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A Sommelier Mystery #3
Pairing a Deception
Katie is on Cloud Wine at a Santa Barbara Festival...until a new mystery is uncorked.
With only a few days left until her Advanced Sommelier exam, Katie Stillwell hopes to balance studying with attending a wine and food festival in Santa Barbara.
The weekend with Detective Dean is off to a great start--until an attendee is murdered and suspicion falls on the festival emcee, Master Sommelier Hudson Wiley. Katie tries to keep her focus on the festival and her last-minute studying, but when she discovers people aren't who they say they are, she finds herself in the middle of a tangled web where nothing, except the wine, is what it seems.
Praise for the Sommelier Mysteries:
"A strong new series."--Mystery Scene
"This mystery delivers a fast, sophisticated ride with just enough twists and turns to keep readers guessing until the final confrontation."--RT Book Reviews (4 stars)
With only a few days left until her Advanced Sommelier exam, Katie Stillwell hopes to balance studying with attending a wine and food festival in Santa Barbara.
The weekend with Detective Dean is off to a great start--until an attendee is murdered and suspicion falls on the festival emcee, Master Sommelier Hudson Wiley. Katie tries to keep her focus on the festival and her last-minute studying, but when she discovers people aren't who they say they are, she finds herself in the middle of a tangled web where nothing, except the wine, is what it seems.
Praise for the Sommelier Mysteries:
"A strong new series."--Mystery Scene
"This mystery delivers a fast, sophisticated ride with just enough twists and turns to keep readers guessing until the final confrontation."--RT Book Reviews (4 stars)
228 pages, Paperback
Published May 8, 2018
17 people are currently reading
126 people want to read
About the author
Nadine Nettmann
5 books178 followersNadine Nettmann, a Certified Sommelier through the Court of Master Sommeliers, is always on the lookout for great wines and the stories behind them. She pairs every chapter with a wine in her award-nominated Sommelier Mystery Series, which includes Decanting a Murder, Uncorking a Lie, and Pairing a Deception. Her latest novel, The Bootlegger’s Daughter, takes place in Los Angeles where she was born and raised.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
May 8, 2018
Katie Stillwell and her boyfriend, Dean, are out of town for the weekend, spending it at a food and wine festival outside of Santa Barbara. Several times on opening night, they witness a woman who seems to be stalking festival emcee, Hudson Wiley. When a dead body turns up, they begin to wonder what is going on.
With Katie and Dean out of town, they are the only two real returning characters in the series, but I loved getting to spend more time with them. The new characters are good. The mystery is a little light, but once we get past some set up, Katie uncovers some surprises before we reach the logical and suspenseful conclusion. I’m not a wine lover, but the facts about wine certainly make me want to taste some and see if I can tell the differences that Katie talks about, and those who do love wine will enjoy the pairing suggestions at the beginning of each chapter.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
With Katie and Dean out of town, they are the only two real returning characters in the series, but I loved getting to spend more time with them. The new characters are good. The mystery is a little light, but once we get past some set up, Katie uncovers some surprises before we reach the logical and suspenseful conclusion. I’m not a wine lover, but the facts about wine certainly make me want to taste some and see if I can tell the differences that Katie talks about, and those who do love wine will enjoy the pairing suggestions at the beginning of each chapter.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
May 28, 2018
I had borrowed both of the first two books of this series from my library and enjoyed them so much, I was thrilled when this one was available for request on NetGalley before its recent release. I am voluntarily reviewing the book after reading it.
It was such a fun theme, a Wine and Food Festival and I love how Katie and Dean's relationship had developed in the six months that passed from the last book, obviously in a good direction since he was with her for the weekend. I was really fooled by who the killer was, had no idea until the clues started pointing that way. Even then I wasn't really sure since the author did such a good of having several other likely suspects or maybe unlikely ;)
Katie Stillwell and her boyfriend Dean were attending a Wine and Food Festival as a relaxing getaway, or about as relaxing as it can get when one of the festival guests ends up murdered outside of the festival emcee's hotel room. Katie and Dean were on the case and by the last day they had it wrapped up, maybe not as neatly as they'd hoped since she managed to get hurt in the take down. But she was ready as ever to take her Advanced Sommelier exam since the festival had given her some practice especially with blind testing.
Katie and Dean were the only regulars in this installment since they were actually on a little getaway for the weekend. Darius from the restaurant showed up towards the end. The festival characters of Walt and Ben were absolutely hilarious at times. I can just see these two old married guys ditching their wives for a weekend of drinking as many different kinds of wines as they could. Hudson, the festival emcee who was a Master Sommelier and would proctor the Advanced exam, seemed like a likable enough guy. He was definitely not stuffy and had a good personality for running a big festival. I liked how he was willing to hang out with festival members.
I would love to see Katie continue with her police training from earlier years since she and Dean make a really good team solving these mysteries. But I can tell her heart is really into her sommelier job. I can't wait to find out if she passed her Advanced Sommelier exam in the next book--at least I'm hoping for more books in the series.
It was such a fun theme, a Wine and Food Festival and I love how Katie and Dean's relationship had developed in the six months that passed from the last book, obviously in a good direction since he was with her for the weekend. I was really fooled by who the killer was, had no idea until the clues started pointing that way. Even then I wasn't really sure since the author did such a good of having several other likely suspects or maybe unlikely ;)
Katie Stillwell and her boyfriend Dean were attending a Wine and Food Festival as a relaxing getaway, or about as relaxing as it can get when one of the festival guests ends up murdered outside of the festival emcee's hotel room. Katie and Dean were on the case and by the last day they had it wrapped up, maybe not as neatly as they'd hoped since she managed to get hurt in the take down. But she was ready as ever to take her Advanced Sommelier exam since the festival had given her some practice especially with blind testing.
Katie and Dean were the only regulars in this installment since they were actually on a little getaway for the weekend. Darius from the restaurant showed up towards the end. The festival characters of Walt and Ben were absolutely hilarious at times. I can just see these two old married guys ditching their wives for a weekend of drinking as many different kinds of wines as they could. Hudson, the festival emcee who was a Master Sommelier and would proctor the Advanced exam, seemed like a likable enough guy. He was definitely not stuffy and had a good personality for running a big festival. I liked how he was willing to hang out with festival members.
I would love to see Katie continue with her police training from earlier years since she and Dean make a really good team solving these mysteries. But I can tell her heart is really into her sommelier job. I can't wait to find out if she passed her Advanced Sommelier exam in the next book--at least I'm hoping for more books in the series.
May 3, 2018
PAIRING A DECEPTION, the third book in Nadine Nettmann’s Sommelier Mystery series, will make you want to open a nice bottle of wine to enjoy while you savor each word written until the last page is turned. I love how each chapter begins with a wine pairing (so many wines introduced by Ms. Nettmann, who is a certified sommelier) and weaves in wine information throughout this fast-paced mystery. The protagonist, Katie Stillwell, is an admirable character. She is intelligent and driven to pass her advanced sommelier exam in her quest to become a Master Sommelier. She uses her wine analytical skills to help solve the murder of a young woman she befriends while at a wine and food festival in Santa Barbara, which provides an appealing setting. Joining her is her fairly new boyfriend, Detective Dean. They work well together and it’s obvious that Detective Dean not only cares for Katie, he highly respects her opinions and insight into the brutal crime. With plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader guessing, the exciting conclusion will have the reader turning pages faster and faster!
I was provided an advance copy via Netgalley with the hopes I would review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I was provided an advance copy via Netgalley with the hopes I would review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 14, 2018
Pairing a Deception is a delightful book. The characters are well-rounded and interesting. The story flows like a good wine (pun intended) and the mystery is absorbing. This is the third in the A Sommelier Mystery Series, but this was the first book in the series I have read. I was able to jump right in and enjoy it. Katie is attending the Harvest Days Wine and Food Festival with her beau Dean, a Napa Valley detective. Katie is also studying for her advanced sommelier exam. The grand emcee of the festival happens to be the proctor for the exam. When a festival-goer is murdered and the emcee is suspected, Katie and Dean find themselves involved in a complicated mystery. The book was engaging. I now plan to purchase the first two books in the series. I was fortunate to receive an advanced reader copy provided to me by the publisher through NetGalley. This did not affect my rating, however. I have provided an unbiased and honest review.
January 18, 2018
Review Based on ARC from NetGalley:
Pairing a Deception continues the story of our favorite sommelier, Katie, as she and Detective Dean take their first weekend trip together, down to a wine festival near Santa Barbara. In the now familiar fashion, a murder happens, along with a case of stolen identity, and there is a great deal of wine drunk, discussed, mentioned, and otherwise referred to. This is a very quick read, though I didn't enjoy it as much as the first 2. On the plus side, Katie and Dean's relationship is progressing and we should know by book 4 if the Palate has passed her Advanced Sommelier exam.
Pairing a Deception continues the story of our favorite sommelier, Katie, as she and Detective Dean take their first weekend trip together, down to a wine festival near Santa Barbara. In the now familiar fashion, a murder happens, along with a case of stolen identity, and there is a great deal of wine drunk, discussed, mentioned, and otherwise referred to. This is a very quick read, though I didn't enjoy it as much as the first 2. On the plus side, Katie and Dean's relationship is progressing and we should know by book 4 if the Palate has passed her Advanced Sommelier exam.
August 30, 2018
How many lovers of mysteries are also wine lovers? While there may be many, before this book was written, I enjoyed those passions separately. “Pairing a Deception” brings them together in a wine and food festival setting.
The hero of Nadine Nettman’s book is a female sommelier named Katie Stillwell. She is studying for her advance sommelier test while attending a wine and food festival with her boyfriend, a San Francisco detective. Unfortunately, her boyfriend’s crime-solving skills in this book pale in relation to Stillwell’s. This would be unlikely in real life, but the book is about a female crime-fighting sommelier so the story must focus on her to be interesting.
We learn in the book that Katie Stillwell’s estranged father is a detective in LA. While Stillwell once attended the police academy, she ultimately dropped out to her father’s disappointment. It is her insatiable curiosity, however, that compels her to get involved in criminal investigations and results in her risking her life whenever a crime is committed near her. Despite that drive, she still much prefers her sommelier duties at a San Francisco restaurant.
Included in this book is wine and food pairing advice as well as tasting notes for Chardonnays, Pinot Noirs, and a few other varietals. This information was woven within the who-dun-it plot that kept me reading. The plot involves a number of innocent-seeming characters, none of whose characteristics make them a suspect. It’s not until the last few chapters that you begin to suspect who the killer may be.
I liked this book due to its action taking place in a setting familiar to me and due to the non-traditional hero it portrays. There is a second Sommelier Crime Mystery by Nettman currently on sale at Amazon. I plan on procuring that second episode in Stillwell’s sommelier’s crime-fighting life soon.
The hero of Nadine Nettman’s book is a female sommelier named Katie Stillwell. She is studying for her advance sommelier test while attending a wine and food festival with her boyfriend, a San Francisco detective. Unfortunately, her boyfriend’s crime-solving skills in this book pale in relation to Stillwell’s. This would be unlikely in real life, but the book is about a female crime-fighting sommelier so the story must focus on her to be interesting.
We learn in the book that Katie Stillwell’s estranged father is a detective in LA. While Stillwell once attended the police academy, she ultimately dropped out to her father’s disappointment. It is her insatiable curiosity, however, that compels her to get involved in criminal investigations and results in her risking her life whenever a crime is committed near her. Despite that drive, she still much prefers her sommelier duties at a San Francisco restaurant.
Included in this book is wine and food pairing advice as well as tasting notes for Chardonnays, Pinot Noirs, and a few other varietals. This information was woven within the who-dun-it plot that kept me reading. The plot involves a number of innocent-seeming characters, none of whose characteristics make them a suspect. It’s not until the last few chapters that you begin to suspect who the killer may be.
I liked this book due to its action taking place in a setting familiar to me and due to the non-traditional hero it portrays. There is a second Sommelier Crime Mystery by Nettman currently on sale at Amazon. I plan on procuring that second episode in Stillwell’s sommelier’s crime-fighting life soon.
May 19, 2018
3.5*/5.
One of my roommates is a sommelier, so I'm familiar with a (very) little bit of what's involved in her job and the prestige of the Court of Sommelier. She's currently working towards her Certificate and has piles of wine encyclopedias and books everywhere. I don't like wine but I do find the whole tasting process quite fascinating - refining your senses to discern the different flavours, nuances and grapes - down the very vineyard they grew! - is quite an achievement. Despite my current dislike of wine, I'd like to do tastings to try it out and develop an appreciation for it. There's so much more to it than there first appears!
When I mentioned this series to her, she was excited and wants to read it. I think her appreciation of it will be more genuine.
I struggled a bit with the book because I haven't read the first two in the series, and jumping into the already developed characters and relationships was slightly awkward but I managed to get a decent feel for them all relatively quickly despite that. The mystery was good although I did figure out the murderer just before Katie did (not necessarily a bad thing!). I was unaware that Katie had a background in karate, however, so when she got the murderer onto the ground in some kind of hold, it felt quite unbelievable!
Overall, though, I read it quickly and enjoyed it enough that I'd like to go back to the beginning of the series. The sommelier theme is unique and interesting, and there are lots of opportunities during festivals, exams, visits to vineyards and wineries, etc. for dead bodies to appear! I'll definitely be adding the series to my TBR pile.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC and the opportunity to review it. All opinions are my own.
One of my roommates is a sommelier, so I'm familiar with a (very) little bit of what's involved in her job and the prestige of the Court of Sommelier. She's currently working towards her Certificate and has piles of wine encyclopedias and books everywhere. I don't like wine but I do find the whole tasting process quite fascinating - refining your senses to discern the different flavours, nuances and grapes - down the very vineyard they grew! - is quite an achievement. Despite my current dislike of wine, I'd like to do tastings to try it out and develop an appreciation for it. There's so much more to it than there first appears!
When I mentioned this series to her, she was excited and wants to read it. I think her appreciation of it will be more genuine.
I struggled a bit with the book because I haven't read the first two in the series, and jumping into the already developed characters and relationships was slightly awkward but I managed to get a decent feel for them all relatively quickly despite that. The mystery was good although I did figure out the murderer just before Katie did (not necessarily a bad thing!). I was unaware that Katie had a background in karate, however, so when she got the murderer onto the ground in some kind of hold, it felt quite unbelievable!
Overall, though, I read it quickly and enjoyed it enough that I'd like to go back to the beginning of the series. The sommelier theme is unique and interesting, and there are lots of opportunities during festivals, exams, visits to vineyards and wineries, etc. for dead bodies to appear! I'll definitely be adding the series to my TBR pile.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC and the opportunity to review it. All opinions are my own.
May 9, 2018
Have you ever met a wine snob? You know, the person who likes to show off their knowledge of wines? Well, I am the exact opposite. If you ask me what my favorite wine is, I would be likely to reply with (cringe)…a color choice or a description of a cute label. Not bad considering I came to the game rather late in life.
Enter Nadine Nettman with her latest cozy mystery Pairing a Deception. Nettmann, a Certified Sommelier from California has all the knowledge needed to create an interesting mystery based on the amazing varieties of wines available at a food and wine festival.
The main character, Katie, is studying for her three day Advanced Sommelier exam, but decides to squeeze in a festival in Santa Barbara with her selfless boyfriend, Detective Dean. While there, Katie gets to practice blind wine tasting skills, share her enthusiasm for wines as an emergency substitute speaker, and investigate a murder. Katie has a background of karate as a child and attended the Police Academy. Skills learned in both venues come in handy when she discovers the murderer.
I thought I might be overwhelmed or bored with all the wine talk, but it seemed natural considering the setting. I learned a lot about wine, especially wine tastings, liked the main characters, and found the plot interesting. The ending was a surprise, but believable.
I would like to extend my thanks to netgalley.com and to Midnight Ink for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Enter Nadine Nettman with her latest cozy mystery Pairing a Deception. Nettmann, a Certified Sommelier from California has all the knowledge needed to create an interesting mystery based on the amazing varieties of wines available at a food and wine festival.
The main character, Katie, is studying for her three day Advanced Sommelier exam, but decides to squeeze in a festival in Santa Barbara with her selfless boyfriend, Detective Dean. While there, Katie gets to practice blind wine tasting skills, share her enthusiasm for wines as an emergency substitute speaker, and investigate a murder. Katie has a background of karate as a child and attended the Police Academy. Skills learned in both venues come in handy when she discovers the murderer.
I thought I might be overwhelmed or bored with all the wine talk, but it seemed natural considering the setting. I learned a lot about wine, especially wine tastings, liked the main characters, and found the plot interesting. The ending was a surprise, but believable.
I would like to extend my thanks to netgalley.com and to Midnight Ink for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 5, 2019
This is the third book in the series and I found it just as enjoyable as the others even though I know nothing about wine.
Katie will be taking her Master Sommelier test soon but she was wanting to go with Dean to the Food and Wine festival nearby so she promised to study while she was there. Things didn't go so well when they happen on a dead body of a lady they had just met and it's outside the hotel room of one of the Master Sommeliers.
She really hopes that Hudson didn't have anything to do with it but she doesn't really know him. Her boyfriend Detective Dean has to go back home to work on a case for a day and tells her to stay out of trouble but we all know that won't happen. She can't help but want to figure out what happened. She is pretty sure it has to do with a winery but not sure why or who might want to kill the woman.
I like Katie and Dean and think they make a cute couple. I love that Dean is trying to learn more about wine and his always quizing her on her flash cards and helping her study. Katie is fun and very inquisitive and seems to know her wine but I have not clue as I couldn't tell one wine from another I don't drink. :)
Overall I thought it was a good cozy and if you like cozies and wine (nor not like me) you might enjoy this series.
Katie will be taking her Master Sommelier test soon but she was wanting to go with Dean to the Food and Wine festival nearby so she promised to study while she was there. Things didn't go so well when they happen on a dead body of a lady they had just met and it's outside the hotel room of one of the Master Sommeliers.
She really hopes that Hudson didn't have anything to do with it but she doesn't really know him. Her boyfriend Detective Dean has to go back home to work on a case for a day and tells her to stay out of trouble but we all know that won't happen. She can't help but want to figure out what happened. She is pretty sure it has to do with a winery but not sure why or who might want to kill the woman.
I like Katie and Dean and think they make a cute couple. I love that Dean is trying to learn more about wine and his always quizing her on her flash cards and helping her study. Katie is fun and very inquisitive and seems to know her wine but I have not clue as I couldn't tell one wine from another I don't drink. :)
Overall I thought it was a good cozy and if you like cozies and wine (nor not like me) you might enjoy this series.
March 4, 2018
The Sommelier mysteries are a smart and engaging read. A Certified Sommelier herself, Nadine Nettmann skillfully applies her wine expertise to bring a quality of authenticity to Katie Stillwell’s character in her adventures. In fact, one of the more interesting features of this series is the way Ms. Nettmann weaves winemaking details into the story line.
In this adventure, Katie and her boyfriend Dean, a police detective, are taking a long weekend to attend a wine festival in Santa Barbara. Katie also plans to get some studying done for the Advanced Sommelier exam she will be taking in seven days. Of course there is a murder at the festival and it may involve the Master Sommelier who will be proctoring her upcoming exam. Naturally Katie begins sleuthing while Dean reluctantly supports her efforts and warns her to be careful.
The mystery storyline is well-conceived with twists, turns and red herrings that keep the reader guessing. Dialogue is realistic. This is a fast-paced read that is over just a little too soon. Let’s hope the next adventure is coming soon.
In this adventure, Katie and her boyfriend Dean, a police detective, are taking a long weekend to attend a wine festival in Santa Barbara. Katie also plans to get some studying done for the Advanced Sommelier exam she will be taking in seven days. Of course there is a murder at the festival and it may involve the Master Sommelier who will be proctoring her upcoming exam. Naturally Katie begins sleuthing while Dean reluctantly supports her efforts and warns her to be careful.
The mystery storyline is well-conceived with twists, turns and red herrings that keep the reader guessing. Dialogue is realistic. This is a fast-paced read that is over just a little too soon. Let’s hope the next adventure is coming soon.
March 25, 2018
Sommelier Katie Stillwell and her new boyfriend Detective John Dean are taking their first weekend away by attending a wine and food festival in Santa Barbara. Katie is studying hard for her advanced Sommelier exam and Dean has a case that is in process too but they are eager to spend some time together.
The festival is being attended by a colorful variety of characters including the emcee, Master Hudson Wiley, who will be proctoring Katie's exam the following week. When one of the attendee's body is found murdered and propped up against Wiley's hotel room, Katie is eager to figure out who murdered her.
As she investigates, she finds that the victim was using a false name. She also finds a number of suspects who might have wanted her dead and who might have wanted to blame Wiley. This cozy is filled with great information about all kinds of wine. I learned a lot even though I am not a wine drinker.
This third book in a series includes likable characters, a nice twisty plot, danger for the heroine, and lots of information about wine.
The festival is being attended by a colorful variety of characters including the emcee, Master Hudson Wiley, who will be proctoring Katie's exam the following week. When one of the attendee's body is found murdered and propped up against Wiley's hotel room, Katie is eager to figure out who murdered her.
As she investigates, she finds that the victim was using a false name. She also finds a number of suspects who might have wanted her dead and who might have wanted to blame Wiley. This cozy is filled with great information about all kinds of wine. I learned a lot even though I am not a wine drinker.
This third book in a series includes likable characters, a nice twisty plot, danger for the heroine, and lots of information about wine.
April 2, 2018
Preparing for her Advanced Sommelier exam, Katie Stillwell and her boyfriend John Dean head to the Wine and Food festival in Santa Barbara to relax and help her prepare for her upcoming exam. When they arrive, Katie meets the Master Sommelier who is not only hosting the weekend events, but also her exam the next week.
When an attendee is found murdered outside the master sommelier’s room, Katie puts herself in danger as she follows the clues to finger the murdered. Along the way there are some fine wines and good food, but will Katie make it to sit for her exam or will it be postponed because the proctor is booked for murder? The story is solid and the characters multidimensional and well developed. When the murdered is finally revealed you’ll be surprised. Along the way, enjoy the wine pairings for each chapter and learn a bit more about wines around the World. The only way this book would have been better is if the wines were a true tasting menu with each chapter. Looking forward to reading the first two books in the series and the next adventure with Katie and Dean.
When an attendee is found murdered outside the master sommelier’s room, Katie puts herself in danger as she follows the clues to finger the murdered. Along the way there are some fine wines and good food, but will Katie make it to sit for her exam or will it be postponed because the proctor is booked for murder? The story is solid and the characters multidimensional and well developed. When the murdered is finally revealed you’ll be surprised. Along the way, enjoy the wine pairings for each chapter and learn a bit more about wines around the World. The only way this book would have been better is if the wines were a true tasting menu with each chapter. Looking forward to reading the first two books in the series and the next adventure with Katie and Dean.
May 4, 2018
PAIRING A DECEPTION by Nadine Nettmann
The Third Sommelier Mystery
Katie Stillwell and Detective Dean have finally coordinated their schedules and plan to enjoy their first weekend away as a couple at the Harvest Days Wine and Food Festival in Santa Barbara. A romantic wine filled getaway turns murderous when the pair discover the dead body of a woman lying against the door of Master Sommelier Hudson Wiley; the same woman who was desperate to talk with him. Could he have killed her? Although it's not Dean's jurisdiction he's certain to have an opinion, and Katie is sure to ask some questions. Who killed Jocelyn Rivers? And if the Master Sommelier is guilty, who will proctor Katie's Exam?
I find that I like the characters in the Sommelier Mysteries more and more as the series progresses. Although filled with self doubt, Katie Stillwell is nonetheless a strong woman. Determined to do what she does best, Katie sticks to her guns and doesn't let anybody stop her! Detective Dean is an amazing romantic counterpart. Dean is supportive, encouraging, and thoughtful. He listens and remembers the little things.
One of my favorite bits of the series is the wine pairing given at the start of each chapter. I love and appreciate the wine knowledge shared. The love of wine is not only evident in Katie Stillwell, but it flows from the author, Nadine Nettmann, herself. Her joy and enthusiasm for the fruit of the vine is evident in every page, and it doesn't detract from the mystery, but rather enriches it.
PAIRING A DECEPTION is another gold medal winner from Nadine Nettmann. Great characters in a wonderful setting bring an intriguing and enjoyable mystery to life.
FTC Disclosure – The publisher sent me a digital ARC provided through NetGalley, in the hopes I would review it.
The Third Sommelier Mystery
Katie Stillwell and Detective Dean have finally coordinated their schedules and plan to enjoy their first weekend away as a couple at the Harvest Days Wine and Food Festival in Santa Barbara. A romantic wine filled getaway turns murderous when the pair discover the dead body of a woman lying against the door of Master Sommelier Hudson Wiley; the same woman who was desperate to talk with him. Could he have killed her? Although it's not Dean's jurisdiction he's certain to have an opinion, and Katie is sure to ask some questions. Who killed Jocelyn Rivers? And if the Master Sommelier is guilty, who will proctor Katie's Exam?
I find that I like the characters in the Sommelier Mysteries more and more as the series progresses. Although filled with self doubt, Katie Stillwell is nonetheless a strong woman. Determined to do what she does best, Katie sticks to her guns and doesn't let anybody stop her! Detective Dean is an amazing romantic counterpart. Dean is supportive, encouraging, and thoughtful. He listens and remembers the little things.
One of my favorite bits of the series is the wine pairing given at the start of each chapter. I love and appreciate the wine knowledge shared. The love of wine is not only evident in Katie Stillwell, but it flows from the author, Nadine Nettmann, herself. Her joy and enthusiasm for the fruit of the vine is evident in every page, and it doesn't detract from the mystery, but rather enriches it.
PAIRING A DECEPTION is another gold medal winner from Nadine Nettmann. Great characters in a wonderful setting bring an intriguing and enjoyable mystery to life.
FTC Disclosure – The publisher sent me a digital ARC provided through NetGalley, in the hopes I would review it.
April 29, 2018
Though this is the third book in the series, it's the first one I've read. I didn't feel like I needed to have read the first two. There was enough backstory without an info dump to know what was going on with the series. Katie Stillwell is volunteering at a wine and food festival the weekend ahead of her advanced sommelier exam. Her beau John Dean is with her as well, taking well the fact that he was signed up as "Dean Stillwell" and generally proving himself to be a really, really good boyfriend. Too bad the rest of the weekend is moving as smooth. There's a young woman chasing down the emcee. He's avoiding her for most of the day but Katie leaves them at a table together at the end of the evening. Too bad the young woman ends up dead outside his door the next day.
The ending didn't make a lot of sense to me but it was overall a pretty good book.
The ending didn't make a lot of sense to me but it was overall a pretty good book.
May 5, 2018
I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley for free in exchange for an honest review.
Katie Stillwell is back in the third volume of the Sommelier Mysteries. In this volume Katie and Dean finally have a whole weekend to spend together at a Food and Wine Festival - what could possibly go wrong? Katie is thrust into solving the murder of a young woman, whose body was discovered slumped against the hotel room door of the festival's master of ceremonies. Katie and Dean work together to sniff out the killer.
Nadine Nettman has written a satisfying cozy mystery. I enjoyed the deepening of Katie and Dean's relationship and how well they work together. The setting was really fun - it definitely inspired me to go to a wine festival. The mystery was exciting and fast-paced. I am excited for the fourth book. The Sommelier Mystery series is on my must read list.
Katie Stillwell is back in the third volume of the Sommelier Mysteries. In this volume Katie and Dean finally have a whole weekend to spend together at a Food and Wine Festival - what could possibly go wrong? Katie is thrust into solving the murder of a young woman, whose body was discovered slumped against the hotel room door of the festival's master of ceremonies. Katie and Dean work together to sniff out the killer.
Nadine Nettman has written a satisfying cozy mystery. I enjoyed the deepening of Katie and Dean's relationship and how well they work together. The setting was really fun - it definitely inspired me to go to a wine festival. The mystery was exciting and fast-paced. I am excited for the fourth book. The Sommelier Mystery series is on my must read list.
July 13, 2018
What bad could ever happen at a wine festival?
When a female festival attendee is found dead in front of a hotel room of a famous sommelier with a bottle of wine, it certainly puts some suspicions on a said sommelier. But he is obviously uncomfortable, not giving off the guilty vibes. Besides, Katie Stillwell has her gut, which is telling her that there might be some deception going on.
Unfortunately, this is the weakest in the series - this might be because I feel that Dean, Katie’s boyfriend, is definitely playing the second fiddle, and I like the guy too much to want him to be just an overprotective figure without any life of his own. The plot has been stretching my patience a bit, too, as it is a bit unbelievable and a bit prolonged, too.
But having said all that, the charm of wine is still here. Being a wine lover, I have gathered a lot of new information. So - cheers!
When a female festival attendee is found dead in front of a hotel room of a famous sommelier with a bottle of wine, it certainly puts some suspicions on a said sommelier. But he is obviously uncomfortable, not giving off the guilty vibes. Besides, Katie Stillwell has her gut, which is telling her that there might be some deception going on.
Unfortunately, this is the weakest in the series - this might be because I feel that Dean, Katie’s boyfriend, is definitely playing the second fiddle, and I like the guy too much to want him to be just an overprotective figure without any life of his own. The plot has been stretching my patience a bit, too, as it is a bit unbelievable and a bit prolonged, too.
But having said all that, the charm of wine is still here. Being a wine lover, I have gathered a lot of new information. So - cheers!
June 21, 2018
What could be more relaxing than a weekend wine retreat right before the big Advanced Sommelier test? At least that is what Katie Stillwell and her boyfriend Detective John Dean thought when they went away for the weekend.
What a great way to get a peek into what a wine tasting and educational weekend could look like with a little extra excitement. Truly educational and informative while being equally entertaining. I learned a lot including the proper pronunciation for sommelier (some-all-yay) after all don't we all say YAY when it comes to some good cozy ready and some good tasting wine. The story was a page turner that had me second guessing "who done it" and why. Looking forward to the next installment to enjoy with a nice bottle of red.
May 6, 2019
Certified Sommelier Katie Stillwell and her boyfriend, Detective John Dean, are on their first weekend getaway together at a wine festival in Santa Barbara, California. Despite some odd behavior by one of the attendees and the festival emcee, Master Sommelier Hudson Wiley, things are running smoothly for Katie and Dean...until the following morning, when one of the festival attendees is found murdered, causing suspicion to fall on the emcee, who is also scheduled to play a part in the Advanced Sommelier exam that Katie is taking shortly after the wine festival.
I have learned a lot about wine from reading this series! I also love the California wine country setting. I almost felt like I was at the wine festival myself while reading this book.
I have learned a lot about wine from reading this series! I also love the California wine country setting. I almost felt like I was at the wine festival myself while reading this book.
February 13, 2018
Fast-paced new entry following the adventures of Katie Stillwell as she attends a wine festival with boyfriend, John Dean. While her plan is to enjoy her first weekend trip with him and study up for the sommelier's exam the following Tuesday, the murder of another attendee requires her unique skills to solve the crime. Enjoyable mystery that plays fair with its clues, but kept me guessing until the end. Can't wait for the next book and to find out how Katie does on the sommelier's exam. If you are at all interested in wines, this is a don't miss for you!
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
April 26, 2018
The charm of this cozy series is in Katie and the fact that she's studying for her sommelier exam. I enjoy how Nettman winds details about the wine business into a fairly standard plot, which makes it stand out. This time Katie's at a festival with her sweetie Detective John Dean and when someone is murdered, well of course she's going to investigate. Hudson Wiley might have issues but Katie's convinced he didn't do it. There are some twists and you'll likely find yourself nodding at the end when the killer is revealed. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. I'm looking forward to the next installment to see if Katie passed!
May 6, 2018
Sommelier Katie Stillwell and Detective John Dean are planning to enjoy a weekend together at the Harvest Days Wine and Food Festival in Santa Barbara. But the fun turns deadly when they find the dead body of a woman lying against the door of Master Sommelier Hudson Wiley. The victim had been anxious to meet Hudson but why? Katie cannot resist using her investigative skills to find the truth. Meanwhile, her romantic relationship with Dean is developing nicely in this book.
I received an eARC via Netgalley and Midnight Ink with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book and provided this review.
I received an eARC via Netgalley and Midnight Ink with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book and provided this review.
July 24, 2018
I really enjoyed this one! I love food festivals, and this book takes place at a wine/food festival. Katie even steps in as a presenter at one of the sessions, and on another day she helps pour wine. It's meant to be a romantic weekend for her and John Dean, but murder has other plans...
Nadine Nettmann makes the "wine world" interesting, and as you're reading this story you're learning about wine and labels and tastings and vintage. You're learning without even realizing it. Nettmann keeps the topics fresh and not dry. I'm not a drinker, but I'd love to sit down with Katie and have her pour wine for me and have her explain the story within the bottle! I can't wait for the next book!!
Nadine Nettmann makes the "wine world" interesting, and as you're reading this story you're learning about wine and labels and tastings and vintage. You're learning without even realizing it. Nettmann keeps the topics fresh and not dry. I'm not a drinker, but I'd love to sit down with Katie and have her pour wine for me and have her explain the story within the bottle! I can't wait for the next book!!
May 19, 2020
I've also read the second book in this series, and I really love how Nettmann has a different wine recommendation for each chapter.
I still think you could enjoy this book without knowing the other books or rest of the story. There is obviously a tie between them, but you can easily enjoy each book on its own without being lost.
Yes, it's your typical cozy mystery, but I still enjoyed it. Not as cheesy as a lot of them, and it seems like the writing matures each book. I enjoy these books because I learn more about wine and can quickly and easily dive into the story.
*Thank you to Netgalley and Midnight Ink for the ARC, for which I have given an honest and unbiased review*
I still think you could enjoy this book without knowing the other books or rest of the story. There is obviously a tie between them, but you can easily enjoy each book on its own without being lost.
Yes, it's your typical cozy mystery, but I still enjoyed it. Not as cheesy as a lot of them, and it seems like the writing matures each book. I enjoy these books because I learn more about wine and can quickly and easily dive into the story.
*Thank you to Netgalley and Midnight Ink for the ARC, for which I have given an honest and unbiased review*
October 28, 2024
This is book 3 and features Santa Barbara and the wine seminar for the weekend. At least this time Katie brings the nice detective Dean from book 1 but I still got frustrated with her poor choices. I really shouldn’t go off by myself but I’m going to do it anyway and then of course get into a really bad situation.
I still want to try every wine from the chapter pairings in the book - as there are varieties I have never tried.
If I’m being honest, skip this series and read The Bootlegger’s Daughter: A Novel instead.
I still want to try every wine from the chapter pairings in the book - as there are varieties I have never tried.
If I’m being honest, skip this series and read The Bootlegger’s Daughter: A Novel instead.
July 24, 2025
#3 in the late 20's year old San Francisco restaurant sommelier Katie Stillwell mystery series.
A week before her Advanced Sommelier exam, Katie Stillwell hopes to balance studying with attending a wine and food festival in Santa Barbara with her now boyfriend Detective Dean is off to a great start―until an attendee is murdered and suspicion falls on the festival emcee, Master Sommelier Hudson Wiley. Of course Katie has to investigate and finds s herself in the middle of a tangled web in which people aren't who they say they are and some near escapes from harm.
A week before her Advanced Sommelier exam, Katie Stillwell hopes to balance studying with attending a wine and food festival in Santa Barbara with her now boyfriend Detective Dean is off to a great start―until an attendee is murdered and suspicion falls on the festival emcee, Master Sommelier Hudson Wiley. Of course Katie has to investigate and finds s herself in the middle of a tangled web in which people aren't who they say they are and some near escapes from harm.
December 12, 2017
I absolutely love this series. I adore Katie and how real she is, and reading about her budding relationship with Dean and all of the growing pains that new couples endure. I love learning more about wine every time I read one of these books. I absolutely can't wait for Katie's adventures to continue!!
February 3, 2018
Pairing a Deception is my favorite of the Sommelier Mysteries! I love wine but I'm not nearly as knowledgeable as Katie, so it was fun to have a cast of characters who behave around wine the way I do—they love it and want to drink more!
The murder mystery takes the reader on the twists and turns we've come to expect from Nettman, and readers won't be disappointed!
The murder mystery takes the reader on the twists and turns we've come to expect from Nettman, and readers won't be disappointed!
August 7, 2018
I’m a big fan of this series and this book didn’t disappoint. From the first page I felt like I’d dropped right into a Northern California wine festival (although I’ve never actually been to one). Sommelier Katie Stillwell is an appealing amateur sleuth and I enjoyed getting to know her detective beau more in this book as well.
December 31, 2018
Ugh. The only deception in this book is being drawn into it in the first place. I will definitely look carefully next time I'm pulled into because the author was a one time an Agatha Award Finalist. Shallow, formulated and boring. The sleuth has to become involved of course, and always places herself in dangerous situations. This goes into the garbage heap of new authors.
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