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A Redwoods Country Mystery #2
Whine and Dine
A reclusive innkeeper. A murder in wine country. Can his nitpicky eye for detail uncork the truth before it’s too late?
Andy Shirley just wants peace and quiet. But owning a quaint B&B means he encounters needy guests, nonstop small talk, and the occasional corpse that piques Andy’s sense of justice. When his plumber-turned-sidekick tempts him with discounted work to help her accused friend, he reluctantly digs into the case.
Combing through clues and suspects reveals more motives, more lies, and more danger than Andy ever bargained for. Though the Agatha Christie-loving sleuth longs to try his hand at a grand reveal, he worries the slew of slippery suspects means a killer will walk free.
Can Andy unearth the truth before this case buries his hopes of a successful business and a quiet life?
Whine and Dine is the laugh-out-loud second book in the Redwoods Country cozy mystery series. If you like grouches with golden hearts, unlikely friendships, and quirky small towns, then you’ll love this lighthearted misadventure.
Buy Whine and Dine to put this puzzle to bed (and breakfast) today!
Andy Shirley just wants peace and quiet. But owning a quaint B&B means he encounters needy guests, nonstop small talk, and the occasional corpse that piques Andy’s sense of justice. When his plumber-turned-sidekick tempts him with discounted work to help her accused friend, he reluctantly digs into the case.
Combing through clues and suspects reveals more motives, more lies, and more danger than Andy ever bargained for. Though the Agatha Christie-loving sleuth longs to try his hand at a grand reveal, he worries the slew of slippery suspects means a killer will walk free.
Can Andy unearth the truth before this case buries his hopes of a successful business and a quiet life?
Whine and Dine is the laugh-out-loud second book in the Redwoods Country cozy mystery series. If you like grouches with golden hearts, unlikely friendships, and quirky small towns, then you’ll love this lighthearted misadventure.
Buy Whine and Dine to put this puzzle to bed (and breakfast) today!
- GenresCozy Mystery
230 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 1, 2025
2 people are currently reading
11 people want to read
About the author
Marc Jedel
14 books69 followersMarc Jedel writes funny, feel-good murder mysteries filled with quirky characters, twisty plots, and the kind of humor that goes down easy with a cup of tea—or glass of wine.
After years writing marketing copy in Silicon Valley, Marc finally started crafting fiction people actually wanted to read. He’s the author of multiple cozy mystery series, including the Silicon Valley Mystery, Ozarks Lake Mystery, and Redwoods Country Mystery series. His books have earned thousands of glowing reviews.
Like Andy from the Redwoods Country Mysteries, Marc keeps getting older and sincerely hopes retirement doesn’t involve running a B&B. Like Marty from the Silicon Valley Mystery series, he lives in tech-heavy California, has worked in high-tech, and proudly wields bad puns. Like Jonas and Elizabeth from the Ozarks Lake Mystery series, Marc grew up in the South and spent many a summer in and around Arkansas.
He lives with his endlessly patient wife and a sweet, neurotic dog who remains deeply unimpressed by Marc’s jokes. When not writing, Marc can be found hiking, plotting murders (on the page, officer, really!), or avoiding whatever home improvement project he’s been putting off.
Visit his website, , www.mjedel.com for free content, special offers, and updates.
After years writing marketing copy in Silicon Valley, Marc finally started crafting fiction people actually wanted to read. He’s the author of multiple cozy mystery series, including the Silicon Valley Mystery, Ozarks Lake Mystery, and Redwoods Country Mystery series. His books have earned thousands of glowing reviews.
Like Andy from the Redwoods Country Mysteries, Marc keeps getting older and sincerely hopes retirement doesn’t involve running a B&B. Like Marty from the Silicon Valley Mystery series, he lives in tech-heavy California, has worked in high-tech, and proudly wields bad puns. Like Jonas and Elizabeth from the Ozarks Lake Mystery series, Marc grew up in the South and spent many a summer in and around Arkansas.
He lives with his endlessly patient wife and a sweet, neurotic dog who remains deeply unimpressed by Marc’s jokes. When not writing, Marc can be found hiking, plotting murders (on the page, officer, really!), or avoiding whatever home improvement project he’s been putting off.
Visit his website, , www.mjedel.com for free content, special offers, and updates.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
December 19, 2025
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Owning a B&B by himself was never the plan. Andy Shirley and his wife, Catherine, were supposed to be on this journey together. It was her dream and their retirement plan. She was going to handle the day-to-day operations, with him taking care of maintenance, enjoying his hobbies, and staying out of her way. Then Catherine was killed in an accident. All their retirement funds were invested in the B&B, so after his last day of work, he arrived in Monte Rio. Now, a year and a half later, he is still mourning the loss but is trying his best to honor her memory and follow her dream.
Dead bodies were never in the plan either, but now he is right in the middle of another investigation. His friend, and plumber, Charlie, has offered him a deal on his new bathroom if he helps her clear her friend of the crime she is accused of. She soon becomes his sidekick as they follow the clues.
Will they be able to pin down the killer? Will there be a grand Agatha Christie reveal? Or will Andy mess the whole thing up and let the killer get away?
Andy Shirley is a curmudgeon, but he really is just heartbroken. His life was upended when his wife, Catherine, passed away. He has his wife’s teacup poodle, Fifi, for company, and sometimes that’s all he needs. Thankfully, he has great help with the B&B in Nadia and has become friendly with a few people. Charlie is good for him, as is her mother, Joann, the chief of police. He has Joann’s mother, Ruth, to keep him on his toes. Mr. Jedel has created genuine, unique characters that can make you laugh out loud or tug at your heartstrings.
Andy’s love of Agatha Christie competes with his passion for not liking his guests or people in general. Sleuthing out a killer usually wins out, and Charlie is there to give the necessary push and shove when needed. They were able to eliminate some suspects, but it takes time, more questions, and some pandemonium before all the clues slide into place. I really enjoyed how the author plotted out the mystery and the reveal.
If you enjoy lighthearted mysteries with tons of humor, you can’t go wrong with a book by Marc Jedel. Whine and Dine continues that trend. A grouchy innkeeper trying to find his way without his beloved, townspeople taking him under their wings, even when it’s the last thing he wants, and a mystery for him to sink his teeth into, start this story off on an entertaining ride that doesn’t let up to the final page. Whine and Dine was an enjoyable escape. The ending jawdropper has me excited to see what the author has planned for Andy next.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC.
Owning a B&B by himself was never the plan. Andy Shirley and his wife, Catherine, were supposed to be on this journey together. It was her dream and their retirement plan. She was going to handle the day-to-day operations, with him taking care of maintenance, enjoying his hobbies, and staying out of her way. Then Catherine was killed in an accident. All their retirement funds were invested in the B&B, so after his last day of work, he arrived in Monte Rio. Now, a year and a half later, he is still mourning the loss but is trying his best to honor her memory and follow her dream.
Dead bodies were never in the plan either, but now he is right in the middle of another investigation. His friend, and plumber, Charlie, has offered him a deal on his new bathroom if he helps her clear her friend of the crime she is accused of. She soon becomes his sidekick as they follow the clues.
Will they be able to pin down the killer? Will there be a grand Agatha Christie reveal? Or will Andy mess the whole thing up and let the killer get away?
Andy Shirley is a curmudgeon, but he really is just heartbroken. His life was upended when his wife, Catherine, passed away. He has his wife’s teacup poodle, Fifi, for company, and sometimes that’s all he needs. Thankfully, he has great help with the B&B in Nadia and has become friendly with a few people. Charlie is good for him, as is her mother, Joann, the chief of police. He has Joann’s mother, Ruth, to keep him on his toes. Mr. Jedel has created genuine, unique characters that can make you laugh out loud or tug at your heartstrings.
Andy’s love of Agatha Christie competes with his passion for not liking his guests or people in general. Sleuthing out a killer usually wins out, and Charlie is there to give the necessary push and shove when needed. They were able to eliminate some suspects, but it takes time, more questions, and some pandemonium before all the clues slide into place. I really enjoyed how the author plotted out the mystery and the reveal.
