved trying to figure out who is.
I really like this series so far and enjoyed returning to Colinas and reading about Cece and her friends and family again. The mystery in this one kept me guessing, there were some suspects and new information that came to light throughout, but most of them stayed a plausible suspects until the end. I was a bit disappointed Cece wasn't the one who figured it out as the killer confronted it, but it was a solid mystery.
While I enjoy the mystery, what really makes this series for me is the characters and the daily life scenes. I really enjoy reading about Cece, seeing her interact with her friends and family and reading about her daily life. It's just so cozy and comforting and I really enjoy it. There are some new characters that gets introduced in this one, among which one I think will stay Cece's friend. There's also more about Cece's romance and some sweet scenes involving them.
To summarize: Another solid installment in this series. I really like reading about Cece and her friends and family. The mystery kept me guessing with plenty of suspects, but I wasn't sure who did it. The reveal made sense, but the killer confronted Cece instead of her figuring it out, which I prefer. I especially like reading about Cece and her daily life and seeing her interact with the other characters. I really enjoyed this one and really like the author's writing.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A POISONOUS POUR by Maddie Day
An antique car show and wine tasting in a park — how delightful! — social, promoting local businesses (Cece’s wine bar, Jo’s garage), until several heated exchanges destroy the friendly mood, all involving Ragan Green, head of AVDA and subject of an article on corruption written by Cece’s neighbor, Richard.
I was happy to dive into a virtual adventure in sunny California, and quickly “hooked” by the tricky mystery. Cece is determined to find answers and clear Richard’s name, all while juggling her business (like all good bosses, working even harder than her staff), helping to navigate a family crisis, and enjoying a healthy social life. There are risks, but even Detective Kelly Daniell has to admit that Cece is a source of valuable insights.
I enjoyed her interactions with her bright nephews, her supportive beau, her lovely cats, and JJ’s very good dog. One warning, though, it’s a can’t-put-down book. I woke up at 3 a.m., thought I’d read just a bit, and finished the book at dawn — with no regrets. Block out some free time so you can dive in and have good food on hand to go with their delicious meals.
An antique car show and wine tasting in a park — how delightful! — social, promoting local businesses (Cece’s wine bar, Jo’s garage), until several heated exchanges destroy the friendly mood, all involving Ragan Green, head of AVDA and subject of an article on corruption written by Cece’s neighbor, Richard.
I was happy to dive into a virtual adventure in sunny California, and quickly “hooked” by the tricky mystery. Cece is determined to find answers and clear Richard’s name, all while juggling her business (like all good bosses, working even harder than her staff), helping to navigate a family crisis, and enjoying a healthy social life. There are risks, but even Detective Kelly Daniell has to admit that Cece is a source of valuable insights.
I enjoyed her interactions with her bright nephews, her supportive beau, her lovely cats, and JJ’s very good dog. One warning, though, it’s a can’t-put-down book. I woke up at 3 a.m., thought I’d read just a bit, and finished the book at dawn — with no regrets. Block out some free time so you can dive in and have good food on hand to go with their delicious meals.
March 24, 2026
The third installment of the Cece Barton Mystery series takes place in the picturesque Alexander Valley wine country, where wine bar owner Cece Barton has honed her detective skills. This time, she’s faced with a challenging case involving Regan Greene, a woman who has managed to alienate most of the town. While I thoroughly enjoyed reconnecting with the diverse characters in this series, I found the mystery aspect of the Cozy Mystery to be somewhat lacking in this book. Despite everyone’s expectations, Cece Barton’s involvement was minimal. She merely posed a few questions and ultimately stumbled upon the solution. Nevertheless, I must say that this series remains enjoyable, and I eagerly anticipate reading the upcoming installments. I received an advance copy of this book from NetGalley for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Once again, the cozy mystery genre reminds me that it is my comfort zone! A Poisonous Pour was the just right combination of lighthearted, a supportive community, and a murder to solve. Other things I appreciate about this series: Cece is a business owner of a wine bar, she's over 40, she has a great relationship with her sister, and she loves to garden. There was a moment early in the book, maybe around 25-30%, that I got a bit bored and considered DNFing. In the following couple of days, I caught myself thinking of the storyline and the characters. I knew I had to continue. I'm so glad I did because I really enjoyed my time with A Poisonous Pour!
4 stars for me! I read an advanced e-arc on my kindle. A Poisonous Pour is out April 28! Thank you Kensington and Netgalley for my free copy!
4 stars for me! I read an advanced e-arc on my kindle. A Poisonous Pour is out April 28! Thank you Kensington and Netgalley for my free copy!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I was anticipating the arrival of Maddie Day's third book in the entertaining Cece Barton Mystery series, and A Poisonous Pour does not disappoint. A fun summer setting with Cece participating in the car show and wine tasting---growing her businesses when the town politics seem to be responsible for a death. As always, the storyline is well written, the characters show growth, and the mystery is twisted, but light. the perfect book for a cool Spring day. The info on wines is interesting and held my interest.
Recommended to others who enjoy cozy reads with a solid mystery with a fun premise. Thank you to #KensingtonPublishing #KensingtonCozies #NetGalley #MaddieDay #APoisonousPour #ACeceBartonMystery
Recommended to others who enjoy cozy reads with a solid mystery with a fun premise. Thank you to #KensingtonPublishing #KensingtonCozies #NetGalley #MaddieDay #APoisonousPour #ACeceBartonMystery
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I love that Maddie Day balances the typical introspective amateur detective with interaction with friends, family and suspects. That interaction takes A Poisonous Pour up a step from typical cozy mysteries. I adore her relationship with her twin sister and the sister's family. I would like to see more of both Richard and CeCe's boyfriend. They are such a major part of her support system. All round A Poisonous Pour is a winner from a wonderful author.
Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to read and review an ARC of this third volume in Maddie Day's Cece Barton Mystery series, A Poisonous Pour..
#NetGalley #MaddieDay #CeceBartonMysteryseries #APoisonousPour #Kensington
Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to read and review an ARC of this third volume in Maddie Day's Cece Barton Mystery series, A Poisonous Pour..
#NetGalley #MaddieDay #CeceBartonMysteryseries #APoisonousPour #Kensington
November 14, 2025
When Cece’s neighbor is suspected of killing a woman, she steps in and decides to clear his name. But can CeCe and Allie find the killer before the killer finds them and strikes again?
What I like most about Maddie Day’s books is that she develops
Her characters well and weaves a solid whodunit. Each of her series progresses the lives of the cast and feels like a visit with friends. Even if they are friends that seem to stumble over dead bodies all the time.
What I like most about Maddie Day’s books is that she develops
Her characters well and weaves a solid whodunit. Each of her series progresses the lives of the cast and feels like a visit with friends. Even if they are friends that seem to stumble over dead bodies all the time.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Reading this series is like visiting with old friends. The author does an excellent job with character development keeping the reader invested in the outcome. The setting also becomes familiar and comforting, and having visited this part of California about 15 years ago, the description makes me want to return sooner rather than later. The mystery is well done with almost a surprise ending. I didn't guess the killer this time. Kudos to the author!
December 1, 2025
I enjoyed reading A Poisonous Pour, especially since the characters are all so likable.
In this story, Regan Greene, director of a valley district organization, who isn't well liked, winds up dead, and Cece's favorite neighbor and friend is a prime suspect.
Cece knows Richard would never hurt anyone, so she starts to ask questions and won't stop until she finds the truth.
In this story, Regan Greene, director of a valley district organization, who isn't well liked, winds up dead, and Cece's favorite neighbor and friend is a prime suspect.
Cece knows Richard would never hurt anyone, so she starts to ask questions and won't stop until she finds the truth.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Cece and her twin sister are on another case after a power hungry local organizer is found murdered. Regan Greene seemed to have more enemies than friends and everyone is a suspect, even Cece's ninety- plus neighbor Richard. Cece knows he is innocent so she and Allie set out to find the real killer. Another fun read in this series.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Enjoyed the classic car show and wine tasting, of course there are under currents among the guests. When the power-hungry director is found dead, Cece Barton wants to know more since her neighbor has just written a controversial article about the murdered woman. With no clues from the police Cece and her twin start snooping around. Love the short chapters and the fun characters.
April 13, 2026
A fun cozy with a slew of suspects. Cece and her wine bar are a blast to follow as are the recurring characters.
After the death of a widely disliked organization chair, Cece sets out to solve the case. Although I figured out the murderer, I loved following Cece’s thought process in eliminating suspects.
Overall an enjoyable, quick read. Thanks to #KensingtonPublishing and #NetGalley for an ARC
After the death of a widely disliked organization chair, Cece sets out to solve the case. Although I figured out the murderer, I loved following Cece’s thought process in eliminating suspects.
Overall an enjoyable, quick read. Thanks to #KensingtonPublishing and #NetGalley for an ARC
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Loved this book. I love the diversity of the characters and way Cece is coming into her own person. Fantastic mystery. I admit I couldn't place the killer until it was revealed at the end. Fun read by a wonderful author!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Interesting and well-written cozy mystery with an impeccable vibe from start to finish and a great mystery that had a very effective solution. 5 stars. tysm for the arc.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews