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BOTTLED UP: A Francine Witt Mystery
Francine Witt is armed with a travelogue, a wry charm, and a habit of finding murder where the rosé flows freely.
What begins as a biography project about a disgraced Egyptologist quickly spirals into something far a sealed bottle marked with an ancient glyph, whispers of Empress Joséphine Bonaparte's secret rituals, and a trail of memory-infused wine—possibly connected to the eccentric Masonic collector Daniel Iffla—that stretches from Amarna to Bordeaux. When her new assistant Rosalind Downing becomes mysteriously connected to the ritual itself, Francine finds herself racing to decode a legacy someone is killing to protect.
As glyphs emerge, bottles are opened, and a long-buried Brotherhood awakens, Francine must face a terrifying what if remembering the past isn't enough, and the only way to survive is to contain it?
BOTTLED UP uncorks another sparkling blend of feminist sleuthing, historical conspiracy, and Da Vinci Code-style suspense, with Francine once again proving that secrets age best when bottled, and sometimes explode when opened!
What begins as a biography project about a disgraced Egyptologist quickly spirals into something far a sealed bottle marked with an ancient glyph, whispers of Empress Joséphine Bonaparte's secret rituals, and a trail of memory-infused wine—possibly connected to the eccentric Masonic collector Daniel Iffla—that stretches from Amarna to Bordeaux. When her new assistant Rosalind Downing becomes mysteriously connected to the ritual itself, Francine finds herself racing to decode a legacy someone is killing to protect.
As glyphs emerge, bottles are opened, and a long-buried Brotherhood awakens, Francine must face a terrifying what if remembering the past isn't enough, and the only way to survive is to contain it?
BOTTLED UP uncorks another sparkling blend of feminist sleuthing, historical conspiracy, and Da Vinci Code-style suspense, with Francine once again proving that secrets age best when bottled, and sometimes explode when opened!
318 pages, Paperback
Published October 7, 2025
11 people are currently reading
25 people want to read
About the author
Steve Exeter
13 books35 followersSteve Exeter is a master storyteller whose works captivate readers with their vivid imagination and compelling narratives. With a passion for weaving intricate plots and creating unforgettable characters, Steve has established himself as a prominent voice in literary fiction.
Steve’s journey as a writer began at a young age, fuelled by a love for reading and a fascination with the power of words. Over the years, he has honed his craft, drawing inspiration from a diverse range of genres and life experiences. His books are known for their rich detail, emotional depth, and the ability to transport readers to new and exciting worlds.
In addition to his novels, Steve is an accomplished filmmaker. His award-winning short film, Òran na h-Eala (Song of the Swan), is a vivid dream exploration of Moira Shearer’s heart and mind, just before and after she agreed to star in Powell and Pressburger’s beloved cinema classic “The Red Shoes.” The film has received extensive critical acclaim for its creativity, depth, and stunning visuals.
Steve’s journey as a writer began at a young age, fuelled by a love for reading and a fascination with the power of words. Over the years, he has honed his craft, drawing inspiration from a diverse range of genres and life experiences. His books are known for their rich detail, emotional depth, and the ability to transport readers to new and exciting worlds.
In addition to his novels, Steve is an accomplished filmmaker. His award-winning short film, Òran na h-Eala (Song of the Swan), is a vivid dream exploration of Moira Shearer’s heart and mind, just before and after she agreed to star in Powell and Pressburger’s beloved cinema classic “The Red Shoes.” The film has received extensive critical acclaim for its creativity, depth, and stunning visuals.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
November 17, 2025
Book 2 in the Francine Witt Mystery series.
Bottled Up resumes the action where book 1, Full Bodied ended, with Francine Witt on a mission to tell the story of Penelope Radcliffe, archaeologist and grandmother of Rosalind Downing, who is accompanying Francine as her research assistant. As the two of them begin to look into Penelope's research, they come upon countless references to the idea of memory being preserved and bottled like wine to be used in ancient rituals. What at first sounds like a metaphor soon proves to be more substantial than that, and the seemingly simple task of researching the work of a 1950s female archaeologist quickly turns into a dangerous international adventure, sending Francine and Rosalind halfway around the world searching for bottles and clues while a sinister presence watches their every move.
Much like its predecessor, Full Bodied, Bottled Up is a story of wine and feminism, but this time the Egyptology is replaced with a more general history theme. To shake things up even more, Steve Exeter introduces an esoteric mystery, leaving the confines of realism for a foray into the world of mystical, ancient rituals and predestined fates that may require a bit of suspension of belief on the part of the reader.
But Bottled Up doesn't ignore the realm of reality. Fuelled by a deep love for history and a burning desire to represent the silenced and marginalised female voices in the ocean of male-dominated history, this novel asks some very important questions about representation and leaves the reader with a reassuring message. History isn't just something that is created around us, it is something we are all a part of, and each and every one of us has the opportunity to make ourselves the guardians and custodians of our own history, representing it and sharing it with the world as we see fit.
Thank you so much to Steve Exeter for the review copy of this book.
Bottled Up resumes the action where book 1, Full Bodied ended, with Francine Witt on a mission to tell the story of Penelope Radcliffe, archaeologist and grandmother of Rosalind Downing, who is accompanying Francine as her research assistant. As the two of them begin to look into Penelope's research, they come upon countless references to the idea of memory being preserved and bottled like wine to be used in ancient rituals. What at first sounds like a metaphor soon proves to be more substantial than that, and the seemingly simple task of researching the work of a 1950s female archaeologist quickly turns into a dangerous international adventure, sending Francine and Rosalind halfway around the world searching for bottles and clues while a sinister presence watches their every move.
Much like its predecessor, Full Bodied, Bottled Up is a story of wine and feminism, but this time the Egyptology is replaced with a more general history theme. To shake things up even more, Steve Exeter introduces an esoteric mystery, leaving the confines of realism for a foray into the world of mystical, ancient rituals and predestined fates that may require a bit of suspension of belief on the part of the reader.
But Bottled Up doesn't ignore the realm of reality. Fuelled by a deep love for history and a burning desire to represent the silenced and marginalised female voices in the ocean of male-dominated history, this novel asks some very important questions about representation and leaves the reader with a reassuring message. History isn't just something that is created around us, it is something we are all a part of, and each and every one of us has the opportunity to make ourselves the guardians and custodians of our own history, representing it and sharing it with the world as we see fit.
Thank you so much to Steve Exeter for the review copy of this book.
October 17, 2025
I really enjoyed the first book in the Francine Witt mysteries. It was charming, unusual, and full of wit. As a result, I was looking forward to the follow up, Bottled Up. Like the fine wines that form a major feature in the books, Steve’s storytelling has matured and has been replaced with a deeper, darker vintage of mystery. There are traces of The Da Vinci Code, but with the Egyptian setting, together with a mysticism of Indiana Jones. Passion, betrayal and subversive secret societies attempt to stop Francine and Rosalind from following the clues and finding the truth.
This is an enjoyable, visual and compelling story. It is well-written, and I look forward to reading the next in the series. My only minor quibble is that I find the illustrations at the start of each chapter a distraction. I would prefer them not to be there.
This is an enjoyable, visual and compelling story. It is well-written, and I look forward to reading the next in the series. My only minor quibble is that I find the illustrations at the start of each chapter a distraction. I would prefer them not to be there.
November 7, 2025
Great Story
This book is perfect for relaxing and spending a pleasant moment. It is very entertaining and lets your imagination fly thanks to the descriptive language used by the author, which makes everything more vivid and easy to enjoy. I felt very connected to the story from the beginning because I love France, the French language, and everything that takes my mind there.
As my girlfriend would say, this is a “chick flick” kind of novel perfect for relaxing, having fun, and laughing a little. I love how the story develops, how the characters evolve, and how this book allows your mind to rest while you enjoy a light and delightful read.
This book is perfect for relaxing and spending a pleasant moment. It is very entertaining and lets your imagination fly thanks to the descriptive language used by the author, which makes everything more vivid and easy to enjoy. I felt very connected to the story from the beginning because I love France, the French language, and everything that takes my mind there.
As my girlfriend would say, this is a “chick flick” kind of novel perfect for relaxing, having fun, and laughing a little. I love how the story develops, how the characters evolve, and how this book allows your mind to rest while you enjoy a light and delightful read.
November 9, 2025
I loved this story from beginning to end, mainly because of its originality and secondly because of how captivating the plot is.
The writing style is sublime, throughout the pages of this book; the author weaves together a web of murders, secret rituals, and even mysteries of Freemasonry.
The plotline is believable and engaging, and what is more, I’d think I knew who the villain was and then there’d be a twist. We´re in front of one of those stories in which the reader has to work as hard as the detective, Francine, to solve the crime.
As regards the characters, they work well within the story line. Their personalities were consistent and well-developed.
In my opinion, this is a 5-star recommendation read.
The writing style is sublime, throughout the pages of this book; the author weaves together a web of murders, secret rituals, and even mysteries of Freemasonry.
The plotline is believable and engaging, and what is more, I’d think I knew who the villain was and then there’d be a twist. We´re in front of one of those stories in which the reader has to work as hard as the detective, Francine, to solve the crime.
As regards the characters, they work well within the story line. Their personalities were consistent and well-developed.
In my opinion, this is a 5-star recommendation read.
December 27, 2025
I came to Bottled Up without having read any of the earlier books in the series, and I never felt lost. The story stands confidently on its own, drawing you in with an intriguing premise and a protagonist who quickly earns your attention.
Francine Witt is sharp, determined, and refreshingly imperfect. What begins as a piece of historical research slowly turns into something far more unsettling, and I enjoyed how the novel layers mystery with history rather than relying on constant action. The sense of place is strong, and the historical elements feel carefully researched without ever becoming heavy-handed.
At times, the plot grows quite intricate, and there were moments where I had to slow down to keep track of all the threads. I actually love layered, intricate mysteries, so this wasn’t a drawback for me—more a reminder that this is a book that rewards attention rather than skimming. The ambition of the story is part of what makes it interesting, even when it asks a bit more of the reader.
By the final act, everything comes together in a way that feels deliberate and satisfying. The author knew exactly where he was heading, even if the path there was winding.
Overall, Bottled Up is a thoughtful, atmospheric mystery with depth and confidence. A solid four-star read that left me curious to explore more of the series.
Francine Witt is sharp, determined, and refreshingly imperfect. What begins as a piece of historical research slowly turns into something far more unsettling, and I enjoyed how the novel layers mystery with history rather than relying on constant action. The sense of place is strong, and the historical elements feel carefully researched without ever becoming heavy-handed.
At times, the plot grows quite intricate, and there were moments where I had to slow down to keep track of all the threads. I actually love layered, intricate mysteries, so this wasn’t a drawback for me—more a reminder that this is a book that rewards attention rather than skimming. The ambition of the story is part of what makes it interesting, even when it asks a bit more of the reader.
By the final act, everything comes together in a way that feels deliberate and satisfying. The author knew exactly where he was heading, even if the path there was winding.
Overall, Bottled Up is a thoughtful, atmospheric mystery with depth and confidence. A solid four-star read that left me curious to explore more of the series.
December 3, 2025
great pacing
BOTTLED UP pulled me in faster than I expected. Francine Witt is the kind of heroine you root for instantly—sharp, determined, and just flawed enough to feel real. This second book raises the stakes in every way: the mystery is tighter, the twists hit harder, and the pacing kept me turning pages way past the time I meant to stop.
What I loved most is how Steve Exeter blends tension with personality. Francine’s voice is strong and witty, and even the side characters feel fully alive. Every clue matters. Every conversation adds a layer. And just when I thought I had the case figured out, the story veered somewhere smarter.
This is the type of mystery that keeps your brain buzzing even after you finish. Suspenseful, well-written, and genuinely fun. If you enjoy a story with atmosphere, clever plotting, and a heroine who refuses to quit, this one deserves a spot on your shelf.
I’ll absolutely be reading Book 3.
BOTTLED UP pulled me in faster than I expected. Francine Witt is the kind of heroine you root for instantly—sharp, determined, and just flawed enough to feel real. This second book raises the stakes in every way: the mystery is tighter, the twists hit harder, and the pacing kept me turning pages way past the time I meant to stop.
What I loved most is how Steve Exeter blends tension with personality. Francine’s voice is strong and witty, and even the side characters feel fully alive. Every clue matters. Every conversation adds a layer. And just when I thought I had the case figured out, the story veered somewhere smarter.
This is the type of mystery that keeps your brain buzzing even after you finish. Suspenseful, well-written, and genuinely fun. If you enjoy a story with atmosphere, clever plotting, and a heroine who refuses to quit, this one deserves a spot on your shelf.
I’ll absolutely be reading Book 3.
December 25, 2025
This gripping and inventive novel skillfully combines history and mystery creating a truly absorbing experience akin to gradually assembling a complex jigsaw. It immerses you inside a realm replete with secrets, age-old rites, and surprising finds, under the guidance of the astute and magnetic Francine Witt. Beautifully constructed and nicely balanced the novel excels through its brilliant character sketches showcasing Francine as an adventurous intelligent lady possessing profoundness and spirit. In this story Francine's is digging in to the details surrounding a polarizing Egyptologist, that is when a weird artifact which shows an alarming symbol unleashes a series of bizarre happenings. Because her helper Rosalind Downing gets caught up with the enigma, the storyline intensifies with the entrance of a murderer plus a clandestine Brotherhood. Integrating cozy mystery historical thriller plus brisk adventure, the narrative is very intelligent empowering and truly enjoyable intended for people with an affection with both mystery plus history.
December 31, 2025
Amazing!
Have you ever read a story that starts off quietly and, without you realizing it, draws you into an increasingly dark and clever mystery? This book is worth reading precisely for that reason.
The most entertaining thing about this book is how it mixes suspense with cultural references without becoming heavy-handed: everything flows naturally and keeps the reader's curiosity alive.
The narrative is agile and well-balanced, with an ironic tone that refreshes the genre and a solid, insightful, and very human protagonist. The style is clear, elegant, and easy to follow, even when the plot becomes complex. You don't need any prior knowledge to enjoy it, just a desire to be surprised.
If you like thrillers with history, enigmas, and strong characters, I highly recommend it.
Have you ever read a story that starts off quietly and, without you realizing it, draws you into an increasingly dark and clever mystery? This book is worth reading precisely for that reason.
The most entertaining thing about this book is how it mixes suspense with cultural references without becoming heavy-handed: everything flows naturally and keeps the reader's curiosity alive.
The narrative is agile and well-balanced, with an ironic tone that refreshes the genre and a solid, insightful, and very human protagonist. The style is clear, elegant, and easy to follow, even when the plot becomes complex. You don't need any prior knowledge to enjoy it, just a desire to be surprised.
If you like thrillers with history, enigmas, and strong characters, I highly recommend it.
October 12, 2025
Francine is back - and nothing will get in her way…
This second instalment was a great addition to book one in the series. Francine and Rosalind travel the globe in search of wine and the mysterious research of Rosalind’s grandmother. From Egypt to France, the pair have numerous obstacles which culminate in an explosive ending. This was an easy, feel good read with all the brilliant characters of book one, and I look forward to the rest of the series. Whilst I enjoyed this addition, book one remains a firm favourite for me! However the last 1/3 of this book especially was fast paced and extremely unexpected - it wasn’t at all predictable and didn’t go how I thought it would, which is an added bonus!
This second instalment was a great addition to book one in the series. Francine and Rosalind travel the globe in search of wine and the mysterious research of Rosalind’s grandmother. From Egypt to France, the pair have numerous obstacles which culminate in an explosive ending. This was an easy, feel good read with all the brilliant characters of book one, and I look forward to the rest of the series. Whilst I enjoyed this addition, book one remains a firm favourite for me! However the last 1/3 of this book especially was fast paced and extremely unexpected - it wasn’t at all predictable and didn’t go how I thought it would, which is an added bonus!
October 13, 2025
Bottled Up by Steve Exeter provides the very welcome return of wine enthusiast and journalist Francine Witt as she uncovers secrets and encounters danger while investigating the work of an Egyptologist. Francine and Rosalind make a wonderful team. I truly enjoyed the dynamics between the characters. Their knowledge, experience, and outright grit provided many enjoyable scenes during their quest. I found the “memory” aspect of the wine rituals enthralling, which made for great storytelling. The thrilling journey takes the pair to various locations in Egypt and France, and each place is vividly described to bring the atmosphere to life. An enjoyable read, and a hearty cheers for Fran and company.
October 31, 2025
Bottled Up takes everything I liked in Full Bodied and pours a richer vintage. Francine Witt is as witty and fearless as ever, but this time the mystery runs deeper, threading Egypt to Bordeaux through a glyph-marked bottle, Joséphine Bonaparte whispers, and a wonderfully eerie idea of memory-infused wine. The Francine and Rosalind partnership clicks, giving the sleuthing both heart and momentum as they chase clues from desert ruins to dim cellars. The pacing stays quick, with just enough historical texture to feel smart without bogging down, and the travelogue touches are a treat. A couple of reveals lean a bit convenient, but the ride is stylish, clever, and consistently fun. If Full Bodied was crisp and bubbly, Bottled Up is fuller, darker, and more satisfying. I’m happily on board for the next case.
November 6, 2025
Steve Exeter’s BOTTLED UP delivered more than I expected—a mystery wrapped in wine, history, and sharp female sleuthing that held my attention from the first cork pop. The moment I met Francine Witt, a wine-blogging journalist accustomed to budget bottles, I was rooting for her as she stepped into an underworld of ancient rituals, sealed bottles, and deadly legacies. The blend of vineyard ambience and Egyptology intrigue was refreshingly inventive.
What resonated with me most was how Exeter wove together seemingly disparate threads—an Egyptologist’s downfall, a mysterious glyph-marked bottle, Empress Josèphine’s secret rituals, and a Masonic collector’s obsession—and made them cohere without ever feeling forced. Francine’s voice is witty and grounded, which makes the chaotic conspiracy feel all the more dangerous because it’s anchored in someone relatable.
What resonated with me most was how Exeter wove together seemingly disparate threads—an Egyptologist’s downfall, a mysterious glyph-marked bottle, Empress Josèphine’s secret rituals, and a Masonic collector’s obsession—and made them cohere without ever feeling forced. Francine’s voice is witty and grounded, which makes the chaotic conspiracy feel all the more dangerous because it’s anchored in someone relatable.
November 9, 2025
A very good reading option
BOTTLED UP is a fun and interesting story where Francine Witt and Rosalin form a great team tasked with investigating the work of an Egyptologist.
From this moment, these two women embark on an adventure that takes them through various situations, some funny and some not so much. The story unfolds in France and Egypt, which are so well developed and described that they make the reader feel as if they are actually there. The book is a pleasant read, with unexpected twists and turns that always revolve around the main story, ensuring that it never becomes monotonous or boring. At the beginning of each chapter, there are illustrations that serve as an introduction. I really liked them, especially the ones with photos of Francine and Rosalin, which give the reader a clear idea of what they look like. It's a very good story, and a very good option for some leisure time.
BOTTLED UP is a fun and interesting story where Francine Witt and Rosalin form a great team tasked with investigating the work of an Egyptologist.
From this moment, these two women embark on an adventure that takes them through various situations, some funny and some not so much. The story unfolds in France and Egypt, which are so well developed and described that they make the reader feel as if they are actually there. The book is a pleasant read, with unexpected twists and turns that always revolve around the main story, ensuring that it never becomes monotonous or boring. At the beginning of each chapter, there are illustrations that serve as an introduction. I really liked them, especially the ones with photos of Francine and Rosalin, which give the reader a clear idea of what they look like. It's a very good story, and a very good option for some leisure time.
November 6, 2025
Mystery and history come together in a very interesting and creative way. Reading this book was fascinating, you will feel like you’re discovering a mystery. It is a novel that will bring you into the scene and take you on a journey through time and secrets. The author is very skilled at writing and knows how to create a great balance, especially because Francine Witt is an amazing character who plays a key role in the story’s development. The way the character is developed will capture your attention, you will find an adventurous woman with a sharp mind and an amazing heart. You will be with her in every situation, from the travelogue to the old rituals. It is a woman-empowering novel and a great book for anyone who loves history, mystery, and femininity.
November 7, 2025
Mystery to my liking
This book has many of the characteristics I usually look for in a story: mystery, art, riddles, and exquisite narrative. Witt's story is fantastic, with a mixture of reality and fantasy that sometimes makes it difficult to tell the difference, and I think that this is all thanks to his excellent narrative skills, as the staging of each moment, place, or character makes everything so convincing and appropriate for the context. I love the various twists and turns the story takes and the deep analysis the main character ends up doing to embark on what seems like a new adventure.
If you're a fan of mystery, this book will captivate you in an instant. I guarantee you won't be able to put it down.
This book has many of the characteristics I usually look for in a story: mystery, art, riddles, and exquisite narrative. Witt's story is fantastic, with a mixture of reality and fantasy that sometimes makes it difficult to tell the difference, and I think that this is all thanks to his excellent narrative skills, as the staging of each moment, place, or character makes everything so convincing and appropriate for the context. I love the various twists and turns the story takes and the deep analysis the main character ends up doing to embark on what seems like a new adventure.
If you're a fan of mystery, this book will captivate you in an instant. I guarantee you won't be able to put it down.
November 21, 2025
Bottled Up pleasantly surprises with its pace and atmosphere: wine cellars, archives, hints of Josephine — all this creates intrigue. Francine Witt is easy to root for: smart, ironic, with a lively voice; her partnership with Rosalind adds warmth. It reads smoothly, the chapters follow each other, and the humor is in the right doses.
Some turns seemed too complicated to me, and the combination of rituals, historical notes, and chases can confuse logic. I wanted a bit more down-to-earthness and more elaborate supporting characters.
Overall, this is a strong, atmospheric, cozy, mysterious wine with the charm of the wine world. It's not a revolution, but it's a great choice for an evening with a glass of something dry.
Some turns seemed too complicated to me, and the combination of rituals, historical notes, and chases can confuse logic. I wanted a bit more down-to-earthness and more elaborate supporting characters.
Overall, this is a strong, atmospheric, cozy, mysterious wine with the charm of the wine world. It's not a revolution, but it's a great choice for an evening with a glass of something dry.
December 24, 2025
Curiosity can be dangerous, but worth it
Reading this book made me think about how curiosity can lead us into unexpected situations. Francine Witt is a character who does not settle for easy answers, and her determination shows that asking questions and seeking the truth can be both exciting and risky. I realized that sometimes, uncovering secrets requires courage, patience, and careful observation. The story also reminded me that history is full of hidden stories that influence the present, and paying attention to small details can make a big difference. While following Francine and Rosalind, I understood that mistakes are part of learning and that solving a mystery is not just about the solution, but about growing and understanding along the way. In the end, the book encourages curiosity, resilience, and trust in oneself even when facing uncertainty.
Reading this book made me think about how curiosity can lead us into unexpected situations. Francine Witt is a character who does not settle for easy answers, and her determination shows that asking questions and seeking the truth can be both exciting and risky. I realized that sometimes, uncovering secrets requires courage, patience, and careful observation. The story also reminded me that history is full of hidden stories that influence the present, and paying attention to small details can make a big difference. While following Francine and Rosalind, I understood that mistakes are part of learning and that solving a mystery is not just about the solution, but about growing and understanding along the way. In the end, the book encourages curiosity, resilience, and trust in oneself even when facing uncertainty.
December 25, 2025
An unputdownable novel
A friend of mine recommended “Bottled Up”, by Steve Exeter, and now I'd recommend it too. This novel revolves around Francine Witt, an intelligent and witty woman whose job is to uncover mysteries and murders. She starts with a project about a disgraced Egyptologist and that project turns about to be a new and mysterious case. A simple bottle unchains something connected to a sort of ritual. So, Francine puts her attention there to try to solve it. There are a lot of turns and twists that make the plot much more complicated but really catchy.
I liked Steve’s writing style because he uses descriptive vocabulary and vivid dialogues that help readers feel part of the story. It’s great!
A friend of mine recommended “Bottled Up”, by Steve Exeter, and now I'd recommend it too. This novel revolves around Francine Witt, an intelligent and witty woman whose job is to uncover mysteries and murders. She starts with a project about a disgraced Egyptologist and that project turns about to be a new and mysterious case. A simple bottle unchains something connected to a sort of ritual. So, Francine puts her attention there to try to solve it. There are a lot of turns and twists that make the plot much more complicated but really catchy.
I liked Steve’s writing style because he uses descriptive vocabulary and vivid dialogues that help readers feel part of the story. It’s great!
October 24, 2025
After reading the first book, ‘Full Bodied,’ I was eager to dive into the second instalment of the series, and I was not disappointed. In this book, Francine and Rosalind travel from Egypt to France to uncover deep family secrets while facing numerous obstacles, including rituals and supernatural twists. These elements make for a captivating, page-turning story. The writing is well-crafted, featuring excellent character development and a memorable storyline. The writing and story are so good that, as with the first book, I would give this a 5-star rating and highly recommend it.
November 28, 2025
Clever detective story with surprising twists.
This is a page-turner! Bottled Up is a mystery about wine-blogger Francine Witt who gets caught up in an atmospheric murder investigation, involving ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs and of course; wine. It reminded me a little of The Da VInci code as Francine and her assistant, Rosalind, follow the clues and untangle the riddles, wherever they may lead. From Egypt to France. Clever detective story with surprising twists. Recommended!
This is a page-turner! Bottled Up is a mystery about wine-blogger Francine Witt who gets caught up in an atmospheric murder investigation, involving ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs and of course; wine. It reminded me a little of The Da VInci code as Francine and her assistant, Rosalind, follow the clues and untangle the riddles, wherever they may lead. From Egypt to France. Clever detective story with surprising twists. Recommended!
December 1, 2025
I really enjoyed this!
Francine Witt is a woman after my own heart: amateur sleuth, wine lover, blogger, adventurer and conspiracy unraveller!
I loved the egyptology elements and the inclusion of secret societies. From Egypt to France, it was quite the adventure.
I read a lot of mysteries and most of my reviews say 'I guessed the twist/end'. With this, I genuinely never knew where it was going let alone what the ending would be. So refreshing!
Also, the plot kicks off immediately and never faulters.
A complex, layered, somewhat supernatural mystery perfect for fans of adventurous puzzles, smart women, and a splash of wine!
Francine Witt is a woman after my own heart: amateur sleuth, wine lover, blogger, adventurer and conspiracy unraveller!
I loved the egyptology elements and the inclusion of secret societies. From Egypt to France, it was quite the adventure.
I read a lot of mysteries and most of my reviews say 'I guessed the twist/end'. With this, I genuinely never knew where it was going let alone what the ending would be. So refreshing!
Also, the plot kicks off immediately and never faulters.
A complex, layered, somewhat supernatural mystery perfect for fans of adventurous puzzles, smart women, and a splash of wine!
October 20, 2025
I really liked BOTTLED UP. Francine Witt is such a fun character. She is smart, curious, and easy to root for. The mystery kept me interested without being too over the top. I also liked the wine-world setting. It’s a good, clever read that I’d happily recommend.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 30, 2025
I love following Francine on her adventures and this one was just as fab as book 1 if not better. I really enjoy how fast paced these books are and how much detail has gone into them, I can’t wait to see what Francine gets up to next.
December 17, 2025
A delightful tale of memories and rituals as we delve deeper into the life of Francine Witt. Enjoy every morsal!
October 26, 2025
💓Blurb-
Francine Witt is armed with a travelogue, a wry charm, and a habit of finding murder where the rosé flows freely.
What begins as a biography project about a disgraced Egyptologist quickly spirals into something far a sealed bottle marked with an ancient glyph, whispers of Empress Joséphine Bonaparte's secret rituals, and a trail of memory-infused wine—possibly connected to the eccentric Masonic collector Daniel Iffla—that stretches from Amarna to Bordeaux. When her new assistant Rosalind Downing becomes mysteriously connected to the ritual itself, Francine finds herself racing to decode a legacy someone is killing to protect.
As glyphs emerge, bottles are opened, and a long-buried Brotherhood awakens, Francine must face a terrifying what if remembering the past isn't enough, and the only way to survive is to contain it?
BOTTLED UP uncorks another sparkling blend of feminist sleuthing, historical conspiracy, and Da Vinci Code-style suspense, with Francine once again proving that secrets age best when bottled, and sometimes explode when opened!
💙 Review -
I really enjoyed the first book in the Francine Witt mystery series and Bottled Up certainly didn't disappoint. This was such a fun and entertaining read. I loved following Francine's journey through the book as she tries to solve the mystery. I love Francine's character and the other characters in the story were good too. I also loved the little illustrations at the beginning of each chapter and with the chapters being short, it made for easy reading. Overall, another brilliantly written novel by Steve. I highly recommend it and I look forward to reading more by the author.
💝 Thank you to the author, Steve Exeter for my copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Francine Witt is armed with a travelogue, a wry charm, and a habit of finding murder where the rosé flows freely.
What begins as a biography project about a disgraced Egyptologist quickly spirals into something far a sealed bottle marked with an ancient glyph, whispers of Empress Joséphine Bonaparte's secret rituals, and a trail of memory-infused wine—possibly connected to the eccentric Masonic collector Daniel Iffla—that stretches from Amarna to Bordeaux. When her new assistant Rosalind Downing becomes mysteriously connected to the ritual itself, Francine finds herself racing to decode a legacy someone is killing to protect.
As glyphs emerge, bottles are opened, and a long-buried Brotherhood awakens, Francine must face a terrifying what if remembering the past isn't enough, and the only way to survive is to contain it?
BOTTLED UP uncorks another sparkling blend of feminist sleuthing, historical conspiracy, and Da Vinci Code-style suspense, with Francine once again proving that secrets age best when bottled, and sometimes explode when opened!
💙 Review -
I really enjoyed the first book in the Francine Witt mystery series and Bottled Up certainly didn't disappoint. This was such a fun and entertaining read. I loved following Francine's journey through the book as she tries to solve the mystery. I love Francine's character and the other characters in the story were good too. I also loved the little illustrations at the beginning of each chapter and with the chapters being short, it made for easy reading. Overall, another brilliantly written novel by Steve. I highly recommend it and I look forward to reading more by the author.
💝 Thank you to the author, Steve Exeter for my copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
October 20, 2025
Uncork a Mystery with Wit, Wine, and Ancient Gods
Seriously, get ready for round two with Francine Witt – she's absolutely irrepressible! The author, Steve Exeter (you know, the guy who did that awesome SEVERUS series?), totally blends wit, style, and this cool dash of ancient Egyptian magic into a superb cozy mystery.
So basically, we catch up with Francine – who's this savvy blogger, influencer, and wine expert – right as she's kicking off her newest adventure with this super tantalizing blog post. She's like, ‘Egypt doesn’t forget. Beneath the sand and ruin, the gods are still listening...’ and then adds ‘I’m naturally a skeptical gal…’ and BAM, we're off!
The author has seriously leveled up Francine this time. Her modern wine expertise slams right into an ancient mystery when this unique bottle covered in hieroglyphics shows up and... yeah, leads to murder. The plot is ingenious – it weaves contemporary stuff with deep history so well. And there are these charming illustrations scattered between chapters. Ugh, it’s so good.
I’m SO glad Exeter decided to keep this series going! In Bottled Up, Francine and her partner Rosalind are back, using their knowledge and sheer grit to dig into an Egyptologist's work. Their dynamic is just a joy to follow.
From the wild "memory" wine rituals to the crazy vivid descriptions of Egypt and France – this journey is packed with atmosphere, danger, and secrets. So utterly enjoyable. Huge cheers for Fran and the whole crew!
I'm just saying... you might wanna pick this one up.
Seriously, get ready for round two with Francine Witt – she's absolutely irrepressible! The author, Steve Exeter (you know, the guy who did that awesome SEVERUS series?), totally blends wit, style, and this cool dash of ancient Egyptian magic into a superb cozy mystery.
So basically, we catch up with Francine – who's this savvy blogger, influencer, and wine expert – right as she's kicking off her newest adventure with this super tantalizing blog post. She's like, ‘Egypt doesn’t forget. Beneath the sand and ruin, the gods are still listening...’ and then adds ‘I’m naturally a skeptical gal…’ and BAM, we're off!
The author has seriously leveled up Francine this time. Her modern wine expertise slams right into an ancient mystery when this unique bottle covered in hieroglyphics shows up and... yeah, leads to murder. The plot is ingenious – it weaves contemporary stuff with deep history so well. And there are these charming illustrations scattered between chapters. Ugh, it’s so good.
I’m SO glad Exeter decided to keep this series going! In Bottled Up, Francine and her partner Rosalind are back, using their knowledge and sheer grit to dig into an Egyptologist's work. Their dynamic is just a joy to follow.
From the wild "memory" wine rituals to the crazy vivid descriptions of Egypt and France – this journey is packed with atmosphere, danger, and secrets. So utterly enjoyable. Huge cheers for Fran and the whole crew!
I'm just saying... you might wanna pick this one up.
January 6, 2026
Sorry this was just not for me. I like to read a story with a little bit of believability or possibility but I just could not get my head around the plot idea for this book. Which is a shame because I enjoy a good treasure hunt and the author obviously put in a lot of time and research to come up with this book. At the end of the book I felt like the book just kept either repeating itself or going round in circles. I did like the characters, although I am not sure I really connected with them. This is the second book in the series and it does help (a little bit) if you have read the previous book but I don't think I will be joining them on there next adventure.
While trying to learn more about her assistants grandmother, Francine stumbles on a hidden mystery. The academic community shunned her because she believed drinking from a certain bottle while performing a ritual would change history. So begin a race to find the missing bottles but they are not the only ones who are after what the bottle contains. The problem is drinking the wine will change one of them, as the wine holds the consciousness of someone from the last and the wine remembers.
I liked the narrator. She was bubbly enough to keep me listening.
I was given this free review copy audio book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
While trying to learn more about her assistants grandmother, Francine stumbles on a hidden mystery. The academic community shunned her because she believed drinking from a certain bottle while performing a ritual would change history. So begin a race to find the missing bottles but they are not the only ones who are after what the bottle contains. The problem is drinking the wine will change one of them, as the wine holds the consciousness of someone from the last and the wine remembers.
I liked the narrator. She was bubbly enough to keep me listening.
I was given this free review copy audio book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
October 8, 2025
‘Safe travels, good wine, and great times. Francine Witt’ – A refreshing novel!
Author/filmmaker Steve Exeter, highly regarded for his historical series SEVERUS, combines wit, charm, style, and a fascinating dalliance with Egyptian history in this second volume of his cozy mystery series – A Francine Witt Mystery. Francine Witt is a blogger, influencer and wine expert and the novel opens with an episode from her History Uncorked Wheels up! Egypt Awaits blog: ‘Egypt doesn’t forget. Beneath the sand and ruin, the gods are still listening, quietly, perhaps, but with infallible memory. Or so people like to say. I’m naturally a sceptical [sic] gal…..’ And so we’re off to a new adventure!
Incorporating appropriate illustrations between chapters, Exeter has polished his tremendously entertaining primary character - Francine Witt - and the admixture of contemporary tools of communication as in Francine’s expertise with wine topics with a tale that includes immersing the reader with Egyptian history via a unique bottle of wine with hieroglyphics (and a murder!) makes for a unique and wholly satisfying novel. Thankfully Exeter has decided to continue his adventures with this memorable journalist cum ‘detective.’
Author/filmmaker Steve Exeter, highly regarded for his historical series SEVERUS, combines wit, charm, style, and a fascinating dalliance with Egyptian history in this second volume of his cozy mystery series – A Francine Witt Mystery. Francine Witt is a blogger, influencer and wine expert and the novel opens with an episode from her History Uncorked Wheels up! Egypt Awaits blog: ‘Egypt doesn’t forget. Beneath the sand and ruin, the gods are still listening, quietly, perhaps, but with infallible memory. Or so people like to say. I’m naturally a sceptical [sic] gal…..’ And so we’re off to a new adventure!
Incorporating appropriate illustrations between chapters, Exeter has polished his tremendously entertaining primary character - Francine Witt - and the admixture of contemporary tools of communication as in Francine’s expertise with wine topics with a tale that includes immersing the reader with Egyptian history via a unique bottle of wine with hieroglyphics (and a murder!) makes for a unique and wholly satisfying novel. Thankfully Exeter has decided to continue his adventures with this memorable journalist cum ‘detective.’
November 24, 2025
A Mystery as Layered and Lively as Its Heroine...
Steve Exeter's Bottled Up: A Francine Witt Mystery is the kind of book that sneaks up on you—part mystery, part history lesson, with just enough weirdness to keep you off-balance. Francine Witt herself is a force: quick with a comeback, afraid of nothing, the sort of person who can't help but dig deeper even when she should probably walk away. She thinks she's signing on for a simple biography gig. What she gets instead? Egyptian relics, Napoleon's ghost lingering in the margins, and wine bottles that seem to be keeping secrets all their own.
What happens next is this tightly wound chase—vineyards bright with sun one moment, crumbling ruins swallowed in shadow the next. Exeter knows how to spin a story, and Francine's the kind of character you'd follow anywhere, even into trouble. The whole thing moves with this elegant momentum, reminding you that the best mysteries are like the best wines: they need time to open up, and when they do, they're worth every second you spent waiting.
Steve Exeter's Bottled Up: A Francine Witt Mystery is the kind of book that sneaks up on you—part mystery, part history lesson, with just enough weirdness to keep you off-balance. Francine Witt herself is a force: quick with a comeback, afraid of nothing, the sort of person who can't help but dig deeper even when she should probably walk away. She thinks she's signing on for a simple biography gig. What she gets instead? Egyptian relics, Napoleon's ghost lingering in the margins, and wine bottles that seem to be keeping secrets all their own.
What happens next is this tightly wound chase—vineyards bright with sun one moment, crumbling ruins swallowed in shadow the next. Exeter knows how to spin a story, and Francine's the kind of character you'd follow anywhere, even into trouble. The whole thing moves with this elegant momentum, reminding you that the best mysteries are like the best wines: they need time to open up, and when they do, they're worth every second you spent waiting.
November 28, 2025
Bottled Up offers an interesting blend of the seemingly unlikely themes of wine and Egyptology. The story draws you in and prompts you to consider whether the unfolding mystery will take a grounded, real world path or drift into the paranormal. It ultimately leans toward the latter. The characters also bring an endearing quirkiness that adds charm throughout.
Some scenes feel a bit complicated, and this is heightened by prose that often leans into abstract, flowery language. At times the book relies on exposition to connect ideas that are otherwise too vague or metaphorical to follow, such as coffee described as tasting like memory or objects that call the protagonist. These choices can be effective when used sparingly, but their frequent repetition softens their impact and makes the narrative harder to follow. As a result, it becomes challenging to stay fully invested in an otherwise engaging mystery.
Overall it is a pleasant and creative read, and I found myself enjoying the story despite its occasional hurdles.
Some scenes feel a bit complicated, and this is heightened by prose that often leans into abstract, flowery language. At times the book relies on exposition to connect ideas that are otherwise too vague or metaphorical to follow, such as coffee described as tasting like memory or objects that call the protagonist. These choices can be effective when used sparingly, but their frequent repetition softens their impact and makes the narrative harder to follow. As a result, it becomes challenging to stay fully invested in an otherwise engaging mystery.
Overall it is a pleasant and creative read, and I found myself enjoying the story despite its occasional hurdles.
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