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Sadie Kramer Flair #1
A Flair for Chardonnay
When flamboyant senior sleuth Sadie Kramer learns the owner of Cioccolato, her favorite chocolate shop, is in trouble, she heads for the California wine country with a tote-bagged Yorkie and a slew of questions. The fourth generation Tremiato Winery promises answers, but not before a dead body turns up at the vintners’ scheduled Harvest Festival. All four Tremiato siblings have possible motives, as well as a few peripheral acquaintances, but only one could be the guilty party. As Sadie juggles truffles, tips and turmoil, she’ll need to sort the grapes from the wrath in order to find the identity of the killer.
193 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 13, 2016
1242 people are currently reading
695 people want to read
About the author
Deborah Garner
36 books883 followersDeborah Garner is an accomplished travel writer with a passion for back roads and secret hideaways. Born and raised in California, she studied in France before returning to the U.S. to attend UCLA. After stints in graduate school and teaching, she attempted to clone herself for decades by founding and running a dance and performing arts center, designing and manufacturing clothing and accessories, and tackling both spreadsheets and display racks for corporate retail management. Her passions include photography, hiking and animal rescue. She speaks five languages, some substantially better than others. She now divides her time between California and Wyoming, dragging one human and two canines along whenever possible.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 142 reviews
April 3, 2019
A Flair for Chardonnay by Deborah Garner was an interesting afternoon read for me. The smoothly paced plot with Ms. Garner's descriptive writing introduced Sadie quite well. I found Sadie to be an interesting character who enjoys life and loves to solve mysteries.
December 29, 2023
Sadie Kramer has always had flair when putting outfits together, and using that flair and passion for fashion, she created and opened Flair, a fashion boutique. With the variety of store merchandise, she's inspiring others to discover their self-expression and enjoy their unique fashion sense. Matteo Tremiato is a chocolatier with a business next door. With a mutual interest in business and as Sadie loves chocolate, it was easy to imagine her becoming friends with Matteo and naming her little Yorkie Coco. Sadie's curiosity takes her on a road trip to the Tremiato Winery, not realizing how important the timing of her road trip would become to Matteo and his family.
I loved the names of the stores, Flair and Cioccolata. From the descriptions of Sadie's outfits and chocolate that makes taste buds crave delectable confections, it's easy to imagine the delight of being a customer of the establishments. The investigation has red herrings until the motive, means, and opportunity are skillfully blended for the reveal.
My one disappointment is that the storyline exhibits one of my highest pet peeves in cozy mysteries where the entrepreneur is rarely at the business and, even when physically present, is more interested in deciding on the next sleuthing steps.
I loved the names of the stores, Flair and Cioccolata. From the descriptions of Sadie's outfits and chocolate that makes taste buds crave delectable confections, it's easy to imagine the delight of being a customer of the establishments. The investigation has red herrings until the motive, means, and opportunity are skillfully blended for the reveal.
My one disappointment is that the storyline exhibits one of my highest pet peeves in cozy mysteries where the entrepreneur is rarely at the business and, even when physically present, is more interested in deciding on the next sleuthing steps.
February 20, 2021
I have just started this series. I love it! I look forward to reading the rest of the books in the series. As always, Deborah Garner has written a very enjoyable mystery.
July 24, 2019
Follow the chocolate
A very good new series. Sadie Kramer simply cannot resist a mystery. She is off to wind country to help a friend and finds anew murder to solve. Great characters and a very strong plot.
Delicious recipes included with each book.
A very good new series. Sadie Kramer simply cannot resist a mystery. She is off to wind country to help a friend and finds anew murder to solve. Great characters and a very strong plot.
Delicious recipes included with each book.
November 12, 2020
I really enjoyed this story! Many interesting characters, especially the MC, Sadie. And now I'm craving chocolate. LOL
August 16, 2020
A delightful summer read
This was an excellent cozy mystery. Sadie the fashionista sleuth and her impeccable pup really stole the show. The scene and culinary and outfits descriptions were vivid, dialogue very well written and entertaining, and one is immediately sucked into the sounds and scents of the story. Would read more in this series.
This was an excellent cozy mystery. Sadie the fashionista sleuth and her impeccable pup really stole the show. The scene and culinary and outfits descriptions were vivid, dialogue very well written and entertaining, and one is immediately sucked into the sounds and scents of the story. Would read more in this series.
June 3, 2016
A Mystery With Flair! A Flair for Chardonnay is the first book in a series that features Sadie Kramer and her sidekick, Coco, a little dog, a Yorkie, who she carries in a little tote bag and is a faithful companion and a very well-behaved one at that. Sadie owns a boutique in San Francisco, right next door to Mateo who is a chocolatier. Sadie does love her chocolates and is not ashamed to admit it. She also has a flair for putting together outfits for her customers of her shop Flair, named for her love of style and adventure.
Mateo and his family own Tremiato Winery in St. Vincent’s Hollow. Even though Mateo is part owner of the winery, his passion is chocolates so he has no part in the daily running of the winery which is a bone of contention to his siblings. They feel he should be assisting in the business. Sadie is concerned about her neighbor after hearing him on the phone arguing with someone so she decides to visit the winery. Her mission is twofold, to find out what may be bothering Mateo and a mini vacation, so she leaves the running of her shop to her trusted employee and off she goes.
At the winery she meets the family, they do not know at this point that she is a friend of Mateo's. While she is there though there is a murder on the premises and that is where the mystery begins. The family had been negotiating to sell the winery but Mateo doesn't want to sell so when a dead body turns up, everyone in the family is suspect.
With Sadie's skill for detective work, she is determined to find out what happened and why? This is when the story gets interesting, even though Sadie is not a detective, just a concerned and nosy friend, she is able to put the clues together and figure out who the killer is.
This is a fun cozy mystery, filled with character and "flair". Written very well with interesting characters and a back story of a seemingly dysfunctional family. Who was the murdered person and why was he killed at the winery and what was his connection to the Tremiato family? Well for these answers you need to read the book! I look forward to reading the next installment in the Sadie Kramer Flair Mystery series.
Mateo and his family own Tremiato Winery in St. Vincent’s Hollow. Even though Mateo is part owner of the winery, his passion is chocolates so he has no part in the daily running of the winery which is a bone of contention to his siblings. They feel he should be assisting in the business. Sadie is concerned about her neighbor after hearing him on the phone arguing with someone so she decides to visit the winery. Her mission is twofold, to find out what may be bothering Mateo and a mini vacation, so she leaves the running of her shop to her trusted employee and off she goes.
At the winery she meets the family, they do not know at this point that she is a friend of Mateo's. While she is there though there is a murder on the premises and that is where the mystery begins. The family had been negotiating to sell the winery but Mateo doesn't want to sell so when a dead body turns up, everyone in the family is suspect.
With Sadie's skill for detective work, she is determined to find out what happened and why? This is when the story gets interesting, even though Sadie is not a detective, just a concerned and nosy friend, she is able to put the clues together and figure out who the killer is.
This is a fun cozy mystery, filled with character and "flair". Written very well with interesting characters and a back story of a seemingly dysfunctional family. Who was the murdered person and why was he killed at the winery and what was his connection to the Tremiato family? Well for these answers you need to read the book! I look forward to reading the next installment in the Sadie Kramer Flair Mystery series.
May 22, 2016
Sadie Kramer believes life should be lived with "FLAIR" -- for style, adventure, for interesting and extravagant flavors, especially specialty chocolates.
She has four "C's" to live by and a very special personal fifth "C," Coco, her secret tote bag companion. It is the curiosity "C" that draws Sadie into this present predicament. Responding uninvited to an aggitated, overheard, phone conversation she heads off for an upscale community centered on vineyards and family dynamics overwhelmingly complex and confusing. We deliciously get to appreciate an environment many of us will never visit.
The writing sets the tone for tension and uncertainty, making characters cold or compassionate. I enjoyed the description of shop assistant Amber over caffeinated and how the author expresses appreciation for modern technology through Sadie's thoughts:
Now she could just tap questions into a keyboard. Wearing fuzzy slippers and polka dot pajamas, no less!
The only flaw I perceived in the plot was insufficient strength of the planted clue.
I did have to look back and see the relationship to the crime scene.
I enjoyed my time with Sadie, Amber and Coco as well as the time in wine country.
She has four "C's" to live by and a very special personal fifth "C," Coco, her secret tote bag companion. It is the curiosity "C" that draws Sadie into this present predicament. Responding uninvited to an aggitated, overheard, phone conversation she heads off for an upscale community centered on vineyards and family dynamics overwhelmingly complex and confusing. We deliciously get to appreciate an environment many of us will never visit.
The writing sets the tone for tension and uncertainty, making characters cold or compassionate. I enjoyed the description of shop assistant Amber over caffeinated and how the author expresses appreciation for modern technology through Sadie's thoughts:
Now she could just tap questions into a keyboard. Wearing fuzzy slippers and polka dot pajamas, no less!
The only flaw I perceived in the plot was insufficient strength of the planted clue.
I did have to look back and see the relationship to the crime scene.
I enjoyed my time with Sadie, Amber and Coco as well as the time in wine country.
January 26, 2019
This was a fun start to a cute cozy series! It was pretty straightforward and I figured out the murderer, but Sadie and her dog, Coco, are fun to "watch". Sadie has a flair for life and is addicted to chocolate so having her clothing shop located next door to a gourmet chocolate shop is a perfect choice for this energetic senior. The owner of the chocolate shop, Matteo, finds his family and himself in a bit of hot water when someone is found murdered at the family winery. Sadie takes it upon herself to sort out the truth. One thing I especially like is that Sadie doesn't think she's better than the police and lets them know what she knows when she figures things out. It would be nice if more cozies did this.
November 4, 2018
The author thanks her editor for exceptional editing. I disagree
To begin with, the “victim” seemed totally random, with no reason to connect with him. Then there were the endless and quickly boring details about how many and what kind of chocolates Sadie ate. Then she sneaks her dog into totally inappropriate places, like the wine tasting room. Add in a dysfunctional winery family, a clothing boutique, a bed and breakfast, and the winery family member’s chocolate store, and the tedious minutiae went on and on. I had to start skimming so I could force myself to finish. Ended the book with the same feeling of disconnect as I started. Unlikely to read more by this author.
To begin with, the “victim” seemed totally random, with no reason to connect with him. Then there were the endless and quickly boring details about how many and what kind of chocolates Sadie ate. Then she sneaks her dog into totally inappropriate places, like the wine tasting room. Add in a dysfunctional winery family, a clothing boutique, a bed and breakfast, and the winery family member’s chocolate store, and the tedious minutiae went on and on. I had to start skimming so I could force myself to finish. Ended the book with the same feeling of disconnect as I started. Unlikely to read more by this author.
September 23, 2018
A bit disappointed
This story line has definite problems especially in the impossible ending. The characterization is also flat with surface personalities. No depth, no real excitement, and no recommendation.
This story line has definite problems especially in the impossible ending. The characterization is also flat with surface personalities. No depth, no real excitement, and no recommendation.
September 28, 2018
I like the friendship between Matteo and Sadie and that she's willing to go see his family to try to determine what has him upset. I have to admit to understanding the love of chocolate and the love of good food moreso than the love of wine and the fashion flair aspects of the book. Sometimes the descriptions of the clothes and accessories got a bit tedious for me.
It's a wonder Sadie finds time to run her shop--and it's a good thing she has an understanding and capable assistant, because Sadie seems gone from her shop more than she's there in this book.
Coco seems to be a cute dog, but I think Sadie overdoes it with carrying her almost everywhere in a tote. I also never figured out if Tina knew Sadie was keeping Coco in the room. I can kind of understand Sadie talking to the dog, but I always feel it is a bit of a stretch when authors start making it seem like animals participate in solving the problems.
I did not guess the killer until it was revealed--and I'm still not quite sure how Sadie put the pin and the pen together with the killer.
It's a wonder Sadie finds time to run her shop--and it's a good thing she has an understanding and capable assistant, because Sadie seems gone from her shop more than she's there in this book.
Coco seems to be a cute dog, but I think Sadie overdoes it with carrying her almost everywhere in a tote. I also never figured out if Tina knew Sadie was keeping Coco in the room. I can kind of understand Sadie talking to the dog, but I always feel it is a bit of a stretch when authors start making it seem like animals participate in solving the problems.
I did not guess the killer until it was revealed--and I'm still not quite sure how Sadie put the pin and the pen together with the killer.
August 23, 2019
Sadie Kramer runs a boutique called Flair in San Francisco. Besides chocolate and fashion, she loves to dig into mysteries surrounding people.
Her neighbor Matteo, owner of Cioccolato, her favorite chocolate shop, is known for his chocolates. Rather than take over his family’s wine business, the Tremiato Winery after his father’s passing, as expected he instead chooses to follow his passion to become a chocolatier, much to the consternation of his family. This has driven a wedge between him and his family.
Sadie has noticed her neighbor’s seemed preoccupied lately about the winery. When she picks up some snippets from a phone conversation, she soon learns he’s in trouble, and it has something to do with the wine estate. Eager to help a friend, Sadie heads for his family wine estate in California with her Yorkie, Coco looking for answers.
At the vineyard/winery, she meets Matteo’s family—his mother, his brothers, Angelo and Stefano, and Luisa, his sister. Unbeknownst to them, they give her a warm welcome, a brief wine tasting tour, and they put her up in a bed and breakfast 🛌 🥞 run by Stefano’s wife. They also invite her to their annual Harvest Festival.
The next day, Sadie arrives at the Tremiato winery for the festival and instead is greeted by police cars 🚔 at the parking lot. A man has been murdered behind the Tremiato fermentation building. Before he was murdered, the victim made a bid to purchase the Tremiato Winery, but his offer was turned down following a dispute among the family members.
Back in San Francisco, according to Amber, Sadie’s assistant, Matteo’s shop has been closed since she left. Does his disappearance have anything to do with the events at the winery?
Her neighbor Matteo, owner of Cioccolato, her favorite chocolate shop, is known for his chocolates. Rather than take over his family’s wine business, the Tremiato Winery after his father’s passing, as expected he instead chooses to follow his passion to become a chocolatier, much to the consternation of his family. This has driven a wedge between him and his family.
Sadie has noticed her neighbor’s seemed preoccupied lately about the winery. When she picks up some snippets from a phone conversation, she soon learns he’s in trouble, and it has something to do with the wine estate. Eager to help a friend, Sadie heads for his family wine estate in California with her Yorkie, Coco looking for answers.
At the vineyard/winery, she meets Matteo’s family—his mother, his brothers, Angelo and Stefano, and Luisa, his sister. Unbeknownst to them, they give her a warm welcome, a brief wine tasting tour, and they put her up in a bed and breakfast 🛌 🥞 run by Stefano’s wife. They also invite her to their annual Harvest Festival.
The next day, Sadie arrives at the Tremiato winery for the festival and instead is greeted by police cars 🚔 at the parking lot. A man has been murdered behind the Tremiato fermentation building. Before he was murdered, the victim made a bid to purchase the Tremiato Winery, but his offer was turned down following a dispute among the family members.
Back in San Francisco, according to Amber, Sadie’s assistant, Matteo’s shop has been closed since she left. Does his disappearance have anything to do with the events at the winery?
January 3, 2020
This is the first book I have read this year, and I enjoyed it. It is about a woman who owns a fashion shop notices one of her shop-neighbours, a chocolatier called Matteo, has had an argument with his family and decides to investigate. Before long, a murder has occurred and it looks like Matteo may be the guilty party.
This was an enjoyable book, a cosy murder mystery, with a laid-back pace of Sadie and her dog Coco. It kept me reading, as I wasn't sure who the real murderer was, and all loose ends were neatly tied up at the end of the book.
The only negative to this book was that it referred to Sadie's sleuthing, and the fact that detectives were refusing to come to her for guidance, - making me think I had started halfway through a series - when in fact this is indeed the first of 4 books. I think it just means that rather than a flamboyant senior sleuth, Sadie Kramer is a nosey-parker who likes to get involved in other people's business.
I'm glad I read it, nonetheless.
This was an enjoyable book, a cosy murder mystery, with a laid-back pace of Sadie and her dog Coco. It kept me reading, as I wasn't sure who the real murderer was, and all loose ends were neatly tied up at the end of the book.
The only negative to this book was that it referred to Sadie's sleuthing, and the fact that detectives were refusing to come to her for guidance, - making me think I had started halfway through a series - when in fact this is indeed the first of 4 books. I think it just means that rather than a flamboyant senior sleuth, Sadie Kramer is a nosey-parker who likes to get involved in other people's business.
I'm glad I read it, nonetheless.
July 16, 2022
Long build up to a very lack-luster conclusion. Also, the murderer “disguises” themself to plant a clue, which seems unrealistic. This book described Sadie’s outfits and food choices in far more detail than any of the other characters making them seem flat. The only ones she does mention are inexplicably assuming their spouse accused them of murder (seems pretty serious) and then later inexplicably over it. Lastly, ignoring the habit she has of carrying around a bag that she talks to and is big enough to comfortably house a Yorkie that no one seems to notice, the main character mentions no less than five times that the murderer could be (but she hopes it isn’t) her neighbor and friend. The reader knows it isn’t and is not going to fall for this no matter how many times it’s suggested.
April 13, 2021
I've had this book for such a long time and finally got around to reading it. I got such a kick out of Sadie being such a stylin' older lady who carried her Yorkie everywhere in a designer bag. It was hilarious when people thought she was talking to the bag, since the dog's name was Coco! But she sure managed to take the pup to places you'd never normally think of taking one and played along if people thought she was talking to the bag. Coco was a well-behaved little girl though.
What a crazy and sometimes a bit confusing mystery with some great red herrings that fooled me to the point of not knowing whodunit until Sadie figured it out. I'm pretty sure I have the rest of the series, so I hope I don't make myself wait four years to read the next one!
What a crazy and sometimes a bit confusing mystery with some great red herrings that fooled me to the point of not knowing whodunit until Sadie figured it out. I'm pretty sure I have the rest of the series, so I hope I don't make myself wait four years to read the next one!
April 24, 2025
A FLAIR for CHARDONNAY
A Sadie Kramer Flair Mystery
DEBORAH GARNER
Review by Author Roy Murry
Sadie is not the person one would think of as a sleuth. She is a flamboyant woman, a chocolate addict, and the owner of a dress shop.
Her shop, FLAIR, is next door to a chocolate boutique, whose owner is also part of a family winery. Sadie visits the winery for a weekend getaway when a murder occurs.
Sadie's relationship with the owner of the chocolate boutique gets her involved. After making several trips to the winery and meeting all the family members and police involved with the murder, she solves the case using logic that none of the people saw or investigated—an outsider is the criminal.
That outsider is in plain sight but not considered.
Easy reading to follow.
A Sadie Kramer Flair Mystery
DEBORAH GARNER
Review by Author Roy Murry
Sadie is not the person one would think of as a sleuth. She is a flamboyant woman, a chocolate addict, and the owner of a dress shop.
Her shop, FLAIR, is next door to a chocolate boutique, whose owner is also part of a family winery. Sadie visits the winery for a weekend getaway when a murder occurs.
Sadie's relationship with the owner of the chocolate boutique gets her involved. After making several trips to the winery and meeting all the family members and police involved with the murder, she solves the case using logic that none of the people saw or investigated—an outsider is the criminal.
That outsider is in plain sight but not considered.
Easy reading to follow.
June 27, 2025
Wine, anyone?
When Sadie heads to wine country to find out why her friend Mateo is so upset, she arrives at the family winery just before a body is found in the fermentation room.
Sadie finds a family that is fragmented with only their love for the three-generation business in common. The dead man was a pushy salesman who was unable to entice the family to sell the business and had no reason to be where he was found.
Who killed him? Why? What secrets are hidden in the past? Sadie gets pulled into the questions as she and Coco, her little princess seek and find, those answers and more.
A fun read that stretches the mind of the reader to follow the twists and turns to the end.
When Sadie heads to wine country to find out why her friend Mateo is so upset, she arrives at the family winery just before a body is found in the fermentation room.
Sadie finds a family that is fragmented with only their love for the three-generation business in common. The dead man was a pushy salesman who was unable to entice the family to sell the business and had no reason to be where he was found.
Who killed him? Why? What secrets are hidden in the past? Sadie gets pulled into the questions as she and Coco, her little princess seek and find, those answers and more.
A fun read that stretches the mind of the reader to follow the twists and turns to the end.
September 19, 2018
Enjoyed the book very much. Was going to congratulate Ms. Garner for publishing a book without errors (which I RARELY find), but then I came to the part where Detective Hudson handcuffs Nick Perry. It then reads:
Stefano shook free of Detective Hudson and backed off, turning to Sadie. "How did you know?"
Thereby, committing an unforgiveable faux pas - exchanging character's names. And giving a big red mark to Elizabeth Christy, who edited the book.
Fortunately, I found the book enjoyable and surprisingly enough only found that one error, so I look forward to reading the next book in this series (which I sincerely hope will contain NO errors at all).
Stefano shook free of Detective Hudson and backed off, turning to Sadie. "How did you know?"
Thereby, committing an unforgiveable faux pas - exchanging character's names. And giving a big red mark to Elizabeth Christy, who edited the book.
Fortunately, I found the book enjoyable and surprisingly enough only found that one error, so I look forward to reading the next book in this series (which I sincerely hope will contain NO errors at all).
December 11, 2020
I really enjoyed Deborah's book, A Flair for Chardonnay. Mystery, chocolate, and wine. What a fun combination! Sadie Kramer and her Yorkie, Coco, go on an exploratory excursion to Tremiato Winery. Sadie knows that something is "up" with her chocolatier friend, Matteo Tremiato. While she is staying at his sister-in-law Tina's b &b, Tina discovers the body of 54 year old Simon Flanagan from Sacramento. This puts Sadie's sleuthing into high gear! This book has lots of possible suspects, interesting characters, and it has set the stage for more adventures to come. I live in Northern CA, near Sacramento, so I liked the location too!
October 25, 2021
A delightful cosy mystery
I've always loved the Paige McKenzie mysteries so was delighted to find another series by the same author. The characters were well conceived. Sadie is a strong independent woman who own a fashionable dress shop and has an affinity for solving puzzles. Her shop assistant Amber is always happy to cover for her boss when some detecting needs to be done. I especially enjoyed the Italian family interactions and complicated relationships. I will be reading more of this series.
I've always loved the Paige McKenzie mysteries so was delighted to find another series by the same author. The characters were well conceived. Sadie is a strong independent woman who own a fashionable dress shop and has an affinity for solving puzzles. Her shop assistant Amber is always happy to cover for her boss when some detecting needs to be done. I especially enjoyed the Italian family interactions and complicated relationships. I will be reading more of this series.
March 11, 2024
A Flair for Chardonnay by Deborah Garner is the first book in the Sadie Kramer Flair mystery series. Sadie Kramer, owner of Flair, a clothing boutique overhears her Chocolate Shop neighbor having problems regarding the family winery and decides to attend their coming festival only to become involved in a murder investigation when a body is found the next morning. A short, sweet mystery. Sadie is a bit strange,smuggling her little dog Coco everywhere with her in her bag, and her reasons for investigating nonexistent apart from curiosity. Light and fluffy.
September 19, 2018
Just okay
I like the main character, Sadie, although she needed to be "fleshed out" more. I know she's flamboyant in her style and col o r choices, but I learned nothing about her as a person, specifically. All the businesses in the wine country became a little confusing since each had same or very similar words in their names. It wasn't an exciting story that I couldnt put d o wn, but worth reading.
I like the main character, Sadie, although she needed to be "fleshed out" more. I know she's flamboyant in her style and col o r choices, but I learned nothing about her as a person, specifically. All the businesses in the wine country became a little confusing since each had same or very similar words in their names. It wasn't an exciting story that I couldnt put d o wn, but worth reading.
September 22, 2018
A Flair for A Good Mystery
Sadie Kramer is a complete hoot! She has a nose for solving a mystery. The book is well-written, without the usual little typographical errors I find in many of these type of books, and the ending came as somewhat of a surprise, although the hints pointing at the guilty party were certainly there once I thought about it in retrospect. Definitely a good read.
Sadie Kramer is a complete hoot! She has a nose for solving a mystery. The book is well-written, without the usual little typographical errors I find in many of these type of books, and the ending came as somewhat of a surprise, although the hints pointing at the guilty party were certainly there once I thought about it in retrospect. Definitely a good read.
September 23, 2018
This is the first in the series and the first time reading this author. The main character is Sadie who owns a little boutique next door to Matteo . Now Matteo owns a fancy handmade chocolate shop but his family owns a winery. When Sadie hears there is trouble up at the winery she heads up there to see if she can helps and ends up trying to solve a murder. She is quite the characte but she does figure it ou and boy I didn't see that ending. Look forward to more of he adventures.
February 15, 2020
Disappointed
This is the first book of this series I've read. I found myself worrying about the poor Yorkie instead of enjoying the story. She was never fed a meal and only given water once in the story although we are told she had water and food dishes. She was taken for a walk twice in the week long time period of the book. Her bathroom habits were not mentioned. If Ann animal is part of the story I expect it to be cared for.
This is the first book of this series I've read. I found myself worrying about the poor Yorkie instead of enjoying the story. She was never fed a meal and only given water once in the story although we are told she had water and food dishes. She was taken for a walk twice in the week long time period of the book. Her bathroom habits were not mentioned. If Ann animal is part of the story I expect it to be cared for.
June 16, 2021
Sadie is a gem! She dresses to please herself and so the colors are bright and the accessories are unique. This time she, and her good friend, Matteo, the chocolatier, are in wine country. A person is murdered and Matteo and his entire family are suspects. Sadie and her faithful dog, Coco, are undaunted as they investigate. Is Matt involved, or his sister or a brother?
The story is intriguing as it involves family jealousies and misunderstandings.
The story is intriguing as it involves family jealousies and misunderstandings.
March 21, 2023
A cute cozy mystery!
This was a short cozy mystery. It was easy and fast to read. I enjoyed the book.
Sadie is a sleuth who helps Matteo with his family winery in Napa Valley California. He went up to see what was going on with the winery and landed into a murder mystery.
The book was filled with receipts and good chocolate, made by Matteo!
I would recommend it to all cozy mystery lover.
This was a short cozy mystery. It was easy and fast to read. I enjoyed the book.
Sadie is a sleuth who helps Matteo with his family winery in Napa Valley California. He went up to see what was going on with the winery and landed into a murder mystery.
The book was filled with receipts and good chocolate, made by Matteo!
I would recommend it to all cozy mystery lover.
June 1, 2018
A Fun, not scary, mystery
While mysteries may not usually be considered fun, I found A Flair for Chardonnay to be a light "cozy" book with no blood and gore. I enjoyed Sadie's sleuthing abilities as well as her love of all things chocolate. I will certainly be reading more of Deborah Garners books.
While mysteries may not usually be considered fun, I found A Flair for Chardonnay to be a light "cozy" book with no blood and gore. I enjoyed Sadie's sleuthing abilities as well as her love of all things chocolate. I will certainly be reading more of Deborah Garners books.
June 3, 2018
I wanted a light read; a fun book with which to start my summer. This was it. A good mystery which I didn’t figure out with interesting characters. I could see this series becoming a hallmark mystery series. Living in the Bay Area, so near the Napa wine country, and in the Livermore Valley wine country, I enjoyed the winery setting.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 142 reviews