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Kelsey McKenna Destination Wedding Mysteries #2
Dying on the Vine
Spirited wedding planner Kelsey McKenna juggles a sabotaged wedding and a cold-blooded killer in beautiful California wine country in this hilarious follow-up to Terror in Taffeta.
Wedding planner Kelsey McKenna just signed on to a dream gig. She’s going to be the “day-of” coordinator at the beautiful Higgens Estate in California wine country. There’s only one problem: the wedding was originally planned by Babs Norton, the self-proclaimed Queen of Wine Country Weddings, who the father of the bride has fired.
Kelsey decides to clear the air with Babs and make sure there are no hard feelings, but before she can throw herself into executing the perfect wedding, she discovers Babs dead on the floor of his office. David, Babs’ assistant is quick to point the finger very publicly at Kelsey. Even worse, Kelsey learns that with the big day only weeks away, the bitter little man has sabotaged her new clients’ wedding by canceling all the vendor contracts.
With the help of her friend Brody and assistant Laurel, Kelsey must scramble to salvage the wedding while dodging gossipy wedding planners, grumpy winemakers, and a cold-blooded killer in this smart, funny cozy perfect for fans of Carolyn Haines.
Wedding planner Kelsey McKenna just signed on to a dream gig. She’s going to be the “day-of” coordinator at the beautiful Higgens Estate in California wine country. There’s only one problem: the wedding was originally planned by Babs Norton, the self-proclaimed Queen of Wine Country Weddings, who the father of the bride has fired.
Kelsey decides to clear the air with Babs and make sure there are no hard feelings, but before she can throw herself into executing the perfect wedding, she discovers Babs dead on the floor of his office. David, Babs’ assistant is quick to point the finger very publicly at Kelsey. Even worse, Kelsey learns that with the big day only weeks away, the bitter little man has sabotaged her new clients’ wedding by canceling all the vendor contracts.
With the help of her friend Brody and assistant Laurel, Kelsey must scramble to salvage the wedding while dodging gossipy wedding planners, grumpy winemakers, and a cold-blooded killer in this smart, funny cozy perfect for fans of Carolyn Haines.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published April 4, 2017
About the author
Marla Cooper
5 books131 followersMARLA COOPER is the author of the Kelsey McKenna Destination Wedding Mysteries, a humorous cozy mystery series with a destination wedding planner turned amateur sleuth. Originally published by Minotaur Books, the series is set to relaunch soon, with an all-new book three coming in 2026!
For book announcements, follow Marla on Goodreads. For book announcements and general tomfoolery, sign up for her newsletter at her author website (URL above).
Instagram: @marla.cooper.author
BlueSky: @marlacooper.bsky.social
ABOUT MARLA: As a freelance writer, Marla has written all sorts of things, from advertising copy to travel guidebooks to the occasional haiku. It was while ghostwriting a guide to destination weddings that she found inspiration for her series. Learn more at www.marlacooper.com.
For book announcements, follow Marla on Goodreads. For book announcements and general tomfoolery, sign up for her newsletter at her author website (URL above).
Instagram: @marla.cooper.author
BlueSky: @marlacooper.bsky.social
ABOUT MARLA: As a freelance writer, Marla has written all sorts of things, from advertising copy to travel guidebooks to the occasional haiku. It was while ghostwriting a guide to destination weddings that she found inspiration for her series. Learn more at www.marlacooper.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
April 8, 2017
Dollycas’s Thoughts
We find wedding planner Kelsey McKenna helping out her photographer friend Brody at the Wine Country Wedding Faire. She is surprised when a young couple approaches her about helping them with their wedding. It seems the father of the bride fired their wedding planner and their wedding is only a couple of weeks away. She has stepped in before for a one day commitment before and has room in her schedule so she quickly accepts. Then she learns the couple’s previous planner was none other than Babs Norton, the Queen of Wine Country Weddings. Kelsey calls Babs and is amazed when Babs asks her to just stop by her office and pick up their file. But she is thunderstruck when she arrives to find Babs dead. Things get worse for Kelsey when Babs’ assistant points his finger at her as the killer. She needs to clear her name fast. She is worried she may be the killer’s next victim.
The setting for this book sounds absolutely outstanding. In the California wine country many vineyards have places to host events like weddings. The new couple Kelsey is working with has booked one of the most popular and posh of them. They even have special caves that can be booked for smaller gatherings. Kelsey is also working with the the owner of a more rustic site to start hosting events.
While the core characters of Kelsey, Brody, Laurel return from book one, Terror in Taffeta, the rest of the characters are new. The wedding party, Babs and her assistant, and the staff at the venues all bring their personalities to the story. They are introduced well and very developed. Laurel also takes on a greater role in this story. She, Kelsey and Brody make a great team. Laurel pushes Kelsey in all the right ways and Brody tries the best he can to reel her in when she starts to go too far. Notice I said “tries”. There are also a lot of funny moments with these three, such great dialogue, very true to life.
The author gives us plenty of suspects to ponder. Brody even brings Kelsey a big dry erase board to create her “murder board” to keep everyone straight. She chases down several false leads and has many theories but when all the clues fall into place and she realizes the truth it makes perfect sense.
I loved the ending of the story but I didn’t want this story to end. These have become some of my favorite cozy literary characters. I am excited to see where the next wedding takes them.
We find wedding planner Kelsey McKenna helping out her photographer friend Brody at the Wine Country Wedding Faire. She is surprised when a young couple approaches her about helping them with their wedding. It seems the father of the bride fired their wedding planner and their wedding is only a couple of weeks away. She has stepped in before for a one day commitment before and has room in her schedule so she quickly accepts. Then she learns the couple’s previous planner was none other than Babs Norton, the Queen of Wine Country Weddings. Kelsey calls Babs and is amazed when Babs asks her to just stop by her office and pick up their file. But she is thunderstruck when she arrives to find Babs dead. Things get worse for Kelsey when Babs’ assistant points his finger at her as the killer. She needs to clear her name fast. She is worried she may be the killer’s next victim.
The setting for this book sounds absolutely outstanding. In the California wine country many vineyards have places to host events like weddings. The new couple Kelsey is working with has booked one of the most popular and posh of them. They even have special caves that can be booked for smaller gatherings. Kelsey is also working with the the owner of a more rustic site to start hosting events.
While the core characters of Kelsey, Brody, Laurel return from book one, Terror in Taffeta, the rest of the characters are new. The wedding party, Babs and her assistant, and the staff at the venues all bring their personalities to the story. They are introduced well and very developed. Laurel also takes on a greater role in this story. She, Kelsey and Brody make a great team. Laurel pushes Kelsey in all the right ways and Brody tries the best he can to reel her in when she starts to go too far. Notice I said “tries”. There are also a lot of funny moments with these three, such great dialogue, very true to life.
The author gives us plenty of suspects to ponder. Brody even brings Kelsey a big dry erase board to create her “murder board” to keep everyone straight. She chases down several false leads and has many theories but when all the clues fall into place and she realizes the truth it makes perfect sense.
I loved the ending of the story but I didn’t want this story to end. These have become some of my favorite cozy literary characters. I am excited to see where the next wedding takes them.
April 6, 2017
Wedding planner Kelsey McKenna takes on some clients planning a Napa County wedding a month before their big day. While Babs, the wedding planner they had been using, is very professional about these clients leaving, her assistant, Stefan, isn’t. Still, Kelsey is shocked to find a dead body in the office when she comes to pick up her new client’s file. With her reputation on the line, Kelsey has to find a way to clear her name.
I loved the first in this series, and this book is just as wonderful. Kelsey, her friend Brody, and her assistant Laurel, make a wonderful trio, and their friendship and banter is a pure delight. The suspects introduced here are just as strong, and make it hard to distinguish clue from red herring until Kelsey figures it all out at the end. This is a wedding you’ll be glad you crashed.
NOTE: I received an eARC of this book.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
I loved the first in this series, and this book is just as wonderful. Kelsey, her friend Brody, and her assistant Laurel, make a wonderful trio, and their friendship and banter is a pure delight. The suspects introduced here are just as strong, and make it hard to distinguish clue from red herring until Kelsey figures it all out at the end. This is a wedding you’ll be glad you crashed.
NOTE: I received an eARC of this book.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
March 9, 2017
Babs Norton, a wedding planner, is found dead!!!
Who found her ?? Who had reason to kill her???
Kelsey McKenna is a wedding planner in the wine
country of California. Kelsey is hired by client whose
father had fired Babs Norton as wedding planner
for his daughter's wedding. Babs arranges to meet
and give Kelsey the wedding file she has on the
couple. When Kelsey arrives at Babs's office, the
door is ajar. Kelsey wanders inside only to find
Babs dead!!!
Kelsey, her long time friend, Brody and Laurel, her
assistant now must save the wedding, stay away
from not so friendly wedding planners, keep
winemakers at a distance and avoid a cold blooded
killer. In addition, the three work at trying to solve
the murder that is trying to be directed at Kelsey.
The vivid scenery will make you feel as if you are
visiting the wineries in California. The plot will keep
the reader on their toes as you try to guess the
killer. The twists and turns add to the mystery,
suspense and intrigue.
The characters are well defined, colorful and very
creative.
There is humor and a touch of romance.
Very enjoyable and entertaining read!!!
I volunteered to read the book. Thanks to the author and
publisher via The Cozy Mystery Review Crew for the book.
My opinion is my own.
Who found her ?? Who had reason to kill her???
Kelsey McKenna is a wedding planner in the wine
country of California. Kelsey is hired by client whose
father had fired Babs Norton as wedding planner
for his daughter's wedding. Babs arranges to meet
and give Kelsey the wedding file she has on the
couple. When Kelsey arrives at Babs's office, the
door is ajar. Kelsey wanders inside only to find
Babs dead!!!
Kelsey, her long time friend, Brody and Laurel, her
assistant now must save the wedding, stay away
from not so friendly wedding planners, keep
winemakers at a distance and avoid a cold blooded
killer. In addition, the three work at trying to solve
the murder that is trying to be directed at Kelsey.
The vivid scenery will make you feel as if you are
visiting the wineries in California. The plot will keep
the reader on their toes as you try to guess the
killer. The twists and turns add to the mystery,
suspense and intrigue.
The characters are well defined, colorful and very
creative.
There is humor and a touch of romance.
Very enjoyable and entertaining read!!!
I volunteered to read the book. Thanks to the author and
publisher via The Cozy Mystery Review Crew for the book.
My opinion is my own.
February 19, 2024
I really enjoyed this book. Good story and likable characters. Hoping there will be more to this series.
March 11, 2017
This was a great little cozy mystery. I'd never read this author before and I am certainly going to be reading her in the future. The cover definitely caught my eye as well as the description and I'm glad that I requested this book.
Someone has it out for the wedding planners all taking place in the scenic wine country of Napa Valley. Or so it seems. Babs Norton the "official queen" wedding planner of Napa Valley is found dead in her office and Kelsey McKenna who just took over a unsatisfied client of Babs found her. Babs' partner is furious and accuses Kelsey of stealing the client and killing Babs. So starts the war.
There are many plots going on in this book including some nefarious things going on at the vineyard where Babs was the only wedding planner allowed to conduct business. There's also a little romance going on in the romantic setting of the beautiful Napa Valley.
A very entertaining book that I enjoyed reading and was glad that I requested.
Thanks to St. Martin's Press for approving my request and to Net Galley for providing me with a free e-galley in exchange for an honest review.
Someone has it out for the wedding planners all taking place in the scenic wine country of Napa Valley. Or so it seems. Babs Norton the "official queen" wedding planner of Napa Valley is found dead in her office and Kelsey McKenna who just took over a unsatisfied client of Babs found her. Babs' partner is furious and accuses Kelsey of stealing the client and killing Babs. So starts the war.
There are many plots going on in this book including some nefarious things going on at the vineyard where Babs was the only wedding planner allowed to conduct business. There's also a little romance going on in the romantic setting of the beautiful Napa Valley.
A very entertaining book that I enjoyed reading and was glad that I requested.
Thanks to St. Martin's Press for approving my request and to Net Galley for providing me with a free e-galley in exchange for an honest review.
September 22, 2017
Kelsey McKenna, a destination wedding planner, is pleased to get a job involving the Higgens Estate known for its beauty and wines, but this turns into a nightmare when Kelsey finds the body of the previous, fired wedding planner in Dying on the Vine by Marla Cooper. Babs Norton has had a reputation as the premier wedding planner, so when Hailey’s father dares to fire Babs, Kelsey decides to try to play nice, going to Babs’s office to smooth things over and get the details of Hailey and Christopher’s wedding contracts. When she shows up, she finds the door unlocked, and discovers Babs’s body on the floor.
Read the rest of this review and other fun, geeky articles at Fangirl Nation
Read the rest of this review and other fun, geeky articles at Fangirl Nation
October 2, 2024
A light hearted book, but well written and has a good mystery!
March 6, 2017
I started this book and didn't want to put it down. Each time that I had to put it down to do something else I couldn't wait to get back to it, it was that good! I enjoyed the characters and the setting in wine country. I haven't read the first book in this series, but I'm putting at the top of my tbr list!
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book provided by Minotaur Books and Marla Cooper.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book provided by Minotaur Books and Marla Cooper.
April 3, 2017
DYING ON THE VINE is the second book in the charming Kelsey McKenna Destination Wedding Mystery series, and it is a fun romp through California wine country. I have not read the first book in the series, TERROR IN TAFFETTA, but plan to remedy that soon, and I had no problem following the characters or story line. This adventure finds Kelsey, who usually handles weddings far from her San Francisco home, hired to be the “day of” the wedding coordinator at nearby high-end Higgins Winery. Only after she accepts the job does she discover the couple fired their previous planner, renowned “Queen of the Wine Country Weddings” Babs Norton, and that the couple has no idea about the vendors and other details Babs coordinated. When Kelsey drops by Babs’ office to pick of the couple’s file, she finds Babs dead. At first, Kelsey has no plans to investigate, but when Babs’ nasty assistant Stefan publicly accuses her of murder, she has no choice but to look into things. With the help of her photographer friend Brody and her assistant Laurel, she tackles the cut-throat competition and uncovers secrets that lead her straight to the killer.
Marla Cooper strikes a nice balance of humor, mystery, danger, and romance in DYING ON THE VINE. Protagonist Kelsey is personable and appealing. Even though she is no fan of confrontation, she does all she can to bring the culprit to light. She does find herself in some precarious and funny situations, but at no point did I think she was “too stupid to live”. Brody and Laurel are also likable, and I particularly enjoy the bantering between Kelsey and Brody. The supporting characters are engaging and offer enough variety to keep things interesting. Stefan is simply horrible, but, in the end, I do feel sorry for him.
The mystery surrounding Babs’ death is well thought out and executed. With each clue Kelsey unearths, the potential suspect list grows, and there are plenty of red herrings to keep readers guessing. The killer is unexpected, and I love it when I do not figure out whodunit early in the book. The northern California setting is beautiful, and I feel like I have been on a mini wine country vacation while reading.
I really enjoyed my time with Kelsey and crew and look forward to reading more in, what I hope to be, a long running series. I recommend DYING ON THE VINE to any cozy reader, especially those who enjoy a heavy dollop of humor to go with the investigation.
I received an ARC of this title from the author through Cozy Mystery Review Crew and voluntarily shared my opinions here.
Marla Cooper strikes a nice balance of humor, mystery, danger, and romance in DYING ON THE VINE. Protagonist Kelsey is personable and appealing. Even though she is no fan of confrontation, she does all she can to bring the culprit to light. She does find herself in some precarious and funny situations, but at no point did I think she was “too stupid to live”. Brody and Laurel are also likable, and I particularly enjoy the bantering between Kelsey and Brody. The supporting characters are engaging and offer enough variety to keep things interesting. Stefan is simply horrible, but, in the end, I do feel sorry for him.
The mystery surrounding Babs’ death is well thought out and executed. With each clue Kelsey unearths, the potential suspect list grows, and there are plenty of red herrings to keep readers guessing. The killer is unexpected, and I love it when I do not figure out whodunit early in the book. The northern California setting is beautiful, and I feel like I have been on a mini wine country vacation while reading.
I really enjoyed my time with Kelsey and crew and look forward to reading more in, what I hope to be, a long running series. I recommend DYING ON THE VINE to any cozy reader, especially those who enjoy a heavy dollop of humor to go with the investigation.
I received an ARC of this title from the author through Cozy Mystery Review Crew and voluntarily shared my opinions here.
April 10, 2017
In Dying on the Vine, the second book in the Kelsey McKenna Destination Wedding Mystery series, author Marla Cooper weaves an intriguing cozy mystery tale that follows the amateur sleuth adventures of wedding planner Kelsey McKenna when she finds rival wedding planner, Babs Norton, the self-proclaimed Queen of Wine Country Weddings, dead on her office floor. Kelsey is determined to find the killer before another wedding planner is next, herself included!
Dying on the Vine is a captivating and fast-paced whodunit tale set in the scenic wine country of California, that has enough quirky characters, witty banter and humor, drama, intriguing twists and turns, and conspiracy theories that will keep you guessing the identity of the murderer. You can't help but get caught up in the drama and calamity that ensues as Kelsey tries to solve the murder case of a rival wedding planner before another wedding planner is killed! Kelsey's amateur investigative adventure unfolds with a wonderful balance of comedy, drama, and suspense that easily kept me guessing, and left me wanting more. I would be remiss if I didn't mention how much I enjoyed the rich description of the wedding destination setting of the California wine country, it sounds like it is a wonderful place to have a wedding!
Dying on the Vine is an entertaining cozy murder mystery that will easily engage you to join Kelsey in her latest wedding destination adventures!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author / publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours.
http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...
Dying on the Vine is a captivating and fast-paced whodunit tale set in the scenic wine country of California, that has enough quirky characters, witty banter and humor, drama, intriguing twists and turns, and conspiracy theories that will keep you guessing the identity of the murderer. You can't help but get caught up in the drama and calamity that ensues as Kelsey tries to solve the murder case of a rival wedding planner before another wedding planner is killed! Kelsey's amateur investigative adventure unfolds with a wonderful balance of comedy, drama, and suspense that easily kept me guessing, and left me wanting more. I would be remiss if I didn't mention how much I enjoyed the rich description of the wedding destination setting of the California wine country, it sounds like it is a wonderful place to have a wedding!
Dying on the Vine is an entertaining cozy murder mystery that will easily engage you to join Kelsey in her latest wedding destination adventures!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author / publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours.
http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...
April 7, 2017
Kelsey McKenna is a destination wedding planner. Like the author, Kelsey is also smart, creative and oh so humorous, and she uses those qualities while working with brides, wedding vendors and obnoxious wedding planners who feel like she’s the competition. When she finds the murdered body of one of her competitors, Kelsey suddenly discovers herself in the unwanted center of attention of the police. Worried that she will lose business she can ill-afford, Kelsey must solve the murder and clear her name. She readily admits that she really doesn’t know how to solve crimes and proves to everyone that it’s definitely not as easy as they make it seem on CSI reruns! This sets the stage for several laugh out moments along with the zingy little one liners Kelsey likes to throw in.
I adored the setting of Napa Valley for this destination mystery series! Having lived in Napa for a while in my early twenties, Marla perfectly captures the sights, sounds, and flavors of the valley. She also provides a little information on wineries and wine caves, which I found fascinating. Kelsey has a wonderful friendship with Brody, a wedding photographer, and her assistant, Laurel. They complement each other and the author has set up great dialog and repartee between the characters. The plot moved at a fast pace with plenty of suspects to keep the reader guessing and concludes with an exciting, suspenseful scene which wraps the story up nicely. This is a terrific addition to the Kelsey McKenna Destination Wedding Mystery series!
I adored the setting of Napa Valley for this destination mystery series! Having lived in Napa for a while in my early twenties, Marla perfectly captures the sights, sounds, and flavors of the valley. She also provides a little information on wineries and wine caves, which I found fascinating. Kelsey has a wonderful friendship with Brody, a wedding photographer, and her assistant, Laurel. They complement each other and the author has set up great dialog and repartee between the characters. The plot moved at a fast pace with plenty of suspects to keep the reader guessing and concludes with an exciting, suspenseful scene which wraps the story up nicely. This is a terrific addition to the Kelsey McKenna Destination Wedding Mystery series!
March 27, 2017
Dying on the Vine is the second book in the Kelsey McKenna Destination Wedding Mystery by Marla Cooper. Kelsey McKenna stays local while planning a winery wedding in California. Kelsey is working towards making the greatest dream weddings for her clients, but ends up in a situation where local wedding planners were being targeted. Kelsey has to balance planning a dream wedding and finds herself needing to solve the mystery before she loses any clients. One of the things that I enjoyed about Kelsey is how she tries to stay out of the case, but ends up sleuthing more to where she almost gets herself in trouble. Dying on the Vine was a great book that I could not put down because the suspense had me wanting to find out why the wedding planners were being targeted. After I read the first book in this series (Terror in Taffeta), I was excited to see where this mystery would take me. I look forward to more books in the Kelsey McKenna Destination Wedding Mystery series to see where Kelsey goes next. For my honest review, I received an advanced reader copy.
June 17, 2017
The follow up book to Terror in Taffeta, Dying on the Vine is Marla's latest mystery starring wedding planner Kelsey McKenna and her adorable squad of friends and family.
When she gets roped into helping her friend Brody at the Wine Country Wedding Faire she's hoping for some free cupcakes, not new clients. But this is such a cute couple and they really need help in a hurry. Only after she agrees does she find out they fired their previous planner for being pushy.
Kelsey now has to deal with Babs-the self-proclaimed Queen of Wine Country Weddings- and while she and Babs aren't in competition, heck Babs has thrown business her way before and Kelsey is more of a destination wedding planner, but Babs assistant Stefan, is not as nice or helpful as Babs.
When Babs turns up dead from unnatural causes, Stefan is screaming to the entire world that it is Kelsey's fault! Now our girl has to get down to business and figure out who did the dastardly deed and clear her name before she is out of business!
A very funny, intelligent cosy mystery that I really enjoyed. Kelsey is a great character!
When she gets roped into helping her friend Brody at the Wine Country Wedding Faire she's hoping for some free cupcakes, not new clients. But this is such a cute couple and they really need help in a hurry. Only after she agrees does she find out they fired their previous planner for being pushy.
Kelsey now has to deal with Babs-the self-proclaimed Queen of Wine Country Weddings- and while she and Babs aren't in competition, heck Babs has thrown business her way before and Kelsey is more of a destination wedding planner, but Babs assistant Stefan, is not as nice or helpful as Babs.
When Babs turns up dead from unnatural causes, Stefan is screaming to the entire world that it is Kelsey's fault! Now our girl has to get down to business and figure out who did the dastardly deed and clear her name before she is out of business!
A very funny, intelligent cosy mystery that I really enjoyed. Kelsey is a great character!
October 14, 2022
I liked this one better than book one. Kelsey is hired by a couple to plan their wedding right after they fire their previous wedding planner. When she goes to collect the contracts from the prior planner she finds her dead and becomes a suspect. To add salt to that injury - the murdered woman’s assistant insists on publicly accusing Kelsey of being the murderer and sabotaging the wedding. What follows is Kelsey, her assistant Laurel and best friend. Brody, setting out to investigate a myriad of suspects o clear Kelsey and save the business and the wedding.
This was a good pace, funny, book filled with gossipy wedding planners and clients, angry, whiny fathers of the bride with secrets, lots of troupes I could have done without ( such as every guy being good looking) and a stone cold killer looking to make Kelsey the next victim, if she doesn’t keep her nose clean.
This was a good pace, funny, book filled with gossipy wedding planners and clients, angry, whiny fathers of the bride with secrets, lots of troupes I could have done without ( such as every guy being good looking) and a stone cold killer looking to make Kelsey the next victim, if she doesn’t keep her nose clean.
February 28, 2019
3.5/5 stars
Another easy read, classic "who done it" mixed with a bit of chick lit. Who killed Babs Norton "Queen of the Wine Country Weddings"
I enjoyed this just as much as Marla's Terror in Taffeta, which book 1 of this series.
This is the perfect pallet cleanser type of book especially if you have been reading dark books. Sometimes you need to come up for a breath of fresh air.
I do appreciate the author writing style, she does not over complicate things. No multiple POV or time jumps, she knows how to keep it fresh and simple.
I would love to see whats next for Kelsey, maybe planning her own wedding.
Another easy read, classic "who done it" mixed with a bit of chick lit. Who killed Babs Norton "Queen of the Wine Country Weddings"
I enjoyed this just as much as Marla's Terror in Taffeta, which book 1 of this series.
This is the perfect pallet cleanser type of book especially if you have been reading dark books. Sometimes you need to come up for a breath of fresh air.
I do appreciate the author writing style, she does not over complicate things. No multiple POV or time jumps, she knows how to keep it fresh and simple.
I would love to see whats next for Kelsey, maybe planning her own wedding.
March 29, 2017
I will admit that this book surprised me. I wasn't sure that I would enjoy the premise of a wedding planner but found that I really liked this one.
The characters, the setting and the mystery kept me engaged until the end. You can't get much better than twists and turns and a killer that I didn't expect.
I am looking forward to additional books in this series!
Note: I received a copy to review from the Cozy Mystery Review Crew.
The characters, the setting and the mystery kept me engaged until the end. You can't get much better than twists and turns and a killer that I didn't expect.
I am looking forward to additional books in this series!
Note: I received a copy to review from the Cozy Mystery Review Crew.
August 12, 2019
A delightful little cozy of a mystery novel. Do not read this for the mystery part, the fun is the characters and the writing style. Reading the dialogue in this book is intimate like talking to your best friend over tea or a latte. And the characters are mostly human with foibles like we all have. An excellent book for a beach read or a quiet weekend.
October 10, 2018
Once again, Marla Cooper had me busting out laughing starting on page one of the second in her Destination Wedding Series, DYING ON THE VINE. This time around, Kesley’s venue is closer to home—the Napa Valley wine country—but no easier, given that another fashionable wedding planner has wound up dead and Kesley pegged as the murderer. I can’t say enough how much I love Cooper’s snappy dialogue and fun, fast-paced plots. A big thumbs up!
January 11, 2020
Definitely better than expected.
February 28, 2017
What a great read. Without reading the first in the series I was able to follow this and get to know the main characters very easily. Dying on the Vine takes place in the California wine country where Kelsey McKenna is a wedding planner. The description made me to get on a plane and explore immediately. After a couple asks Kelsey to take over their wedding from top planner Babs Norton, the Queen of Wine Country Weddings is found dead by Kelsey. Kelsey and her friend Brody try to discover the real killer will putting together the pieces of the couples wedding. There are so many twists and turns to the investigation that it completely holds your interest till the very end. I must read more of this author's works.
March 6, 2017
As someone who owns a winery and does weddings, I was curious to read Dying on the Vine. I loved it! The characters were true to life and the various situations were ones with which I could relate. The various twists and turns kept me intrigued. If you are looking for a fun read, this is perfect. I recommend you pour a glass of your favorite wine (I did say I own a winery...), get a comfy chair and get lost in a great story.
May 4, 2017
First Sentence: There was an air of excitement as brides-to-be and their entourages streamed through the front entrance of the Wine Country Wedding Faire.
The wedding event business is competitive, but so much so that one would murder a rival business owner? After a young couple decided to switch vendors, Kelsey McKenna wants to ensure things are fine with the previous event organizer, Babs Norton. What she doesn’t expect is to find Babs murdered, and herself the prime suspect.
What a good opening where we are introduced to the characters and know a bit about their backstory. And, for the most part, the characters are delightful. She is supported by her best friend Brody, and her assistant Laurel. Brody is the friend for whom every woman wishes—“I returned with the cake and two forks and set them down on the table. Brody just stared at me. “What?” Sighing, he got up and went to the kitchen, returning with two places and a knife. “Let me show you how adult humans eat.”
The sense of place is very well done, especially for those who know this area, travelled those roads, and sampled at the wineries, even with their names being changed. There are delightful injections of humor, but one of the best scenes is Kelsey’s very natural reaction to finding a dead body.
Kelsey’s awkwardness and ineptitude at trying to do her own investigation are completely believable and refreshing. Even so, Kelsey comes across a bit less confident and/or capable than in the first book and does become involved in more than one TSTL (too stupid to live) situation.
“Dying on the Vine” is a light, airy cozy that does have a good plot twist.
DYING ON THE VINE (Cozy-Kelsey–Bay Area, CA- Contemp)-Good
Cooper, Marla – 2nd in series
Minotaur Books – April 2017
The wedding event business is competitive, but so much so that one would murder a rival business owner? After a young couple decided to switch vendors, Kelsey McKenna wants to ensure things are fine with the previous event organizer, Babs Norton. What she doesn’t expect is to find Babs murdered, and herself the prime suspect.
What a good opening where we are introduced to the characters and know a bit about their backstory. And, for the most part, the characters are delightful. She is supported by her best friend Brody, and her assistant Laurel. Brody is the friend for whom every woman wishes—“I returned with the cake and two forks and set them down on the table. Brody just stared at me. “What?” Sighing, he got up and went to the kitchen, returning with two places and a knife. “Let me show you how adult humans eat.”
The sense of place is very well done, especially for those who know this area, travelled those roads, and sampled at the wineries, even with their names being changed. There are delightful injections of humor, but one of the best scenes is Kelsey’s very natural reaction to finding a dead body.
Kelsey’s awkwardness and ineptitude at trying to do her own investigation are completely believable and refreshing. Even so, Kelsey comes across a bit less confident and/or capable than in the first book and does become involved in more than one TSTL (too stupid to live) situation.
“Dying on the Vine” is a light, airy cozy that does have a good plot twist.
DYING ON THE VINE (Cozy-Kelsey–Bay Area, CA- Contemp)-Good
Cooper, Marla – 2nd in series
Minotaur Books – April 2017
February 5, 2018
3.5 stars
The investigative exploits of Kelsey McKenna, wedding planner, are fun to read. This time around Kelsey is a suspect when she stumbles upon the body of a competitor.
Lots of humor and appealing characters. I did find the ending a little slapdash and was disappointed by increasing Too Stupid To Live moments by Kelsey nearing the end.
The investigative exploits of Kelsey McKenna, wedding planner, are fun to read. This time around Kelsey is a suspect when she stumbles upon the body of a competitor.
Lots of humor and appealing characters. I did find the ending a little slapdash and was disappointed by increasing Too Stupid To Live moments by Kelsey nearing the end.
April 12, 2018
I got bored about 2/3 of the way through and skipped to the end to find out who the killer was. This is something I NEVER do. Then I went back and skimmed the parts I missed. Meh.
March 19, 2017
Dying on the Vine is the latest novel by Marla Cooper. This is the second book in Kelsey McKenna Destination Wedding Mysteries. Kelsey McKenna is a destination wedding planner in San Francisco, California. She is attending the Wine Country Wedding Faire to assist her friend, Brody, a wedding photographer. He has a booth at the fair and needs extra assistance. In the afternoon, Brody introduces Kelsey to Haley Bennett and Christopher Riegert. They are in desperate need of a wedding planner for their event in four weeks at the Higgins Estate. Kelsey agrees to meet them the next morning. The day is going well until she runs into the obnoxious Stefan Pierce, assist to Babs Norton of Weddings by Babs. Stefan seems to delight in being rude, condescending and nasty. Kelsey is glad when she escapes his presence. The next day she meets with her new clients. It turns out that they originally had Babs as their wedding planner until Haley’s father fired her. Kelsey bites the bullet and calls Babs. Babs agrees to meet Kelsey the next morning and turn over the files on the wedding (the bride knows none of the details regarding her wedding). Kelsey picks up pastries along the way. Kelsey hits the buzzer and receives no answer. She finally sneaks in when someone exits. The door to the offices is open and Kelsey enters when no one responds. Kelsey is startled when a phone rings and the pastries go flying around the room. She gets down on the floor to pick them up and discovers Babs dead behind the couch. Kelsey manages to call the police despite her fright. She attends Babs’ funeral with her assistant Laurel and is invited back to Babs house afterward by the deceased sister, Margot. Stefan is not pleased by Kelsey’s attendance and announces to one and all that she killed Babs. When this announcement affects her business, Kelsey starts searching for the real killer. Kelsey will need to be cautious since it seems to be open season on wedding planners. The killer strikes down another one and, if Kelsey keeps poking around, she could be next.
Dying on the Vine is a humorous cozy mystery that has more of the cozy element. I found the book to be easy to read with a good flow. The main character owns her own business, is clumsy, babbles when nervous, and prefers to avoid confrontations (uncomfortable situations, people she does not like, etc.). I prefer strong female characters who are intelligent and confident (especially when they own their own business). While this is the second book in the series, it can be read alone. Terror in Taffeta is the first book in this series. I give Dying on the Vine 3 out of 5 stars. It is just not my type of book. I am not a fan of the inane humor in Dying on the Vine. It had me rolling my eyes until I gave myself a headache. The mystery was complex (which is why I gave it a 3) and many readers will not guess the identity of the killer. The descriptions of the wine country were lovely. I can see why brides like to have weddings in Napa Valley. If you enjoy comical cozy mysteries, then I suggest you give Dying on the Vine a try.
Dying on the Vine is a humorous cozy mystery that has more of the cozy element. I found the book to be easy to read with a good flow. The main character owns her own business, is clumsy, babbles when nervous, and prefers to avoid confrontations (uncomfortable situations, people she does not like, etc.). I prefer strong female characters who are intelligent and confident (especially when they own their own business). While this is the second book in the series, it can be read alone. Terror in Taffeta is the first book in this series. I give Dying on the Vine 3 out of 5 stars. It is just not my type of book. I am not a fan of the inane humor in Dying on the Vine. It had me rolling my eyes until I gave myself a headache. The mystery was complex (which is why I gave it a 3) and many readers will not guess the identity of the killer. The descriptions of the wine country were lovely. I can see why brides like to have weddings in Napa Valley. If you enjoy comical cozy mysteries, then I suggest you give Dying on the Vine a try.
December 21, 2017
Review was originally posted on The Writer's Inkwell
Kelsey McKenna is a destinations wedding planner, however, this particular story takes place where she lives. The story begins with her helping her best friend, Brody, work a wedding faire and ends in a near death experience.
Kelsey is use to the craziness of bridezillas, but when she discovers the body of a fellow wedding planner, she finds herself surrounded in a cloud of suspicion. Especially when she discovers that her new clients were originally clients of the murder victim. This leaves Kelsey balancing a murder investigation and wedding planning, which of course, is a recipe for disaster.
Kelsey is one of those characters who tries her best to solve the murder, clear her name, and keep her clients happy. Yet, all of her efforts leave her looking more guilty and further in harm’s way. This is especially true as Brody, Laurel, and Kelsey try to take a book from crime solving television shows. They even go as far as to create a murder board, which would have been a great idea, if one of Kelsey’s clients wasn’t a suspect.
I still wouldn’t classify this as a cozy mystery. But it’s an enjoyable murder mystery and at the end of the day, the fact that Kelsey doesn’t have a cop sidekick, works so well in this book’s favor. This is truly an amateur sleuth who is trying to clear her own name and solve a mystery. I think that’s why these books appeal to me and I look forward to reading more.
I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for a review.
All opinions of the book are my own.
Kelsey McKenna is a destinations wedding planner, however, this particular story takes place where she lives. The story begins with her helping her best friend, Brody, work a wedding faire and ends in a near death experience.
Kelsey is use to the craziness of bridezillas, but when she discovers the body of a fellow wedding planner, she finds herself surrounded in a cloud of suspicion. Especially when she discovers that her new clients were originally clients of the murder victim. This leaves Kelsey balancing a murder investigation and wedding planning, which of course, is a recipe for disaster.
Kelsey is one of those characters who tries her best to solve the murder, clear her name, and keep her clients happy. Yet, all of her efforts leave her looking more guilty and further in harm’s way. This is especially true as Brody, Laurel, and Kelsey try to take a book from crime solving television shows. They even go as far as to create a murder board, which would have been a great idea, if one of Kelsey’s clients wasn’t a suspect.
I still wouldn’t classify this as a cozy mystery. But it’s an enjoyable murder mystery and at the end of the day, the fact that Kelsey doesn’t have a cop sidekick, works so well in this book’s favor. This is truly an amateur sleuth who is trying to clear her own name and solve a mystery. I think that’s why these books appeal to me and I look forward to reading more.
I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for a review.
All opinions of the book are my own.
December 24, 2016
The wedding planning business in the San Francisco area is booming. One planner, Babs Norton, specialized in weddings in local vineyards and was considered the "queen" of Wine Country weddings. So when a new client contacted Kelsey at a bridal show and asked for Kelsey's help with a wedding 4 weeks away, there were many questions. Kelsey learned that the bride's father was paying for the event and had fired Babs Norton, the original wedding planner.
Kelsey contacted Babs and asked for the wedding files and a meeting at Babs office was set. However when Kelsey arrived Babs was dead. So begins the story as Kelsey finds herself a suspect in the murder and sets out to clear her name and find the real murderer.
This book gives the reader background information on the wedding planning business as well as vineyards in Napa and Sonoma which serve as event spaces for weddings and other gatherings.
Kelsey contacted Babs and asked for the wedding files and a meeting at Babs office was set. However when Kelsey arrived Babs was dead. So begins the story as Kelsey finds herself a suspect in the murder and sets out to clear her name and find the real murderer.
This book gives the reader background information on the wedding planning business as well as vineyards in Napa and Sonoma which serve as event spaces for weddings and other gatherings.
March 26, 2017
Kelsey a destination wedding planner is in San Francisco at a Wine Country Wedding assisting her freind Brody, a wedding photographer. He has a booth and needs help. Later Brody introduces Kelsey to Haley and Christopher. They are in a need of a wedding planner and who else would be great but Kelsey!
We have Stefan who is the assistant to Babs of Weddings By Babs and who is a pain for Kelsey. She escapes his wrath to find out Kaley and Christopher were to use Babs until Haley's father fired her. Since the bride has no clue what Babs had planned she agrees to meet with Kelsey the next morning, but what does Kelsey find? A dead Babs behind the couch. At the funeral Stefan announces to all who can hear that Kelsey killed Babs. This makes Kelsey find the real killer.
Kelsey with the help of Brody go off to find the real killer.
Characters are great and glad to see them again in book 2. Looking forward to book 3 and see what happens.
Received book for the blog tour and these are my own opinions and read voluntarily.
We have Stefan who is the assistant to Babs of Weddings By Babs and who is a pain for Kelsey. She escapes his wrath to find out Kaley and Christopher were to use Babs until Haley's father fired her. Since the bride has no clue what Babs had planned she agrees to meet with Kelsey the next morning, but what does Kelsey find? A dead Babs behind the couch. At the funeral Stefan announces to all who can hear that Kelsey killed Babs. This makes Kelsey find the real killer.
Kelsey with the help of Brody go off to find the real killer.
Characters are great and glad to see them again in book 2. Looking forward to book 3 and see what happens.
Received book for the blog tour and these are my own opinions and read voluntarily.
March 13, 2017
Dying on the Vine: A Mystery (Kelsey McKenna Destination Wedding Mysteries #2) by Marla Cooper Dying on the Vine is the 2nd book in the Kelsey McKenna Destination Wedding Mysteries. I read book one and liked it very much. I have to say book 2 is even better then book 1, Terror in Taffeta. I like that in a series, When the next book is better then the previous book. It definitely will keep me coming back for the next book. I am gad that Marla kept the main characters from book 1 and kept them the same. I like to get to know the main characters in a series and have them basically the same. I also like getting to know them a bit better with each book and Mara has done that as well. Who knew wedding planning was so cut throat? Kelsey has a new client and will be her "Day Of" planner for the wedding at the elite Higgins Winery. After talking to the client she finds out that rival wedding planner Bab's Norton was the original wedding planner. Kelsey calls Bab's to not only get her blessing before signing on the client but to also ask for the files she has for the wedding since it is mainly planned already. The next morning Kelsey goes to meet with Bab's where she finds her dead behind the couch. Bab's assistant Stefan who hates Kelsey for some unknown reason starts passing rumors that Kelsey killed Bab's. Kelsey is not going to take this laying down. She enlists the help of her best friend and wedding photographer Brody to help her find the real killer and clear her name before her life and business is ruined because of the rumors.Keep up the good work Marla. I will personally be waiting for book 3 in the series to see what wedding planner/armature detective Kelsey McKenna gets into next, and what destination wedding she will be planning as well.
July 10, 2017
Second in the Destination Wedding series, following Terror in Taffeta. When Kelsey McKenna steps in to rescue a wedding after the famous Babs Norton is fired, she finds a body and has more problems than the last minute wedding details in the Napa Valley. When she becomes a suspect, she has more than curiosity as motivation to solve the crime. A handsome wine maker adds the love interest, but Kelsey is more than busy with her business and a murderer to find. With Napa and the wine country as a setting, this is an appealing cozy genre mystery.
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