What do you think?
Rate this book
Wine & Dine Mysteries #3
Victim in the Vineyard
From #1 Amazon & New York Times bestselling author Gemma Halliday comes the next mouthwatering mystery in wine country in the USA Today bestselling Wine & Dine mysteries!It's a dream come true for Emmy Oak to be hosting the Sonoma Fall Food & Wine Festival at her family-run Oak Valley Vineyards...and even more exciting to have secured TV celebu-chef Tyler Daniels to MC the event! He's sure to bring in just the type of crowd her struggling winery needs to stay afloat. But when the demanding star is found shot to death in Emmy's vineyard, her dream quickly turns into wine country nightmare Things only get worse when Detective Christopher Grant sets his sights on Emmy's sommelier and friend, Jean Luc, as his prime suspect. Despite her growing feelings for the tall, dark, and dangerously hot detective, Emmy knows Jean Luc is innocent-and it's up to her to prove it. Along with her sidekick-slash-best-friend, Ava, she wades through the foodie crowd and finds no shortage of people who had a grudge against the TV chef. And no shortage of secrets worth killing for, especially when Emmy uncovers that Tyler wasn't exactly who he pretended to be. With her reputation on the line, her Food & Wine festival going to pieces, and the danger mounting, can Emmy catch a killer...before she becomes the next victim in the vineyard? **Simple and delicious recipes included!** "Ms. Halliday is the undisputed queen of the genre: she knows how to blend fashion, suspense, laughter, and romance in all the right doses." Fresh Fiction" I rank 'A Sip Before Dying' as one of my favorite fun reads. I say to Gemma Halliday, well done!" The Book Breeze"The Wine & Dine Mystery series is a definite to read and keep an eye out for more to follow." Cozy Mystery Book ReviewWine & Dine Mysteries: A Sip Before Dying - book #1Chocolate Covered Death - book #2Victim in the Vineyard - book #3Marriage, Merlot & Murder - book #4Rating: This story does not contain any graphic violence, language, or sexual encounters. It's rating would be similar to PG-13 or what you would find on a Hallmark Channel movie or TV series.
216 pages, Paperback
First published August 29, 2019
246 people are currently reading
217 people want to read
About the author
Gemma Halliday
95 books1,893 followersGemma had a hard time figuring out what she wanted to be when she grew up. She worked as a film and television actress, a teddy bear importer, a department store administrator, a preschool teacher, a temporary tattoo artist, and a 900 number psychic, before finally selling her first book, Spying in High Heels, in 2005 and deciding to be a writer.
Since then, Gemma has written several mystery novels and been the recipient of numerous awards, including a National Reader's Choice award and three RITA nominations. Her books have hit both the USA Today and the New York Times Bestseller lists.
Gemma now makes her home in the San Francisco Bay area where she is hard at work on her next book.
Since then, Gemma has written several mystery novels and been the recipient of numerous awards, including a National Reader's Choice award and three RITA nominations. Her books have hit both the USA Today and the New York Times Bestseller lists.
Gemma now makes her home in the San Francisco Bay area where she is hard at work on her next book.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
August 19, 2019
Victim in the Vineyard is another fun addition to the Wine & Dine series that takes place in Sonoma, California. Emmy Oak has high hopes for the Fall Food & Wine Festival helping to put her family vineyard back in the black but when the one of the stars of the show turns up dead in the vineyard, it doesn't give her much hope. More than that, she has to prove that one of her own employees is not the killer. She and her best friend Ava start their own investigation against the wishes of hunky Detective Christopher Grant's wishes. As usual, Emmy and Ava put themselves into some cringe worthy situations and Emmy gets roughed up some at times but all for the sake of looking out for her own "family." The dead celebrity has certainly made some enemies with business partners, co-stars, an ex-wife and another food personality. All have to be checked out by the sleuths (and the police, of course).
On another note, there are some great sounding recipes at the end of the story. There is a chicken recipe that I just might try.
I received a complimentary ARC from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are mine only.
On another note, there are some great sounding recipes at the end of the story. There is a chicken recipe that I just might try.
I received a complimentary ARC from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are mine only.
January 17, 2020
Victim in the Vineyard is the 3rd book in the Wine & Dine Mystery series by Gemma Halliday and it outdoes the last two. Oh how I love these books! I’m thrilled that the next one will be released before the end of the month!
I don’t drink wine (no objections, just don’t have a taste for it) but I love learning at least a little something with each book – like the fact that a pinot grigio is actually a white wine. Oh – and I can pronounce Gewürztraminer, too, so that’s my party trick. In other words – I can totally relate to Eddie, the new manager who didn’t originally know much about wines either!
The story starts with a festival going on at the winery that includes cooking demonstrations by two famous TV chefs. When one turns out dead, the troubles begin. Emmy teams up with her best friend, Ava, to dig into the mystery while keeping people happy at the festival (and keeping her business afloat!).
As usual, Halliday’s writing keeps us wondering whodunnit every step of the way and I had no idea who it was until it was actually revealed. (My kind of story!). Fortunately, the bad guy got some well-earned comeuppance and the Winery lives on – with some positive twists and turns as well.
I liked the ending – where the whole winery family enjoyed a fun meal together and talked about what happened in the end. As a reader I didn’t actually need the summary, but as a fan, I enjoyed a scene where everyone got together for some happy time between them. I also enjoy where things are going with Emmy and Grant. It’s not so much that it takes over the story, but it’s a nice hint of things to come.
Great story – if you haven’t started this series, please do. You won’t be disappointed!
I don’t drink wine (no objections, just don’t have a taste for it) but I love learning at least a little something with each book – like the fact that a pinot grigio is actually a white wine. Oh – and I can pronounce Gewürztraminer, too, so that’s my party trick. In other words – I can totally relate to Eddie, the new manager who didn’t originally know much about wines either!
The story starts with a festival going on at the winery that includes cooking demonstrations by two famous TV chefs. When one turns out dead, the troubles begin. Emmy teams up with her best friend, Ava, to dig into the mystery while keeping people happy at the festival (and keeping her business afloat!).
As usual, Halliday’s writing keeps us wondering whodunnit every step of the way and I had no idea who it was until it was actually revealed. (My kind of story!). Fortunately, the bad guy got some well-earned comeuppance and the Winery lives on – with some positive twists and turns as well.
I liked the ending – where the whole winery family enjoyed a fun meal together and talked about what happened in the end. As a reader I didn’t actually need the summary, but as a fan, I enjoyed a scene where everyone got together for some happy time between them. I also enjoy where things are going with Emmy and Grant. It’s not so much that it takes over the story, but it’s a nice hint of things to come.
Great story – if you haven’t started this series, please do. You won’t be disappointed!
September 10, 2019
In the third book in Gemma Halliday's new Wine & Dine series, Emmy Oak hosts a fall festival at her family's vineyard. The MC for the event is celebrity chef, Tyler Daniels, of the Eat Up show on the Cooking Network. Just when Emmy was starting to bring the vineyard's finances out of the red, it must may go back to red again when Tyler is found dead on her property. To make matters worse, Det. Grant, Emmy's impending love interest, has fingered one of her staff as the culprit. Emmy has no recourse but try to prove their innocence, even if it puts a chasm between her and Grant and also puts herself in imminent danger.
I love how the main character and the other supporting characters grow and develop with each book. The recipes at the end of the book look yummy! Can't wait to read the next book in this great new series by a favorite author.
I received an ARC from the publisher for purposes of an unbiased review.
I love how the main character and the other supporting characters grow and develop with each book. The recipes at the end of the book look yummy! Can't wait to read the next book in this great new series by a favorite author.
I received an ARC from the publisher for purposes of an unbiased review.
May 4, 2020
In The Wine & Dine Mystery series by Gemma Halliday Emmy Oak has a pretty good life in wine country in Sonoma running her family vineyard, Oak Valley Vineyards. She has a great best friend, Ava and some pretty awesome employees who are also family to her, and she has a growing relationship with the Detective of the Violent Crimes Investigation Unit of the local Sheriff's Office.....which is good and bad.
In the third installment in this series, Victim in the Vineyard, Emmy is getting ready to host the Somona Fall Food and Wine Festival, a four day event, at the vineyard and they will have a celebrity chef, Tyler Daniels, acting as MC of the event and do some cooking demonstrations. Tyler is the star of some Cooking Network shows as well as owning a chain of restaurants, Tyler's Place, with one of them being right there in wine country. And Jean Luc, the sommelier of the vineyard use to work with Tyler years ago so he was able to get Tyler to participate.
Emmy is excited to be doing this festival for many reasons, one of them being the vineyard could really use some extra money to fix some things around the vineyard. Unfortunately the one thing the vineyard doesn't need is bad publicity but when the MC is found murdered in the vineyard it looks like Emmy could lose everything !!!
And when there is a murder the local Sheriff's Office sends the Detective of their Violent Crimes Investigation Unit, Detective Christopher Grant, who Emmy has the pleasure and "not so good" pleasure of having met him through other murder cases. They are actually on a first name basis only because they have also gone on a date before and there is definite chemistry between the two of them but unfortunately there always seems to be a dead body between them also.
And when Detective Grant has his eyes on Jean Luc as the main suspect, Emmy and Ava step in to prove his innocence......
Even though Tyler was killed on the first day of the festival, they decide to keep the festival going for the rest of the scheduled time and see how things go. It seems that there are more reporters than actual ticket holders but that does not deter Emmy and Ava from questioning everyone that knew Tyler and there are a lot. Tyler's co-host on his latest show, Eat Up, Gabby, is there along with her boyfriend, Alec, and Tyler's ex-wife Ashley is also in attendance. Mark Black, Tyler's partner in the restaurants isn't far away as their one restaurant is there in town. And there is Jean Luc, who Emmy knows would never hurt someone, let alone kill them, but the police do have evidence that isn't good for his case.
You know Emmy is serious and will do anything to solve the murder when she goes to "friend" David Allen for help as they have a love/hate relationship. But when it comes to people Emmy loves, she will go to the ends of the earth to help them......even if it gets her knocked down a few times and yelled at by Grant a lot !!!
Halliday's story telling is very captivating and the reader will get lost hanging around with Emmy. There may even be times where the reader will find themselves reading faster and yelling out loud trying to warn Emmy. You get so involved your instincts will kick in !!! Halliday also teases the reader with just the right amount of romance to insure that you will be back to see if Emmy and Grant can actually make it all the way through a real date and hopefully without Emmy finding a dead body......but what would be the fun in that ????
In the third installment in this series, Victim in the Vineyard, Emmy is getting ready to host the Somona Fall Food and Wine Festival, a four day event, at the vineyard and they will have a celebrity chef, Tyler Daniels, acting as MC of the event and do some cooking demonstrations. Tyler is the star of some Cooking Network shows as well as owning a chain of restaurants, Tyler's Place, with one of them being right there in wine country. And Jean Luc, the sommelier of the vineyard use to work with Tyler years ago so he was able to get Tyler to participate.
Emmy is excited to be doing this festival for many reasons, one of them being the vineyard could really use some extra money to fix some things around the vineyard. Unfortunately the one thing the vineyard doesn't need is bad publicity but when the MC is found murdered in the vineyard it looks like Emmy could lose everything !!!
And when there is a murder the local Sheriff's Office sends the Detective of their Violent Crimes Investigation Unit, Detective Christopher Grant, who Emmy has the pleasure and "not so good" pleasure of having met him through other murder cases. They are actually on a first name basis only because they have also gone on a date before and there is definite chemistry between the two of them but unfortunately there always seems to be a dead body between them also.
And when Detective Grant has his eyes on Jean Luc as the main suspect, Emmy and Ava step in to prove his innocence......
Even though Tyler was killed on the first day of the festival, they decide to keep the festival going for the rest of the scheduled time and see how things go. It seems that there are more reporters than actual ticket holders but that does not deter Emmy and Ava from questioning everyone that knew Tyler and there are a lot. Tyler's co-host on his latest show, Eat Up, Gabby, is there along with her boyfriend, Alec, and Tyler's ex-wife Ashley is also in attendance. Mark Black, Tyler's partner in the restaurants isn't far away as their one restaurant is there in town. And there is Jean Luc, who Emmy knows would never hurt someone, let alone kill them, but the police do have evidence that isn't good for his case.
You know Emmy is serious and will do anything to solve the murder when she goes to "friend" David Allen for help as they have a love/hate relationship. But when it comes to people Emmy loves, she will go to the ends of the earth to help them......even if it gets her knocked down a few times and yelled at by Grant a lot !!!
Halliday's story telling is very captivating and the reader will get lost hanging around with Emmy. There may even be times where the reader will find themselves reading faster and yelling out loud trying to warn Emmy. You get so involved your instincts will kick in !!! Halliday also teases the reader with just the right amount of romance to insure that you will be back to see if Emmy and Grant can actually make it all the way through a real date and hopefully without Emmy finding a dead body......but what would be the fun in that ????
February 4, 2020
this series is fun. i love when Emmy , Ava, and David Allen get together to sleuth.
September 10, 2019
Emmy Oak, owner of Oak Valley Vineyards, is holding a food and wine festival at her vineyard when she comes across a body. Things seem to go downhill from there. Gemma Halliday has done a fantastic job with this book and series. She caught my attention from page one. The descriptions are perfect, she made me really want a glass of wine (and I don’t drink), the scenes between the characters are right on and kept me wanting to read faster to find out who the killer was, while at the same time making me want to read slower so that maybe the book wouldn’t end. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series!
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
January 29, 2024
Victim in the Vineyard is the 3rd book in Gemma Halliday's Wine & Dine Mysteries and it is a good addition to the series. The characters are likeable and the cozy mystery kept me guessing. Emmy Oak is running her family's struggling vineyard. They are hosting the Sonoma Fall Food & Wine Festival and she is excited that they got celebrity chef Tyler Daniels. Unfortunately Tyler is found dead on the vineyard grounds which ruins the festival. Emmy and her best friend Ava begin to ask questions to help Detective Christopher Grant solve the case. Emmy's sommelier Jean Luc is a suspect. Of course poking around puts Emmy on the radar of the culprit and she ends up in some harrowing situations. Emmy and Grant (as Emmy calls him) went on a date but he had to leave early and they haven't been able to remedy that but there is chemistry between them which adds to the story. The other suspects all are keeping secrets which keeps it interesting. Overall, this is an enjoyable cozy mystery. #VictimInTheVineyard #Wine&DineMysteries
May 18, 2021
The third installment of Gemma Halliday’s Wine and Dine series is yet another fun romp in wine country. I think each story has been better than the last. Victim in the Vineyard is a great addition to a really good series!
June 21, 2020
I enjoyed the character development but the ways the main character gets her information is ridiculous. People will just tell a stranger how many millions had been embezzled, that is not at all realistic. One time she gets a concussion and is told to take Tylenol. The next time she is told to take Motrin. I’m confused. The recipes seem interesting but I archived the book as soon as I finished so I won’t be making any of them.
April 10, 2020
Emmy hosts a food and wine festival at her winery to put some much-needed funds into the winery. However a murder occurs during the festival and the police are looking at the wrong person so Emmy does some snooping to clear his name. Fun read and some twists and turns with a splash of romance
August 12, 2020
As this series continues, the characters are becoming more enjoyable as their personalities and interactions are maturing. The mystery was interesting and though I figured out the who pretty early on, I didn't have the details of the why.
So 4 plus stars for a clean enjoyable cozy mystery.
So 4 plus stars for a clean enjoyable cozy mystery.
March 3, 2020
Another fun read in the series!!!!
March 4, 2020
Enjoyed it very much
I enjoyed this very much. I had narrowed it down to two suspects for the killer but was wrong in both accounts. The real killer was a total surprise.
I enjoyed this very much. I had narrowed it down to two suspects for the killer but was wrong in both accounts. The real killer was a total surprise.
June 20, 2020
It was OK
It was OK. I have read better ones that she wrote. I like more mystery and comedy. Will look forward to more.
It was OK. I have read better ones that she wrote. I like more mystery and comedy. Will look forward to more.
June 24, 2020
Fun mystery series!
August 2, 2020
Cute enough I’ll read the next few, but not totally hooked yet. I do love and appreciate the author’s recipes in the back!
September 3, 2020
2.5 - just a quick, light read while traveling. Not great writing or a deep plot.
October 28, 2020
Always enjoy this series. Likeable and believable characters, good mystery, and learn about the wine industry.
February 5, 2022
Cute, fast read
May 25, 2020
Great series. Love the setting and the characters. Well written cozy mystery series from a fantastic author. I look forward to many more in this series.
September 21, 2019
“Victim in the Vineyard” earns 5/5 Groomed Vines...Engaging Fun!
CHEERS! Gemma Halliday’s Wine & Dine Mystery series and this third book, “Victim in the Vineyard,” checks all the boxes to make it very entertaining and a personal favorite. Emmy is hosting the Sonoma Wine and Food Festival with area restaurants, budding chefs, and local artisans in attendance, and along with her winery”s best wines and a few of her culinary treats, it’s set to be a great event. The biggest coup was getting a TV celebrity chef to act as MC. However, he turns out to be quite a “diva,” and along with his entourage, his TV partner, and an ex-wife, this event is going to be a challenge. But, the demos go well, the wine tasting a hit, and Emmy is optimistic, until...hello, Karma, his body is found in the vineyard, and witnesses report an argument between him and and Emmy’s sommelier Jean Luc. No, not Jean Luc! Emmy needs to look more closely into this!
Gemma”s writing style brings the wine country to life with her vivid descriptions, and the well-developed characters relate as family, respond realistically, and through Gemma’s dialogue their emotions, humor, and personalities are illustrated well. The murder mystery always has a bit of karma to enjoy, but the motive isn’t always obvious, hidden by the jealousies, greed, and disfunction of the various suspects. Partners? Exes? Lawyers? Critics? And in this case, the close-to-home “person of interest” needs Emmy’s help even though the evidence is hard to refute. All-in-all Gemma provides an entertaining challenge for any inner Sherlock all the way to the end. Romance is hinted between Emmy and the detective, but she is strong-willed and protective of friends and that causes delightfully conflict...but I see good things ahead. Finally, the big reveal always includes some nail-biting peril for Emmy, bop on the head or gun in the face, but someone always goes to jail. Gemma has included easy-to-follow recipes that are incorporated in the story with direct links to the recipes in the eBook version. I greatly enjoy the added Tips for exchanges or techniques, and especially, the best wine pairing: Easy Mediterranean Chicken, Fettuccini Pomodoro, “Turn Up the Heat” Burger, Summer Fruit Flambé, Caprese Panzanella Salad, and Champagne Mules. Yum! Cozy fans can’t pass up this one!
Disclosure: I received an ARC. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments.
CHEERS! Gemma Halliday’s Wine & Dine Mystery series and this third book, “Victim in the Vineyard,” checks all the boxes to make it very entertaining and a personal favorite. Emmy is hosting the Sonoma Wine and Food Festival with area restaurants, budding chefs, and local artisans in attendance, and along with her winery”s best wines and a few of her culinary treats, it’s set to be a great event. The biggest coup was getting a TV celebrity chef to act as MC. However, he turns out to be quite a “diva,” and along with his entourage, his TV partner, and an ex-wife, this event is going to be a challenge. But, the demos go well, the wine tasting a hit, and Emmy is optimistic, until...hello, Karma, his body is found in the vineyard, and witnesses report an argument between him and and Emmy’s sommelier Jean Luc. No, not Jean Luc! Emmy needs to look more closely into this!
Gemma”s writing style brings the wine country to life with her vivid descriptions, and the well-developed characters relate as family, respond realistically, and through Gemma’s dialogue their emotions, humor, and personalities are illustrated well. The murder mystery always has a bit of karma to enjoy, but the motive isn’t always obvious, hidden by the jealousies, greed, and disfunction of the various suspects. Partners? Exes? Lawyers? Critics? And in this case, the close-to-home “person of interest” needs Emmy’s help even though the evidence is hard to refute. All-in-all Gemma provides an entertaining challenge for any inner Sherlock all the way to the end. Romance is hinted between Emmy and the detective, but she is strong-willed and protective of friends and that causes delightfully conflict...but I see good things ahead. Finally, the big reveal always includes some nail-biting peril for Emmy, bop on the head or gun in the face, but someone always goes to jail. Gemma has included easy-to-follow recipes that are incorporated in the story with direct links to the recipes in the eBook version. I greatly enjoy the added Tips for exchanges or techniques, and especially, the best wine pairing: Easy Mediterranean Chicken, Fettuccini Pomodoro, “Turn Up the Heat” Burger, Summer Fruit Flambé, Caprese Panzanella Salad, and Champagne Mules. Yum! Cozy fans can’t pass up this one!
Disclosure: I received an ARC. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments.
September 15, 2019
The Emmy Oak books are easy to read, fun stories. This time, Emmy is hosting a wine and food festival at her winery with a lot of vendors, and celebrity chefs doing demonstrations, when one of the chefs winds up dead. What's worse, is that no one that knew the deceased really seems to care that they're gone, and poor Jean Luc is the prime suspect!
Unfortunately, as well as Jean Luc being a suspect, this tragedy means a huge decline in the number of festival attendees. Emmy decides, as she usually does, to find out what really happened. Deaths at her winery aren't really great advertising, and she is adamant that Jean Luc had nothing to do with the death.
Emmy's nosiness doesn't always end well for her, and it seems the more people she talks to, the more twisted the mystery becomes.
This was a great read! Look forward to the next one!
Unfortunately, as well as Jean Luc being a suspect, this tragedy means a huge decline in the number of festival attendees. Emmy decides, as she usually does, to find out what really happened. Deaths at her winery aren't really great advertising, and she is adamant that Jean Luc had nothing to do with the death.
Emmy's nosiness doesn't always end well for her, and it seems the more people she talks to, the more twisted the mystery becomes.
This was a great read! Look forward to the next one!
September 12, 2019
Emmy Oakes is having a new festival to try to publicize her family vineyard. She thinks it’s a dream come true to have celebrity chef Tyler Daniels starring at the event. When Tyler is found dead in the vineyard, her hopes turn to horror. As popular as Tyler is with his fans, it seems that he is disliked by most everyone that really knows him. Much to the chagrin of Det. Christopher Grant, whose main suspect is Em’s friend and sommelier Jon Luc, Emmy decides to find the killer herself and Prove him wrong. Another terrific cozy mystery in this enjoyable series!
October 4, 2019
In book three of the series, Emmy Oakes is on the case again after celebrity chef Tyler is killed during a cooking show at "The Deadliest Little Winery in the Valley". Emmy and her friends are on the hunt for the killer.
Looking forward to the next book in the series.
I received an ARC from the publisher for my honest and unbiased review.
Looking forward to the next book in the series.
I received an ARC from the publisher for my honest and unbiased review.
November 6, 2019
A wonderful cozy trip back into wine country with Emmy Oak! I absolutely love these characters and their shenanigans. Ms. Halliday has done it again. She creates the perfect blend of humor, mystery, lovable and quirky characters with bit of romance. Reading an Emmy Oak adventure is the perfect escape! I am hoping for many more to come.
September 14, 2019
Too many cooks
Very predictable, formula - following cozy. The winery sets a beautiful, romantic background and the characters are fun but there's not quite enough of the handsome detective to believe he's really interested. Emmy seems too "hard headed" to learn not to be quite so obvious in her sleuthing.
Very predictable, formula - following cozy. The winery sets a beautiful, romantic background and the characters are fun but there's not quite enough of the handsome detective to believe he's really interested. Emmy seems too "hard headed" to learn not to be quite so obvious in her sleuthing.
October 22, 2019
I love Gemma Halliday, but Emmy might be my least favorite of her leads. I find her annoying a times. She talks about how her winery is failing, but then spends the whole book doing nothing to save said winery! She spends more time running around than working!
Overall, it was fun and cute. I would still recommend if you like Gemma and cozy mysteries.
Overall, it was fun and cute. I would still recommend if you like Gemma and cozy mysteries.
October 23, 2020
I did not see that one coming! Victim in the Vineyard has Emmy and Ava rushing to solve the latest murder - especially since detective Grant seems focused on the wrong suspect. Fully of red herrings, narrow escapes, too many suspects and motives, this book will delight your inner sleuth. Can you figure it out?
September 14, 2019
Great mystery!
September 18, 2019
Emma Oak
Another murder at the winery! This time it's an employee of the winery who is a murder suspect, and Emma must try and find the person who did the killing
Another murder at the winery! This time it's an employee of the winery who is a murder suspect, and Emma must try and find the person who did the killing
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews