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Chef Maurice Mysteries #2
Chef Maurice and the Wrath of Grapes
In the rarefied world of wine collecting, murder isn’t exactly a barrel of laughs…
An invitation to dinner at the home of renowned wine collector Sir William Burton-Trent soon finds Chef Maurice in the middle of an all-too-real murder mystery party, when Sir William is found dead in his own wine cellar.
The guests are acting all innocent, but which one is only playing the part? The pushy Californian film director? The seductive French winemaker?
Or could it be, against all narrative decency, the butler who did it?
With the help of food critic friend Arthur Wordington-Smythe, a large kipper sandwich, and the newly formed Cochon Rouge Wine Appreciation Society, Chef Maurice must get to the bottom of matters before events turn decidedly sour…
An invitation to dinner at the home of renowned wine collector Sir William Burton-Trent soon finds Chef Maurice in the middle of an all-too-real murder mystery party, when Sir William is found dead in his own wine cellar.
The guests are acting all innocent, but which one is only playing the part? The pushy Californian film director? The seductive French winemaker?
Or could it be, against all narrative decency, the butler who did it?
With the help of food critic friend Arthur Wordington-Smythe, a large kipper sandwich, and the newly formed Cochon Rouge Wine Appreciation Society, Chef Maurice must get to the bottom of matters before events turn decidedly sour…
280 pages, ebook
First published July 13, 2015
10 people are currently reading
851 people want to read
About the author
J.A. Lang
4 books67 followersJ.A. Lang is the author of the Chef Maurice Mysteries, set in the fictional Cotswold village of Beakley, conveniently located within driving distance of her home in Oxford, England. She lives with her husband, an excessive number of cookbooks, and a sourdough starter named Bob.
Her favourite authors include Agatha Christie, P.G. Wodehouse and Terry Pratchett.
When not at her writing desk, she enjoys cooking, eating, travelling to places with good food, drinking good wine, and thinking about her next meal. (Please note that any similarities between J.A. Lang and her main character, Chef Maurice, are purely coincidental.)
Her favourite authors include Agatha Christie, P.G. Wodehouse and Terry Pratchett.
When not at her writing desk, she enjoys cooking, eating, travelling to places with good food, drinking good wine, and thinking about her next meal. (Please note that any similarities between J.A. Lang and her main character, Chef Maurice, are purely coincidental.)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
August 4, 2015
Chef Maurice - easy winner of the Best New Detective For Ages award - is back with another mystery which is both clever and funny - a combination that J A Lang pulls off with ease. Full review at http://classicmystery.wordpress.com
July 10, 2015
Fans of “Chef Maurice and a Spot of Truffle” will not be disappointed by the continuing crime-solving antics of Chef Maurice and his Cotswold cohort of eccentric, loveable associates in “The Wrath of Grapes.” Along with an homage to Agatha Christie, readers are served heaping helpings of wine lore and gourmet cooking. Like Hamilton, Chef Maurice’s mini-potbelly pig, I have an insatiable appetite for more Chef Maurice adventures.
[I received a pre-release copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.]
[I received a pre-release copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.]
July 13, 2015
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Just finished a wonderful adventure in the Cotswolds with Chef Maurice, Arthur and the wildly eccentric and lovable crew!
Chef Maurice and Arthur find themselves on the trail of a murderer and wine thief in this latest mystery. Snowy nights, phones that don't work, hidden passages and a late night visit to the wine cellar start this entertaining mystery adventure. I enjoyed the way the mystery unfolded and the involvement of all the characters in its conclusion.
PC Lucy and Patrick continue their courtship "dance" which is sweet and hilarious, a very proper English wine tasting dinner turns into a shocking murder "reveal" and Hamilton the micro-pig makes an appearance along with a frozen goose on a harrowing public transport ride!
J. A. Lang weaves a wonderfully humorous and human cozy mystery that keeps the reader guessing until it's most satisfying end. I enjoy the series and can't wait for the next adventure of the French Chef and his English partner in crime solving!
Just finished a wonderful adventure in the Cotswolds with Chef Maurice, Arthur and the wildly eccentric and lovable crew!
Chef Maurice and Arthur find themselves on the trail of a murderer and wine thief in this latest mystery. Snowy nights, phones that don't work, hidden passages and a late night visit to the wine cellar start this entertaining mystery adventure. I enjoyed the way the mystery unfolded and the involvement of all the characters in its conclusion.
PC Lucy and Patrick continue their courtship "dance" which is sweet and hilarious, a very proper English wine tasting dinner turns into a shocking murder "reveal" and Hamilton the micro-pig makes an appearance along with a frozen goose on a harrowing public transport ride!
J. A. Lang weaves a wonderfully humorous and human cozy mystery that keeps the reader guessing until it's most satisfying end. I enjoy the series and can't wait for the next adventure of the French Chef and his English partner in crime solving!
January 16, 2016
Chef Maurice and the Wrath of Grapes (Chef Maurice Culinary Mysteries, #2) by J.A. Lang I received a free kindle copy of Chef Maurice and the Wrath of Grapes (Chef Maurice Culinary Mysteries, #2) by J.A. Lang in a goodreads promotion.
I gave this hilarious mystery five stars. It's about wine tasting & a murder. Pleasing twists & turns kept me guessing.
"'Fantastic, let's leave the butler & follow the heavily armed mystery man instead,' muttered Arthur as they hurried along."
Regarding PC Lucy & her sister Sally watching Patrick at a restaurant. "'Looks like he works out a fair bit, your fellow.'
'No, he doesn't, snapped PC Lucy. 'And he's not my fellow. As evidenced by the fact that he's clearly on a date, with that giraffe-legged supermodel who's making eyes at him.'"
Link to pre-order: http://www.amazon.com/Chef-Maurice-Wr...
I gave this hilarious mystery five stars. It's about wine tasting & a murder. Pleasing twists & turns kept me guessing.
"'Fantastic, let's leave the butler & follow the heavily armed mystery man instead,' muttered Arthur as they hurried along."
Regarding PC Lucy & her sister Sally watching Patrick at a restaurant. "'Looks like he works out a fair bit, your fellow.'
'No, he doesn't, snapped PC Lucy. 'And he's not my fellow. As evidenced by the fact that he's clearly on a date, with that giraffe-legged supermodel who's making eyes at him.'"
Link to pre-order: http://www.amazon.com/Chef-Maurice-Wr...
July 21, 2015
This second installment in the Chef Maurice Mystery series was absolutely wonderful. Like a fine wine, it seems this series will keep getting better with age.
Ms. Lang certainly knows how to pen a wonderful story that draws the reader in. Her talent for writing a first rate mystery shows in this well plotted tale that kept me guessing right until the end.
Author J.A. Lang has created quite a character with Chef Maurice. He can be a little cranky but you can’t help but like him. His character reminds me of a blend of Poirot and Columbo. And the style in which the author writes brings to mind Golden Age mysteries such as those by Agatha Christie mixed with a current feel.
CHEF MAURICE AND THE WRATH OF GRAPES is a delightful bouquet that will fill your senses!
Ms. Lang certainly knows how to pen a wonderful story that draws the reader in. Her talent for writing a first rate mystery shows in this well plotted tale that kept me guessing right until the end.
Author J.A. Lang has created quite a character with Chef Maurice. He can be a little cranky but you can’t help but like him. His character reminds me of a blend of Poirot and Columbo. And the style in which the author writes brings to mind Golden Age mysteries such as those by Agatha Christie mixed with a current feel.
CHEF MAURICE AND THE WRATH OF GRAPES is a delightful bouquet that will fill your senses!
July 8, 2015
Chef Maurice and the Wrath of Grapes (Chef Maurice Culinary Mysteries, #2) by J.A. Lang
I loved this hilarious mystery! I really enjoyed the first book of the series, Chef Maurice and a Spot of Truffles and this book was just as funny and fun to read. Chef Maurice continues to amuse and you can just see his friend Arthur rolling his eyes at some of the things he does and says. I'm also enjoying seeing the relationship between PC Lucy and Patrick progress. It's a nice little bit of romance in this wonderfully funny mystery.
Can't wait for the next book!
I loved this hilarious mystery! I really enjoyed the first book of the series, Chef Maurice and a Spot of Truffles and this book was just as funny and fun to read. Chef Maurice continues to amuse and you can just see his friend Arthur rolling his eyes at some of the things he does and says. I'm also enjoying seeing the relationship between PC Lucy and Patrick progress. It's a nice little bit of romance in this wonderfully funny mystery.
Can't wait for the next book!
July 17, 2021
Thank you J.A. Lang for sending me this book :)
April 12, 2022
This series is as much a spoof on mysteries as a real mystery, though it all hangs together well, oiled with a lot of humor. The plot centers around wine connoisseurs and in particular the collector Sir William Burton-Trent, who is murdered in his wine cellar by an unknown assailant just before a wine-tasting party.
But Chef Maurice is on the spot and ready to investigate the evil deed with the help of his truffle-snuffling mini-pig, Hamilton. Chef Maurice, described by his food-reviewer-friend Arthur as being the shape of a very large turnip, is cut from the same character mold as Hercule Poirot. Intellectual, sensitive, egotistical, witty, mustachioed. He's the only one who really takes himself seriously; Arthur does the damage control when the Chef's plans crash.
Sandwiched in between scenes of the Chef and Arthur working out the mystery, we have scenes with sous-chef Patrick's efforts to woo Police Constable Lucy. He's fearful that she has another suitor in the wings and makes a plan to discover who. But his half-baked discovery plan flops.
The one who most needs help is PC Lucy. She seems to have the policing of this Cotswold village all to herself and is trying to investigate and prevent Chef Maurice from scrambling clues and culprits.
But Chef Maurice is on the spot and ready to investigate the evil deed with the help of his truffle-snuffling mini-pig, Hamilton. Chef Maurice, described by his food-reviewer-friend Arthur as being the shape of a very large turnip, is cut from the same character mold as Hercule Poirot. Intellectual, sensitive, egotistical, witty, mustachioed. He's the only one who really takes himself seriously; Arthur does the damage control when the Chef's plans crash.
Sandwiched in between scenes of the Chef and Arthur working out the mystery, we have scenes with sous-chef Patrick's efforts to woo Police Constable Lucy. He's fearful that she has another suitor in the wings and makes a plan to discover who. But his half-baked discovery plan flops.
The one who most needs help is PC Lucy. She seems to have the policing of this Cotswold village all to herself and is trying to investigate and prevent Chef Maurice from scrambling clues and culprits.
November 14, 2020
Chef Maurice, along with food critic Arthur and Hamilton the pet pig investigates the death of a wine collector and whisks us away to world of auctions, vineyards and magnums.
Absolutely wonderful. I can't believe this series is not more well-known, the writing is completely off the charts and absolutely hilarious. Superb characterization, impeccable pacing, great plot. It doesn't get better than this, this is hands down the best cosy mystery series I've ever read.
Absolutely wonderful. I can't believe this series is not more well-known, the writing is completely off the charts and absolutely hilarious. Superb characterization, impeccable pacing, great plot. It doesn't get better than this, this is hands down the best cosy mystery series I've ever read.
December 29, 2018
This story was every bit as good as the first one. Chef Maurice has gotten the mystery solving "hobby" and uses his talents to find the murder of his friend.
The characters are coming into their own and the interactions are keeping a big smile on my face throughout.
The characters are coming into their own and the interactions are keeping a big smile on my face throughout.
December 17, 2018
Chef Maurice is highly entertaining running around trying to get into private parties and catch a murderer at the same time.
May 2, 2020
A cozy read. I thought the characters were developed well and the story had a nice flow to it.
March 8, 2021
Good mystery. Great characters. Also humorous. I laughed out loud several times. I haven't enjoyed a book like this in a long time.
August 30, 2025
Another light humorous cozy murder mystery in the same vein as the first book in this series. It is highly enjoyable but the murderer is rather easier to deduce than in the previous book.
September 28, 2015
http://openbooksociety.com/article/ch...
Chef Maurice and the Wrath of Grapes
Chef Maurice Mystery, Book #2
By J. A. Lang
ISBN#9781910679050
Author’s website: www.jalang.net
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Daniele
Synopsis:
In the rarefied world of wine collecting, murder isn’t exactly a barrel of laughs…
An invitation to dinner at the home of renowned wine collector Sir William Burton-Trent soon finds Chef Maurice in the middle of an all-too-real murder mystery party, when Sir William is found dead in his own wine cellar.
The guests are acting all innocent, but which one is only playing the part? The pushy Californian film director? The seductive French winemaker?
Or could it be, against all narrative decency, the butler who did it?
With the help of food critic friend Arthur Wordington-Smythe, a large kipper sandwich, and the newly formed Cochon Rouge Wine Appreciation Society, Chef Maurice must get to the bottom of matters before events turn decidedly sour…
Review:
Chef Maurice and the Wrath of Grapes is the delicious sophomore entry in the Chef Maurice Mystery series. This book is such a fun, fluffy read, but do not be misled into thinking that the mystery is not strong. It is a well-crafted throwback to the locked room mysteries of the Golden Age of mystery. I think Agatha Christie and Dorothy Sayers would be proud of Lang’s tale.
Everything seems to be centered on all things wine in this outing. The restaurant staff is busy trying to figure out what is missing from Chef’s mulled wine recipe and kitchen assistant Alf will drink himself literally under the table in his efforts to get it just right. Arthur, who is Maurice’s long suffering yet loyal best friend, has reluctantly agreed to chair the newly formed Cochon Rouge Wine Appreciation Society. Chef Maurice and Arthur have been invited to attend a wine tasting and dinner at Sir William Burton-Trent’s, who has become quite the wine collector, home. Unfortunately, Sir Williams is found murdered in his own wine cellar before the dinner can even begin.
Who could have it in for Sir William – his sister-in-law, the visiting vintners from France, a famous (or infamous) wine critic, an American film star trying his hand at winemaking, a mysterious stranger seen in the restaurant, or, God forbid, the butler? Chef Maurice, with Arthur as his Watson, takes it upon himself to solve the crime. Well, perhaps they will allow PC Lucy to do some of the work. Thus sets up a comical investigation where all is not as it seems, including family secrets, financial difficulties, and secret passages.
Chef Maurice is a hoot, a bit annoying and oblivious, but I just cannot help but find him endearing. My favorite character, though, is Arthur. His steadfastness is charming, his exasperation with Maurice loving. The other recurring characters are quirky in their own right, but they balance each other so that they do not seem over-the -top. The suspects in this endeavor are a bit caricature like, but that makes them all the more entertaining. I was tickled when Hamilton, the micro pig from the first book, made an appearance. The secondary plot involving sous chef Patrick and PC Lucy’s budding romance was equally enjoyable, and I look forward to seeing where it leads.
Chef Maurice and the Wrath of Grapes is pure escapist pleasure, full of amusing situations and exciting twists and turns. Bring on the next adventure!
Chef Maurice and the Wrath of Grapes
Chef Maurice Mystery, Book #2
By J. A. Lang
ISBN#9781910679050
Author’s website: www.jalang.net
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Daniele
Synopsis:
In the rarefied world of wine collecting, murder isn’t exactly a barrel of laughs…
An invitation to dinner at the home of renowned wine collector Sir William Burton-Trent soon finds Chef Maurice in the middle of an all-too-real murder mystery party, when Sir William is found dead in his own wine cellar.
The guests are acting all innocent, but which one is only playing the part? The pushy Californian film director? The seductive French winemaker?
Or could it be, against all narrative decency, the butler who did it?
With the help of food critic friend Arthur Wordington-Smythe, a large kipper sandwich, and the newly formed Cochon Rouge Wine Appreciation Society, Chef Maurice must get to the bottom of matters before events turn decidedly sour…
Review:
Chef Maurice and the Wrath of Grapes is the delicious sophomore entry in the Chef Maurice Mystery series. This book is such a fun, fluffy read, but do not be misled into thinking that the mystery is not strong. It is a well-crafted throwback to the locked room mysteries of the Golden Age of mystery. I think Agatha Christie and Dorothy Sayers would be proud of Lang’s tale.
Everything seems to be centered on all things wine in this outing. The restaurant staff is busy trying to figure out what is missing from Chef’s mulled wine recipe and kitchen assistant Alf will drink himself literally under the table in his efforts to get it just right. Arthur, who is Maurice’s long suffering yet loyal best friend, has reluctantly agreed to chair the newly formed Cochon Rouge Wine Appreciation Society. Chef Maurice and Arthur have been invited to attend a wine tasting and dinner at Sir William Burton-Trent’s, who has become quite the wine collector, home. Unfortunately, Sir Williams is found murdered in his own wine cellar before the dinner can even begin.
Who could have it in for Sir William – his sister-in-law, the visiting vintners from France, a famous (or infamous) wine critic, an American film star trying his hand at winemaking, a mysterious stranger seen in the restaurant, or, God forbid, the butler? Chef Maurice, with Arthur as his Watson, takes it upon himself to solve the crime. Well, perhaps they will allow PC Lucy to do some of the work. Thus sets up a comical investigation where all is not as it seems, including family secrets, financial difficulties, and secret passages.
Chef Maurice is a hoot, a bit annoying and oblivious, but I just cannot help but find him endearing. My favorite character, though, is Arthur. His steadfastness is charming, his exasperation with Maurice loving. The other recurring characters are quirky in their own right, but they balance each other so that they do not seem over-the -top. The suspects in this endeavor are a bit caricature like, but that makes them all the more entertaining. I was tickled when Hamilton, the micro pig from the first book, made an appearance. The secondary plot involving sous chef Patrick and PC Lucy’s budding romance was equally enjoyable, and I look forward to seeing where it leads.
Chef Maurice and the Wrath of Grapes is pure escapist pleasure, full of amusing situations and exciting twists and turns. Bring on the next adventure!
July 14, 2015
Chef Maurice and the Wrath of Grapes by J.A. Lang
The Second Chef Maurice Mystery
A country manor, a raging snowstorm, a mysterious stranger, and plenty of wine: ingredients for a perfect murder!
