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Wine Country Mysteries #7
The Champagne Conspiracy
Winter has come to the Montgomery Estate Vineyard in Atoka, Virginia. Lucie Montgomery and winemaker Quinn Santori have decided to make champagne, a first for the vineyard.
But then Gino Tomassi, Quinn’s uncle, turns up on their doorstep one afternoon, demanding help in solving the mystery of what happened to Zara Tomassi, the first wife of his grandfather, who died in a San Francisco hotel in 1923 under suspicious circumstances. And it seems there’s no coincidence that her death came the day after President Warren Harding passed away in that same hotel. Gino needs answers before his blackmailer takes him for all he’s worth―or exposes an explosive family secret.
Lucie searches for what happened almost a hundred years ago as she delves into Prohibition-era Washington, D.C.―a town of bootlegging and duplicity, jazz clubs and speakeasies. But then the investigation turns deadly, threatening Lucie, her relationship with Quinn, and the vineyard, as they realize someone is still out there nearly a century later who will go to any lengths to keep the truth about Zara’s death a buried secret.
But then Gino Tomassi, Quinn’s uncle, turns up on their doorstep one afternoon, demanding help in solving the mystery of what happened to Zara Tomassi, the first wife of his grandfather, who died in a San Francisco hotel in 1923 under suspicious circumstances. And it seems there’s no coincidence that her death came the day after President Warren Harding passed away in that same hotel. Gino needs answers before his blackmailer takes him for all he’s worth―or exposes an explosive family secret.
Lucie searches for what happened almost a hundred years ago as she delves into Prohibition-era Washington, D.C.―a town of bootlegging and duplicity, jazz clubs and speakeasies. But then the investigation turns deadly, threatening Lucie, her relationship with Quinn, and the vineyard, as they realize someone is still out there nearly a century later who will go to any lengths to keep the truth about Zara’s death a buried secret.
Audio CD
Published November 1, 2016
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About the author
Ellen Crosby
26 books488 followersEllen Crosby is the author of the Virginia wine country mysteries, the Sophie Medina mysteries, and MOSCOW NIGHTS, a standalone. DEEDS LEFT UNDONE, her 13th wine country mystery, will be out on August 5, 2025 in hardcover, as an ebook, and as an audio book from Tantor Media. Previously she was a freelance reporter for The Washington Post, Moscow correspondent for ABC Radio News, and an economist at the US Senate. She lives in the Washington, DC suburbs of northern Virginia after living overseas for many years and is currently busy writing the 14th wine country mystery which will be out in 2026. More at www.ellencrosby.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews
March 17, 2020
The Champagne Conspiracy by Ellen Crosby is the 7th book in the 'Wine Country Mysteries' series that takes place in Virginia. So far, this is my favorite and earns 4.5 star. What a roller coast ride for an avid genealogist, historian, wine-lover, and cozy fan.
Three families, all connected to Lucie Montgomery, the main character in the series. A secret affair with President Harding in the early 20th century. A famous California winery with a potential change in ownership. A death from a century ago, then another one happening in current times. Chock full of mystery and connections, I couldn't put this one down. At times, the overly complex set of relationships and time period needed some additional attention and re-read, but that's what happens in a genealogical mystery. I loved it!
Between the explanation for how champagne (or sparkling wine) is created and the extra-marital affairs President Warding had (I hadn't been familiar), I felt like I learned so much in this book. It pushes the line from cozy mystery into mid-range mystery, but I was totally fine with it. It added a little something extra this time, and that can be a fun change.
The characters evolve in this book, too. Quinn and Lucie's relationship reaches a new level. Her cousin, Dominique, is presented with an amazing opportunity. Her brother, Eli, grows up. It's such a fascinating family... I really want the youngest sister to come back for a visit again.
Already ordered the next one... can't wait to read it.
Three families, all connected to Lucie Montgomery, the main character in the series. A secret affair with President Harding in the early 20th century. A famous California winery with a potential change in ownership. A death from a century ago, then another one happening in current times. Chock full of mystery and connections, I couldn't put this one down. At times, the overly complex set of relationships and time period needed some additional attention and re-read, but that's what happens in a genealogical mystery. I loved it!
Between the explanation for how champagne (or sparkling wine) is created and the extra-marital affairs President Warding had (I hadn't been familiar), I felt like I learned so much in this book. It pushes the line from cozy mystery into mid-range mystery, but I was totally fine with it. It added a little something extra this time, and that can be a fun change.
The characters evolve in this book, too. Quinn and Lucie's relationship reaches a new level. Her cousin, Dominique, is presented with an amazing opportunity. Her brother, Eli, grows up. It's such a fascinating family... I really want the youngest sister to come back for a visit again.
Already ordered the next one... can't wait to read it.
March 28, 2021
An interesting murder mystery set in northern Virginia. The winery aspect wasn't as prominent as I was hoping, but I enjoyed my time reading it, even if I accidentally started with the seventh book in the series! More thoughts on Booktube: https://youtu.be/Z9HJYZx6p2o
March 1, 2020
The Champagne Conspiracy is now one of my top 2020 reads!
I love a good cozy mystery to snuggle under the covers and read some tea with. This book fit the bill and was a wonderful distraction from the bad weather in my town.
This is the seventh book in the Wine Country Mysteries series by Ellen Crosby, but don't be discouraged by that number. I found this book super easy to jump into. It would have been nice having all of the background relationships and mysteries to fall back on, but I had zero issue becoming instantly addicted to this book and feeling for these characters.
Lucie and Quinn make wine and are good buddies! At their Vineyard one day, Gino Tomassi (an older gentleman who also likes and makes wine) strolls in and presents an old mystery about his family. Lucie and Quinn decide to help out after a pinch of blackmail and tragedy are brought up. One of Lucie's friends also has some mystery and intrigue occurring in her life, for which Lucie must help out with. Will both be solved? Will there be any closure for these families? Also, flapper dresses!
This book easily became my guilty pleasure and I truly want to grab the rest of the books in this series. It's a bit more than a cozy mystery, but still fit the bill quite well. There's a pinch of romance, lots of drama, a mystery that you can see coming if you pay attention and lots of humour. Also, alcohol and wine! The descriptions of wine... Ellen Crosby has a way with words, let me tell ya! There was also a splash of history, which I always like hearing about! Ellen made the history far more interesting than any of my history teachers ever did.
I found the ending to be a little bit predictable, but only if you really paid attention. I was thoroughly addicted to this book so I saw the signs, but I don't think every reader will. Books like this deserve all the hype! It's well written and well thought out!
Overall, this fast paced, cozy mystery is a must read! It's delightful, full of character development and likeable characters. Also, I love the representation of a physical disability in a main character. It's shown in such a real and respectable way to - it doesn't slow her down but it's there. Much respect!
Five out of five stars!
I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
I love a good cozy mystery to snuggle under the covers and read some tea with. This book fit the bill and was a wonderful distraction from the bad weather in my town.
This is the seventh book in the Wine Country Mysteries series by Ellen Crosby, but don't be discouraged by that number. I found this book super easy to jump into. It would have been nice having all of the background relationships and mysteries to fall back on, but I had zero issue becoming instantly addicted to this book and feeling for these characters.
Lucie and Quinn make wine and are good buddies! At their Vineyard one day, Gino Tomassi (an older gentleman who also likes and makes wine) strolls in and presents an old mystery about his family. Lucie and Quinn decide to help out after a pinch of blackmail and tragedy are brought up. One of Lucie's friends also has some mystery and intrigue occurring in her life, for which Lucie must help out with. Will both be solved? Will there be any closure for these families? Also, flapper dresses!
This book easily became my guilty pleasure and I truly want to grab the rest of the books in this series. It's a bit more than a cozy mystery, but still fit the bill quite well. There's a pinch of romance, lots of drama, a mystery that you can see coming if you pay attention and lots of humour. Also, alcohol and wine! The descriptions of wine... Ellen Crosby has a way with words, let me tell ya! There was also a splash of history, which I always like hearing about! Ellen made the history far more interesting than any of my history teachers ever did.
I found the ending to be a little bit predictable, but only if you really paid attention. I was thoroughly addicted to this book so I saw the signs, but I don't think every reader will. Books like this deserve all the hype! It's well written and well thought out!
Overall, this fast paced, cozy mystery is a must read! It's delightful, full of character development and likeable characters. Also, I love the representation of a physical disability in a main character. It's shown in such a real and respectable way to - it doesn't slow her down but it's there. Much respect!
Five out of five stars!
I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
July 9, 2017
My review from USA Today
*
The cozy mystery often gets tagged as lightweight, when in fact the best cozies are frequently about the redemption we find in community and friendship, a serious subject indeed. In The Champagne Conspiracy, her charming, funny seventh novel set in Virginia’s wine country – I didn’t know it was there either – Ellen Crosby has written a superior cozy, narrated by winemaker Lucie Montgomery. She has two mysteries to solve, when she’s not contemplating tannins – a death, potentially a murder, in a family friend’s retirement community, and the murky history of one of her employee’s grandparents. Coming deep in the series, The Champagne Conspiracy can feel a bit crowded for newcomers, and it’s guilty here and there of the Stepford sunniness of its genre. But it has tight plotlines, and in Lucie a winning heroine, her personal troubles ameliorated by the acceptance of an endearing circle of friends.
*
The cozy mystery often gets tagged as lightweight, when in fact the best cozies are frequently about the redemption we find in community and friendship, a serious subject indeed. In The Champagne Conspiracy, her charming, funny seventh novel set in Virginia’s wine country – I didn’t know it was there either – Ellen Crosby has written a superior cozy, narrated by winemaker Lucie Montgomery. She has two mysteries to solve, when she’s not contemplating tannins – a death, potentially a murder, in a family friend’s retirement community, and the murky history of one of her employee’s grandparents. Coming deep in the series, The Champagne Conspiracy can feel a bit crowded for newcomers, and it’s guilty here and there of the Stepford sunniness of its genre. But it has tight plotlines, and in Lucie a winning heroine, her personal troubles ameliorated by the acceptance of an endearing circle of friends.
September 11, 2018
Consistently well-written entertaining series set in the wine country of Virginia.
November 17, 2019
I love this series! Unfortunately, I didn't read it in the proper order, but it didn't make any difference. As with all of Ms. Crosby's novels that I've read, the plot and characters are intriguing and interesting. And the plot was one that grabbed me from the start and didn't let me go until the very end.
I highly recommend this series. The combination of mystery and history has caught me again!
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press - Minotaur Books for the opportunity to read and review this book. My apologies that it took so long!
I highly recommend this series. The combination of mystery and history has caught me again!
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press - Minotaur Books for the opportunity to read and review this book. My apologies that it took so long!
November 1, 2016
I don't care what Ellen Crosby is writing-- if it's one of her Sophie Medina mysteries or one of her Wine Country mysteries-- I can count on her for fast-paced, exciting stories, fascinating historical tidbits, well-developed characters, and all-around intelligent writing. After reading two "Sophie" novels and two Wine Country mysteries, Crosby has become one of my favorite authors.
In The Champagne Conspiracy, I learned about Prohibition-Era Washington, DC; why all "champagne" is French; and had a little refresher course on President Warren Harding. In addition, some of the information Lucie learns is about her own family history, and (very true to life) it is not always pleasant.
Lucie is the strong heart of this series. Due to an automobile accident, she must use a cane to walk, but even though she may be a bit hampered by physical infirmity, her quick mind more than makes up for it. In fact, she comes across a saying that should be a staple in all crime fiction: "What you can't say owns you. What you hide controls you." She has a strong network of family and friends, which comes in very useful because she and her lover Quinn appear to be having difficulties. And speaking of difficulties, there's never any in finding out all the latest gossip in Atoka. All you have to do is stop by the General Store and talk with Thelma, who has amazing "God-given psychotic powers." There's nothing like having Mrs. Malaprop in charge of Gossip Central....
Although I did know the identity of two out of three bad guys very early on, The Champagne Conspiracy is still a first-rate read because Ellen Crosby doesn't have her entire book solely depend on whodunit. No, there's a lot of meat on the bone, and I enjoyed every bite. If you're in the mood for great characters, intriguing fast-paced mysteries, a bit of humor, and a few glasses of wine, I think you'll enjoy this book-- and the entire series-- too.
In The Champagne Conspiracy, I learned about Prohibition-Era Washington, DC; why all "champagne" is French; and had a little refresher course on President Warren Harding. In addition, some of the information Lucie learns is about her own family history, and (very true to life) it is not always pleasant.
Lucie is the strong heart of this series. Due to an automobile accident, she must use a cane to walk, but even though she may be a bit hampered by physical infirmity, her quick mind more than makes up for it. In fact, she comes across a saying that should be a staple in all crime fiction: "What you can't say owns you. What you hide controls you." She has a strong network of family and friends, which comes in very useful because she and her lover Quinn appear to be having difficulties. And speaking of difficulties, there's never any in finding out all the latest gossip in Atoka. All you have to do is stop by the General Store and talk with Thelma, who has amazing "God-given psychotic powers." There's nothing like having Mrs. Malaprop in charge of Gossip Central....
Although I did know the identity of two out of three bad guys very early on, The Champagne Conspiracy is still a first-rate read because Ellen Crosby doesn't have her entire book solely depend on whodunit. No, there's a lot of meat on the bone, and I enjoyed every bite. If you're in the mood for great characters, intriguing fast-paced mysteries, a bit of humor, and a few glasses of wine, I think you'll enjoy this book-- and the entire series-- too.
February 15, 2017
The Champagne Conspiracy, set in Atoka, Virginia, took the quirky small-town charm of Rita Mae Brown's Crozet (setting for the Sneaky Pie Brown mysteries) and made it claustrophobically stifling. I strongly suspect that where Crozet or even the Gilmore Girls' Star's Hollow worked and for me Atoka and its residents were vastly less successful is that the story's heroine, vineyard owner Lucie Montgomery, is utterly unable to enforce any sort of boundaries between herself and her intrusive neighbors, self-involved brother, and hot-headed (and not in a good way) boyfriend.
The action involves long-buried family scandal, philandering politicians, and a last-minute changed will of a recently departed (and possibly murdered) resident of an assisted living facility.
I had hoped to learn a good bit more about winemaking, and can only imagine that it's doled out sparingly across the series. All told, the series is vastly too cozy and its protagonist too much of a milquetoast for my liking. For fans of the cozy mystery, Crosby is a good writer and this may be right up your alley. (To her press, however, maybe you could hire a copy editor or two. Crosby's efforts deserve better treatment.)
The action involves long-buried family scandal, philandering politicians, and a last-minute changed will of a recently departed (and possibly murdered) resident of an assisted living facility.
I had hoped to learn a good bit more about winemaking, and can only imagine that it's doled out sparingly across the series. All told, the series is vastly too cozy and its protagonist too much of a milquetoast for my liking. For fans of the cozy mystery, Crosby is a good writer and this may be right up your alley. (To her press, however, maybe you could hire a copy editor or two. Crosby's efforts deserve better treatment.)
March 7, 2017
Confusing family tree but otherwise a winner
November 18, 2017
The Champagne Conspiracy by Ellen Crosby is book 7 of the Wine Country mystery series set in contemporary Virginia. I was first drawn to the series because I didn't realize Virginia had a wine-making region. I continue the series because I enjoy the sympathetic character of the protagonist, Lucie Montgomery. For full enjoyment of this book, read the prior books in the series. Otherwise the many relationships and eccentric personalities that are key to the solution would be confusing.
When Lucie discovers a beautiful 1930s-flapper style dress in an old trunk in the attic, her business manager Francesca urges her to wear it to the Valentine's Day gala the winery plans to benefit a local homeless shelter. Soon after, Lucie sees a photo of her great-grandmother Lucy wearing the dress. Lucie's joy in the dress is soon marred by discovery of a long-concealed scandal, revealed when her winemaker Quinn is confronted by his hostile cousin Gino. Of course Lucie wants to know the facts, and she begins digging into Gino & Quinn's family history.
Faith, mother of Lucie's best friend Kit, lives in the luxurious Foxhall Manor, an assisted living community on an historic estate. Faith is convinced that her friend Roxanna (in the next room to Faith's) was murdered, and wants Lucie to investigate. Faith's daughter Kit, a journalist, and son Bobby, a policeman, believe Roxy died a natural death. Lucie's affection for Faith overrides her common-sense reaction that Faith's fears are unfounded, and she agrees to try and find out who was shouting in Roxy's room the day before she died. Roxy's will had startled everyone: she left her wealth to her granddaughter Uma in England, whom she had never mentioned. The gorgeous redhead has come to town to claim her inheritance, and alienated everyone with her hostile attitude.
Roxy's nephew Mac McDonald, former boyfriend of Lucie's who still carries a torch, is in financial trouble due to a Ponzi scheme (in a previous book). He was expecting to inherit from his aunt, before the surprising will.
Lucie's cousin Dominique, owner and chef of the local upscale inn, has an upcoming interview, a test meal to qualify for a job as White House Chef. Lucie is proud of her cousin, but sad if she will be moving away.
Lucie's investigations put her in mortal danger, and leave her too injured to carry out her normal duties at the winery. It's time to bottle their wine. Bottling equipment is too expensive for a small winery to own and install for once-yearly use; they hire a service that brings a van with all the equipment.
By the time of the Valentine's Day gala, Lucie connects all the plot threads, and solves the many mysteries affecting her friends and loved ones, just in time for a very happy ending.
When Lucie discovers a beautiful 1930s-flapper style dress in an old trunk in the attic, her business manager Francesca urges her to wear it to the Valentine's Day gala the winery plans to benefit a local homeless shelter. Soon after, Lucie sees a photo of her great-grandmother Lucy wearing the dress. Lucie's joy in the dress is soon marred by discovery of a long-concealed scandal, revealed when her winemaker Quinn is confronted by his hostile cousin Gino. Of course Lucie wants to know the facts, and she begins digging into Gino & Quinn's family history.
Faith, mother of Lucie's best friend Kit, lives in the luxurious Foxhall Manor, an assisted living community on an historic estate. Faith is convinced that her friend Roxanna (in the next room to Faith's) was murdered, and wants Lucie to investigate. Faith's daughter Kit, a journalist, and son Bobby, a policeman, believe Roxy died a natural death. Lucie's affection for Faith overrides her common-sense reaction that Faith's fears are unfounded, and she agrees to try and find out who was shouting in Roxy's room the day before she died. Roxy's will had startled everyone: she left her wealth to her granddaughter Uma in England, whom she had never mentioned. The gorgeous redhead has come to town to claim her inheritance, and alienated everyone with her hostile attitude.
Roxy's nephew Mac McDonald, former boyfriend of Lucie's who still carries a torch, is in financial trouble due to a Ponzi scheme (in a previous book). He was expecting to inherit from his aunt, before the surprising will.
Lucie's cousin Dominique, owner and chef of the local upscale inn, has an upcoming interview, a test meal to qualify for a job as White House Chef. Lucie is proud of her cousin, but sad if she will be moving away.
Lucie's investigations put her in mortal danger, and leave her too injured to carry out her normal duties at the winery. It's time to bottle their wine. Bottling equipment is too expensive for a small winery to own and install for once-yearly use; they hire a service that brings a van with all the equipment.
By the time of the Valentine's Day gala, Lucie connects all the plot threads, and solves the many mysteries affecting her friends and loved ones, just in time for a very happy ending.
November 1, 2016
Never having read this series before, I was curious to see if this book would work on its own, and whether information would be presented in a way to keep the major players in the story identifiable. The relationship with Lucie and Quinn did take some adjustment to understand their dynamic, but the characterizations are so present that it wasn’t long before that dynamic was presented. Plenty of other secondary characters, sure to be familiar with those who have read the series, presented themselves, and understanding everyone’s roles and relationships to the plot and one another did take much (if not all) of the book, and unfolded in ways that made sense.
The villain in this story was wonderfully complex with his fingers in many different subplots, all coming clear at the very end. Intermixing history and the politics of the Harding era was a nice touch that helped to set both the reasons and a depth to the feud that made sense, and had me continually engaged. Not over-dramatized or laced with red herrings to increase readers’ tension, the story was reasonable in pacing and never had moments of “oh get on with it” that interrupted the flow.
Truly intriguing with plenty of characters that I am curious about and would like to see more of (Hope being a particular favorite) I’ve added earlier titles in this series to be read during my leisure time.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility
This review was originally posted on I am, Indeed
The villain in this story was wonderfully complex with his fingers in many different subplots, all coming clear at the very end. Intermixing history and the politics of the Harding era was a nice touch that helped to set both the reasons and a depth to the feud that made sense, and had me continually engaged. Not over-dramatized or laced with red herrings to increase readers’ tension, the story was reasonable in pacing and never had moments of “oh get on with it” that interrupted the flow.
Truly intriguing with plenty of characters that I am curious about and would like to see more of (Hope being a particular favorite) I’ve added earlier titles in this series to be read during my leisure time.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility
This review was originally posted on I am, Indeed
July 16, 2018
This series is set in a small town in Virginia outside of D.C. and centers around a small family run vineyard. Lucie has taken her family business that her father almost ran into the ground and turned it around. Her vineyard manager Quinn has been with her throughout the process. They work well together in the business but their personal relationship is anything but smooth.
This book centers around an event that happened in the 1920's. All of the primary players are dead but their descendants find themselves trying to sort out what really happened and how it is affecting their lives today. Lucie's great-aunt, Quinn's great-grandparents, and Mac's aunt all have a history together. Throw in an older women's death, with her friend swearing it was murder, and a visit from a long lost relative in England and you have a great murder mystery book.
I really enjoyed this book. The mystery was interesting and complex. I didn't really figure out all of what was going on and I really liked that. There are really three different mysteries that are interwoven with one of them going back to the 20's. My only issue is the relationship between Quinn and Lucie. I think she could do better with someone who treat's her better. I am very interested to see where their relationship goes in the next book.
This book centers around an event that happened in the 1920's. All of the primary players are dead but their descendants find themselves trying to sort out what really happened and how it is affecting their lives today. Lucie's great-aunt, Quinn's great-grandparents, and Mac's aunt all have a history together. Throw in an older women's death, with her friend swearing it was murder, and a visit from a long lost relative in England and you have a great murder mystery book.
I really enjoyed this book. The mystery was interesting and complex. I didn't really figure out all of what was going on and I really liked that. There are really three different mysteries that are interwoven with one of them going back to the 20's. My only issue is the relationship between Quinn and Lucie. I think she could do better with someone who treat's her better. I am very interested to see where their relationship goes in the next book.
October 24, 2016
**I voluntarily reviewed this ARC**
I really enjoyed this book, but I felt there were too many threads to the story. In the end, they were all tied up in a neat little bow, but during the story it just felt a bit confusing. I haven't read any of the other books in this series, so I felt a little lost when it came to some of the characters and relationships, but I was still able to follow the story.
I really enjoyed this book, but I felt there were too many threads to the story. In the end, they were all tied up in a neat little bow, but during the story it just felt a bit confusing. I haven't read any of the other books in this series, so I felt a little lost when it came to some of the characters and relationships, but I was still able to follow the story.
August 30, 2020
Honestly? I got 5 chapters in and couldn’t go any farther. I wasn’t emotionally invested enough in the few characters introduced by this point, but more kept being introduced and I couldn’t even remember the names of the main two. And the author kept info- dumping stuff that I didn’t care about.
March 14, 2022
Convoluted story with too many characters.
February 6, 2024
I read a bunch of these many years ago and enjoyed the characters. Then I could not find the books. Now I have rediscovered them (or they found me) and am working my way through - I may have missed one or two as I cold not find my reading list. The stories are well written, sounds like they drink good wine and the characters have good depth.
October 15, 2021
SPOILER ALERT
As Lucie Montgomery and Quinn Santori prepare to create a new bubbly wine, they get a visit from Gino Tomassi, cousin to Quinn, from the pioneering, wealthy California winemaking family, who asks Quinn if he is the one blackmailing him. After a heated confrontation in which Gino informs Quinn that he wants items from the trunk that belonged to Angelica, wife of Johnny, and that he has hired a pi to find the blackmailer, Gino leaves. Gino refuses to disclose what exactly he is being blackmailed about.
What follows are a number of interlocking mysteries and themes, and to complicate everything the area is hit with a blizzard, and record breaking temps. It seems obvious to Lucie that Gino is afraid of some family secret coming public and creating a scandal beyond Johnny's first marriage to Zara Ingrasso or what is in the photo album. How did Zara die...murder? which Gino vehemently denies. When she goes through the trunk she finds letters that are explosive. Very sexually explicit letters from Warren Harding to Zara that went from before her marriage to Johnny, until after marriage, a child was born and possibly survived. If so, where is the child? Who is the father...Harding? After all his was the most corrupt administration in history and he was well known as a womanizer. Even Quinn is appalled as he reads the letters and comments that Harding had a name for his penis.
At this same time Frankie Merchant who runs the day-to-day activities of the winery, is disturbed by the apparent missing money of the charity, Veronica House, which serves the homeless. There is an upcoming audit by the diocese. She also proposes a Valentine dinner dance, themed on the roaring twenties, "Anything Goes", featuring costumes, the photos from an album that Mick Dunne had shown her from the Studebakers, and during Prohibition, that will benefit that charity. The album has a particularly revealing photo of Warren Harding with a young woman on his lap, his hand on her thigh under her skirt. In the background is a woman who is Lucie's double. It is Lucy Montgomery, and she is wearing the stunning flapper dress that Lucie recently found in a trunk in the attic. Later Lucie is attacked at the house and thrown in the snow in below freezing temperatures, luckily found by Hope, her young niece.
As the story progresses Lucie visits Faith Eastman, mother of Kit, her best friend. Faith is upset as she believes that her neighbor, Roxanna Willoughby, at the luxurious assisted living facility, Foxhall Manor, was murdered. She had heard Roxy arguing with a man, demanding "the truth". Then two different men had walked by Faith's apartment, her door partly open. Nobody else believes her, and she entreats Lucie to look into it. Roxanna Willoughby is the aunt of Mac Macdonald, antiques dealer, and a former pilot, who with another pilot Olivia Cohen, joined the Brits during the war. Both had recently been interviewed by journalist Vivienne Baron, whose article on their exploits is so good Kit is going to submit it for a prize. However, another secret and potential scandal arises from the interview. Roxanna had a relationship with Group Capt. Tommy Van Allen, and when he is killed in the war, Roxy gives the child up to Tommy's sister. When Roxy finds out just days before her death that she was adopted, she changes her will to give most of her estate, which is substantial, to the daughter she gave away. Uma Lawrence has immediately come from England to claim her inheritance.
Uma is a sullen, haughty Brit who wants nothing to do with the community of Atoka. Slowly more information comes to light, and it appears that Zara's child did indeed survive, that a woman named Izzy, whose letters to Zara were also saved in the trunk, was Pauline Islington, Mac MacDonald's grandmother, and good friends to Zara, AND also a lover of Harding. As the date for the birth approached, Izzy traveled from Washington to San Francisco to see Zara, and also to see Harding, who at the time was ill. Zara also wanted to visit him. But Harding dies, and the next day after the birth Zara dies. A journal kept by Izzy revealed that Zara had run out when finding out about the president, and when Lucy, Pauling and Johnny followed in a car, and Zara ran, they hit her with the car, killing her and covering it up. Johnny then married Angelica who wiped all indications of Zara out, and refused to let her name be spoken. A Catholic bishop, friend of the Ingrasso's fabricates a birth certificate, and the child is adopted by Pauline Islington Chase. The adoption papers were under a drawer of a small piece of furniture, brought to Roxy's apartment.
When Lucie thinks about what is happening with the charity, and the fact that before Roxy changed her will both Mac and the charity were to benefit from Roxy's money, she posits that perhaps Father Niall O'Malley is the blackmailer. She and Quinn confront him. Frankie had disclosed that the Father had a townhouse on Capitol Hill in Washington, given to him by a parishioner. He had also purchased a condo in Florida. Frankie tries to argue away the corruption of this, but the Father confesses to Frankie that he had "borrowed" the money thinking that he would replace it with either the profit from the sale of the condo, or what the charity received from Roxy. At this point another event, the death of Vivienne Baron, in a car accident (the brakes had been cut)
When the relationship of Uma Lawrence is discovered, as the possible relation of Johnny Tomassi, Gino and others meet with her to discuss her possible inheritance of Tomassi money. She seems interested until they tell her she needs to have a DNA test to determine who Zara's child's father was...Johnny or Harding. Either is possible. Uma refuses and signs away any further claim on the Tomassi estate. This sets Lucie again to thinking. How would Uma have found out about the will; is she an imposter? It is revealed that she knows Will Baron, and it turns out he was the man who attacked Lucie. Will had overheard the attorney discussing the will when he delivered some paintings to Constantine. She goes to see Faith again and encounters Will, barely escaping as he grabs her, taking her to the roof. She escapes by going over the side. Faith is poisoned with Valentine candy, but will probably survive. Both Uma and Will are arrested. An unanswered thread...is the real Uma alive?
As the story comes to a close at the Valentine party, Quinn proposes to Lucie, and she accepts. Another loose thread unanswered...did Dominique Gosslin, owner of the Goose Creek Inn accept the position of White House chef she was offered? Convoluted, suspenseful and fascinating. I enjoy the way that Crosby weaves true facts with fiction to enhance the narrative. Next installment please.
As Lucie Montgomery and Quinn Santori prepare to create a new bubbly wine, they get a visit from Gino Tomassi, cousin to Quinn, from the pioneering, wealthy California winemaking family, who asks Quinn if he is the one blackmailing him. After a heated confrontation in which Gino informs Quinn that he wants items from the trunk that belonged to Angelica, wife of Johnny, and that he has hired a pi to find the blackmailer, Gino leaves. Gino refuses to disclose what exactly he is being blackmailed about.
What follows are a number of interlocking mysteries and themes, and to complicate everything the area is hit with a blizzard, and record breaking temps. It seems obvious to Lucie that Gino is afraid of some family secret coming public and creating a scandal beyond Johnny's first marriage to Zara Ingrasso or what is in the photo album. How did Zara die...murder? which Gino vehemently denies. When she goes through the trunk she finds letters that are explosive. Very sexually explicit letters from Warren Harding to Zara that went from before her marriage to Johnny, until after marriage, a child was born and possibly survived. If so, where is the child? Who is the father...Harding? After all his was the most corrupt administration in history and he was well known as a womanizer. Even Quinn is appalled as he reads the letters and comments that Harding had a name for his penis.
At this same time Frankie Merchant who runs the day-to-day activities of the winery, is disturbed by the apparent missing money of the charity, Veronica House, which serves the homeless. There is an upcoming audit by the diocese. She also proposes a Valentine dinner dance, themed on the roaring twenties, "Anything Goes", featuring costumes, the photos from an album that Mick Dunne had shown her from the Studebakers, and during Prohibition, that will benefit that charity. The album has a particularly revealing photo of Warren Harding with a young woman on his lap, his hand on her thigh under her skirt. In the background is a woman who is Lucie's double. It is Lucy Montgomery, and she is wearing the stunning flapper dress that Lucie recently found in a trunk in the attic. Later Lucie is attacked at the house and thrown in the snow in below freezing temperatures, luckily found by Hope, her young niece.
As the story progresses Lucie visits Faith Eastman, mother of Kit, her best friend. Faith is upset as she believes that her neighbor, Roxanna Willoughby, at the luxurious assisted living facility, Foxhall Manor, was murdered. She had heard Roxy arguing with a man, demanding "the truth". Then two different men had walked by Faith's apartment, her door partly open. Nobody else believes her, and she entreats Lucie to look into it. Roxanna Willoughby is the aunt of Mac Macdonald, antiques dealer, and a former pilot, who with another pilot Olivia Cohen, joined the Brits during the war. Both had recently been interviewed by journalist Vivienne Baron, whose article on their exploits is so good Kit is going to submit it for a prize. However, another secret and potential scandal arises from the interview. Roxanna had a relationship with Group Capt. Tommy Van Allen, and when he is killed in the war, Roxy gives the child up to Tommy's sister. When Roxy finds out just days before her death that she was adopted, she changes her will to give most of her estate, which is substantial, to the daughter she gave away. Uma Lawrence has immediately come from England to claim her inheritance.
Uma is a sullen, haughty Brit who wants nothing to do with the community of Atoka. Slowly more information comes to light, and it appears that Zara's child did indeed survive, that a woman named Izzy, whose letters to Zara were also saved in the trunk, was Pauline Islington, Mac MacDonald's grandmother, and good friends to Zara, AND also a lover of Harding. As the date for the birth approached, Izzy traveled from Washington to San Francisco to see Zara, and also to see Harding, who at the time was ill. Zara also wanted to visit him. But Harding dies, and the next day after the birth Zara dies. A journal kept by Izzy revealed that Zara had run out when finding out about the president, and when Lucy, Pauling and Johnny followed in a car, and Zara ran, they hit her with the car, killing her and covering it up. Johnny then married Angelica who wiped all indications of Zara out, and refused to let her name be spoken. A Catholic bishop, friend of the Ingrasso's fabricates a birth certificate, and the child is adopted by Pauline Islington Chase. The adoption papers were under a drawer of a small piece of furniture, brought to Roxy's apartment.
When Lucie thinks about what is happening with the charity, and the fact that before Roxy changed her will both Mac and the charity were to benefit from Roxy's money, she posits that perhaps Father Niall O'Malley is the blackmailer. She and Quinn confront him. Frankie had disclosed that the Father had a townhouse on Capitol Hill in Washington, given to him by a parishioner. He had also purchased a condo in Florida. Frankie tries to argue away the corruption of this, but the Father confesses to Frankie that he had "borrowed" the money thinking that he would replace it with either the profit from the sale of the condo, or what the charity received from Roxy. At this point another event, the death of Vivienne Baron, in a car accident (the brakes had been cut)
When the relationship of Uma Lawrence is discovered, as the possible relation of Johnny Tomassi, Gino and others meet with her to discuss her possible inheritance of Tomassi money. She seems interested until they tell her she needs to have a DNA test to determine who Zara's child's father was...Johnny or Harding. Either is possible. Uma refuses and signs away any further claim on the Tomassi estate. This sets Lucie again to thinking. How would Uma have found out about the will; is she an imposter? It is revealed that she knows Will Baron, and it turns out he was the man who attacked Lucie. Will had overheard the attorney discussing the will when he delivered some paintings to Constantine. She goes to see Faith again and encounters Will, barely escaping as he grabs her, taking her to the roof. She escapes by going over the side. Faith is poisoned with Valentine candy, but will probably survive. Both Uma and Will are arrested. An unanswered thread...is the real Uma alive?
As the story comes to a close at the Valentine party, Quinn proposes to Lucie, and she accepts. Another loose thread unanswered...did Dominique Gosslin, owner of the Goose Creek Inn accept the position of White House chef she was offered? Convoluted, suspenseful and fascinating. I enjoy the way that Crosby weaves true facts with fiction to enhance the narrative. Next installment please.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 22, 2017
#7 in the Wine Country mystery series. I enjoy this series but thought this entry had two drawbacks. First, set in February there is not as much vineyard action as usual, though there is a section on bottling wine at small vineyards. Second, in order to handle three intersecting mysteries and a Valentines Day gala, too much is put on Lucie's plate. I felt vindicated with my suspicions, although with a mysterious death going back to 1923 and the Harding administration and coming is a convoluted fashion to the present day and involving two more deaths, theft, Lucie and Quinn's families, two attacks on Lucie, and more, there are just too many characters and interwoven relationships to keep track of.
Lucie Montgomery, who owns a small Virginia winery, is stunned to learn her winemaker and boyfriend Quinn Santori is the cousin of the legendary vintner Gino Tomassi. Gino has come to Virginia to find out who is blackmailing him with a secret that goes back to the Prohibition era. Intrigued, Lucie digs into the past, learning that one of her own ancestors had a connection. Meanwhile, the mother of Lucie's best friend believes her neighbor Roxy Willoughby, who recently died, was murdered because Roxy had recently changed her will, leaving her fortune to an unknown granddaughter. Lucie investigates both mysteries, past and present, while running her winery and preparing for a benefit Valentine's Day dance.
Lucie Montgomery, who owns a small Virginia winery, is stunned to learn her winemaker and boyfriend Quinn Santori is the cousin of the legendary vintner Gino Tomassi. Gino has come to Virginia to find out who is blackmailing him with a secret that goes back to the Prohibition era. Intrigued, Lucie digs into the past, learning that one of her own ancestors had a connection. Meanwhile, the mother of Lucie's best friend believes her neighbor Roxy Willoughby, who recently died, was murdered because Roxy had recently changed her will, leaving her fortune to an unknown granddaughter. Lucie investigates both mysteries, past and present, while running her winery and preparing for a benefit Valentine's Day dance.
October 24, 2018
This may be the best yet in this series. There are multiple good guys and bad guys as well as plot lines to keep you on your toes while reading. Virginia winery owner Lucie Montgomery learned that Quinn, her winemaker, had not told her that he was part of a prestigious Napa Valley wine family when his cousin Gino showed up at the winery and the bad blood between them revealed itself. Gino first accused Quinn of blackmail but then demanded that he and Lucie help in solving what happened to his their grandfather's first wife who died suspiciously in 1923 and whether an heir survivied her.
Faith Eastman, the mother of Lucie's oldest friend, Kit, had provided support and refuge after Lucie's mother died. When Lucie visited her posh assisted living facility, Faith extracted a promise from Lucie that she would look into the death of Roxy her friend next door who recently had died. Faith heard arguing and was sure Roxy had been murdered, and she was afraid for her own life and that the murderer was aware that she had overheard the argument.
While dealing with these two and other dilemmas, Lucie still had to run the winery in winter, worry about losing her her cousin, who contributed greatly to success of the Montgomery Estate, to the White House as its new head chef, and multiple additional difficulties.
Faith Eastman, the mother of Lucie's oldest friend, Kit, had provided support and refuge after Lucie's mother died. When Lucie visited her posh assisted living facility, Faith extracted a promise from Lucie that she would look into the death of Roxy her friend next door who recently had died. Faith heard arguing and was sure Roxy had been murdered, and she was afraid for her own life and that the murderer was aware that she had overheard the argument.
While dealing with these two and other dilemmas, Lucie still had to run the winery in winter, worry about losing her her cousin, who contributed greatly to success of the Montgomery Estate, to the White House as its new head chef, and multiple additional difficulties.
February 26, 2018
This review contains *** S P O I L E R S ***
The Champagne Conspiracy by Ellen Crosby is book #7 in her Lucie Montgomery Wine Country mystery. The Champagne Conspiracy is a stand-alone work by Crosby makes the assumption that the reader has a somewhat understanding of her characters and doesn’t spend a lot of time filling the reader in on their backstory. As such a new reader to the series may not quickly pick up how all of the characters fit together but it does nothing to distract from the plot.
The Champagne Conspiracy centers around Lucie’s winemaker Quinn Santori, his Uncle Gino Tomassi and blackmail plot involving Zara Tomassi, the first wife of Quinn’s grandfather who died under mysterious circumstances. The plot seems to involve President Warren Harding as well as one of Lucies relatives, her name sake Lucy Montgomery.
The Champagne Conspiracy has a couple of different story arcs going at the same time and they all seem to come together in the end although it feels as though a few aspects of the story was sort of rushed to make it fit but overall it makes sense.
The Champagne Conspiracy is a nice light read which gives a peek into the Northern Virginia wine country.
The Champagne Conspiracy by Ellen Crosby is book #7 in her Lucie Montgomery Wine Country mystery. The Champagne Conspiracy is a stand-alone work by Crosby makes the assumption that the reader has a somewhat understanding of her characters and doesn’t spend a lot of time filling the reader in on their backstory. As such a new reader to the series may not quickly pick up how all of the characters fit together but it does nothing to distract from the plot.
The Champagne Conspiracy centers around Lucie’s winemaker Quinn Santori, his Uncle Gino Tomassi and blackmail plot involving Zara Tomassi, the first wife of Quinn’s grandfather who died under mysterious circumstances. The plot seems to involve President Warren Harding as well as one of Lucies relatives, her name sake Lucy Montgomery.
The Champagne Conspiracy has a couple of different story arcs going at the same time and they all seem to come together in the end although it feels as though a few aspects of the story was sort of rushed to make it fit but overall it makes sense.
The Champagne Conspiracy is a nice light read which gives a peek into the Northern Virginia wine country.
May 5, 2017
Winter has come to the Montgomery Estate Vineyard in Atoka, Virginia. Lucie Montgomery and winemaker Quinn Santori have decided to make champagne, a first for the vineyard.
But then Gino Tomassi, Quinn’s uncle, turns up on their doorstep one afternoon, demanding help in solving the mystery of what happened to Zara Tomassi, the first wife of his grandfather, who died in a San Francisco hotel in 1923 under suspicious circumstances. And it seems there’s no coincidence that her death came the day after President Warren Harding passed away in that same hotel. Gino needs answers before his blackmailer takes him for all he’s worth―or exposes an explosive family secret.
Lucie searches for what happened almost a hundred years ago as she delves into Prohibition-era Washington, D.C.―a town of bootlegging and duplicity, jazz clubs and speakeasies. But then the investigation turns deadly, threatening Lucie, her relationship with Quinn, and the vineyard, as they realize someone is still out there nearly a century later who will go to any lengths to keep the truth about Zara’s death a buried secret.
But then Gino Tomassi, Quinn’s uncle, turns up on their doorstep one afternoon, demanding help in solving the mystery of what happened to Zara Tomassi, the first wife of his grandfather, who died in a San Francisco hotel in 1923 under suspicious circumstances. And it seems there’s no coincidence that her death came the day after President Warren Harding passed away in that same hotel. Gino needs answers before his blackmailer takes him for all he’s worth―or exposes an explosive family secret.
Lucie searches for what happened almost a hundred years ago as she delves into Prohibition-era Washington, D.C.―a town of bootlegging and duplicity, jazz clubs and speakeasies. But then the investigation turns deadly, threatening Lucie, her relationship with Quinn, and the vineyard, as they realize someone is still out there nearly a century later who will go to any lengths to keep the truth about Zara’s death a buried secret.
January 15, 2018
I haven't read a Wine Country book in three years, and was happy to discover this one, like finding old friends after a lapse. It's a little convoluted so you have to pay attention to the relationships. And it's a track-back in time for the main characters to figure out "whodunnit" and why. Lots of references to Warren Harding and his scandal-ridden presidency that figure into the plot, a bit of duplicity from surprising places, and the usual, steadfast, trusting persona of the main character. There's a rekindling of romance, but much less how-to on vines, grape-growing and wine-making, information I've enjoyed in previous Wine Country mysteries. The vineyard is attempting to create a champagne to add to it's offerings, but you won't learn much about that, either. There are some scary moments created by the nefarious characters, and in this book, it's cold cold cold in Virginia. Generally, it's a good read, just a different emphasis than in previous books.
August 14, 2017
I love reading mysteries, Agatha Christie, local tie-in stories, wine, vineyard hopping, good eating, and history. Everything that makes a Wine Country Mystery come together for me. I can see Atoka and Middleburg, visit Barrel Oak (although I prefer the Meadery next door), and wish I could visit some of the wonderful homes that host the fox hunts. It is all so real. There are shops like Thelma's around, and antique dealers that have you in a whirl before you know what is happening! They have you wanting their finds, like Stephen King's Needful Things Leland Gaunt! Ok, it is Monday - time to go to the library and get The Great Gatsby to reread, again (really, 2 books in 1 month with such a Fitzgerald tie in [Camino Island]), then off to the Wilderness Run on Saturday, picnic basket in hand, for wine and music (the Blues Buckets!!!)
August 20, 2019
The Champagne Conspiracy, by Ellen Crosby is overall a good book with a great plot full of mystery. It starts when Quinn's cousin, Gino, and the main character, Lucie Montgomery, who are very fine winemakers, are presented with a murder mystery. Gino, being the owner of a fine vineyard in California, travels all the way to Virginia to ask for help in order to find out what happened to Zara Tomassi, his grandfather's first wife who had died in 1923. However, she was pregnant and it is rumored that the baby may be alive. It is then asked if the descendants of this baby will claim a portion of the fortune the family has. They must also have to face a blackmailer who threatens to make public many private family secrets. They will have to face many issues as someone is taking many measures to keep the secret out of reach. The book was predictable but still compensated with a complex story
June 1, 2018
Lucie Montgomery is preparing for a charity party on Valentine's Day at her winery, when she and her winemaker, Quinn, are challenged by his second cousin to find a blackmailer. Before long, eighty-year- old deaths, President Warren G. Harding, Lucie's flapper relative, a couple of World War II women pilots, two illegitimate children and various dead bodies confuse and distress everyone. As usual, intrepid Lucie sees the mystery through. I thought one of the villains was telegraphed this time, but the wine lore, the characters and the setting in Atoka, Virginia, all combine to make this series enjoyable every outing.
June 30, 2019
This wasn't a great book, but it was a good one, and a comfortable read. It wove in and out of history, wrapping the long story of Quinn and his family into the family of President Harding, who was supposedly involved with several family members. Female ones.
The story spun around and through the tales that border on libelous, as the tales of the President's escapades wove through the story of the great-something grandparents and Prohibition, flappers and other interesting historical events.
Overall interesting story.
The story spun around and through the tales that border on libelous, as the tales of the President's escapades wove through the story of the great-something grandparents and Prohibition, flappers and other interesting historical events.
Overall interesting story.
April 23, 2018
This book is all about families and their secrets present and past. Lucie Montgomery finds a dress that belonged to her great aunt and then sees a picture of the great aunt with President Warren Harding. The picture includes other young women some of whom are related to Quinn Santori and Mac . Danger comes to Lucie who is asking questions and trying to put the answers together to get a picture of the past. The book was an easy read.
March 1, 2020
Pretty good book. Part of series but it was fine being a stand alone for me. It takes place in VA wine country which makes it interesting to have as part of book, but I had issues with the characters. Mostly due to lack of depth and process of feelings. There was a pretty heavy incident but not one character spoke off it or said how they felt about it, which is odd. I may read a few more in series but not in any rush.
April 4, 2019
I had almost given up on this series because the characters did not seem to grow at all. Then, in Book 6, Lucie stops commenting on her friend Kit's eating habits which was a big step forward!
In this book, the characters also act in more mature manners. Quinn continues to drag his feet about making a commitment. This is problematic because no sound reason is ever given. However, there is some character growth in this book and the mystery is interesting.
In this book, the characters also act in more mature manners. Quinn continues to drag his feet about making a commitment. This is problematic because no sound reason is ever given. However, there is some character growth in this book and the mystery is interesting.
Read
August 12, 2019This was number 7 in the audiobook series. Gino Tomassi, Quinn's uncle comes to the winery because he's being blackmailed about a secret involving his grandfather's first wife, Zara. So Lucy tries to find out more about her and becomes involved in the coverup surrounding her affair with president Warren Harding as Lucy's getting ready for another fundraiser at the winery with a roaring 20's theme.
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