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A Francine Witt Mystery #3
POURED OUT: A Francine Witt Mystery
Wine influencer turned accidental sleuth Francine Witt heads to New York’s most exclusive gala expecting glamour, gossip, and good champagne. Instead, she finds a perfectly curated family tableau with one glaring someone is missing.
As whispers spread about a figure erased from the Moncrief legacy, the dynasty’s polished façade starts to unravel. Accidents turn deadly, and anyone who gets too close to the truth is quickly silenced.
With her intuitive partner Rosalind at her side—and a sceptical NYPD detective watching closely—Francine digs into a world of privilege, power, and carefully crafted lies. From Capote-style high society to the shadows of a family secret, nothing is quite what it seems.
To expose the truth at the heart of the Moncrief empire, Francine must risk her reputation, her friendships, and perhaps her heart.
Witty, feminist, and irresistibly sharp, POURED OUT uncorks a sparkling new instalment in the Francine Witt Mystery series. Dorothy Parker’s ghost would surely raise a glass, then cut the whole affair to ribbons.
As whispers spread about a figure erased from the Moncrief legacy, the dynasty’s polished façade starts to unravel. Accidents turn deadly, and anyone who gets too close to the truth is quickly silenced.
With her intuitive partner Rosalind at her side—and a sceptical NYPD detective watching closely—Francine digs into a world of privilege, power, and carefully crafted lies. From Capote-style high society to the shadows of a family secret, nothing is quite what it seems.
To expose the truth at the heart of the Moncrief empire, Francine must risk her reputation, her friendships, and perhaps her heart.
Witty, feminist, and irresistibly sharp, POURED OUT uncorks a sparkling new instalment in the Francine Witt Mystery series. Dorothy Parker’s ghost would surely raise a glass, then cut the whole affair to ribbons.
241 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 3, 2026
About the author
Steve Exeter
13 books47 followersSteve Exeter is the author of the Francine Witt Mystery series, a sharply observed, wine-soaked collection of modern whodunits that blend the wit of Agatha Christie with the irreverent charm of Bridget Jones. The series has developed a growing cult following, drawn to its layered mysteries, feminist edge, and the irresistible voice of its flawed, fiercely relatable heroine.
His novels are known for their intricate plotting, vivid sense of place, and a narrative style that balances humour with emotional depth. Across the Francine Witt books, Exeter weaves together high society, history, and hidden secrets, creating immersive mysteries that unfold with both elegance and bite.
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 Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger’s beloved cinema classic The Red Shoes. The film has received critical acclaim for its creativity, emotional resonance, and striking visual style.
His novels are known for their intricate plotting, vivid sense of place, and a narrative style that balances humour with emotional depth. Across the Francine Witt books, Exeter weaves together high society, history, and hidden secrets, creating immersive mysteries that unfold with both elegance and bite.
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 Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger’s beloved cinema classic The Red Shoes. The film has received critical acclaim for its creativity, emotional resonance, and striking visual style.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
April 12, 2026
Poured Out is a smart, stylish mystery that is as entertaining as it is sharp.
The author draws you in with glamour, champagne, high society, and a dazzling New York gala. He quickly reveals something darker beneath the surface. What follows is a gripping exploration of the powerful Moncrief family and the secrets they have tried to bury.
Francine Witt is as always a fantastic lead: witty, observant, and refreshingly real.
Her partnership with Rosalind adds warmth and depth, while the tension with a skeptical NYPD detective keeps the stakes high. The mystery itself is tightly plotted, with twists that feel natural instead of forced, and a central question that hooks you throughout.
What really stands out is the tone, which is elegant but biting. It has a subtle feminist edge and flashes of humor that lighten the darker moments.
The contrast between glittering privilege and hidden corruption is handled beautifully.
This is a book that is easy to get lost in and hard to put down. Clever, engaging, and full of personality, Poured Out is a thoroughly enjoyable read and a standout addition to the series.
The author draws you in with glamour, champagne, high society, and a dazzling New York gala. He quickly reveals something darker beneath the surface. What follows is a gripping exploration of the powerful Moncrief family and the secrets they have tried to bury.
Francine Witt is as always a fantastic lead: witty, observant, and refreshingly real.
Her partnership with Rosalind adds warmth and depth, while the tension with a skeptical NYPD detective keeps the stakes high. The mystery itself is tightly plotted, with twists that feel natural instead of forced, and a central question that hooks you throughout.
What really stands out is the tone, which is elegant but biting. It has a subtle feminist edge and flashes of humor that lighten the darker moments.
The contrast between glittering privilege and hidden corruption is handled beautifully.
This is a book that is easy to get lost in and hard to put down. Clever, engaging, and full of personality, Poured Out is a thoroughly enjoyable read and a standout addition to the series.
April 1, 2026
If you love a cozy mystery with a splash of glamour and wit, Poured Out absolutely delivers. From the very first chapter, I was pulled right back into the adventures of Francine.
Francine is such a fun main character. She’s confident, stylish, and has a knack for finding herself tangled up in trouble. The mystery itself will keep you guessing, and the twists hit you in the most perfect way.
I love the vibe of these stories. They are mysterious, funny and Steve adds a splash of well researched history into the mix. It feels like sipping a cocktail while unraveling secrets, and the story flows so perfectly, not to mention the side characters are just as fun.
This is the kind of book you fly through in a day but keep thinking about after. Perfect for cozy nights, weekend reads, or anytime you want a mystery that feels both light and engaging.
I’m excited to see what else is to come for Francine in the future!✨🩷
Francine is such a fun main character. She’s confident, stylish, and has a knack for finding herself tangled up in trouble. The mystery itself will keep you guessing, and the twists hit you in the most perfect way.
I love the vibe of these stories. They are mysterious, funny and Steve adds a splash of well researched history into the mix. It feels like sipping a cocktail while unraveling secrets, and the story flows so perfectly, not to mention the side characters are just as fun.
This is the kind of book you fly through in a day but keep thinking about after. Perfect for cozy nights, weekend reads, or anytime you want a mystery that feels both light and engaging.
I’m excited to see what else is to come for Francine in the future!✨🩷
April 11, 2026
This was such a fun read! Fran is brilliant, as ever, and we see appearances from characters we love from other books. The mystery was interesting and the wine was flowing - a great addition to the series!
April 20, 2026
Good plot!
This book has mystery, society drama and tension and this mix makes it a very good read. Also, the plot has a good pace and keeps you interested all along.
Poured Out is easy to read and to follow apart from also being engaging. I would recommend it.
This book has mystery, society drama and tension and this mix makes it a very good read. Also, the plot has a good pace and keeps you interested all along.
Poured Out is easy to read and to follow apart from also being engaging. I would recommend it.
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April 18, 2026"Wine blogger turned best-selling author! And a staunch, proud feminist no less."
Book 3 in the A Francine Witt Mystery series. Fran is back, and this time she is in New York with Rosalind, rubbing elbows with the rich and famous. But the glamour of high society isn't enough to conceal the sinister truths hidden beneath the wealth, and Fran and Rosalind soon come to suspect that the carefully curated perfection of the Moncrief family is in fact a cover-up for something ominous.
On the surface the Moncrief family is perfect. Fabulously wealthy, beautiful and popular, the Moncriefs are envied and admired, and their balls are designed to impress and awe. But Fran is made of sterner stuff. Never one to let herself be seduced by wealth or fame, Fran is far more concerned with the whispered rumours, cracks in the facade and small signs that something is off.
Part cozy mystery, part tribute to the poet Dorothy Parker and part social commentary exposing the hypocrisy of the rich and famous, Poured Out combines light-hearted humour and scathing social critique with a well-paced, focused mystery and a critical look at high society families and influencers caught up in the chase for perfection and spectacle, performing for the cameras while hiding their true characters behind champagne balls and bright ring lights.
Recommended for readers who enjoy contemporary mysteries and like the idea of a female amateur sleuth duo with lots of heart, who value authenticity and empathy over fame and fortune and never allow anyone or anything to deter them from pursuing justice when they are presented with a mystery to solve.
Many thanks to Steve Exeter for the review copy of this novel. I received this copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Book 3 in the A Francine Witt Mystery series. Fran is back, and this time she is in New York with Rosalind, rubbing elbows with the rich and famous. But the glamour of high society isn't enough to conceal the sinister truths hidden beneath the wealth, and Fran and Rosalind soon come to suspect that the carefully curated perfection of the Moncrief family is in fact a cover-up for something ominous.
On the surface the Moncrief family is perfect. Fabulously wealthy, beautiful and popular, the Moncriefs are envied and admired, and their balls are designed to impress and awe. But Fran is made of sterner stuff. Never one to let herself be seduced by wealth or fame, Fran is far more concerned with the whispered rumours, cracks in the facade and small signs that something is off.
Part cozy mystery, part tribute to the poet Dorothy Parker and part social commentary exposing the hypocrisy of the rich and famous, Poured Out combines light-hearted humour and scathing social critique with a well-paced, focused mystery and a critical look at high society families and influencers caught up in the chase for perfection and spectacle, performing for the cameras while hiding their true characters behind champagne balls and bright ring lights.
Recommended for readers who enjoy contemporary mysteries and like the idea of a female amateur sleuth duo with lots of heart, who value authenticity and empathy over fame and fortune and never allow anyone or anything to deter them from pursuing justice when they are presented with a mystery to solve.
Many thanks to Steve Exeter for the review copy of this novel. I received this copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 9, 2026
I really enjoyed POURED OUT
At first, it feels like exactly what you expect from the series. A stylish New York setting, plenty of wine, sharp observations, and Francine navigating a room full of people who all seem just a little bit off. It is immediately engaging and very easy to sink into.
But what I liked most is how it gradually tightens into something more controlled and deliberate. The closed circle structure is really well handled, and there is a constant sense that everyone has something to hide. It keeps you guessing without ever feeling overcomplicated.
The empty chair motif is a particularly nice touch. It sounds simple, but it becomes quietly unsettling as the story goes on. That sense of absence, of someone missing who should not be, adds an extra layer of tension and gives the whole mystery a slightly haunting edge.
I also liked the Dorothy Parker and Truman Capote influences running through it. It gives the book a bit of a literary bite and suits the New York setting perfectly without slowing things down.
Fran continues to be a great main character. She is funny, self aware, and occasionally makes questionable decisions, but she is also far more perceptive than people assume. Her voice still carries that blend of humour and insight that makes the series so readable.
At first, it feels like exactly what you expect from the series. A stylish New York setting, plenty of wine, sharp observations, and Francine navigating a room full of people who all seem just a little bit off. It is immediately engaging and very easy to sink into.
But what I liked most is how it gradually tightens into something more controlled and deliberate. The closed circle structure is really well handled, and there is a constant sense that everyone has something to hide. It keeps you guessing without ever feeling overcomplicated.
The empty chair motif is a particularly nice touch. It sounds simple, but it becomes quietly unsettling as the story goes on. That sense of absence, of someone missing who should not be, adds an extra layer of tension and gives the whole mystery a slightly haunting edge.
I also liked the Dorothy Parker and Truman Capote influences running through it. It gives the book a bit of a literary bite and suits the New York setting perfectly without slowing things down.
Fran continues to be a great main character. She is funny, self aware, and occasionally makes questionable decisions, but she is also far more perceptive than people assume. Her voice still carries that blend of humour and insight that makes the series so readable.
April 8, 2026
Poured Out is the third in the series and returns to what Francine does best: solving mysteries. The author-blogger-wine expert receives an unexpected invitation to the Moncrief Black and White Ball in New York, the social event of the year. She accepts the invitation and, with her assistant, Rosalind, as her plus one, sets out on a new adventure. Welcomed by Camilla and Victor Moncrief, they are introduced to the complex social dynamics of the rich and famous family. Fractured relationships, secrets, and a peculiar, unoccupied chair at the dinner table intrigue the pair. They seek answers but are stonewalled. However, they meet a slightly more forthcoming Tristan Bellamy, the family photographer, and Rosalind becomes charmed by the young man.
Francine leads the pair in an investigation to discover the truth behind a fractured family, a death, and an empty chair.
With ample quotes from Dorothy Parker, Steve Exeter is back on form, and the irresistible Francine Witt uses her brain, her charm and her wit to solve a deep family secret in a most delightful way. Sit back with a glass of wine and allow yourself to relax into a world of money, intrigue, and murder.
April 10, 2026
Poured Out by Steve Exeter is a fantastic and super fun third installment of the Francine Witt mysteries. This time, the lovable Francine finds herself unexpectedly invited to some high-class shindigs while rubbing elbows with the rich and elite Moncrief family. As an intriguing mystery unfolds, I really enjoyed how the author breaks down the façade of “perfect” rich families and happiness in money. Everyone is human despite one’s status, and wealth is certainly something that cannot buy joy. As Francine probes further into the Moncriefs’ trouble (and her own!), one of the best features was seeing a new side of Rosaline. Even Francine comments about the change in her partner-in-sleuthing. With the rejuvenated character following the previous novel’s trauma, the action and commentary are fresh and brings an enjoyable dynamic between the two. There are hints of a possible love interest, and I’d love to see what may happen in the future with these entertaining characters. Overall, a truly fun and well-written novel. Looking forward to more by this brilliant author.
April 28, 2026
They keep getting better!
Francine Witt, wine blogger, author & amateur sleuth, and her partner Rosalind Downing have done it again. Invited to the Black and White Gala in NYC by beyond rich socialite Camilla Moncrief, who it turns out is a fan of Francine’s blog and book. It coincide’s with a book related trip already scheduled so Francine adds Rosalind as her plus one and off they go. What starts out with a mysterious empty chair moves on to the “accidental overdose” of the Moncrief photographer, the “heat-stroke” death of Camilla’s trainer and lover, the story of a Moncrief daughter erased and the “suicide” of another Moncrief daughter and the pair convincing Detective Caldwell they are more than influencers. Excellent adventure and hopefully not the last book in this series!
Francine Witt, wine blogger, author & amateur sleuth, and her partner Rosalind Downing have done it again. Invited to the Black and White Gala in NYC by beyond rich socialite Camilla Moncrief, who it turns out is a fan of Francine’s blog and book. It coincide’s with a book related trip already scheduled so Francine adds Rosalind as her plus one and off they go. What starts out with a mysterious empty chair moves on to the “accidental overdose” of the Moncrief photographer, the “heat-stroke” death of Camilla’s trainer and lover, the story of a Moncrief daughter erased and the “suicide” of another Moncrief daughter and the pair convincing Detective Caldwell they are more than influencers. Excellent adventure and hopefully not the last book in this series!
April 10, 2026
What seemed to be a glamorous evening of wine quickly turned into a night of mystery and murder. Francine, our protagonist, is an influencer who was invited to a prestigious New York gala, but everything becomes confusing when the Moncrief family makes their appearance. Someone is missing, and Francine and her friend are determined to unmask the Moncrief family.
With a captivating, modern, and fresh plot, I loved this book. Its author deserves all the praise. I love encountering protagonists determined to find the truth, even if they have to pay the consequences of their decisions. I recommend this book to anyone looking for a modern and fresh read. I can't wait to read the entire saga.
With a captivating, modern, and fresh plot, I loved this book. Its author deserves all the praise. I love encountering protagonists determined to find the truth, even if they have to pay the consequences of their decisions. I recommend this book to anyone looking for a modern and fresh read. I can't wait to read the entire saga.
April 10, 2026
I've been following Francine Witt since the first book, and by now I know what to expect, witty, layered, and never quite as light as it appears on the surface. This third book doesn't disappoint either.
What I liked most was how Exeter keeps expanding the world. What starts as a wine-blogging mystery keeps finding ways to go deeper, history, conspiracy, secrets that stretch across centuries. She stumbles into all of it with her usual mix of sharp instinct and questionable personal choices, which makes her very entertaining to read. I kept thinking about how the best mystery series manage to make you care about the detective as much as the crime. Francine is that kind of character. You will root for her even when she's making things harder for herself.
What I liked most was how Exeter keeps expanding the world. What starts as a wine-blogging mystery keeps finding ways to go deeper, history, conspiracy, secrets that stretch across centuries. She stumbles into all of it with her usual mix of sharp instinct and questionable personal choices, which makes her very entertaining to read. I kept thinking about how the best mystery series manage to make you care about the detective as much as the crime. Francine is that kind of character. You will root for her even when she's making things harder for herself.
April 10, 2026
Chick Flick
I would say this book is captivating from its cover. The plot, the way the story develops, and the atmosphere created by the author are truly engaging. All of this makes the reader feel drawn into the context, the character development, and the evolution of the story.
It is an exciting and unique story that combines suspense and drama, along with moments of subtle flirtation that add an attractive and even seductive touch.
The novel successfully blends different literary genres, creating an immersive experience where the reader feels like an active part of the story.
A great book and highly recommended.
I would say this book is captivating from its cover. The plot, the way the story develops, and the atmosphere created by the author are truly engaging. All of this makes the reader feel drawn into the context, the character development, and the evolution of the story.
It is an exciting and unique story that combines suspense and drama, along with moments of subtle flirtation that add an attractive and even seductive touch.
The novel successfully blends different literary genres, creating an immersive experience where the reader feels like an active part of the story.
A great book and highly recommended.
April 16, 2026
"POURED OUT: A Francine Witt Mystery" by Steve Exeter is a thrilling, fast-paced read that kept me hooked from start to finish. Francine Witt is a fantastic protagonist—smart, witty, and easy to root for. The mystery itself is full of twists and surprises, and Exeter does an excellent job of building suspense without dragging things out.
The writing is sharp, the characters are well-developed, and the dialogue is both natural and engaging. I particularly appreciated the vivid setting that made the story feel so real. The ending was a complete shock, which is rare in mysteries these days!
If you're into suspenseful, character-driven mysteries, POURED OUT is a must-read.
The writing is sharp, the characters are well-developed, and the dialogue is both natural and engaging. I particularly appreciated the vivid setting that made the story feel so real. The ending was a complete shock, which is rare in mysteries these days!
If you're into suspenseful, character-driven mysteries, POURED OUT is a must-read.
March 23, 2026
Francine and Rosalind are back and better than ever in the 3rd installment of the Francine Witt series.
Fran and Rosalind are invited to an exclusive New York gala hosted by the wealthy and influential Moncrief family. An invite only event that people would do anything to be at... so why is there an empty chair with weird place settings? And why do the family avoid the question at every time? As people around the family start committing suicide Fran and Rosalind are the only ones suspicious that things are not as they seem.
I absolutely adored the characters in this, even all the smaller ones were so well done. The performance art and nature of influential and high society really got your brain thinking about what's real, what's not and others perceptions.
There were tons of really small, beautiful moments in this. Including one at the end that had me tearing up (but I don't want to quote it for fear of spoilers). And also lots of funny moments, heart and friendship.
Highly recommend... can be read in order or as a standalone. Can't wait to read more from Fran in future.
Fran and Rosalind are invited to an exclusive New York gala hosted by the wealthy and influential Moncrief family. An invite only event that people would do anything to be at... so why is there an empty chair with weird place settings? And why do the family avoid the question at every time? As people around the family start committing suicide Fran and Rosalind are the only ones suspicious that things are not as they seem.
I absolutely adored the characters in this, even all the smaller ones were so well done. The performance art and nature of influential and high society really got your brain thinking about what's real, what's not and others perceptions.
There were tons of really small, beautiful moments in this. Including one at the end that had me tearing up (but I don't want to quote it for fear of spoilers). And also lots of funny moments, heart and friendship.
Highly recommend... can be read in order or as a standalone. Can't wait to read more from Fran in future.
May 7, 2026
This is the third installment of the Francine Witt mysteries, and wow it was great fun! We see our dynamic duo return, this time in NYC to unwrap the mystery of the Moncrief family!
Francine, as always, is a fantastic FMC! She is stylish, observant and very witty…and compliments her side kick Rosalind!
The writing style makes for easy reading, and it is a light quick read! We have mystery, intrigue and a subtle feminist take on things that have you rooting for the girl!
I cannot wait for Fran’s next adventure!
Francine, as always, is a fantastic FMC! She is stylish, observant and very witty…and compliments her side kick Rosalind!
The writing style makes for easy reading, and it is a light quick read! We have mystery, intrigue and a subtle feminist take on things that have you rooting for the girl!
I cannot wait for Fran’s next adventure!
March 26, 2026
Wine with a side of murder.
Whoever is killing is racking up a body count. Fran and Rosaline are drawn into the investigation.
The ending drags, but the cases are all successfully closed.
Whoever is killing is racking up a body count. Fran and Rosaline are drawn into the investigation.
The ending drags, but the cases are all successfully closed.
March 11, 2026
💜 Blurb -
Wine influencer turned accidental sleuth Francine Witt heads to New York’s most exclusive gala expecting glamour, gossip, and good champagne. Instead, she finds a perfectly curated family tableau with one glaring someone is missing.
As whispers spread about a figure erased from the Moncrief legacy, the dynasty’s polished façade starts to unravel. Accidents turn deadly, and anyone who gets too close to the truth is quickly silenced.
With her intuitive partner Rosalind at her side—and a sceptical NYPD detective watching closely—Francine digs into a world of privilege, power, and carefully crafted lies. From Capote-style high society to the shadows of a family secret, nothing is quite what it seems.
To expose the truth at the heart of the Moncrief empire, Francine must risk her reputation, her friendships, and perhaps her heart.
Witty, feminist, and irresistibly sharp, POURED OUT uncorks a sparkling new instalment in the Francine Witt Mystery series. Dorothy Parker’s ghost would surely raise a glass, then cut the whole affair to ribbons.
🩵 Review -
I really enjoyed the first two books in the Francine Witt Mystery series and Poured Out certainly didn't disappoint. From the very first page I was hooked and I kept reading until the end as I wanted to know what happened. I loved following Francine's adventures in the story. There were even some funny parts that I found myself laughing at. The author is a brilliant writer and I look forward to seeing what he writes next. I can't recommend it and the other books in the series enough.
💝 Thank you to the author, Steve Exeter for my copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Wine influencer turned accidental sleuth Francine Witt heads to New York’s most exclusive gala expecting glamour, gossip, and good champagne. Instead, she finds a perfectly curated family tableau with one glaring someone is missing.
As whispers spread about a figure erased from the Moncrief legacy, the dynasty’s polished façade starts to unravel. Accidents turn deadly, and anyone who gets too close to the truth is quickly silenced.
With her intuitive partner Rosalind at her side—and a sceptical NYPD detective watching closely—Francine digs into a world of privilege, power, and carefully crafted lies. From Capote-style high society to the shadows of a family secret, nothing is quite what it seems.
To expose the truth at the heart of the Moncrief empire, Francine must risk her reputation, her friendships, and perhaps her heart.
Witty, feminist, and irresistibly sharp, POURED OUT uncorks a sparkling new instalment in the Francine Witt Mystery series. Dorothy Parker’s ghost would surely raise a glass, then cut the whole affair to ribbons.
🩵 Review -
I really enjoyed the first two books in the Francine Witt Mystery series and Poured Out certainly didn't disappoint. From the very first page I was hooked and I kept reading until the end as I wanted to know what happened. I loved following Francine's adventures in the story. There were even some funny parts that I found myself laughing at. The author is a brilliant writer and I look forward to seeing what he writes next. I can't recommend it and the other books in the series enough.
💝 Thank you to the author, Steve Exeter for my copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
March 4, 2026
‘Why should somebody want to hide these photos?’ – A scintillating novel!
Author/filmmaker Steve Exeter, highly regarded for his historical series SEVERUS, combines wit, charm, style, and a fascinating dalliance with high society in this third volume of his cozy mystery series – POURED OUT A Francine Witt Mystery. Francine Witt is a blogger, influencer and wine expert and the novel opens the publication of Francine’s ‘The Queenmaker: The Lost Life of Penelope Radcliff’ and that lifts the lid off this mystery excursion through the secrets of the wealthy Moncrief dynasty, opening at the Moncrief Ball (about as rich as it gets!). 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 feminine history and a cauldron of secrets 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 high society in this third volume of his cozy mystery series – POURED OUT A Francine Witt Mystery. Francine Witt is a blogger, influencer and wine expert and the novel opens the publication of Francine’s ‘The Queenmaker: The Lost Life of Penelope Radcliff’ and that lifts the lid off this mystery excursion through the secrets of the wealthy Moncrief dynasty, opening at the Moncrief Ball (about as rich as it gets!). 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 feminine history and a cauldron of secrets makes for a unique and wholly satisfying novel. Thankfully Exeter has decided to continue his adventures with this memorable journalist cum ‘detective.’
April 6, 2026
The Francine Witt mysteries are a real treat, and this one is no exception. They’re cozy mysteries that feature a plucky protagonist who happens to love wine, and she’s an easy character to root for. This installment kicks off with Francine headed to an upscale gala in New York. She expects a boozy good time, but instead, she’s faced with another head-scratching mystery.
The Moncrief family is practically royalty, but something strange is going on with them that’s spilling out into the public eye from behind closed doors. Francine is determined to get to the truth, along with her loyal sidekick Rosalind. They must navigate the halls of power and privilege, and they do so with aplomb. With these two on the case, New York’s elite won’t be able to protect their secrets, and they just might make it home in time for happy hour as well.
The Moncrief family is practically royalty, but something strange is going on with them that’s spilling out into the public eye from behind closed doors. Francine is determined to get to the truth, along with her loyal sidekick Rosalind. They must navigate the halls of power and privilege, and they do so with aplomb. With these two on the case, New York’s elite won’t be able to protect their secrets, and they just might make it home in time for happy hour as well.
April 8, 2026
I went into POURED OUT thinking it would be just another mystery, but it actually surprised me. It’s not loud or overly dramatic, it builds slowly, and at some point you realize you’re already into the story.
I think what I enjoyed most was how everything looks so perfect at first. The winery, the people, the whole environment, it all feels very polished. But then little by little you start to see the cracks. That part felt very real to me because I’ve had moments where something looked completely fine from the outside, but when you pay attention, you notice things don’t add up. It’s that feeling of something is off, even if you can’t explain it right away.
I think what I enjoyed most was how everything looks so perfect at first. The winery, the people, the whole environment, it all feels very polished. But then little by little you start to see the cracks. That part felt very real to me because I’ve had moments where something looked completely fine from the outside, but when you pay attention, you notice things don’t add up. It’s that feeling of something is off, even if you can’t explain it right away.
April 9, 2026
Suspense.
This is the perfect read if you’re looking for a stylish mystery that doesn’t take itself too seriously but knows how to send chills down your spine when accidents stop seeming like coincidences. The plot has that bold, playful touch that keeps you turning the pages, blending suspense with a sharp insight into power dynamics. I assure you, it’s like enjoying a good drink while you try to figure out who’s telling the truth and who’s willing to do anything to keep up appearances. If you’re drawn to protagonists with instinct and stories that are as witty as they are intriguing, you have to give this a try. It’s refreshing, clever, and keeps you guessing until the very end.
This is the perfect read if you’re looking for a stylish mystery that doesn’t take itself too seriously but knows how to send chills down your spine when accidents stop seeming like coincidences. The plot has that bold, playful touch that keeps you turning the pages, blending suspense with a sharp insight into power dynamics. I assure you, it’s like enjoying a good drink while you try to figure out who’s telling the truth and who’s willing to do anything to keep up appearances. If you’re drawn to protagonists with instinct and stories that are as witty as they are intriguing, you have to give this a try. It’s refreshing, clever, and keeps you guessing until the very end.
April 10, 2026
I picked this book mostly because I love wine, and honestly it hooked me right away. As someone who enjoys anything wine-related, this felt like my kind of story from the start.
The main character, Francine, is not your typical detective, which I liked a lot. She kind of falls into the mystery and still manages to move through this high society world full of secrets and fake appearances. The setting felt very vivid, almost like you are inside those fancy events.
The plot surprised me more than once. It’s original, not predictable, and the characters actually feel thought out. Really enjoyable and different. I would recommend this book if you want something fun with a bit of edge.
The main character, Francine, is not your typical detective, which I liked a lot. She kind of falls into the mystery and still manages to move through this high society world full of secrets and fake appearances. The setting felt very vivid, almost like you are inside those fancy events.
The plot surprised me more than once. It’s original, not predictable, and the characters actually feel thought out. Really enjoyable and different. I would recommend this book if you want something fun with a bit of edge.
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