Chef Maurice and his good friend, restaurant critic Arthur Wordington-Smythe, are visiting Bourne Hall for a dinner and wine tasting hosted by wine collector Sir William Burton-Trent. A handful of other guests including a Californian director turned vineyard owner, the granddaughter of a French wine family and her English husband, a wine critic, and an elderly relative make up the party. Things are not quite as jovial as they seem, however. When the cook discovers Sir William is locked in the wine cellar and won't respond to her knocks and calls, she fears the worst.
In the Chef Maurice Mystery series we see a return to the golden age of detective fiction. More than the setting of a small village in the Cotswolds filled with unique characters, Lang follows many of the "rules" set out by these great authors, and does so in a natural manner. Lang is true to the rules of fair play. J.A. lays out the clues and the reader has as much opportunity to solve the case as Chef Maurice. A.A. Milne, in his rules for detective fiction, stated "There should be a Watson: it is better for the detective 'to watsonize' than soliloquize".* In Arthur Wordington-Smythe we find Chef Maurice's Watson. The golden age authors were quite fond of locked room mysteries. In Chef Maurice and the Wrath of Grapes we get the special treat of having a locked door mystery within a closed room mystery! The victim is found in a locked wine cellar while our suspects are pretty much stranded in a country manor house.
J.A. Lang puts a smile on my face. Chef Maurice and the Wrath of Grapes is a fun clever novel. As a wine lover I quite enjoyed the focus on wines in this book and found the wonderful descriptions of food compelling as well as the different ways food is used. Food helps to solve one mystery and is also used to barter. In addition to Chef Maurice (my new gastronomical hero) and the murder mystery, we also have the conundrum that is the relationship between Patrick and PC Lucy. What is she hiding? Is there another man? Should he be worried? Then there's the great fun that kitchen commis Alf brings. And I can't forget the wonderful Hamilton. I love that pig and the way Chef Maurice treasures him. Lang has created a world where I want to visit. With hints of farce that keep me smiling and, above all, a finely crafted mystery, Lang has written a great book in her most wonderful series.
* Milne's rules were published in a reprint of his only detective novel The Red House Mystery. For more information see Martin Edwards, The Golden Age of Murder HarperCollinsPublishers Great Britain 2015.
The Second Chef Maurice Mystery
A country manor, a raging snowstorm, a mysterious stranger, and plenty of wine: ingredients for a perfect murder!
Chef Maurice and his good friend, restaurant critic Arthur Wordington-Smythe, are visiting Bourne Hall for a dinner and wine tasting hosted by wine collector Sir William Burton-Trent. A handful of other guests including a Californian director turned vineyard owner, the granddaughter of a French wine family and her English husband, a wine critic, and an elderly relative make up the party. Things are not quite as jovial as they seem, however. When the cook discovers Sir William is locked in the wine cellar and won't respond to her knocks and calls, she fears the worst.
In the Chef Maurice Mystery series we see a return to the golden age of detective fiction. More than the setting of a small village in the Cotswolds filled with unique characters, Lang follows many of the "rules" set out by these great authors, and does so in a natural manner. Lang is true to the rules of fair play. J.A. lays out the clues and the reader has as much opportunity to solve the case as Chef Maurice. A.A. Milne, in his rules for detective fiction, stated "There should be a Watson: it is better for the detective 'to watsonize' than soliloquize".* In Arthur Wordington-Smythe we find Chef Maurice's Watson. The golden age authors were quite fond of locked room mysteries. In Chef Maurice and the Wrath of Grapes we get the special treat of having a locked door mystery within a closed room mystery! The victim is found in a locked wine cellar while our suspects are pretty much stranded in a country manor house.
J.A. Lang puts a smile on my face. Chef Maurice and the Wrath of Grapes is a fun clever novel. As a wine lover I quite enjoyed the focus on wines in this book and found the wonderful descriptions of food compelling as well as the different ways food is used. Food helps to solve one mystery and is also used to barter. In addition to Chef Maurice (my new gastronomical hero) and the murder mystery, we also have the conundrum that is the relationship between Patrick and PC Lucy. What is she hiding? Is there another man? Should he be worried? Then there's the great fun that kitchen commis Alf brings. And I can't forget the wonderful Hamilton. I love that pig and the way Chef Maurice treasures him. Lang has created a world where I want to visit. With hints of farce that keep me smiling and, above all, a finely crafted mystery, Lang has written a great book in her most wonderful series.
* Milne's rules were published in a reprint of his only detective novel The Red House Mystery. For more information see Martin Edwards, The Golden Age of Murder HarperCollinsPublishers Great Britain 2015.
Read
July 27, 2015Chef Maurice and the Wrath of Grapes, in addition to making a nice literary jest in the title, was an engaging read. I found the characters well-written, though I admit to liking the minor characters (Patrick, Alf, and Lucy) best. Maurice himself is a bit over the top, and Arthur is enigmatic. Every character has flaws and virtues, and even those that seem to be types prove themselves to be a bit deeper.
I might have liked the murder victim a bit too much for comfort, but the author did manage to bring off the killing before I became too attached. The murder (victim, scene and all) is well within the bounds of the cozy mystery. The killer is maybe a bit too easy to pick out, (I guess this could be a spoiler, so jump to the next paragraph if you are worried) as the least likeable character (in my opinion. There may be room for debate). Though on reflection, quite a few of the possible suspects are a bit on the unlikeable side.
The plot/mystery is moderately complex, with some aspects fairly opaque to those (like me) not at all into wine, though the oenophilic elements are presented well. Though I suspected who and even how (in a general sense) from early on, it was beyond me to work out why or the details.
Finally, there is a nice touch of slightly comic romance worked into the subplot with the minor characters, complete with it's own minor mystery. All elements came together well, to make for a book I zipped through with pleasure, though it doesn't have a lot of substance. Although I did spot a few minor editing/proofing issues, I had a pre-publication copy, so I will trust they get picked up in the final proofing.
Recommendation:
A nice addition to the British-country-house cozy genre, of the light variety (what around my house we call "brain candy," and that's no insult!) (it occurs to me that should be a wine pun, except I don't know wines well enough to make the joke). If that's your thing, go for it! Bonus if you are exceedingly fond of good food and wine.
Full Disclosure: I was given a copy of Chef Maurice and the Wrath of Grapes as part of a blog tour, and received nothing further from the writer or publisher in exchange for my honest review. The opinions expressed are my own and those of no one else. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
I might have liked the murder victim a bit too much for comfort, but the author did manage to bring off the killing before I became too attached. The murder (victim, scene and all) is well within the bounds of the cozy mystery. The killer is maybe a bit too easy to pick out, (I guess this could be a spoiler, so jump to the next paragraph if you are worried) as the least likeable character (in my opinion. There may be room for debate). Though on reflection, quite a few of the possible suspects are a bit on the unlikeable side.
The plot/mystery is moderately complex, with some aspects fairly opaque to those (like me) not at all into wine, though the oenophilic elements are presented well. Though I suspected who and even how (in a general sense) from early on, it was beyond me to work out why or the details.
Finally, there is a nice touch of slightly comic romance worked into the subplot with the minor characters, complete with it's own minor mystery. All elements came together well, to make for a book I zipped through with pleasure, though it doesn't have a lot of substance. Although I did spot a few minor editing/proofing issues, I had a pre-publication copy, so I will trust they get picked up in the final proofing.
Recommendation:
A nice addition to the British-country-house cozy genre, of the light variety (what around my house we call "brain candy," and that's no insult!) (it occurs to me that should be a wine pun, except I don't know wines well enough to make the joke). If that's your thing, go for it! Bonus if you are exceedingly fond of good food and wine.
Full Disclosure: I was given a copy of Chef Maurice and the Wrath of Grapes as part of a blog tour, and received nothing further from the writer or publisher in exchange for my honest review. The opinions expressed are my own and those of no one else. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
February 27, 2017
I am really enjoying this series. A cross of Agatha Christie and P.G. Wodehouse these books are just fun. They are clean and the humour is not crass. I normally don't like the romantic story that cozy mysteries feel obliged to put in but in the case of this series I am even enjoying that immensely.
I just finished book 2 and once I am done this review will be starting right into book 3.
I just finished book 2 and once I am done this review will be starting right into book 3.
September 23, 2023
In this second installment of the Chef Maurice series, the titular character must try to solve the murder of the host at a wine tasting evening. So how does this book fare, especially when compared to the quite enjoyable first installment?
Personally, I quite enjoyed this book. It sets up a good mystery and we follow the investigation every step of the way, accompanied as usual by the sometimes unbearable, sometimes funny, sometimes irreverent, but always entertaining Chef Maurice, who has indeed quite the keen eye for details that make him an ideal amateur sleuth, albeit in part thanks to the assistance of others such as best friend and food critic Arthur and local law enforcement officer, Lucy, who do their best to try to rein in Maurice's antics. It was fun going along the investigation of the murder, and though I managed to deduce the culprit, there were details I definitely missed at parts, all well explained in the end. The very colorful cast of characters sure helped with the proceedings, as main, secondary and even minor characters all had something to contribute.
If any negatives, I'd say the romance subplot of Patrick and Lucy wasn't really very enjoyable and featured one of my least favorite plot shenanigans (namely how problems could be solved if people just talked to each other), but on the plus side, this book doesn't slap the reader in the face with romance as many other cozy mysteries do. It's very refreshing to see a cozy series where romance is in the background rather than be so much in the forefront that it takes away from the mystery, which happens entirely too often in cozies, so I give many kudos to the author. Beyond that, though, this was a fun book, entertaining to read and with a good sense of humor. I'll definitely get the next one as well.
Personally, I quite enjoyed this book. It sets up a good mystery and we follow the investigation every step of the way, accompanied as usual by the sometimes unbearable, sometimes funny, sometimes irreverent, but always entertaining Chef Maurice, who has indeed quite the keen eye for details that make him an ideal amateur sleuth, albeit in part thanks to the assistance of others such as best friend and food critic Arthur and local law enforcement officer, Lucy, who do their best to try to rein in Maurice's antics. It was fun going along the investigation of the murder, and though I managed to deduce the culprit, there were details I definitely missed at parts, all well explained in the end. The very colorful cast of characters sure helped with the proceedings, as main, secondary and even minor characters all had something to contribute.
If any negatives, I'd say the romance subplot of Patrick and Lucy wasn't really very enjoyable and featured one of my least favorite plot shenanigans (namely how problems could be solved if people just talked to each other), but on the plus side, this book doesn't slap the reader in the face with romance as many other cozy mysteries do. It's very refreshing to see a cozy series where romance is in the background rather than be so much in the forefront that it takes away from the mystery, which happens entirely too often in cozies, so I give many kudos to the author. Beyond that, though, this was a fun book, entertaining to read and with a good sense of humor. I'll definitely get the next one as well.
June 10, 2015
Chef Maurice is back! When Chef accepts an invitation to a dinner/wine tasting at the house of an old friend and wine collector, he has no idea that there will be a murder before the night is over. With family, friends, wine collectors and a film director as the suspects, this murder will be a challenge to solve. Chef Maurice, with the aid of his restaurant staff, PC Lucy and friend Arthur Wordington-Smythe, sift through all of the clues. The thought on every mind seems ridiculous: did the butler do it? The world of wine tasting may never be the same again!
J.A.Lang has, once again, taken a handful of characters, a murder and magic only a writer can produce, and given readers happiness. With the help of bumbling, yet loyal, Alf, sous chef Patrick, PC Lucy and his friend Arthur, Chef Maurice takes all of the clues, allows them to simmer and produces a solution no one saw coming.
Not since Agatha Christie's Hercule Poirot have I been so enamored with a character. Chef Maurice has won a place in my heart. He is what I imagine when I think of a cross between Poirot and a chef. Of course, he is French, not Belgian! Chef Maurice has his ever loyal, and sometimes exasperated, dear friend Arthur, that helps him along as he solves a crime. He,in his own way, shows his love to his friends by involving them in the solutions of the crimes. As much as he annoys his friends, they love and respect him, as they know he means well.
I have given this book 5 stars. If I could, I would give it many more. I do hope that if you have not read any of the series, you do so posthaste. I am looking forward to the next book, Chef Maurice and the Bunny Boiler Bake-Off, which is due out in October 2015.
J.A.Lang has, once again, taken a handful of characters, a murder and magic only a writer can produce, and given readers happiness. With the help of bumbling, yet loyal, Alf, sous chef Patrick, PC Lucy and his friend Arthur, Chef Maurice takes all of the clues, allows them to simmer and produces a solution no one saw coming.
Not since Agatha Christie's Hercule Poirot have I been so enamored with a character. Chef Maurice has won a place in my heart. He is what I imagine when I think of a cross between Poirot and a chef. Of course, he is French, not Belgian! Chef Maurice has his ever loyal, and sometimes exasperated, dear friend Arthur, that helps him along as he solves a crime. He,in his own way, shows his love to his friends by involving them in the solutions of the crimes. As much as he annoys his friends, they love and respect him, as they know he means well.
I have given this book 5 stars. If I could, I would give it many more. I do hope that if you have not read any of the series, you do so posthaste. I am looking forward to the next book, Chef Maurice and the Bunny Boiler Bake-Off, which is due out in October 2015.
August 5, 2015
Another fun adventure of Chef Maurice and his friend, food critic Arthur. It was a fun read, brilliant, with some twists, an intriguing mystery to solve and a bit of romance.
Sir William Burton- Trent is a great wine expert and has often helped Chef Maurice in the choice of wines for his restaurant. He organizes a dinner at his house to give a brief tasting lesson. He invites some friends, wine experts from around the world. Unfortunately that night Sir William is found dead in his wine cellar. The room was locked and the key was in the owner's pocket. Who can be a murderess? American man working in the movie business? The Butler? Chef Maurice with great humor and with the help of his most trusted aides will lead us to the solution of this case.
The characters are all really cute, impossible not to love them. Chef Maurice is a great protagonist, hilarious with his French accent, a passion for good food and infallible intuition to solve murders. He's head chef and owner of Le Cochon Rouge, a restaurant very chic but also the only one in the village. He alternates his time between the kitchen and the investigation with his friend Arthur, his employees Patrick and Alf, and a member of force, PC Lucy.
I love everything about this novel: the cover, Cotswold, the small English country in which it is set, the plot so well structured, the various references to wine and food, the love story nascent between Patrick and Pc Lucy . It 's written really well, in British English.
It's the second book starring Chef Maurice, do not need to read books in sequence. I can not wait to read the next adventure ....
I recommend it to those who love cozy mystery and novels of Agatha Christie.
Sir William Burton- Trent is a great wine expert and has often helped Chef Maurice in the choice of wines for his restaurant. He organizes a dinner at his house to give a brief tasting lesson. He invites some friends, wine experts from around the world. Unfortunately that night Sir William is found dead in his wine cellar. The room was locked and the key was in the owner's pocket. Who can be a murderess? American man working in the movie business? The Butler? Chef Maurice with great humor and with the help of his most trusted aides will lead us to the solution of this case.
The characters are all really cute, impossible not to love them. Chef Maurice is a great protagonist, hilarious with his French accent, a passion for good food and infallible intuition to solve murders. He's head chef and owner of Le Cochon Rouge, a restaurant very chic but also the only one in the village. He alternates his time between the kitchen and the investigation with his friend Arthur, his employees Patrick and Alf, and a member of force, PC Lucy.
I love everything about this novel: the cover, Cotswold, the small English country in which it is set, the plot so well structured, the various references to wine and food, the love story nascent between Patrick and Pc Lucy . It 's written really well, in British English.
It's the second book starring Chef Maurice, do not need to read books in sequence. I can not wait to read the next adventure ....
I recommend it to those who love cozy mystery and novels of Agatha Christie.
August 7, 2015
Chef Maurice is back and better than ever. When a wine collector is found dead in his own wine cellar, things start to get crazy.
There were a lot of things I loved about this book.
1. Waffles the cat and the kipper sandwich that helped uncover a clue as how William's killer got in.
2. The reappearance of Hamilton the pig. I love this pig!!!
3. Chef's use of the word "Allonsy!" Yes, he's French, but I'm a huge Doctor Who fan and seeing that word in print made me squee with joy!
.
3. Patrick and his relationship with PC Lucy. Ahhh they are they so sweet. I loved the extent Patrick will go to make her jealous, but that's all I'll say there.
4. Chef Maurice's quirky way of finding the killer. All cozy mystery sleuths get into trouble on their quest to solve a mystery, but Chef does it in a really fun way.
5. The attention to detail that JA Lang gives to wine. I actually felt like I learned a lot about wine collecting while reading this book. Its hard to imagine buying a bottle of wine and not drinking it.
If you are looking for a great new series, you can't pass this one up. You really don't have a clue who the killer was until it is revealed, because there are so many people that just might have a reason to commit the crime.
Loved this book, and can't wait for the next one!
There were a lot of things I loved about this book.
1. Waffles the cat and the kipper sandwich that helped uncover a clue as how William's killer got in.
2. The reappearance of Hamilton the pig. I love this pig!!!
3. Chef's use of the word "Allonsy!" Yes, he's French, but I'm a huge Doctor Who fan and seeing that word in print made me squee with joy!
.
3. Patrick and his relationship with PC Lucy. Ahhh they are they so sweet. I loved the extent Patrick will go to make her jealous, but that's all I'll say there.
4. Chef Maurice's quirky way of finding the killer. All cozy mystery sleuths get into trouble on their quest to solve a mystery, but Chef does it in a really fun way.
5. The attention to detail that JA Lang gives to wine. I actually felt like I learned a lot about wine collecting while reading this book. Its hard to imagine buying a bottle of wine and not drinking it.
If you are looking for a great new series, you can't pass this one up. You really don't have a clue who the killer was until it is revealed, because there are so many people that just might have a reason to commit the crime.
Loved this book, and can't wait for the next one!
September 1, 2015
Chef Maurice is at it again, the moment he sniffs a murder he has to solve it :).
And Solve he does.
The second edition of the series is as entertaining as the first one , funny witty and some lovely conversation between Arthur and Chef.
The story starts with Sir Williams inviting Chef and Arthur for a wine tasting in his Bungalow. The Wine tasting turns into a chaos and Sir Williams is found murdered in his Wine Cellar.
Our beloved Chef, in spite of PC lucy forbidding him, Starts his murder solving and interrogates the guests.
Kippers helps him find a passageway and the journey begins.
The characters are nicely defined , whether it is Giles, bertie , angy , resnick or paloni.
each has a motive to murder Sir Williams.
The interview which Chef has with each Guest is lively and entertaining.
I specially loved the climax, where Arthur is made to take a Role he does not like and the way Chef maneuver the scene to his benefit.
There are lots of side plots and scenes which are lovely.
Patrick going after finding PC Lucy's Secret , Alf trying to make mulled wine.
Or even the scene when PC Lucy and Patrick chase Agent Mack.
Overall a fun read, Mr Lang has brought a lovely humor to the series, Just hope he continues and does not fall into stereotype books.
I give this book 4/5
Devil D
And Solve he does.
The second edition of the series is as entertaining as the first one , funny witty and some lovely conversation between Arthur and Chef.
The story starts with Sir Williams inviting Chef and Arthur for a wine tasting in his Bungalow. The Wine tasting turns into a chaos and Sir Williams is found murdered in his Wine Cellar.
Our beloved Chef, in spite of PC lucy forbidding him, Starts his murder solving and interrogates the guests.
Kippers helps him find a passageway and the journey begins.
The characters are nicely defined , whether it is Giles, bertie , angy , resnick or paloni.
each has a motive to murder Sir Williams.
The interview which Chef has with each Guest is lively and entertaining.
I specially loved the climax, where Arthur is made to take a Role he does not like and the way Chef maneuver the scene to his benefit.
There are lots of side plots and scenes which are lovely.
Patrick going after finding PC Lucy's Secret , Alf trying to make mulled wine.
Or even the scene when PC Lucy and Patrick chase Agent Mack.
Overall a fun read, Mr Lang has brought a lovely humor to the series, Just hope he continues and does not fall into stereotype books.
I give this book 4/5
Devil D
July 22, 2015
Chef Maurice is at it again along with his close friend and food critic Arthur Wordington-Smythe. Someone has killed the host of the first meeting of their wine appreciation club. It appears to be a locked room murder case. Chef Maurice is on the spot and on the case immediately much to the chagrin of Lucy the head of the local police department.
Will our bumbling chef to all appearances be able to solve the mystery before someone gets away with murder?
I absolutely love Chef Maurice and Arthur. The good Chef has so much up his sleeve at any given time there is no telling where they will end up or what they will do in the name of solving the mystery. The sprinkling of French from the Chef adds to his character. Arthur is the perfect foil to the Chef's actions.
PC Lucy is also on the case and trying to keep the Chef from accidentally destroying evidence. She is also dating one of Chef's assistants, Patrick, who is less than skilled in the art of dealing with women. It is a wonderful subplot.
The action and pace are perfect. The writing is well done. And the characters are really rather perfect for the mystery. I love humorous mysteries. I give this one 5 stars.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
Will our bumbling chef to all appearances be able to solve the mystery before someone gets away with murder?
I absolutely love Chef Maurice and Arthur. The good Chef has so much up his sleeve at any given time there is no telling where they will end up or what they will do in the name of solving the mystery. The sprinkling of French from the Chef adds to his character. Arthur is the perfect foil to the Chef's actions.
PC Lucy is also on the case and trying to keep the Chef from accidentally destroying evidence. She is also dating one of Chef's assistants, Patrick, who is less than skilled in the art of dealing with women. It is a wonderful subplot.
The action and pace are perfect. The writing is well done. And the characters are really rather perfect for the mystery. I love humorous mysteries. I give this one 5 stars.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
August 10, 2015
Such a great book. Loved getting to know the characters. This is the first book I have read in this series and I can say it will not be the last.
Sir William Burton-Trent, owner of Bourne Hall has invited Chef Maurice and Arthur to a dinner and wine tasting. But what they get is more than a taste of wine, they get a taste of Murder!
Chef Maurice is a jolly, world renound , wine loving character that loves a good mystery and you will fall instantly in love with his dry humor. He describes himself as a great chef and detective:) His friend Arthur, a food critic for the England Observer is always along for an adventure when Chef is around. Even though you will read not always privy to what is going on in the mind of Chef Maurice.
Also, loved PC Lucy and her willingness to go along with chef on his hunches. And of course, you can't forget Patrick, Chef Maurice's Sous-Chef and how he tries to reign in Chef at the Le Cochon Rouge and keep and eye on PC Lucy:)
I found this book addicting,funny,adventurous,and educating since I know nothing about wine. I can say I was in stitches in parts and holding on tight to my Kindle in other parts. Can't wait till the next book comes out in October 2015.
Sir William Burton-Trent, owner of Bourne Hall has invited Chef Maurice and Arthur to a dinner and wine tasting. But what they get is more than a taste of wine, they get a taste of Murder!
Chef Maurice is a jolly, world renound , wine loving character that loves a good mystery and you will fall instantly in love with his dry humor. He describes himself as a great chef and detective:) His friend Arthur, a food critic for the England Observer is always along for an adventure when Chef is around. Even though you will read not always privy to what is going on in the mind of Chef Maurice.
Also, loved PC Lucy and her willingness to go along with chef on his hunches. And of course, you can't forget Patrick, Chef Maurice's Sous-Chef and how he tries to reign in Chef at the Le Cochon Rouge and keep and eye on PC Lucy:)
I found this book addicting,funny,adventurous,and educating since I know nothing about wine. I can say I was in stitches in parts and holding on tight to my Kindle in other parts. Can't wait till the next book comes out in October 2015.
July 13, 2015
I have definitely become a fan of this new series! This second book was even better than the first one. The series is set in the Cotswolds, a place I love. Chef Maurice is not a handsome young hero but he is savvy and the smattering of French dialogue is charming. He reminds me of the American detective show Columbo; Detective Columbo acted like he was a bumbling idiot but was instead very clever. Chef Maurice, who likes to eat and the reader gets the impression that he is rather stout, does very cleverly follow the clues and unmasks the murderer at a wine tasting party.
Sir William, a neighbor of Chef Maurice’s Le Couchon Rouge fine restaurant, is having a wine tasting event at his Bourne Hall estate. But someone murders him in his own wine cellar. The door is locked, the key is on him, and the only other key is locked in the safe. How did this happen? Who murdered him? Was it the butler? The book is full of gentle humor. Along with his friend, Arthur Wordington-Smythe, a food critic for the England Observor, Chef Maurice gets to the bottom of the mystery with a few twists and turns along the path.
The book moves along at a steady pace and the reader is never bored. I can’t wait for book #3!
Sir William, a neighbor of Chef Maurice’s Le Couchon Rouge fine restaurant, is having a wine tasting event at his Bourne Hall estate. But someone murders him in his own wine cellar. The door is locked, the key is on him, and the only other key is locked in the safe. How did this happen? Who murdered him? Was it the butler? The book is full of gentle humor. Along with his friend, Arthur Wordington-Smythe, a food critic for the England Observor, Chef Maurice gets to the bottom of the mystery with a few twists and turns along the path.
The book moves along at a steady pace and the reader is never bored. I can’t wait for book #3!
July 26, 2015
Chef Maurice is back. He gets him invited to dinner with wine collector Sir William Burton-Trent.
Chef likes food and wine he always seems to be eating or drinking. During the evening Sir William has turned up missing.
Sir William is found dead in a lock wine cellar. He has key in pocket and the other one is sealed in wax. So he was alone in a high tech wine cellar.
Chef Maurice and Arthur Wordington-Smythe decide to solve the murder themselves. They find out a lot about wine collecting even go to a auction.
Chef Maurice has his own restaurant. He has a wine cellar in his restaurant and some of his customers even store some of their private wines down there. He has a pet pig that he takes with him places.
Arthur Wordington-Smythe is a food critic and has lots of wine too. He is good friends with Chef.
This is a fun cozy mystery. I love the scene where the Chef gets stuck. I thought he was smart the way he found out some of the answers while using the cat to help him.
I have never drunk any wine and still found this story interesting to learn about it and the world of collecting wine.
I was given this ebook to read for free and in return I agreed to give a honest review of Chef Maurice and the Wrath of Grapes.
July 22, 2015
Chef Maurice is back! It is almost Christmas time and quite a snowstorm is passing through town. No amount of snow will stop Maurice from attending an intimate wine tasting event at the nearby home of a friend and enthusiastic wine collector. However, before the first wine is sipped there is a murder in the locked wine cellar. Meanwhile, back in the village at Le Cochon Rouge, Alf and Patrick are dealing with a mulled wine recipe that isn't quite working and a guest with a gun in his briefcase.
This book was the second in the series and even funnier than the first. Plus I can never resist a British locked-room cozy, in a snow storm, with good food and wine. (Hopefully some day J.A. Lang will make a cookbook because I would love the recipe for mulled wine with brandy soaked nutmeg!) This series so enjoyable; not at all a stressful, biting my nails, sitting on the edge of the seat kind of mystery. At the same time it does keep me up at night because I want to find out what happens next. The relationship between Maurice and Arthur is so much fun, and Patrick and Lucy are developing an equally entertaining relationship.
Look forward to the next in the series!
This book was the second in the series and even funnier than the first. Plus I can never resist a British locked-room cozy, in a snow storm, with good food and wine. (Hopefully some day J.A. Lang will make a cookbook because I would love the recipe for mulled wine with brandy soaked nutmeg!) This series so enjoyable; not at all a stressful, biting my nails, sitting on the edge of the seat kind of mystery. At the same time it does keep me up at night because I want to find out what happens next. The relationship between Maurice and Arthur is so much fun, and Patrick and Lucy are developing an equally entertaining relationship.
Look forward to the next in the series!
July 26, 2015
Chef Maurice and the Wrath of Grapes is the second book in the Chef Maurice mystery series.
Chef Maurice and Arthur Wordington-Smythe a restaurant critic and Chef Maurice's friend are at Bourne Hall for a Dinner and Wine tasting Hosted by Sir William Burton-Trent a Wine collector. The other guests include a Director from California turned Vineyard owner, a Granddaughter of a French Wine family and her English Husband, a Wine critic and an Elderly Relative make up the Dinner party. Things are not quite as they seem however. When the cook discovers Sir William is locked in the Wine Cellar and isn't responding to Her calls and knocks! Chef Maurice and the Wrath of the Grapes is a fantastic locked room mystery complete with a snowy night, phones out of order,and hidden passages ! A murder and a Wine thief. There is also a little romance between P.C Lucy and Patrick. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
Chef Maurice and Arthur Wordington-Smythe a restaurant critic and Chef Maurice's friend are at Bourne Hall for a Dinner and Wine tasting Hosted by Sir William Burton-Trent a Wine collector. The other guests include a Director from California turned Vineyard owner, a Granddaughter of a French Wine family and her English Husband, a Wine critic and an Elderly Relative make up the Dinner party. Things are not quite as they seem however. When the cook discovers Sir William is locked in the Wine Cellar and isn't responding to Her calls and knocks! Chef Maurice and the Wrath of the Grapes is a fantastic locked room mystery complete with a snowy night, phones out of order,and hidden passages ! A murder and a Wine thief. There is also a little romance between P.C Lucy and Patrick. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
October 27, 2015
I just finished reading Chef Maurice and The Wrath of Grapes (Chef Maurice Cotswold Mysteries, Book 2). Just as enjoyable as the first book. Just as engaging. Just as funny. This edition has Chef investigating the murder of a wine connoisseur. He is again assisted by his "Mon Ami" Arthur Wordington-Smythe. They wind up following clues from the quaint little village of Beakley into London and back to the countryside to Bourne Hall, the scene of the crime. The side stories involving Sous Chef Patrick and PC Lucy, Commis Chef Alf and Hamilton the truffle pig are heartwarming and hilarious.
These books will leave you rolling in the aisles with tears of laughter spilling from your eyes! If you are like me and mainly read Thriller and Action/Adventure books, please, take a moment to read these books. Laughter is also a liberating emotion to express. Open up any one of the Chef Maurice books and laugh to your heart's content. It will make you feel good. Bon Appetite!
These books will leave you rolling in the aisles with tears of laughter spilling from your eyes! If you are like me and mainly read Thriller and Action/Adventure books, please, take a moment to read these books. Laughter is also a liberating emotion to express. Open up any one of the Chef Maurice books and laugh to your heart's content. It will make you feel good. Bon Appetite!
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