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A Wine Country Mystery #2
Seven Deadly Zins
The second in Nancy J. Parra’s Wine Country mysteries is sure to make fans of Ellen Crosby heady with delight.
Which suspect drowned an inspector in the Zinfandel? Sonoma tour guide Taylor O’Brian uncorks another intoxicating Wine Country mystery.
Taylor O’Brian, founder of “Off the Beaten Path”, takes small groups on wine country tours of romantic Sonoma County. Friends are everything in the tour business, so Taylor is happy to guide investors to the winery owned by her friend Tim Slade. But vintage turns to vinegar when an FDA inspector is found floating face down in one of Tim’s vats of squished grapes.
Tim is arrested on suspicion of murder, and Taylor and her friends rally to prove his innocence. But it’s not an easy task, especially since the winery proprietor’s acidic sense of humor tends to reap a harvest of sour grapes. Taylor’s investigation is withering on the vine until she discovers that Tim’s girlfriend, Mandy, is having an affair with a self-help guru. But before she has a chance to confront Mandy, Taylor finds Tim standing over the body of the dead guru.
This tart turn of events sends a bottle shock through Sonoma. Might Taylor’s friend really be a Zin-ful killer? If so, could Taylor be the next victim? The tour guide and her friends come to realize that the true murderer’s scent is obscured by an unsavory bouquet of red herrings.
A complex mystery designed to delight the palate of wine and cozy mystery enthusiasts alike, Seven Deadly Zins is the second quirky installment in Nancy J. Parra’s Wine Country mysteries.
Which suspect drowned an inspector in the Zinfandel? Sonoma tour guide Taylor O’Brian uncorks another intoxicating Wine Country mystery.
Taylor O’Brian, founder of “Off the Beaten Path”, takes small groups on wine country tours of romantic Sonoma County. Friends are everything in the tour business, so Taylor is happy to guide investors to the winery owned by her friend Tim Slade. But vintage turns to vinegar when an FDA inspector is found floating face down in one of Tim’s vats of squished grapes.
Tim is arrested on suspicion of murder, and Taylor and her friends rally to prove his innocence. But it’s not an easy task, especially since the winery proprietor’s acidic sense of humor tends to reap a harvest of sour grapes. Taylor’s investigation is withering on the vine until she discovers that Tim’s girlfriend, Mandy, is having an affair with a self-help guru. But before she has a chance to confront Mandy, Taylor finds Tim standing over the body of the dead guru.
This tart turn of events sends a bottle shock through Sonoma. Might Taylor’s friend really be a Zin-ful killer? If so, could Taylor be the next victim? The tour guide and her friends come to realize that the true murderer’s scent is obscured by an unsavory bouquet of red herrings.
A complex mystery designed to delight the palate of wine and cozy mystery enthusiasts alike, Seven Deadly Zins is the second quirky installment in Nancy J. Parra’s Wine Country mysteries.
267 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 8, 2019
29 people are currently reading
191 people want to read
About the author
Nancy J. Parra
23 books312 followersBest known for writing plucky heroines, USA Today Bestselling Author, Nancy J. Parra has 30 books published-
Most recently Nancy has five cozy mystery book series going.
All Fudged Up, To Fudge or Not To Fudge, All You Need is Fudge, Oh Say Can You Fudge, All I want For Christmas is Fudge, Oh Fudge, Forever Fudge, Fudge Bites and Have Yourself a Fudgy Little Christmas are part of the USA Today Bestselling Candy-Coated Mystery series (Kensington) -which Nancy writes as Nancy Coco.
Also from Nancy Coco, the Oregon Honeycomb Series which includes: Death Bee Comes Her and a Matter of Hive and Death.
Writing as Nell Hampton, Kale to the Queen is the debut in the Kensington Palace Chef Mystery series.
A Case of Syrah, Syrah and Seven Deadly Zins are part of the Wine Country Tours mystery series.
Gluten for Punishment, Murder Gone A-Rye and Flourless to Stop Him are both part of the Gluten Free Baker's Treat Mystery series. (Berkley Prime Crime)
Then there is Engaged in Murder, Bodice of Evidence and Newlywed Dead, the Perfect Proposal series from Berkley Prime Crime.
Most recently Nancy has five cozy mystery book series going.
All Fudged Up, To Fudge or Not To Fudge, All You Need is Fudge, Oh Say Can You Fudge, All I want For Christmas is Fudge, Oh Fudge, Forever Fudge, Fudge Bites and Have Yourself a Fudgy Little Christmas are part of the USA Today Bestselling Candy-Coated Mystery series (Kensington) -which Nancy writes as Nancy Coco.
Also from Nancy Coco, the Oregon Honeycomb Series which includes: Death Bee Comes Her and a Matter of Hive and Death.
Writing as Nell Hampton, Kale to the Queen is the debut in the Kensington Palace Chef Mystery series.
A Case of Syrah, Syrah and Seven Deadly Zins are part of the Wine Country Tours mystery series.
Gluten for Punishment, Murder Gone A-Rye and Flourless to Stop Him are both part of the Gluten Free Baker's Treat Mystery series. (Berkley Prime Crime)
Then there is Engaged in Murder, Bodice of Evidence and Newlywed Dead, the Perfect Proposal series from Berkley Prime Crime.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
December 18, 2018
Seven Deadly Zins by Nancy J. Parra is the second book in the cozy A Wine Country Mystery series. Each book of the series has it’s own murder mystery to be solved so they don’t necessarily need to be read in order, however, the character building does carry over from book to book.
Taylor O’Brian had moved to Sonoma to live with her Aunt Jemma on her aunt’s small winery when her health came into question. Even though her aunt owned the winery Taylor had wanted to make her own way so she decided to cash in on the local scenery and bought an old VW bus much like the famous Mystery Machine and planned to start up Taylor’s Off The Beaten Path Wine Tours.
Taylor was just getting settled into her home at the winery and her new business when a fellow winery owner and friend asks Taylor to include his property on her upcoming tours. Taylor was happy to oblige until she brings a group for a tour and along with the wine in the vat they find a dead body.
The A Wine Country Mystery series is one that has a quirky and cute vibe to it which I actually love. The characters and setting are both quite nice and I suppose you could add a touch of paranormal to the description with Aunt Jemma hosting seances. The thing with this one to me though was the author was trying to spread the focus of the story around a bit which in the end to me made the outcome more obvious leaving me to rate this edition 3.5 stars. I’ll still be on board another trip to Sonoma when the series continues though.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
Taylor O’Brian had moved to Sonoma to live with her Aunt Jemma on her aunt’s small winery when her health came into question. Even though her aunt owned the winery Taylor had wanted to make her own way so she decided to cash in on the local scenery and bought an old VW bus much like the famous Mystery Machine and planned to start up Taylor’s Off The Beaten Path Wine Tours.
Taylor was just getting settled into her home at the winery and her new business when a fellow winery owner and friend asks Taylor to include his property on her upcoming tours. Taylor was happy to oblige until she brings a group for a tour and along with the wine in the vat they find a dead body.
The A Wine Country Mystery series is one that has a quirky and cute vibe to it which I actually love. The characters and setting are both quite nice and I suppose you could add a touch of paranormal to the description with Aunt Jemma hosting seances. The thing with this one to me though was the author was trying to spread the focus of the story around a bit which in the end to me made the outcome more obvious leaving me to rate this edition 3.5 stars. I’ll still be on board another trip to Sonoma when the series continues though.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
January 29, 2019
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Taylor O’Brian owns Off the Beaten Path Wine Country Tours. She offers unique outings for small groups to visit local wineries and other points of interest in Sonoma County. This time she has a group of investors and their first stop is a winery owned by her friend Tim Slade. Unfortunately when Tim demonstrates one of the key processes of winemaking he gets a terrible surprise. A body in one of the vats. Without an alibi, he is arrested. Tim can rub some folks the wrong way, but he is not a killer. Since this is not the first time Taylor has been involved in a murder investigation she knows the ropes. She knows she is going to have to come up with a least one alternate suspect. Strangely it is a visit to see a self-help guru that points Taylor in the right direction. Yes, she is there when another dead body is found, but it helps her to start to uncork this wine filled mystery.
There is a lot happening in this story and at times it gets to be a little chaotic. In addition to the main murder mystery, Taylor learns she has new competition in the wine tour realm. I must say the other woman seems far more organized and business savvy, she makes Taylor look like an amateur. Also, Dr. Adam Brinkman, a renowned self-help guru comes to town and crowds are lined up for his seminars. Aunt Jemma leads a “seance” when her psychic friend is unavailable and then that psychic takes over one of Taylor’s tours when Taylor has to handle a family crisis. It all blends together but not as smoothly as I would have liked. There is a really nice twist at the end that really saved this story for me.
Taylor has evolved a little bit since the first book, A Case of Syrah, Syrah, but I still find her frustrating. She is her own worst enemy. She pushes ahead without a clear plan of where she is headed or what she is trying to accomplish. She leads with her heart and not with her head, which can be endearing until it happens too often. I enjoyed her get-togethers with her friends and the relationship she has with her aunt. There are two potential love interests for her but she is indecisive about them as well.
The setting is wonderful. I could picture most of the places traveled very easily. I have always wanted to take a vacation to Sonoma and visit as many wineries as possible. The setting and the colorful covers are what really drew me to this series.
This story missed the mark for me a little bit, but I have hope that Taylor will continue to evolve and I will grow to like her as much as I do the supporting cast.
Taylor O’Brian owns Off the Beaten Path Wine Country Tours. She offers unique outings for small groups to visit local wineries and other points of interest in Sonoma County. This time she has a group of investors and their first stop is a winery owned by her friend Tim Slade. Unfortunately when Tim demonstrates one of the key processes of winemaking he gets a terrible surprise. A body in one of the vats. Without an alibi, he is arrested. Tim can rub some folks the wrong way, but he is not a killer. Since this is not the first time Taylor has been involved in a murder investigation she knows the ropes. She knows she is going to have to come up with a least one alternate suspect. Strangely it is a visit to see a self-help guru that points Taylor in the right direction. Yes, she is there when another dead body is found, but it helps her to start to uncork this wine filled mystery.
There is a lot happening in this story and at times it gets to be a little chaotic. In addition to the main murder mystery, Taylor learns she has new competition in the wine tour realm. I must say the other woman seems far more organized and business savvy, she makes Taylor look like an amateur. Also, Dr. Adam Brinkman, a renowned self-help guru comes to town and crowds are lined up for his seminars. Aunt Jemma leads a “seance” when her psychic friend is unavailable and then that psychic takes over one of Taylor’s tours when Taylor has to handle a family crisis. It all blends together but not as smoothly as I would have liked. There is a really nice twist at the end that really saved this story for me.
Taylor has evolved a little bit since the first book, A Case of Syrah, Syrah, but I still find her frustrating. She is her own worst enemy. She pushes ahead without a clear plan of where she is headed or what she is trying to accomplish. She leads with her heart and not with her head, which can be endearing until it happens too often. I enjoyed her get-togethers with her friends and the relationship she has with her aunt. There are two potential love interests for her but she is indecisive about them as well.
The setting is wonderful. I could picture most of the places traveled very easily. I have always wanted to take a vacation to Sonoma and visit as many wineries as possible. The setting and the colorful covers are what really drew me to this series.
This story missed the mark for me a little bit, but I have hope that Taylor will continue to evolve and I will grow to like her as much as I do the supporting cast.
August 13, 2018
(Read as an eARC from NetGalley)
This was probably the first cozy mystery book I've read (if we don't count Agatha Christie's books) so I don't have a clear idea of some standards I could use to compare it against but I think that this book has some pretty big flaws. With that said, I didn't have a bad reading experience with it - on the contrary, I quite enjoyed most of it. I can see myself reading a lot more cozy mysteries in the future because I certainly enjoy the cozy atmosphere, over-the-top colorful covers and mysteries softened by a light tone.
At several points during reading Seven Deadly Zins, I felt like it needed quite a lot of edits and some scenes rewritten, but also a beta reader for some big-picture issues. There were pretty obvious time inconsistencies and some of the dialogues didn't make much sense. Speaking of the dialogues, they were generally quite weak. A good portion of the book is just characters asking each other if they are ok and filling each other in on stuff we already know. A lot of it could have been skipped and I would rather learn more about the characters and their thought process instead of reading tons of banal conversations.
This is the second book in this series and I haven't read the first one (with my current access to books, it was either this cozy mystery, or no cozy mystery, so I went for it, although I usually like to read series in order) but the characters felt really flat and I didn't learn much about the main character, Taylor. She was a bit annoying, though.
Another thing I didn't like was that the plot and the explanation of the mystery were super far-fetched. Also, I don't know if this is a popular trope in cozy mysteries (it would make sense to some extent), but the way the police were described as absolutely incompetent and ignorant felt a little overdone and implausible.
So I have quite a lot of reservations but the truth is that despite all of them, it was still a fun and cute read and I wouldn't be opposed to reading more books from this series. It might be because I don't have much to compare it against but from my current perspective, it was a 3-star read.
This was probably the first cozy mystery book I've read (if we don't count Agatha Christie's books) so I don't have a clear idea of some standards I could use to compare it against but I think that this book has some pretty big flaws. With that said, I didn't have a bad reading experience with it - on the contrary, I quite enjoyed most of it. I can see myself reading a lot more cozy mysteries in the future because I certainly enjoy the cozy atmosphere, over-the-top colorful covers and mysteries softened by a light tone.
At several points during reading Seven Deadly Zins, I felt like it needed quite a lot of edits and some scenes rewritten, but also a beta reader for some big-picture issues. There were pretty obvious time inconsistencies and some of the dialogues didn't make much sense. Speaking of the dialogues, they were generally quite weak. A good portion of the book is just characters asking each other if they are ok and filling each other in on stuff we already know. A lot of it could have been skipped and I would rather learn more about the characters and their thought process instead of reading tons of banal conversations.
This is the second book in this series and I haven't read the first one (with my current access to books, it was either this cozy mystery, or no cozy mystery, so I went for it, although I usually like to read series in order) but the characters felt really flat and I didn't learn much about the main character, Taylor. She was a bit annoying, though.
Another thing I didn't like was that the plot and the explanation of the mystery were super far-fetched. Also, I don't know if this is a popular trope in cozy mysteries (it would make sense to some extent), but the way the police were described as absolutely incompetent and ignorant felt a little overdone and implausible.
So I have quite a lot of reservations but the truth is that despite all of them, it was still a fun and cute read and I wouldn't be opposed to reading more books from this series. It might be because I don't have much to compare it against but from my current perspective, it was a 3-star read.
November 25, 2018
The second book in the Wine County mysteries has 3 separate themes and is a mystery with a tint of paranormal. One is Taylor O'Brien tours to quirky out of the way wineries, the second Mandy involvement with a new age guru and the last another girl is completing with Taylor with the same business and has two vans and many of the wineries and tourist places locked up. Unfortunately, the themes are not brought together to form one tale. Taylor's actions make sheriff look like an idiot.
Taylor is taking a group of investors around a few wineries and at the first one Tim, the owner is showing the group how he makes wine by stirring it twice a day and he turns up a body in the wine. The sheriff arrested Tim for the murder. Mandy Tim's girlfriend is involved with a new_aged guru. The moves fast at this point and take some odd turns. Is Tim guilty of two murder? The ending is different.
Recipes are included
Disclosure: Many thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for a review copy. The opinions expressed are my own.
Taylor is taking a group of investors around a few wineries and at the first one Tim, the owner is showing the group how he makes wine by stirring it twice a day and he turns up a body in the wine. The sheriff arrested Tim for the murder. Mandy Tim's girlfriend is involved with a new_aged guru. The moves fast at this point and take some odd turns. Is Tim guilty of two murder? The ending is different.
Recipes are included
Disclosure: Many thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for a review copy. The opinions expressed are my own.
January 26, 2019
There was definitely a lot happening in this second installment from Taylor finding out she's got wine tour competition to her neighbor who owns a winery being charged with two murders. Lots of secrets were being kept too, and it was a pretty exciting race to the finish towards the end of the book where there was an unexpected twist. The person I thought did it was completely innocent!
I'm really glad that Chelsea, Holly and now Taylor's investigative reporter friend was back and helping them. We got to meet Sarah, Aunt Jemma's psychic friend who did contribute a little info about the first murder. Tim Slade was the neighboring winery owner who was charged with murder, not once but twice, and Taylor felt an obligation to him as a friend to investigate and see what she could do, after all, she caught the last killer. At the end of this, everyone was happy doing what they do best.
Gotta admit, I was hoping that Taylor's rival would end up having to be closed down or be involved with the killings somehow-- the woman is just mean and snarky, lol But she's a go-getter, and just possibly Taylor will learn something about improving her own business by knowing she's got tough competition. Only the future books can tell for sure! I'm anxious to keep on reading this series!
I'm really glad that Chelsea, Holly and now Taylor's investigative reporter friend was back and helping them. We got to meet Sarah, Aunt Jemma's psychic friend who did contribute a little info about the first murder. Tim Slade was the neighboring winery owner who was charged with murder, not once but twice, and Taylor felt an obligation to him as a friend to investigate and see what she could do, after all, she caught the last killer. At the end of this, everyone was happy doing what they do best.
Gotta admit, I was hoping that Taylor's rival would end up having to be closed down or be involved with the killings somehow-- the woman is just mean and snarky, lol But she's a go-getter, and just possibly Taylor will learn something about improving her own business by knowing she's got tough competition. Only the future books can tell for sure! I'm anxious to keep on reading this series!
January 3, 2019
I had not read a cozy mystery since the Aurora Teagarden series by Charlaine Harris, and that was before the term had even been coined, but was aware that it is a huge sub genre within crime fiction and felt that I was ready to give it another go. I was drawn to this because it has a cat and a bottle of wine on the cover, and liked the idea of the Californian wine country setting. It was certainly an easy read, but I don’t see me getting further into the cozy scene.
This is the second in a series about Taylor O’Brian, a friendly young woman who runs a wine tour business in the Sonoma Valley and lives with her aunt who runs a boutique winery. I tried to buy the first book in the series but it was not available for Kindle, and don’t feel that I missed any significant backstory. This is set a month on from that murder, which is referred to briefly but without any apparent spoilers.
Taylor has taken a tour group to visit her friend Tim’s small winery, when a body is discovered in the vat of grape juice. He is arrested for murder but Taylor is sure he is innocent so drafts her friends into solving it, including a journalist, a medium, and an art gallery assistant. Meanwhile a cult like group has moved into the town with a mysterious guru as it’s head, gathering followers and preaching peace and love - but requiring large cash investment from its followers, and only Taylor appears to see through them.
I quite enjoyed this, as Taylor is an amiable if slightly annoying heroine who means well but blunders in to matters she knows nothing about. There is a nice group of characters who are easily distracted from their investigation by girly catch-ups over wine and barbecued food. Taylor has two potential love interests but can’t seem to decide which to pick or what to do about them.
I found her habit of describing what every single character was wearing intensely irritating as it distracted from what was going on. I had hoped for a lot more information about wine and wine-making - I got to the end of the book and still have no clue as to what a Zinfandel tastes like, it’s not a variety we see here in NZ.
Ultimately if you like this genre, you will enjoy this book, but for me it has confirmed that I prefer darker mysteries that don’t treat death as an amusing puzzle. My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc in exchange for an honest and voluntary review. Incidentally, this is my 100th NG review!
Seven Deadly Sins is released on the 8th of January.
This is the second in a series about Taylor O’Brian, a friendly young woman who runs a wine tour business in the Sonoma Valley and lives with her aunt who runs a boutique winery. I tried to buy the first book in the series but it was not available for Kindle, and don’t feel that I missed any significant backstory. This is set a month on from that murder, which is referred to briefly but without any apparent spoilers.
Taylor has taken a tour group to visit her friend Tim’s small winery, when a body is discovered in the vat of grape juice. He is arrested for murder but Taylor is sure he is innocent so drafts her friends into solving it, including a journalist, a medium, and an art gallery assistant. Meanwhile a cult like group has moved into the town with a mysterious guru as it’s head, gathering followers and preaching peace and love - but requiring large cash investment from its followers, and only Taylor appears to see through them.
I quite enjoyed this, as Taylor is an amiable if slightly annoying heroine who means well but blunders in to matters she knows nothing about. There is a nice group of characters who are easily distracted from their investigation by girly catch-ups over wine and barbecued food. Taylor has two potential love interests but can’t seem to decide which to pick or what to do about them.
I found her habit of describing what every single character was wearing intensely irritating as it distracted from what was going on. I had hoped for a lot more information about wine and wine-making - I got to the end of the book and still have no clue as to what a Zinfandel tastes like, it’s not a variety we see here in NZ.
Ultimately if you like this genre, you will enjoy this book, but for me it has confirmed that I prefer darker mysteries that don’t treat death as an amusing puzzle. My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc in exchange for an honest and voluntary review. Incidentally, this is my 100th NG review!
Seven Deadly Sins is released on the 8th of January.
January 21, 2019
Seven Deadly Zins by Nancy J. Parra has us traveling to Sonoma County, California. Taylor O’Brian owns and runs Off the Beaten Path which features quirky wine tours. Tim Slade, who owns Rock Paths Winery, asks Taylor to bring a tour by his winery and she is happy to accommodate him. The following week, Taylor brings a group of entrepreneurs who are interested in investing in wineries by Tim’s winery. Tim is demonstrating to the tour group how he stirs a vat of zin twice a day when a purple body floats to the top. The victim is realtor, Jeffery Hoag who Tim had a public argument with recently. When Tim is arrested for Jeffery’s murder, Taylor starts nosing around. Dr. Adam Brinkman, offers seminars on spiritual healing, has arrived in town and he is causing quite a stir. Mandy, Tim’s girlfriend, is gaga for the guru and gets Taylor into one of his seminars. After the lecture, Mandy takes Taylor to meet Dr. Brinkman. Taylor sees Tim who is currently out on bail exiting the man’s dressing room and find Dr. Brinkman dead on the floor with a knife sticking out of his chest. Tim is once again arrested and this time he is denied bail. Something smells off and Taylor intends to get to the bottom of this conundrum. She is also dealing with a rival tour owner who is taking the area by storm. Just when Taylor seems to be making headway on the case, Aunt Jemma is kidnapped. Can Taylor get a bead on the killer before it is too late?
Seven Deadly Zins is the second book in A Wine Country Mystery series and I did feel it can stand on its own. Taylor O’Brian was lured to Sonoma County by her Aunt Jemma from her job in advertising in San Francisco. Instead of working at Aunt Jemma’s winery, Taylor created Off the Beaten Path to provide tourists with unique wine tours. Unfortunately, Bridget Miller decided to do the same thing and her business has doubled since she began (with fancy pink buses too). It would help if Taylor networked and advertised her business (use social media too). The author started this storyline and then it disappeared. I wonder if she will pick it up again in the next book. Taylor is a slightly annoying main character who wants to help her friends when they need assistance which is how she gets herself mixed up in a second murder. Taylor enjoys spending time with her girlfriends eating barbecue and drinking wine (they do this frequently). There are two men who are potential love interests for Taylor and she waffles between them. I hope the author is not heading down the love triangle road. The mystery appears to be convoluted, but the solution can effortlessly be discerned. I was not a fan of how the police were portrayed (that they were not up to the task of solving the crime). Taylor believes she can solve the crime better than the professionals and believes she is always right. The author took the time to describe the female characters outfits (every single one of them) in detail. I wish the author had spent the time describing what zinfandel looks and tastes like instead (I reached the end of the book and still had no clue—you can tell that I do not drink wine). I also felt that Aunt Jemma’s fake séance was not needed in the book (really did not add anything). The story could have used more character development and depth along with stronger dialogue. Seven Deadly Zins is a slow starter, but it picks up as the story progresses. There are some loose ends at the end of the book plus there are missing details (Aunt Jemma’s last name and the name of her winery for example). I am giving Seven Deadly Zins 3 out of 5 stars. Seven Deadly Zins is an airy cozy mystery with recipes at the end.
Seven Deadly Zins is the second book in A Wine Country Mystery series and I did feel it can stand on its own. Taylor O’Brian was lured to Sonoma County by her Aunt Jemma from her job in advertising in San Francisco. Instead of working at Aunt Jemma’s winery, Taylor created Off the Beaten Path to provide tourists with unique wine tours. Unfortunately, Bridget Miller decided to do the same thing and her business has doubled since she began (with fancy pink buses too). It would help if Taylor networked and advertised her business (use social media too). The author started this storyline and then it disappeared. I wonder if she will pick it up again in the next book. Taylor is a slightly annoying main character who wants to help her friends when they need assistance which is how she gets herself mixed up in a second murder. Taylor enjoys spending time with her girlfriends eating barbecue and drinking wine (they do this frequently). There are two men who are potential love interests for Taylor and she waffles between them. I hope the author is not heading down the love triangle road. The mystery appears to be convoluted, but the solution can effortlessly be discerned. I was not a fan of how the police were portrayed (that they were not up to the task of solving the crime). Taylor believes she can solve the crime better than the professionals and believes she is always right. The author took the time to describe the female characters outfits (every single one of them) in detail. I wish the author had spent the time describing what zinfandel looks and tastes like instead (I reached the end of the book and still had no clue—you can tell that I do not drink wine). I also felt that Aunt Jemma’s fake séance was not needed in the book (really did not add anything). The story could have used more character development and depth along with stronger dialogue. Seven Deadly Zins is a slow starter, but it picks up as the story progresses. There are some loose ends at the end of the book plus there are missing details (Aunt Jemma’s last name and the name of her winery for example). I am giving Seven Deadly Zins 3 out of 5 stars. Seven Deadly Zins is an airy cozy mystery with recipes at the end.
January 9, 2019
Seven Deadly Zins is the second book in the A Wine Country Mystery series.
Taylor O’Brian has recently formed Off The Beaten Path and provides tours of the smaller wineries and walking tours of some of the beautiful spots in the area. Her next group that will be touring is a group of investors looking to purchase or invest in local wineries. Tim Slade, who owns a winery near Taylor’s Aunt Jemma asks when his winery will be one of the stops on her tours. She agrees to include with this group. As Tim is explaining the process of producing wine he finds a body in one the vats. The will soon be identified as Realtor Jeffrey Hoag. Tim’s girlfriend, Mandy, worked for Hoag in his real estate office. Sheriff Hennessey feels he has enough evidence to charge Tim with the murder of Hoag. Taylor’s friend, a lawyer, is able to get Tim released on bail.
Also going on in Sonoma, Dr. Brinkman, a meditation guru, has moved to town and is seeking new followers. Mandy has arranged for free tickets to Taylor, Holly, Taylor’s best friend, and Chelsea, a friend and newspaper reporter. Drinks are provided to everyone to “relax” the potential followers. Taylor and Chelsea decide to abstain, but Holly drinks hers. After the meeting, Holly wants to pursue the meditation ritual that Brinkman is backing. Taylor and Chelsea feel that there was something mind-altering in the drink. A couple of days later, Holly wants to go to another meeting and Taylor agrees to go along to make sure Holly doesn’t turn over savings to the group. When they arrive, Mindy sees them and offers to take them backstage to meet Dr. Brinkham. What they find is Tim looking over Brinkaham’s body and Tim has blood on his shirt. Once again the police arrest him and bail will be denied.
Taylor can’t believe that Tim would ruin a vat of wine by putting a dead body in a vat and with the help of Chelsea and Holly they set out to find the killer.
In addition to being concerned about finding the killer, Taylor is also concerned about the new tour company that has just started operating. The owner, Bridget, has a high-tech bus and Taylor is worried about Bridget taking away some of her business.
A wonderful addition this fun series which also has an interesting cast of characters.
Recipes are also included with the book.
I will be watching for the next book in the series.
Taylor O’Brian has recently formed Off The Beaten Path and provides tours of the smaller wineries and walking tours of some of the beautiful spots in the area. Her next group that will be touring is a group of investors looking to purchase or invest in local wineries. Tim Slade, who owns a winery near Taylor’s Aunt Jemma asks when his winery will be one of the stops on her tours. She agrees to include with this group. As Tim is explaining the process of producing wine he finds a body in one the vats. The will soon be identified as Realtor Jeffrey Hoag. Tim’s girlfriend, Mandy, worked for Hoag in his real estate office. Sheriff Hennessey feels he has enough evidence to charge Tim with the murder of Hoag. Taylor’s friend, a lawyer, is able to get Tim released on bail.
Also going on in Sonoma, Dr. Brinkman, a meditation guru, has moved to town and is seeking new followers. Mandy has arranged for free tickets to Taylor, Holly, Taylor’s best friend, and Chelsea, a friend and newspaper reporter. Drinks are provided to everyone to “relax” the potential followers. Taylor and Chelsea decide to abstain, but Holly drinks hers. After the meeting, Holly wants to pursue the meditation ritual that Brinkman is backing. Taylor and Chelsea feel that there was something mind-altering in the drink. A couple of days later, Holly wants to go to another meeting and Taylor agrees to go along to make sure Holly doesn’t turn over savings to the group. When they arrive, Mindy sees them and offers to take them backstage to meet Dr. Brinkham. What they find is Tim looking over Brinkaham’s body and Tim has blood on his shirt. Once again the police arrest him and bail will be denied.
Taylor can’t believe that Tim would ruin a vat of wine by putting a dead body in a vat and with the help of Chelsea and Holly they set out to find the killer.
In addition to being concerned about finding the killer, Taylor is also concerned about the new tour company that has just started operating. The owner, Bridget, has a high-tech bus and Taylor is worried about Bridget taking away some of her business.
A wonderful addition this fun series which also has an interesting cast of characters.
Recipes are also included with the book.
I will be watching for the next book in the series.
December 26, 2020
An easy read about murder in the wine country. The book has several odd mistakes, that threw me off. It would also be helpful to read the first book, Syrah, Syrah, so you would know why Taylor is so suspicious of the police.
October 31, 2020
I needed a book with a Z in the title for a challenge, so I thought I’d give this little cosy a go. Set in a vineyard, it sounded cute enough. But…
My first bit of advice would be if you are thinking of reading this book is not to read the blurb. It’s full of spoilers. I’m not sure what they were thinking there.
The blurb/book cover also announces that recipes are included. I’m not sure why [they included them]. There is no food porn in this book. Oh, a character whips up a salad in one scene but I wouldn't call it a new and unique recipe. Unfortunately there isn’t really anything much about wine either. A couple of things here and there about stirring vats etc, but nothing that made me want to pour a glass to enjoy whilst reading.
The way the first body was discovered was actually a good idea but the way the scene was written wasn’t. It didn’t capture any of the characters’ shock at all. The murderer, I must say, was pretty obvious from the beginning. There is a plethora of red herrings -- maybe too many -- but Parra seemed to go off track with her plot sometimes. The inclusion of a self-help guru and his admiring cult was simply odd. And then there was a seance and a psychic talking to the dead…
I had the same issue I often have with these type of books - the heroine doesn’t actually solve the murder. Pretty much everyone just tells her what happened in a giant information dump near the end. And I must whinge that there were a couple of plot points that Parra never bothered explaining at all. (They weren't the type of thing that would be used again in a third book either.)
The characters all ran into each other a bit. As in, they’re all very similar. The heroine is forgettable and her love interest hardly says two words, so I didn’t really form an opinion. He might have been more prominent in the first book but, on that, I don’t think you’d need to read the first for any of this second one to make sense. To be cruel, it’s not that complex.
Another big issue I had with the book is that there was too much dialogue, meaning there was a distinct lack of descriptive passages. At least it saved me from too many thinky thoughts, I guess!
Obviously from the above, I wasn’t overly keen on Parra’s writing. I think 2 out of 5 sounds fair.
My first bit of advice would be if you are thinking of reading this book is not to read the blurb. It’s full of spoilers. I’m not sure what they were thinking there.
The blurb/book cover also announces that recipes are included. I’m not sure why [they included them]. There is no food porn in this book. Oh, a character whips up a salad in one scene but I wouldn't call it a new and unique recipe. Unfortunately there isn’t really anything much about wine either. A couple of things here and there about stirring vats etc, but nothing that made me want to pour a glass to enjoy whilst reading.
The way the first body was discovered was actually a good idea but the way the scene was written wasn’t. It didn’t capture any of the characters’ shock at all. The murderer, I must say, was pretty obvious from the beginning. There is a plethora of red herrings -- maybe too many -- but Parra seemed to go off track with her plot sometimes. The inclusion of a self-help guru and his admiring cult was simply odd. And then there was a seance and a psychic talking to the dead…
I had the same issue I often have with these type of books - the heroine doesn’t actually solve the murder. Pretty much everyone just tells her what happened in a giant information dump near the end. And I must whinge that there were a couple of plot points that Parra never bothered explaining at all. (They weren't the type of thing that would be used again in a third book either.)
The characters all ran into each other a bit. As in, they’re all very similar. The heroine is forgettable and her love interest hardly says two words, so I didn’t really form an opinion. He might have been more prominent in the first book but, on that, I don’t think you’d need to read the first for any of this second one to make sense. To be cruel, it’s not that complex.
Another big issue I had with the book is that there was too much dialogue, meaning there was a distinct lack of descriptive passages. At least it saved me from too many thinky thoughts, I guess!
Obviously from the above, I wasn’t overly keen on Parra’s writing. I think 2 out of 5 sounds fair.
December 10, 2018
Well, I have to say this tale started with an intriguing low ride, which is the ideal thing cause it helps to keep you captivated to its pages. It is like drinking wine slowly, you don’t know you have had enough until things start looking out of perspective in a very happy way of course. It spotlights the wine industry, expanding your knowledge with interesting and revealing facts. I find this to be pretty darn cool, I felt like I was part of the tour, the excitement in this book is very tangible. Taylor and her aunt Jemma couldn’t seem to stay away from this murder mystery, it was too close for comfort and it involves their friend, so of course, they had to help him. A deeply enticing and engaging book, it gets its grip on you and won’t let go until you have reached the end, Nicely done I was totally engrossed in this tale, a must read for sure.
December 10, 2018
Taylor O’Brian, a tour guide in Sonoma County, takes small groups on wine country tours. Taylor decides to guide some investors to the winery owned by her friend Tim Slade. But when an FDA inspector is found floating face down in one of Tim’s vats of squished grapes, Taylor has to find the killer before Tim is sent up the river.
This was a good whodunit filled with suspense, intrigue, and wine. Taylor was a very likeable character who loved to take control and figure out the truth. She did things that would get her in trouble, although it was always to help someone she loved. The plot was intricate, and there were many suspects and red herrings to keep a reader guessing. I think this book would be a fun read for cozy mystery lovers who love wine. I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from the publisher and am voluntarily reviewing it.
This was a good whodunit filled with suspense, intrigue, and wine. Taylor was a very likeable character who loved to take control and figure out the truth. She did things that would get her in trouble, although it was always to help someone she loved. The plot was intricate, and there were many suspects and red herrings to keep a reader guessing. I think this book would be a fun read for cozy mystery lovers who love wine. I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from the publisher and am voluntarily reviewing it.
January 19, 2019
I was entertained by the quirky characters and funny situations that played into developing this solid mystery. I found the multifaceted plot engaging, as it drew me from the role of curious bystander to unintentional sleuth. I appreciated the unexpected turn of events and surprise perpetrator. I love it when overlooked clues were right there in plain sight.
I voluntarily read an advanced review copy provided by the publisher via Netgalley and I offer my honest opinion in response.
I voluntarily read an advanced review copy provided by the publisher via Netgalley and I offer my honest opinion in response.
September 7, 2018
This was a cute cozy mystery. Some of the editing should have been better, but I was able to enjoy this cozy mystery, set in Sonoma, wine county.
A couple of dead bodies, a guru, a psychic and so much more in Seven Deadly Zins.
I volunteered to read and review an ARC of this book provided by the publisher and NetGalley.
A couple of dead bodies, a guru, a psychic and so much more in Seven Deadly Zins.
I volunteered to read and review an ARC of this book provided by the publisher and NetGalley.
December 16, 2018
Taylor's back and dealing with all sorts of problems in Sonoma. Her friend Tim finds a dead man in one of his vats, her friend is tied up with a dubious guru, and what's happened to her aunt Jemma? This is classic cozy territory where there are a few strands that eventually merge. It's not especially hard to guess who the villain is but it is a good read nonetheless. I would note, as others have, that this really needed a copy editor. Seriously. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.
December 14, 2018
At their first stop, Taylor O’Brian’s tour group witnesses the discovery of a dead body in a vat of Zinfandel at Tim Slade’s Rock Paths Winery. While Taylor believes Tim is innocent, he is quickly arrested for the murder of Realtor Jeffery Hoag.
Meanwhile, Tim’s girlfriend Mandy is spending his money consulting with Dr. Adam Brinkman, a charismatic speaker and “world renowned leader of positivity”, which creates tension between Mandy and Tim. These two paths come together when Mandy finds Dr. Brinkman stabbed at a speaking engagement where Tim, recently out on bail, is also in attendance. Once again, Tim is arrested for murder. Taylor believes there is a connection between the two murders and that Tim is conveniently being framed for both.
This complex mystery is creatively conceived and a fascinating read. Nancy Parra’s writing skills draw the reader right into the middle of the story for an absorbing experience from beginning to end. Not only are the twists appropriately distracting, the solution is a stunning surprise.
Meanwhile, Tim’s girlfriend Mandy is spending his money consulting with Dr. Adam Brinkman, a charismatic speaker and “world renowned leader of positivity”, which creates tension between Mandy and Tim. These two paths come together when Mandy finds Dr. Brinkman stabbed at a speaking engagement where Tim, recently out on bail, is also in attendance. Once again, Tim is arrested for murder. Taylor believes there is a connection between the two murders and that Tim is conveniently being framed for both.
This complex mystery is creatively conceived and a fascinating read. Nancy Parra’s writing skills draw the reader right into the middle of the story for an absorbing experience from beginning to end. Not only are the twists appropriately distracting, the solution is a stunning surprise.
November 5, 2018
Seven Deadly Zins is the second installment in the A Wine Country Mystery series set in Sonoma, CA and featuring local tour guide, Taylor O'Brian. Taylor's "Off the Beaten Path" tour is taking a group of wine investors to Tim Slade's neighboring vineyard, Rock Paths for a behind the scenes look at the workings of a small winery. Unfortunately, during his demonstration Tim stirs up the dead body of local realtor, Jeffrey Hoag in one of the wine vats.
The realtor was the boss of Tim's girlfriend, Mandy and he'd been pressuring several of the small local wineries to sell out to a big developmental group. A verbal dispute between Tim and Hoag was witnessed by several people and it's no surprise when Tim is taken in to custody as a murder suspect. Determined to clear her friend's name Taylor sets out with the help of her Aunt Jemma and best friend Holly to track down the real killer.
In town is the famed Dr. Adam Brinkman, a self professed spiritual advisor who has developed a somewhat cult following. People are paying hundreds of dollars for tickets to hear the man speak, and Mandy is pushing everyone around her to attend his speech. Taylor and Holly along with local reporter Chelsea decide to attend the event to see what all the fuss is about and are immediately concerned when a suspicious tea is handed out to all attendees and a brainwashed mentality seems to overtake the crowd.
Taylor's investigation leads her believe that there is a connection between the guru and the dead realtor and despite the warnings from Sheriff Ron Hennessey to leave things alone, she quickly finds herself the target of a dangerous killer.
A fast paced story that can be downed in one sitting. While the culprit is fairly easy to identify early on, the reasons behind the crime take many twists and turns that lead to a shocking reveal. There are several confusing elements that don't seem to fit in the plot and no answers for the inclusions are ever given, which might have easily been cleared up with just a little more editing.
I received an advanced copy of Seven Deadly Zins from NetGalley via Crooked Lane Books. While not required to write a review I am more than happy to offer my honest opinion.
The realtor was the boss of Tim's girlfriend, Mandy and he'd been pressuring several of the small local wineries to sell out to a big developmental group. A verbal dispute between Tim and Hoag was witnessed by several people and it's no surprise when Tim is taken in to custody as a murder suspect. Determined to clear her friend's name Taylor sets out with the help of her Aunt Jemma and best friend Holly to track down the real killer.
In town is the famed Dr. Adam Brinkman, a self professed spiritual advisor who has developed a somewhat cult following. People are paying hundreds of dollars for tickets to hear the man speak, and Mandy is pushing everyone around her to attend his speech. Taylor and Holly along with local reporter Chelsea decide to attend the event to see what all the fuss is about and are immediately concerned when a suspicious tea is handed out to all attendees and a brainwashed mentality seems to overtake the crowd.
Taylor's investigation leads her believe that there is a connection between the guru and the dead realtor and despite the warnings from Sheriff Ron Hennessey to leave things alone, she quickly finds herself the target of a dangerous killer.
A fast paced story that can be downed in one sitting. While the culprit is fairly easy to identify early on, the reasons behind the crime take many twists and turns that lead to a shocking reveal. There are several confusing elements that don't seem to fit in the plot and no answers for the inclusions are ever given, which might have easily been cleared up with just a little more editing.
I received an advanced copy of Seven Deadly Zins from NetGalley via Crooked Lane Books. While not required to write a review I am more than happy to offer my honest opinion.
March 9, 2019
2.5/5*
Taylor O'Brian is back, running her 'Off The Beaten Path' wine tours and helping her Aunt Jemma at her aunt's winery in Sonoma, California. In this book, Taylor is up against a rival tour guide, who somehow seems to have got the lock on all the best tourist bits in town, despite only having been up and running for a couple of months. Then there's the body that's found in her friend Tim's fermentation vat, and a second body in the form of a popular spiritual adviser who has been holding some talks in Sonoma. Oh, and then her Aunt Jemma gets kidnapped...Taylor involves herself in the investigation when her friend Tim is suspected of the first murder, a real estate developer who Tim's girlfriend, Mandy, worked part-time for. But what was he doing in the vat?
There's a lot of stuff going on in this book, and the three main themes don't really integrate with each other, although there are some light overlaps. But I struggled to fully connect with Taylor in this go around. I just...didn't like her much. And has Holly always been such a dimwit?
I felt like I was driving on square tires with respect to the dialogue, it felt that clunky. And I had a couple of questions: Aunt Jemma didn't attend the tour at Tim's winery where he said he stirred his fermentation tanks at 10AM and 10PM. So how does she know this when she says it to Taylor when Taylor gets back and tells her aunt about the first murder? Also, I felt it was really random/convenient to have Tim at the scene of the second murder, for all of about 2 minutes. Why was he there? Why WOULD he be there? He didn't believe in Mandy's spiritual adviser's gumphf in the first place, so for him to be at a talk, and particularly be backstage at it, simply doesn't make sense. So there's that.
Overall, I didn't dislike it, but I'm not sure it's a series I'll continue as it took me a few days to get through it, and I have others I enjoy far more.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for the ARC to read and review. All opinions are strictly my own.
Taylor O'Brian is back, running her 'Off The Beaten Path' wine tours and helping her Aunt Jemma at her aunt's winery in Sonoma, California. In this book, Taylor is up against a rival tour guide, who somehow seems to have got the lock on all the best tourist bits in town, despite only having been up and running for a couple of months. Then there's the body that's found in her friend Tim's fermentation vat, and a second body in the form of a popular spiritual adviser who has been holding some talks in Sonoma. Oh, and then her Aunt Jemma gets kidnapped...Taylor involves herself in the investigation when her friend Tim is suspected of the first murder, a real estate developer who Tim's girlfriend, Mandy, worked part-time for. But what was he doing in the vat?
There's a lot of stuff going on in this book, and the three main themes don't really integrate with each other, although there are some light overlaps. But I struggled to fully connect with Taylor in this go around. I just...didn't like her much. And has Holly always been such a dimwit?
I felt like I was driving on square tires with respect to the dialogue, it felt that clunky. And I had a couple of questions: Aunt Jemma didn't attend the tour at Tim's winery where he said he stirred his fermentation tanks at 10AM and 10PM. So how does she know this when she says it to Taylor when Taylor gets back and tells her aunt about the first murder? Also, I felt it was really random/convenient to have Tim at the scene of the second murder, for all of about 2 minutes. Why was he there? Why WOULD he be there? He didn't believe in Mandy's spiritual adviser's gumphf in the first place, so for him to be at a talk, and particularly be backstage at it, simply doesn't make sense. So there's that.
Overall, I didn't dislike it, but I'm not sure it's a series I'll continue as it took me a few days to get through it, and I have others I enjoy far more.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for the ARC to read and review. All opinions are strictly my own.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 21, 2018
Seven Deadly Zins by Nancy J. Parra is the second book in the "A Wine Country Mystery series." Each book in the series is set in Sonoma County wine country which is some of the most beautiful land in America. As one who grew up in that area I love the author's descriptions of the area and the small town feel to Sonoma that remains today. Sonoma is unique and rarely written of in mysteries so this series is a delightful read to me and I loved the first in series as well as this new release.
Taylor O’Brian had moved to Sonoma to live with her Aunt Jemma on her aunt’s small winery in Sonoma. Taylor decided to cash in on the local tourist trade and started "Taylor’s Off The Beaten Path Wine Tours." What fun the author's descriptions are of the tours and Taylor's interaction with the tourists. You feel as if your on the tour by the author's wonderful descriptions. Taylor has competition when another local resident starts a competing tour business much to her chagrin.
A neighboring winery owner asks Taylor to include his property on her tourist tours. Taylor brings a group for a tour and along with the wine tasting the find a dead body in a vat. Taylor is on the case and begins to investigate. Her sleuthing skills are proving to be adapt and soon she is discovering suspects and clues.
i love this second in series and hope this series has a long publication with many more releases. The writing is definitive cozy with all the right elements, the charcters are delightful and the description of Sonoma is accurate and enjoyable. its a step into Sonoma life with a great sleuth and a feisty smart protagonist. I like that the author included a paranormal edge with the aunt which was a fun addition.
Thank you for the ARC. My opinion is my own.
Taylor O’Brian had moved to Sonoma to live with her Aunt Jemma on her aunt’s small winery in Sonoma. Taylor decided to cash in on the local tourist trade and started "Taylor’s Off The Beaten Path Wine Tours." What fun the author's descriptions are of the tours and Taylor's interaction with the tourists. You feel as if your on the tour by the author's wonderful descriptions. Taylor has competition when another local resident starts a competing tour business much to her chagrin.
A neighboring winery owner asks Taylor to include his property on her tourist tours. Taylor brings a group for a tour and along with the wine tasting the find a dead body in a vat. Taylor is on the case and begins to investigate. Her sleuthing skills are proving to be adapt and soon she is discovering suspects and clues.
i love this second in series and hope this series has a long publication with many more releases. The writing is definitive cozy with all the right elements, the charcters are delightful and the description of Sonoma is accurate and enjoyable. its a step into Sonoma life with a great sleuth and a feisty smart protagonist. I like that the author included a paranormal edge with the aunt which was a fun addition.
Thank you for the ARC. My opinion is my own.
August 27, 2018
Title: Seven Deadly Zins
Author: Nancy J. Parra
Genre: Mystery, Fiction, Wine,
Plot: Taylor O'Brian lives in Sonoma County with her aunt at her aunt's vineyard and she has her own business where she arranges tours of vineyards and other interesting sights in her local district. She used to be in advertising in San Francisco but this new chapter in her life seems to suit her considerably better.
That is, until a body is discovered at her friend Tim's vineyard while she is conducting a tour there. Convinced that Tim is innocent, Taylor and her friends team up to clear his name but the mystery deepens as they unearth clues and Taylor begins to wonder just what kind of man her friend really is.
Likes/Dislikes: I loved the cover, the promise of recipes and the idea of a wine themed murder mystery to curl up with. But unfortunately for me, the first couple chapters weren't interesting enough to draw me further in. We get plopped in the middle of a wine tasting room with several characters thrown in and interested fairly well, followed immediately by a seance. I don't do seances. I skip them on TV shows and skim read them in books. And the writing style is first person which is always hard for me to read. At least its not first person present tense. Oh well. The author has numerous other mysteries so maybe one of those will be more to my liking.
Rating: PG-13 and up, it's a murder mystery.
Date Review Written: August 27th, 2018
I received a copy of this book courtesy of Netgalley and wasn't required to write a positive review. the opinions expressed in the above review are my own.
Author: Nancy J. Parra
Genre: Mystery, Fiction, Wine,
Plot: Taylor O'Brian lives in Sonoma County with her aunt at her aunt's vineyard and she has her own business where she arranges tours of vineyards and other interesting sights in her local district. She used to be in advertising in San Francisco but this new chapter in her life seems to suit her considerably better.
That is, until a body is discovered at her friend Tim's vineyard while she is conducting a tour there. Convinced that Tim is innocent, Taylor and her friends team up to clear his name but the mystery deepens as they unearth clues and Taylor begins to wonder just what kind of man her friend really is.
Likes/Dislikes: I loved the cover, the promise of recipes and the idea of a wine themed murder mystery to curl up with. But unfortunately for me, the first couple chapters weren't interesting enough to draw me further in. We get plopped in the middle of a wine tasting room with several characters thrown in and interested fairly well, followed immediately by a seance. I don't do seances. I skip them on TV shows and skim read them in books. And the writing style is first person which is always hard for me to read. At least its not first person present tense. Oh well. The author has numerous other mysteries so maybe one of those will be more to my liking.
Rating: PG-13 and up, it's a murder mystery.
Date Review Written: August 27th, 2018
I received a copy of this book courtesy of Netgalley and wasn't required to write a positive review. the opinions expressed in the above review are my own.
January 24, 2019
“Seven Deadly Zins” earns 4/5 Glasses of Blood Red Zin…Clever and Entertaining!
Cheers! I was very eager to join Nancy J. Parra fans of her Wine Country Mystery, and although I started with the second book in the series, I never felt at a disadvantage because the references to background and character connections kept me engaged. Taylor O’Brian has moved to live with her aunt on her aunt’s Sonoma winery, and dreams of making her own way begins with starting her own business, Off the Beaten Path Wine Tours. But, she didn't expect coming “taste to taste” with a dead body in the vat at a friend’s winery. The mystery followed the traditional cozy formula I enjoy (happen upon a dead body, family or friends implicated, amateur investigation needed, and perp is caught), and delightfully colored with an interesting setting, unique business focus, quirky characters, additional murder, and easy-to-follow recipes. I enjoyed my reading experience hoping to see more with the competitive twist in Taylor’s business, romantic entanglements, and information on wine and the industry. I will go back to read book one and future books, but I see room for characters to develop more and dialogue to be less casual. I would like to see a more collaborative, rather than combative, relationship with law enforcement. All-in-all I recommend this book to cozy fans!
"Disclosure: I received a NetGalley ARC. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments."
Cheers! I was very eager to join Nancy J. Parra fans of her Wine Country Mystery, and although I started with the second book in the series, I never felt at a disadvantage because the references to background and character connections kept me engaged. Taylor O’Brian has moved to live with her aunt on her aunt’s Sonoma winery, and dreams of making her own way begins with starting her own business, Off the Beaten Path Wine Tours. But, she didn't expect coming “taste to taste” with a dead body in the vat at a friend’s winery. The mystery followed the traditional cozy formula I enjoy (happen upon a dead body, family or friends implicated, amateur investigation needed, and perp is caught), and delightfully colored with an interesting setting, unique business focus, quirky characters, additional murder, and easy-to-follow recipes. I enjoyed my reading experience hoping to see more with the competitive twist in Taylor’s business, romantic entanglements, and information on wine and the industry. I will go back to read book one and future books, but I see room for characters to develop more and dialogue to be less casual. I would like to see a more collaborative, rather than combative, relationship with law enforcement. All-in-all I recommend this book to cozy fans!
"Disclosure: I received a NetGalley ARC. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments."
June 8, 2019
Seven Deadly Zins by Nancy J. Parra
Book #2: A Wine Country Mystery Series
Source: NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books
Rating: 2½/5 stars
**MINI-REVIEW**
The Bottom Line: Round two of A Wine Country Mystery series is once again set in idyllic Sonoma wine country and once again, that idyllic setting is marred by a murder and Taylor O’Brian is right in the thick of the investigation. Though she isn’t accused this time, Taylor’s good friend and fellow winery owner, Tim Slade is, and Taylor just can’t let her friend go to prison for a murder she is certain he didn’t commit. As with the first book, Taylor spends the bulk of the read poking her nose into things best left to the police and getting herself (and her friends!) into a load of trouble. As with the first book, I liked the setting and some of the characters, but that’s where the good ends for me. Taylor still doesn’t feel like a very solid, well-developed character and this time around I found the plot to be rather convoluted. While I had no difficulty following the plot, I found its complications to be unnecessary and fussy which caused to me to enjoy the overall read less. At the end of it all, I don’t think an idyllic setting and lovely wine descriptions are going to be enough to keep me coming back to this series. With the amount of cozy mysteries out there, I really need these series to deliver on multiple levels and this series, sadly just isn’t delivering.
Book #2: A Wine Country Mystery Series
Source: NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books
Rating: 2½/5 stars
**MINI-REVIEW**
The Bottom Line: Round two of A Wine Country Mystery series is once again set in idyllic Sonoma wine country and once again, that idyllic setting is marred by a murder and Taylor O’Brian is right in the thick of the investigation. Though she isn’t accused this time, Taylor’s good friend and fellow winery owner, Tim Slade is, and Taylor just can’t let her friend go to prison for a murder she is certain he didn’t commit. As with the first book, Taylor spends the bulk of the read poking her nose into things best left to the police and getting herself (and her friends!) into a load of trouble. As with the first book, I liked the setting and some of the characters, but that’s where the good ends for me. Taylor still doesn’t feel like a very solid, well-developed character and this time around I found the plot to be rather convoluted. While I had no difficulty following the plot, I found its complications to be unnecessary and fussy which caused to me to enjoy the overall read less. At the end of it all, I don’t think an idyllic setting and lovely wine descriptions are going to be enough to keep me coming back to this series. With the amount of cozy mysteries out there, I really need these series to deliver on multiple levels and this series, sadly just isn’t delivering.
November 28, 2018
I do love a good cozy especially one about wine country! Our heroine is an entrepreneur and problem solver. Meet Taylor O'Brien, owner of Off the Beaten Trail tours who gives quirky tours tailored to fine wines and outdoor encounters. She had the niche market, at least until some unexpected competition showed up. But never fear, her friends will still be there for her, like Holly her best gal pal (because all cozy hero/heroines need someone to watch their back) and Tim, the best guy friend (yep it's good to have a platonic friend too). Tim has it all and is about to have a wonderful new Zinfandel that is sure to put his vineyard on the map, with a magnificent blend, more than 7 actually. At least he was until a body turns up in the fermenting vat. Bonus points to the author for an interesting body location. It made me flinch to think of all that lovely wine being spoiled. Over shadowing it all is a Hollywood-style self help guru with his flock of followers who are self realizing that all things are possible at least until he ends up dead as well. Tim is under suspicion for both murders. Taylor is a great character, a true friend, and a fearless spirit. I look forward to reading more about her exploits and adventures.
December 17, 2018
Taylor O’Brian, owner and operator for Off The Beaten Path tours in Sonoma County, has a lot going on in this book. Her good friend Tim Slade is arrested for murder when he finds a body in a vat of wine during one of her tours, she’s got competition from a new, and rapidly rising tour operator whose business is booming, she’s attracted to two strong and attractive men, and her beloved Aunt Jemma is put at risk when it seems she and the gang are hot not he murderer’s trail.
While there is a lot going on, the story lines all fit in together and you don’t feel like there a disconnected stories taking you all over. What you will find are a lot of suspects, some surprises along the way, and surprise ending that will keep you in suspense until the very end.
I enjoyed the quirky aspects of the quirky tours, the committed friendships that Taylor has, and the wine country setting. I did find Taylor a tad flakey for someone who had such a successful career before heading to be with her Aunt Jemma. Hopefully she will evolve and bring her business acumen to the winery and her business over the next few books. Overall, this is a solid mystery that will have you wishing for more from this author and series.
While there is a lot going on, the story lines all fit in together and you don’t feel like there a disconnected stories taking you all over. What you will find are a lot of suspects, some surprises along the way, and surprise ending that will keep you in suspense until the very end.
I enjoyed the quirky aspects of the quirky tours, the committed friendships that Taylor has, and the wine country setting. I did find Taylor a tad flakey for someone who had such a successful career before heading to be with her Aunt Jemma. Hopefully she will evolve and bring her business acumen to the winery and her business over the next few books. Overall, this is a solid mystery that will have you wishing for more from this author and series.
January 7, 2019
My knowledge of wines is limited to white, red and champagne but this series is one I enjoy. The setting of Sonoma county and the characters of Taylor and her Aunt Jemma are the draws for me. Put a cat on the book cover and I'm ready to sit down and get lost in the mystery.
Taylor has come to live with her Aunt and to help her with her business but, at the same time, Taylor wants to strike out on her own. She sets herself up with a VW bus and gives small tours of local wineries. One of her tours is at the request of her friend, Tim. Too bad the tour hits a major snag when the local FDA inspector is found very dead in a vat of grapes. One murder leads to another and the police are even more convinced that Tim is the killer. It takes Taylor and her friends to figure out who the killer really is before Tim ends up wearing an orange jumpsuit in his new home behind bars.
This is the second in the series and it is as good as the first. No sophomore slump here. The mystery is full of the anticipated twists, turns and red herrings and I came away satisfied, ready to put the next one on my TBR list.
My thanks to the publisher, Crooked Lane and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
Taylor has come to live with her Aunt and to help her with her business but, at the same time, Taylor wants to strike out on her own. She sets herself up with a VW bus and gives small tours of local wineries. One of her tours is at the request of her friend, Tim. Too bad the tour hits a major snag when the local FDA inspector is found very dead in a vat of grapes. One murder leads to another and the police are even more convinced that Tim is the killer. It takes Taylor and her friends to figure out who the killer really is before Tim ends up wearing an orange jumpsuit in his new home behind bars.
This is the second in the series and it is as good as the first. No sophomore slump here. The mystery is full of the anticipated twists, turns and red herrings and I came away satisfied, ready to put the next one on my TBR list.
My thanks to the publisher, Crooked Lane and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
January 23, 2019
Taylor O'Brian's wine touring company is taking a group to her wealthy friend Tim Slade's Sonoma winery. But things go awry when they find a body floating in a fermentation tank. The victim was real estate agent Jeffery Hoag who was also the boss of Tim's girlfriend Mandy. Tim is arrested for Hoag's murder and Taylor wants to help Tim by finding the real killer. Meanwhile, Taylor's best friend Holly and other Sonoma locals are eager to attend the lecture of celebrity healing guru Dr. Brinkman. Another murder occurs after Brinkman's lecture and Tim once again is the prime suspect. Taylor, her aunt Jemma and journalist friend Chelsea follow several leads and the trail leads to a senator and plans to develop a large compound to accommodate Brinkman's followers. Then someone kidnaps Aunt Jemma and demands that Taylor stop their investigations but feisty Taylor isn't willing to just sit back and let the Sheriff's department rescue Aunt Jemma.
I received an eARC via Netgalley and Crooked Lane Books with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book and provided this review.
I received an eARC via Netgalley and Crooked Lane Books with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book and provided this review.
January 26, 2019
I don't often have the luxury of reading two books in a series one right after the other, but I'm so glad I did with A Case of Syrah, Syrah and this book! Both are very entertaining and left this reader smiling.
Taylor O'Brian has left her San Francisco marketing job to help her Aunt Jemma in Sonoma. And since she's not one to sit around, she has started a business leading tours of the wine country and its hidden gems. Only on this tour, a neighboring vintner discovers a body floating in one of his vats. Taylor is sure her friend couldn't have done this, so she pokes around, discovering in the process a questionable guru, shady real estate developments and lots of people who aren't what they appear to be.
The setting is lovely, the community is friendly, the sheriff is hot (and so is the lawyer Taylor had to hire in book 1), and the friends and Aunt Jemma are quirky and loyal. There are a couple of minor continuity issues, but other than those, both of these books are fun and fairly quick reads. With nuggets about the local hidden gems thrown in.
I read these books in hardcover.
Taylor O'Brian has left her San Francisco marketing job to help her Aunt Jemma in Sonoma. And since she's not one to sit around, she has started a business leading tours of the wine country and its hidden gems. Only on this tour, a neighboring vintner discovers a body floating in one of his vats. Taylor is sure her friend couldn't have done this, so she pokes around, discovering in the process a questionable guru, shady real estate developments and lots of people who aren't what they appear to be.
The setting is lovely, the community is friendly, the sheriff is hot (and so is the lawyer Taylor had to hire in book 1), and the friends and Aunt Jemma are quirky and loyal. There are a couple of minor continuity issues, but other than those, both of these books are fun and fairly quick reads. With nuggets about the local hidden gems thrown in.
I read these books in hardcover.
November 17, 2018
An Interesting Read
I was attracted to this book because it is set in beautiful Sonoma, CA. Taylor, the main character and narrator, runs a wine country tour business. Her troubles start when a body is found during one of her tours. The police think they have their man, but Taylor believes they are wrong and sets out to prove it. Of course, it doesn’t help her case when a second body is found with the same suspect, her friend Tim, at the scene of the crime. It isn’t long before Taylor’s Aunt Jemma disappears. and Taylor herself is in danger of becoming body number three.
This is an interesting and fast-paced read – definitely a cozy mystery. I liked the recipes in the back. Personally, I didn’t care for the parts with seances but that might not bother others.
This is the 2nd book in the Wine Country Mystery series. Thank you to Net Galley for the advanced copy. #NetGalley #SevenDeadlyZins
I was attracted to this book because it is set in beautiful Sonoma, CA. Taylor, the main character and narrator, runs a wine country tour business. Her troubles start when a body is found during one of her tours. The police think they have their man, but Taylor believes they are wrong and sets out to prove it. Of course, it doesn’t help her case when a second body is found with the same suspect, her friend Tim, at the scene of the crime. It isn’t long before Taylor’s Aunt Jemma disappears. and Taylor herself is in danger of becoming body number three.
This is an interesting and fast-paced read – definitely a cozy mystery. I liked the recipes in the back. Personally, I didn’t care for the parts with seances but that might not bother others.
This is the 2nd book in the Wine Country Mystery series. Thank you to Net Galley for the advanced copy. #NetGalley #SevenDeadlyZins
January 7, 2019
Princess Fuzzypants here: If I was visiting Sonoma, I would book one of Taylor’s Off the Beaten Track tours. They sound like great fun. It’s her side “hobby” of solving murders that leads her into dangerous waters. It seems during a tour of a local winery, she is there when a body is pulled out of the fermenting vat. Despite his noble effort at trying the revive the deceased, the owner of the vineyard is arrested for the murder of a local realtor.
Taylor must double down her effort when it turns out he is arrested once again, after he makes bail, for the murder of a self help guru. Things are not looking good for him and take a decidedly dangerous turn for both Taylor and her aunt. What is worse, it seems that every time she turns around, the bad guys know what is going on.
I must admit I suspected one of the villains from the outset but the secondary villain was a surprise.
I give it four purrs and two paws up.
Taylor must double down her effort when it turns out he is arrested once again, after he makes bail, for the murder of a self help guru. Things are not looking good for him and take a decidedly dangerous turn for both Taylor and her aunt. What is worse, it seems that every time she turns around, the bad guys know what is going on.
I must admit I suspected one of the villains from the outset but the secondary villain was a surprise.
I give it four purrs and two paws up.
June 13, 2022
This is the 2nd book in the Wine Country Mystery series written by Nancy J. Parra. I didn't read the first book, but I didn't have any problem following the story. "Taylor O’Brian, founder of “Off the Beaten Path”, takes small groups on wine country tours of romantic Sonoma County." She isn't as big as she would like to be, but honestly, when does she have time to lead tour groups when she's solving murders?
I love cozy mysteries and love discovering a new (to me) series. This was a fun one with likeable characters and an engaging plot. I felt like I learned a bit about wine making as well, which was a plus.
I enjoyed this foray into wine country with a side of cozy mystery, and look forward to going back and reading the first book in the series.
4/5 stars.
*** I would like to thank NetGalley, Crooked Lane Books, and Nancy J. Parra for the opportunity to read and review this book.
I love cozy mysteries and love discovering a new (to me) series. This was a fun one with likeable characters and an engaging plot. I felt like I learned a bit about wine making as well, which was a plus.
I enjoyed this foray into wine country with a side of cozy mystery, and look forward to going back and reading the first book in the series.
4/5 stars.
*** I would like to thank NetGalley, Crooked Lane Books, and Nancy J. Parra for the opportunity to read and review this book.
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