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Foul Play in Vouvray
When the lines between love, betrayal and jealously blur, the Winemaker Detective and his dashing assistant return to sniff out the difference be illusion and reality. This French mystery is set in the Loire Valley, home to castles, history, movie stars, and luscious wines. Wine expert Benjamin Cooker and his handsome sidekick Virgile, are shooting a documentary in the region, tasting the ebullient flowery wines, noting their boisterous acidity. When a beguiling actress meets with foul play, they rush to the rescue of a dear friend only to find that everyone is a suspect. What intrigue is playing out behind the scenes?In another satisfying wine novel with a French flair, authors Jean-Pierre Alaux and Noël Balen give readers a perfectly intoxicating combination French wine, gourmet meals, and mystery in Vouvray, one of the most diverse wine regions in the world. This light, fun mystery combines amateur sleuths with all the scenery, scents, and sounds of France, resulting in a wonderfully French culinary mystery novel that doubles as a travel guide. Like the other books in the series, it holds a special place on the international mystery and crime a pitch-perfect, wine-infused, French-style cozy mystery.
248 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 18, 2019
40 people are currently reading
12 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
February 10, 2019
Love these books and I couldn't wait for another instalment of this wonderful series.
This time we are treated to a meander through the Loire Valley, discovering more wineries, beautiful scenery, a new plot and a murder. The books seem to mature as they progress in time, just like a good wine.
Great story, entwined with mystery, new people, and as always wonderful wineries. Just gets better and better with each new vintage.
This time we are treated to a meander through the Loire Valley, discovering more wineries, beautiful scenery, a new plot and a murder. The books seem to mature as they progress in time, just like a good wine.
Great story, entwined with mystery, new people, and as always wonderful wineries. Just gets better and better with each new vintage.
May 7, 2019
Entertaining Read
This is the 14th book in this series but the 1st one that I have read. This was not a problem about following the plot as it was a stand-alone story, but as always when reading a book in a long series, you lose out by not knowing any of the backgrounds of the main characters.
However, Benjamin Cooker and his assistant Virgile are interesting characters. They are both wine experts who seem to have a knack of getting involved in crimes and even better always seem to solve the mystery, a low-grade Sherlock Holmes and Watson!!
In this book, Benjamin and Virgile are making a documentary set in the wine region of the Loire valley which involves visiting the beautiful vineyards of the area and commenting on the various wines that they encounter. One of the vineyards is owned by a famous actor David Navarre, and when his girlfriend, a beautiful young actress Simone Margerolle, is found in a coma, Benjamin and Virgile are drawn into the attempted murder. Virgile is even arrested as he had been seen dancing with Simone at a party held by David. Various characters are suspected, mainly associated with the film that David and Simone are currently making, but there is no obvious suspect.
This is where Benjamin comes into his own and solves the mystery with the help of his assistant.
The popularity of these books are due to the setting and the beautiful descriptions of the wines and the plot, at some times, is almost of secondary importance. I enjoyed this book but will not be going back to read any of the others in the series.
Dexter
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review
This is the 14th book in this series but the 1st one that I have read. This was not a problem about following the plot as it was a stand-alone story, but as always when reading a book in a long series, you lose out by not knowing any of the backgrounds of the main characters.
However, Benjamin Cooker and his assistant Virgile are interesting characters. They are both wine experts who seem to have a knack of getting involved in crimes and even better always seem to solve the mystery, a low-grade Sherlock Holmes and Watson!!
In this book, Benjamin and Virgile are making a documentary set in the wine region of the Loire valley which involves visiting the beautiful vineyards of the area and commenting on the various wines that they encounter. One of the vineyards is owned by a famous actor David Navarre, and when his girlfriend, a beautiful young actress Simone Margerolle, is found in a coma, Benjamin and Virgile are drawn into the attempted murder. Virgile is even arrested as he had been seen dancing with Simone at a party held by David. Various characters are suspected, mainly associated with the film that David and Simone are currently making, but there is no obvious suspect.
This is where Benjamin comes into his own and solves the mystery with the help of his assistant.
The popularity of these books are due to the setting and the beautiful descriptions of the wines and the plot, at some times, is almost of secondary importance. I enjoyed this book but will not be going back to read any of the others in the series.
Dexter
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review
February 18, 2019
2019 is starting off right - another new Winemaker Detective release! Ah, Cooker and Co., how I've missed you.
"Foul Play" is a perfect combination of the quick-paced, puzzle-solving plots that we saw more of at the beginning of the series, and the detailed delving of the characters from the more recent books. I might even dare to say this is my favorite book in the series so far, just from a pure reading standpoint! I couldn't put it down!
This time Benjamin and Virgile are caught up neck-deep in the mystery, in addition to all the other people and wines demanding their attention. We get to see several different sides of Benjamin, as well as more of his internal thoughts and processes. I LOVED the banter between the two men in this book. Benjamin is really pushing Virgile to step out from the title of 'assistant' and become the "indispensable right-hand man" (his words!), Benjamin knows he can be. I'm very excited to see where the next books take Virgile.
I often wonder if the authors are purposefully tantalizing their readers with all the beautiful, decadent food they describe, page after page. I know I am ALWAYS hungry after finishing one of these lovely titles. Perhaps, as social media plays such a big part to the plot of "Foul Play", we readers should start posting "Post-Book Meal" pictures on Instagram, to let the authors know they've won, once again.
This was a delightful read, and I can't wait for more!
I received a review copy of this work from the publisher
"Foul Play" is a perfect combination of the quick-paced, puzzle-solving plots that we saw more of at the beginning of the series, and the detailed delving of the characters from the more recent books. I might even dare to say this is my favorite book in the series so far, just from a pure reading standpoint! I couldn't put it down!
This time Benjamin and Virgile are caught up neck-deep in the mystery, in addition to all the other people and wines demanding their attention. We get to see several different sides of Benjamin, as well as more of his internal thoughts and processes. I LOVED the banter between the two men in this book. Benjamin is really pushing Virgile to step out from the title of 'assistant' and become the "indispensable right-hand man" (his words!), Benjamin knows he can be. I'm very excited to see where the next books take Virgile.
I often wonder if the authors are purposefully tantalizing their readers with all the beautiful, decadent food they describe, page after page. I know I am ALWAYS hungry after finishing one of these lovely titles. Perhaps, as social media plays such a big part to the plot of "Foul Play", we readers should start posting "Post-Book Meal" pictures on Instagram, to let the authors know they've won, once again.
This was a delightful read, and I can't wait for more!
I received a review copy of this work from the publisher
February 22, 2019
🔎When you mix 🎬 actors and 🍷alcohol, anything can happen!
February 18, 2019
Format: Kindle Edition
👍4 and a bit 🌟stars
🍇Good food, fantastic 🍷wine, bucolic 🌄 scenery and the🎬 film industry are all showcased in this mystery murder in the Loire Valley. I adored Virgile, the amateur sleuth's young and attractive side kick, a flirtatious "Dr. Watson" who can't resist the charms of a beautiful woman. Unfortunately, the beautiful woman in this story is the victim! What with actors, producers, directors, screenwriters and film crew galore, this mystery had plenty of suspects to fill the pool of red herrings. As an added bonus, a secondary murder mystery turns up to baffle the local gendarmes and turn up the tension😧
This is the first book I have read in the series. I don't know the Loire Valley, its chateaux and vineyards, but the author made me want to by making them ubiquitous "characters" in the story.
In sum, a good mystery in a great setting with some stand out characters like Virgile and his boss. There is some very specific, down in the weeds wine tasting talk that, frankly, went right over my head and made me decide I could not give the story a full five stars, but I nevertheless found this mystery an enjoyable read with great atmospherics. Oh, that I could go on my own such wine tasting tour (minus the murderous mayhem)!😀
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
February 18, 2019
Format: Kindle Edition
👍4 and a bit 🌟stars
🍇Good food, fantastic 🍷wine, bucolic 🌄 scenery and the🎬 film industry are all showcased in this mystery murder in the Loire Valley. I adored Virgile, the amateur sleuth's young and attractive side kick, a flirtatious "Dr. Watson" who can't resist the charms of a beautiful woman. Unfortunately, the beautiful woman in this story is the victim! What with actors, producers, directors, screenwriters and film crew galore, this mystery had plenty of suspects to fill the pool of red herrings. As an added bonus, a secondary murder mystery turns up to baffle the local gendarmes and turn up the tension😧
This is the first book I have read in the series. I don't know the Loire Valley, its chateaux and vineyards, but the author made me want to by making them ubiquitous "characters" in the story.
In sum, a good mystery in a great setting with some stand out characters like Virgile and his boss. There is some very specific, down in the weeds wine tasting talk that, frankly, went right over my head and made me decide I could not give the story a full five stars, but I nevertheless found this mystery an enjoyable read with great atmospherics. Oh, that I could go on my own such wine tasting tour (minus the murderous mayhem)!😀
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
February 18, 2019
I really enjoy the books in this series, and I think that is the best one so far. Benjamin and his assistant Virgile are great characters, and I love the relationship between them, which is more like father and son than employer and employee.
The plot is considerably enhanced by the Benjamin and Virgile getting roped in to make a documentary about, of course, wine making and vineyards.
As always with these books there are lots of potential suspects, all with reason to want the victim out of the way, and the way that Benjamin sifts through the evidence is fascinating. However, it has to be said that the murder mystery is very nearly overshadowed by the beautiful descriptions of the locations visited, especially the vineyards and of the sumptuous accounts of the wines, and food that they experience.
This book hits the spot in so many ways, it is exciting, without being action or violence packed and evokes the rarified atmosphere of the French wine-making industry perfectly whilst being seasoned with a spicy murder.
I received an advance copy of the book, but have voluntarily written this review.
The plot is considerably enhanced by the Benjamin and Virgile getting roped in to make a documentary about, of course, wine making and vineyards.
As always with these books there are lots of potential suspects, all with reason to want the victim out of the way, and the way that Benjamin sifts through the evidence is fascinating. However, it has to be said that the murder mystery is very nearly overshadowed by the beautiful descriptions of the locations visited, especially the vineyards and of the sumptuous accounts of the wines, and food that they experience.
This book hits the spot in so many ways, it is exciting, without being action or violence packed and evokes the rarified atmosphere of the French wine-making industry perfectly whilst being seasoned with a spicy murder.
I received an advance copy of the book, but have voluntarily written this review.
February 20, 2019
Foul Play in Vouvray is another excellent adventure/education with Benjamin and Virgile. The Winemaker Detective books are a bit travelogue, wine education and mystery. This is another excellent plot from these authors. We have movie stars intermixed with a documentary being made with Benjamin and Virgile. There are many suspects and many possible motives, but you may not be able to guess this one. An excellent adventure.
March 20, 2019
Not my favourite book from the series.
Annoying, superficial characters who didn't ellicit any sympathy.
The premise was good, the dead body of an porn star at a party. Was it death by misadventure or murder???? Followed by the discovery of a skeleton in the wine cellar.
Disappointed that the skeleton's story wasn't dealt with more interest - it was almost as if this was just a filler with very little substance.
However, it's worth a read as are all the series books
Annoying, superficial characters who didn't ellicit any sympathy.
The premise was good, the dead body of an porn star at a party. Was it death by misadventure or murder???? Followed by the discovery of a skeleton in the wine cellar.
Disappointed that the skeleton's story wasn't dealt with more interest - it was almost as if this was just a filler with very little substance.
However, it's worth a read as are all the series books
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 11, 2019
Love this series
I wish I read French well enough to read it in its original text, but the translation is well done. Nice, light, and enlightening (about wine) series.
I wish I read French well enough to read it in its original text, but the translation is well done. Nice, light, and enlightening (about wine) series.
April 2, 2023
The latest book in the Winemaker Detective Series, Foul Play in Vouvray, is yet another fun adventure for our two hesitant detectives, Benjamin Cooker and his assistant, Virgile. A celebrity in a coma and a skeleton found in a wine cellar are only two of the mysteries. And as always, they brilliantly look past all of the false leads and uncover the hidden truths.
I love how each volume in this series tells a new story that is as compelling as the last. In a way, it was a light and entertaining read, but it simultaneously asked deeper questions of the reader. What would you be willing to kill for? And what is worth living for in this life? What betrayals can be forgiven? And how long can you trust someone you think you know well? As always, Elisabeth shared her wisdom and faith, reminding us that things are not always what they seem and some people are always worth believing in.
I was given a free copy of this book by the publisher and have voluntarily reviewed it.
I love how each volume in this series tells a new story that is as compelling as the last. In a way, it was a light and entertaining read, but it simultaneously asked deeper questions of the reader. What would you be willing to kill for? And what is worth living for in this life? What betrayals can be forgiven? And how long can you trust someone you think you know well? As always, Elisabeth shared her wisdom and faith, reminding us that things are not always what they seem and some people are always worth believing in.
I was given a free copy of this book by the publisher and have voluntarily reviewed it.
February 18, 2019
Foul Play in Vouvray
By Jean-PierreAlaux & Noel Balen
This new chapter in the adventures of French/British oenologist Benjamin Cooker and his trusty sidekick Virgile Lanssien is replete with amazing wines, glamorous movie-stars and, naturally enough, murder and intrigue.
The oenological duo are on a tour of the Loire Valley region, to taste wines while by-the-bye enjoying the delights of the region, as well as visiting with old friends. In addition, a documentary film maker is filming them as they go about their business.
We are party to the interesting and often amusing dynamic between the veteran Cooker and his apprentice Virgile, who knows how to give as well as he gets.
The wine experts are invited to a cocktail party at the chateau of a renowned actor, David Navarre who would also like to start a new career as a wine maker.
Navarre is a well-known celebrity and the gathering at his estate is replete with beautiful starlets, well-known film actors and directors, television stars and a well-known figure from the world of sports.
It should come as no surprise that the plot begins to thicken. When one of the characters is attacked, we become witness to the veritable flood of relationships entailed both in the world of film making, both documentary and feature films.
There is no lack of suspects and reader, be prepared for some of the suspicion to fall on characters close to home.
One of the most enjoyable facets of this series of novels is the opportunity to catch beautifully described glimpses of a number of the many beautiful vineyards in this part of France.
Furthermore, the descriptions of the wines the main characters taste and drink are extremely evocative.
All in all, a most pleasant and entertaining diversion!
By Jean-PierreAlaux & Noel Balen
This new chapter in the adventures of French/British oenologist Benjamin Cooker and his trusty sidekick Virgile Lanssien is replete with amazing wines, glamorous movie-stars and, naturally enough, murder and intrigue.
The oenological duo are on a tour of the Loire Valley region, to taste wines while by-the-bye enjoying the delights of the region, as well as visiting with old friends. In addition, a documentary film maker is filming them as they go about their business.
We are party to the interesting and often amusing dynamic between the veteran Cooker and his apprentice Virgile, who knows how to give as well as he gets.
The wine experts are invited to a cocktail party at the chateau of a renowned actor, David Navarre who would also like to start a new career as a wine maker.
Navarre is a well-known celebrity and the gathering at his estate is replete with beautiful starlets, well-known film actors and directors, television stars and a well-known figure from the world of sports.
It should come as no surprise that the plot begins to thicken. When one of the characters is attacked, we become witness to the veritable flood of relationships entailed both in the world of film making, both documentary and feature films.
There is no lack of suspects and reader, be prepared for some of the suspicion to fall on characters close to home.
One of the most enjoyable facets of this series of novels is the opportunity to catch beautifully described glimpses of a number of the many beautiful vineyards in this part of France.
Furthermore, the descriptions of the wines the main characters taste and drink are extremely evocative.
All in all, a most pleasant and entertaining diversion!
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews