The Case of the Burgundy Vineyards: A 1930s Mystery

Lord Edgington Investigates Abroad #4

by Benedict Brown

A dead body among the vines, a century-old feud and a cellar full of secrets.

When Lord Edgington takes a break from his grand tour of Europe to visit a quaint vineyard in rural France, he can’t wait to sample their best wines. But soon after the first cork is popped, a long-running fight with the neighbouring vineyard bubbles to the surface. Insults are traded, threats are made and a young man turns up dead in a historic château at the heart of the famous wine region.

The eccentric sleuth and his loyal entourage must dig into the past of two eminent Burgundy families to catch a killer before more people die. But could it really be so simple as a grudge that has got out of hand, or is there something more insidious at play among the among the walled vineyards and elegant châteaux of the Côte de Nuits?

A warm, witty and ever-twisting Agatha-Christie-style whodunit featuring stunning real-world locations, a cast of dubious suspects and a mystery that will keep you guessing until the very last page. “The Case of the Burgundy Vineyards” pairs well with a comfy armchair and a nice glass of red.

The fourth novel in the bestselling "Lord Edgington Investigates Abroad" series, this book can be read as a standalone mystery.

270 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 30, 2026

About the author

Writing has always been my passion. It was my favourite hour a week at primary school, and I started on my first, truly abysmal book as a teenager. So it wasn’t a difficult decision to study literature at university which led to an MA in Creative Writing. I spent a long time writing kids’ books, including funny fairy tales, dystopic adventures and serious issue-based YA, before switching to murder mysteries last year.

I grew up in a crime fiction family and spent a long time dreaming up the idea for my detective Izzy Palmer’s debut novel. A Corpse Called Bob is my first full-length book for adults in what is already becoming a long series.

I’m a Welsh-Irish-Englishman originally from South London but now living with my French/Spanish wife and slightly muddled daughter in Burgos, a beautiful city in the north of Spain. I write overlooking the Castilian countryside, trying not to be distracted by the vultures and red kites that fly past my window each day.

Reviews

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adore the relationship between Christopher and his grandfather Lord Edgington. Their grand tour continues in Burgundy when rivalry’s between two families boils to murder. Another great instalment in the series, the plot was so well written I could hardly put it down. And as ever they remain hilarious.

[June Lynch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Benedict Brown never fails to impress!

The fourth installment of Lord Eddington Investigates Abroad is a wonderful addition to the series. This can easily be read as a stand alone story. But, as always I highly recommend reading the entire series from the beginning. After many years of reading about Lord Edgington, his grandson/apprentice sleuth Chrissy, his ever faithful dog Delilah and his Motley crew of staff, they have become family to me. I am always excited to see what their next adventure is going to bring.

Benedict Brown is a master story teller and the "King of the Twist." You have to be a very keen mystery buff to be able to solve "Who done it" before the big reveal. Which I have not been able to do. NOT ONCE! If you like Agatha Christy, with a good dose of humor throw in the mix, you will love this author.

Take this book out for spin and match your wit against the mater sleuth Lord Edgington and company. It will keep you guessing all the way to the end then leave you with a jaw dropping conclusion. I am always satisfied with the ending. They make perfect sense, but, I still have to say, " I did not see that coming!"

I am sure you will enjoy this author and series as much as I do. Happy sleuthing.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was hooked from the start

Another marvelous whodunit by Benedict Brown. I am thoroughly enjoying Lord Edgington and Christopher's trip through Europe. 

This time they are in the Burgundy region of France, meeting new friends (and meeting some who are not friends) drinking, and eating (Of course. This is Christopher after all) their way through another impossible to put down mystery. 
I honestly felt the grief of the victim's family. The description of how they dealt with their grief was especially well written.
The details of the vineyards, the area of France where they were staying, and the winemaking process was very well researched which made this book even more interesting.

 Christopher is still brooding over his mysterious new love, but he continues to grow as a detective and into a more confident young man.

Once again, I was unable to solve the mystery, but I certainly enjoyed trying. 

I love the Lord Edgington Investigates series and cannot wait for the next book. 

[John Presler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lord Edgington and Christopher are visiting the Burgundy wine country. While dining one evening, they meet Laurent Carrelet, whose family owns one of the two main vineyards in the Burgundy region. The other family is the Faucon family and the two families have been bitter enemies for several generations. Laurent has invited Lord Edgington and Christopher to visit his family vineyard. When insults result in a fight between Marcel Carrelet and Majoric Faucon. It is soon ended by the two fathers, but the animosity is very real. It is not long before Marcel is found dead and Lord Edgington is determined to find the killer.

Who killed Marcel? Why was he killed? Can Lord Edgington solve the mystery before anybody else is injured or killed? Can Lord Edgington and Christopher help to end the conflict between the two families?

Benedict Brown has another wonderful mystery with plenty of twists and turns, as well a great descriptions of the Burgundy area of France.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many characters to select from for the 'likely culprit!'  The reader has to be quite alert in this mystery which is exciting. As for motives ~ money, love, multigenerational feuding, or vineyard jealousy ~ so many!   One of the delightful highlights with Edgerton's staff is when they discover French pastries! (As always it's so entertaining when Cook prepares a food that Christopher thinks is one thing but in fact she's replaced it with an entirely unsuitable ingredient !)  As always the descriptive passages are detailed and interesting.  Christopher does have the potential to be a curmudgeon in a few years unless his grandfather is able to train those characteristics out of him.  It's interesting to have all the staff part of the action. The ending ....no spoilers ......was a gigantic surprise! Well crafted mystery! All in all a great read!

[Callie Lindsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

A shocking conclusion for sure, but a great beginning for others

I really love this series!! I always get sad when I get to the end because I read the book way too quickly. That's how much I enjoy them.

It will be interesting to see what happens in the next book for Christopher.

As a separate note, I am sorry about your brother, but I am glad you got a few more years with him. I hope one day that cancer will no longer be a disease that kills people. I pray and think of your family and hope that every day gets a little bit easier without him.

[Anja Peerdeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I uttered a squee of delight when I learned that the new novel in Benedict Brown’s magnificent Lord Edgington series was going to take place in France. I’ve been to France many times and have loads if great memories of that country and, especially, the town Beaune.

So I started this novel with high expectations!
And still it managed to exceed those expectations, being an absolutely marvelous, marvelous cozy mystery.
Lord Edgington is getting older but remains still just as clever as he always was , and after Christopher’s teenage years I am delighted to see what he is like as a grown man.

I enjoyed this intriguing mystery in Burgundy very much !

[Mark Lucas-Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Case of the Burgundy Vineyards.

I promised myself that I would gently savour this latest Lord Edgington novel and I failed miserably as once again I couldn’t put it down until the end.
The solution completely evaded me with Benedict deftly managing to confuse me. I genuinely would never have surmised it.

[Deborah · Rating 5 out of 5]

death in a vineyard

As our dynamic duo travel to France, Chrissy dreams of his possible love while Lord Edgington delights in sampling wine, until a young man is murdered.
There is a lot of mystery, delightful characters, a little romance and a whole lot of fun and intrigue in Benedict Brown’s new book. I always look forward to these cozy mysteries and the latest book does not disappoint.
Lord Edgington is as quick witted as ever and Chrissy adds just the right amount of charm and humor for a wonderful read. I recommend it to all lovers of cozy mysteries.

[Elizabeth B. Barber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well Done!

Chrissy is adulting up and is much more pleasurable to read. With less frustration on my part at least as he's losing his insecurities. (Getting transferred to Lord E?) I wish I could find a wine to awaken my pallet as it does Chissie's, but, alas, the allure of wine is lost on me.

[Marijean Miyar · Rating 4 out of 5]

This author started like one of his characters, Chrissy. Sometimes it was a challenge to read through because he could be quite silly. But I am happy that I stuck with him because, again like Chrissy, he has matured a lot, and keeps getting better! I needed a "cozy" read as a break from reality and this book was just the thing.

[Richard · Rating 5 out of 5]

We need a Oenologist

You invite yourself to a vineyard and an overnight murder! Is there a hidden reason why Lord Edgington would accept an invitation for his grandson and himself to visit this family. Christopher is clueless if there is a reason to visit their new friend.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seriously Some Tense Moments!

Our wonderfully intrepid investigators have incredible experiences & meet very interesting characters in this French region. Ultimately the difficult solution is revealed. The Resolution is really a comfort at the close.

[Lizabeth Tarr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

I love this series, with the grandfather and grandson traveling and sleuthing together! Well-developed plot, twists, and characters always make for a great story.

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well done!

A wild ride in England once again! The final solution was a surprise which I like, and our characters continue to develop. Enjoyable story!

[Kim Campbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great murder mystery for Lord Edgington and his grandson Christopher to solve.

[Jeanne SF Phelps · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful books

I read the whole set back to back. It was charming, interesting, and very nice to see how well a grandfather and grandson got along.

[Michele Bauer · Rating 5 out of 5]

enjoy the series

Have enjoyed all of the books in this series. The characters are likable and fun The plots are good. A good cozy series

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lord Edgington and Christopher have arrived at the Burgundyndistrict in France. Only to meet with a feud between families and a death

[stephanie huntington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting and entertaining. Excellent series, highly recommend