If you enjoy lighthearted mysteries with tons of humor, you can’t go wrong with a book by Marc Jedel. Whine and Dine continues that trend. A grouchy innkeeper trying to find his way without his beloved, townspeople taking him under their wings, even when it’s the last thing he wants, and a mystery for him to sink his teeth into, start this story off on an entertaining ride that doesn’t let up to the final page. Whine and Dine was an enjoyable escape. The ending jawdropper has me excited to see what the author has planned for Andy next.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC.
November 2, 2025
Cozy mystery featuring a curmudgeonly retired copywriter widower who owns a B & B in a small town filled with eccentrics. When one of the townies is killed and a friend of his plumber is accused of the murder, Andy agrees to help uncover the true murderer in exchange for a 50% discount on a bathroom installation. Lots of world building, however, despite all the extraneous detail it was hard to connect with the characters and a more concise and crisp plot would have improved the reading experience.
October 30, 2025
When I read the first book in this series, I said that it was my favorite book by the author. Whine and Dine is a close second! It’s got everything that I loved in Rivers and Creaks (Book 1) just with a different murder.
It's the main character, Andy, (along with several supporting cast members…) who makes this series so much fun. Andy Shirley finds that he’s settling into owning an inn and being an innkeeper only because he’s got such an awesome employee who both cooks and cleans. Nadia is a super colorful character both literally and figuratively. Just wait until you read about some of her outfits! Andy also has Charlie to help him when stuff that he can’t fix needs fixing. She’s on her way to becoming a master plumber, and she’s an electrician. Her mom is the chief of police who has become Andy’s friend in spite of the fact that he’s grumpy and doesn’t want friends in this small town. In fact, Andy’s made several friends (he’d deny that fact).
Of course, there’s a murder to solve in Whine and Dine! Andy gets involved because Charlie’s friend is a suspect, and she offers Andy a discount if he’ll investigate. You should know, Andy was a copy editor, but since he solved the last murder in town, Charlie thinks he’ll be great at it. He tries. It’s fun watching Andy and Charlie play detective without making her mom mad at either of them. The grand reveal scene is just hilarious. The humor and dry wit make this a book you’ll be cracking up at.
If you love cozies with quirky characters and lots of humor, you’ll love Whine and Dine! I highly recommend it!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
It's the main character, Andy, (along with several supporting cast members…) who makes this series so much fun. Andy Shirley finds that he’s settling into owning an inn and being an innkeeper only because he’s got such an awesome employee who both cooks and cleans. Nadia is a super colorful character both literally and figuratively. Just wait until you read about some of her outfits! Andy also has Charlie to help him when stuff that he can’t fix needs fixing. She’s on her way to becoming a master plumber, and she’s an electrician. Her mom is the chief of police who has become Andy’s friend in spite of the fact that he’s grumpy and doesn’t want friends in this small town. In fact, Andy’s made several friends (he’d deny that fact).
Of course, there’s a murder to solve in Whine and Dine! Andy gets involved because Charlie’s friend is a suspect, and she offers Andy a discount if he’ll investigate. You should know, Andy was a copy editor, but since he solved the last murder in town, Charlie thinks he’ll be great at it. He tries. It’s fun watching Andy and Charlie play detective without making her mom mad at either of them. The grand reveal scene is just hilarious. The humor and dry wit make this a book you’ll be cracking up at.
If you love cozies with quirky characters and lots of humor, you’ll love Whine and Dine! I highly recommend it!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
October 31, 2025
This book is the definition of a cozy mystery. The charming story had me settling in to my most comfy chair to enjoy cozy evenings with the eccentric residents of a small town in northern California. The author lays out an intriguing mystery by carefully sprinkling clues throughout the book, keeping me guessing until the final reveal.
The main character, Andy Shirley, is a soft-hearted widow. Combined with a dash of grumpiness, Andy is an endearing inn keeper, reminiscent of my favorite uncle. His appeal is amplified with a supporting cast of eccentric characters—my favorite being his Romanian cook and housekeeper, Nadia.
I can fully endorse Whine & Dine as a delightful story, certain to warm your heart and make you want to visit Monte Rio on the hopes of finding an inn with mouth-watering breakfast delights!
The main character, Andy Shirley, is a soft-hearted widow. Combined with a dash of grumpiness, Andy is an endearing inn keeper, reminiscent of my favorite uncle. His appeal is amplified with a supporting cast of eccentric characters—my favorite being his Romanian cook and housekeeper, Nadia.
I can fully endorse Whine & Dine as a delightful story, certain to warm your heart and make you want to visit Monte Rio on the hopes of finding an inn with mouth-watering breakfast delights!
December 1, 2025
Whine and Dine is the second book in the Redwoods Country Mystery Series by Marc Jedel. The amateur sleuth is Andy Shirley, a reclusive and curmudgeonly innkeeper in a quaint town in the heart of Redwoods Country.
Think: Grumpy Old Men meets Schitt's Creek.
Whine and Dine is a fun cozy mystery with a great setting and a unique sleuth. Andy is widower who is trying to run a quaint B&B on his own now that his wife has died. He doesn't really like the guests or much of anything really, but memories of his wife keep him tied to the inn.
One thing he does like is Agatha Christie, and he can't help but do a little sleuthing of his own when he encounters a mystery.
Andy may be a bit of a grump, but he has a heart of gold and
Think: Grumpy Old Men meets Schitt's Creek.
Whine and Dine is a fun cozy mystery with a great setting and a unique sleuth. Andy is widower who is trying to run a quaint B&B on his own now that his wife has died. He doesn't really like the guests or much of anything really, but memories of his wife keep him tied to the inn.
One thing he does like is Agatha Christie, and he can't help but do a little sleuthing of his own when he encounters a mystery.
Andy may be a bit of a grump, but he has a heart of gold and
November 2, 2025
This is an inspiring read, where loss meets beginning afresh in a wonderfully insightful cozy mystery.
Andy Shirley recently widowed, finding himself heartbroken and tied to moving forward with the pre made plans. Now sole owner of the the Quilt house Inn located in the majestic redwoods country where they had planned their future together.
Despite himself friendships are forming; with Nadia, his employee, maid, fantastic cook and most of all the warmth and heart of the Inn. Joann Blaylock the local police chief of Monte Rio, Andy’s trivia partner, and who’s daughter is Charlie, local plumber and electrician who is both mouthy and loyal to the new grumpy, owner of the Inn and dare I say sleuth.
Charlie’s friend is accused of murder and having promised Andy a sizable discount on work requiring done, he is somewhat less reluctant to help.
Feelings of happiness and excitement were new to the widower who was going to share his knowledge and love of archery.
Characters full of energy and warmth my favorite being Sandra who’s first interaction is highly entertaining. I was laughing aloud at the shenanigans between Charlie and Andy and between Andy and Sandra. The future is starting to look more bright as feelings of happiness and excitement are new to Andy, who is keen to share his knowledge and love of archery.
I must mention that Andy is strong and dependable showing bravery when faced with danger and his murder reveal was outstanding, sheer genius, chaotic and brilliant.
Andy Shirley recently widowed, finding himself heartbroken and tied to moving forward with the pre made plans. Now sole owner of the the Quilt house Inn located in the majestic redwoods country where they had planned their future together.
Despite himself friendships are forming; with Nadia, his employee, maid, fantastic cook and most of all the warmth and heart of the Inn. Joann Blaylock the local police chief of Monte Rio, Andy’s trivia partner, and who’s daughter is Charlie, local plumber and electrician who is both mouthy and loyal to the new grumpy, owner of the Inn and dare I say sleuth.
Charlie’s friend is accused of murder and having promised Andy a sizable discount on work requiring done, he is somewhat less reluctant to help.
Feelings of happiness and excitement were new to the widower who was going to share his knowledge and love of archery.
Characters full of energy and warmth my favorite being Sandra who’s first interaction is highly entertaining. I was laughing aloud at the shenanigans between Charlie and Andy and between Andy and Sandra. The future is starting to look more bright as feelings of happiness and excitement are new to Andy, who is keen to share his knowledge and love of archery.
I must mention that Andy is strong and dependable showing bravery when faced with danger and his murder reveal was outstanding, sheer genius, chaotic and brilliant.
January 7, 2026
It’s been a few months since Andy Shirley solved a murder in his new community of Monte Rio. Now, it’s October, and Andy has settled into his new life a little. He’s still trying to avoid making friends, so when the owner of a souvenir shop in town is found dead in her shop, he doesn’t intend to get involved. That is until the young woman who handles his plumbing, someone he’s become friendly with, begs him to get involved. It seems the police think her friend, who works at the store, is guilty. Can Andy figure out what happened?
I found the first just okay, and I was hoping some of those issues were just set up and the second would be smoother. Sadly, that didn’t happen. There is just a bit too much going on, which meant the mystery was choked out. The suspects could have been stronger. The climax, while answering all our questions, wasn’t enjoyable. Unfortunately, Andy still hasn’t thawed at all either. I do love the setting, since I grew up near there. And the puns are always welcome. I’m not sure that these will be enough to compel me to read any further in the series.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
I found the first just okay, and I was hoping some of those issues were just set up and the second would be smoother. Sadly, that didn’t happen. There is just a bit too much going on, which meant the mystery was choked out. The suspects could have been stronger. The climax, while answering all our questions, wasn’t enjoyable. Unfortunately, Andy still hasn’t thawed at all either. I do love the setting, since I grew up near there. And the puns are always welcome. I’m not sure that these will be enough to compel me to read any further in the series.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
December 20, 2025
Return to the humor, charm, and murders of Redwoods Country!
Whine and Dine is the second book in veteran author Marc Jedel’s excellent Redwoods Country Mystery series, and proves to be a fabulous follow-up to last year’s debut, Rivers and Creaks. While all Andy Shirley wants is peace, quiet, and a lot of alone time, his ownership of the Quilt House Inn requires a much more hands-on effort. Thankfully, he has Nadia, the housekeeper and chef, to handle the day-to-day, and Charlie, the plumber/electrician and daughter of his new friend, Police Chief Joann Blaylock, on speed-dial for the more complicated jobs he can’t handle himself. But when Charlie’s friend is suspected of murder, Andy reluctantly agrees to join forces with her to clear her friend’s name, in exchange for a hefty discount on some upcoming plumbing repairs, of course.
The story hits the ground running with a dramatic arrest on the porch of the inn and the discovery of the murder victim in the small, nearby town of Monte Rio, happening almost before the dust settles from the detective’s car leaving the inn’s parking lot. Andy, a retired copy editor with a penchant for puns, is a cranky, grumpy wannabe recluse, and his inner monologue and dialogue with literally everyone absolutely sparkle with wit. The pairs’ unofficial investigation is fun as they attempt to stay on Charlie’s mother’s good side while getting the job done. The secondary characters not only provide solid support but are also a quirky, colorful bunch, especially Nadia Radu. I was fortunate to be able to kick back and read the whole book in one delightful evening; the pages and time flew by.I recommend WHINE AND DINE to cozy mystery fans, especially those who enjoyed the series kickoff and the author’s other series.
I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advance Review Copy from the author through Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours.November 3, 2025
Loved this fast paced cozy filled with quirky characters set in Redwoods County.
Andy just wants his B&B to run smoothly and have good reviews.
Hard to accomplish when one of his guests is arrested for illegal drugs.
A shop owner is found dead in the window of the local country store.
Who wanted her dead and why.
Follow Andy, his plumber friend who talks him into helping resolve this mystery that points fingers at her best friend.
Oddball neighbors, pushy out of towners, local law enforcement prove to be in the middle of who dun it’s.
Andy just wants his B&B to run smoothly and have good reviews.
Hard to accomplish when one of his guests is arrested for illegal drugs.
A shop owner is found dead in the window of the local country store.
Who wanted her dead and why.
Follow Andy, his plumber friend who talks him into helping resolve this mystery that points fingers at her best friend.
Oddball neighbors, pushy out of towners, local law enforcement prove to be in the middle of who dun it’s.
November 2, 2025
Cozy mystery fans, your next read has arrived!
Loved this lighthearted mystery! It is filled with intrigue, fun characters and lots of dad jokes. The perfect book to to curl up with on a fall day, or any day!
November 21, 2025
Whine and Dine
Another great read by Marc Jedel, with subtle humor and quirky characters, leaving you questioning who done it until the end.
Another great read by Marc Jedel, with subtle humor and quirky characters, leaving you questioning who done it until the end.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews