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A Sommelier Mystery #1
Decanting a Murder
Katie Stillwell focuses on two things in her life: work and practicing for Sommelier Certification with her blind tasting group. The exam was supposed to be the hardest part of her week, but that was before a body was found at an exclusive Napa Valley winery party.
When all the evidence points to Katie's best friend, the outspoken and independent Tessa, Katie drops everything to clear Tessa's name. Using her deductive wine skills, she tries to track down the real killer. But when repeated attempts are made on her life, Katie discovers that everyone's secrets must be uncovered―including her own.
When all the evidence points to Katie's best friend, the outspoken and independent Tessa, Katie drops everything to clear Tessa's name. Using her deductive wine skills, she tries to track down the real killer. But when repeated attempts are made on her life, Katie discovers that everyone's secrets must be uncovered―including her own.
266 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 8, 2016
73 people are currently reading
449 people want to read
About the author
Nadine Nettmann
5 books178 followersNadine Nettmann, a Certified Sommelier through the Court of Master Sommeliers, is always on the lookout for great wines and the stories behind them. She pairs every chapter with a wine in her award-nominated Sommelier Mystery Series, which includes Decanting a Murder, Uncorking a Lie, and Pairing a Deception. Her latest novel, The Bootlegger’s Daughter, takes place in Los Angeles where she was born and raised.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews
February 19, 2018
This is the first book in "A Sommelier Mystery" and I am ready to read the next one. The book opens with the protagonist, Katie Stillwell, failing the Sommelier Certification test. Hoping that attending the celebration of 100 years of Frontier Winery as the guest of her best friend Tessa will cheer her up, she tries to shake it off. The party starts off well, but shortly after the festivities get off the ground, a body is found in a vat of fermenting grapes. Tessa is the prime suspect, but Katie knows she would never kill anyone. Her goal is to prove her innocence. Katie's father is a well-known police chief and she had actually attended police academy with the intention of following in his footsteps so she is no stranger to solving crimes. Because of this, the detective in charge, Detective Dean, allows her to ride along and he listens to her when she has suspicions and gut feelings. It does not mean he will share everything, but he is a little freer with information than he should be. Of course as often happens, Katie ends up becoming a target as she gets closer to the truth.
Katie Stilwell is a great character. She’s level headed, smart, witty, charming, pays attention to detail, and proves that she does have pluck and sticktoitiveness. Tessa on the other hand, is the party girl who just wants to have fun. Unfortunately, this often gets her into trouble and she has difficulty holding down a job. I was not to impressed with her as a character, but the relationship between these women was very special. The author does a wonderful job getting us into their heads and developing their characters. The final character that I hope will be a main character in this series is Detective John Dean. He and Katie had a bit of a flirtatious relationship and I would love to see this develop. The mystery was well plotted with red herrings and real clues scattered throughout the story. I thought I knew who the killer was, then changed my mind multiple times as the story progressed. This makes for an enjoyable read to me. I loved the information given about the Sommelier process, wine pairings (although I would love to see food listed as well as atmosphere) and the Napa Valley area. There was just enough of this to make it an enjoyable read, but not overtake the story. A great cozy mystery, with enough suspense and description to make this a series that I will watch for.
Katie Stilwell is a great character. She’s level headed, smart, witty, charming, pays attention to detail, and proves that she does have pluck and sticktoitiveness. Tessa on the other hand, is the party girl who just wants to have fun. Unfortunately, this often gets her into trouble and she has difficulty holding down a job. I was not to impressed with her as a character, but the relationship between these women was very special. The author does a wonderful job getting us into their heads and developing their characters. The final character that I hope will be a main character in this series is Detective John Dean. He and Katie had a bit of a flirtatious relationship and I would love to see this develop. The mystery was well plotted with red herrings and real clues scattered throughout the story. I thought I knew who the killer was, then changed my mind multiple times as the story progressed. This makes for an enjoyable read to me. I loved the information given about the Sommelier process, wine pairings (although I would love to see food listed as well as atmosphere) and the Napa Valley area. There was just enough of this to make it an enjoyable read, but not overtake the story. A great cozy mystery, with enough suspense and description to make this a series that I will watch for.
April 13, 2016
Really more of a 1.5, but I'll be nice.
I have a lot of issues with this book, but if you are craving a simple "cozy" murder mystery, this will do. My biggest peeve is the main character (well, ok, all the characters). She feels very much a Mary Sue character type, it's even stated in the plot how perfect she is (or, pretends to be). She's not really perfect, but compared to her "best friend" Tessa, she's freak'n Mother Teresa. Now, not all Mary Sues are bad. But this one...is just...what? Boring? Simple? Meh? I don't know. But I found myself kinda wishing she'd be murdered and we'd have a new lead.
Speaking of wishing someone dead: Tessa. The best friend. Ugh. Even before the murder happened, I was seriously wishing Tessa would be bludgeoned by a bottle. I have a feeling she was suppose to be a free, "modern" woman. Really, she was just a train-wreck (seriously, drunks shouldn't work at wineries, though I'm sure they do). She was just generally very unappealing and I can't understand why Katie would be friends with her other than pity.
Next up: Dean, the detective/love interest. Ok, ok. I get it. It makes for an easy story to have the detective let a citizen hang out with them during investigations, but it always just feels lazy to me. Dear Detective Dean should SO be fired for all he let Katie run this case. It really got to the point of being ridiculous. Letting her in and out of the cells to chat with the suspect, taking her to witness interviews...come on. I know this is a book and there should be a suspension of disbelief...but COME ON.
*But*, during the times when the characters didn't annoying me so much that I was audibly groaning at my tablet, it was an ok read. The setting of Napa Valley was original and nicely described. The story was a pretty straight-forward cozy mystery, but it isn't bad. There were enough happenings to keep the interest and I thought the pacing was nice. I'd definitely check out another Nettmann book (I just hope that next time the characters are a wee bit better).
**I received this copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
I have a lot of issues with this book, but if you are craving a simple "cozy" murder mystery, this will do. My biggest peeve is the main character (well, ok, all the characters). She feels very much a Mary Sue character type, it's even stated in the plot how perfect she is (or, pretends to be). She's not really perfect, but compared to her "best friend" Tessa, she's freak'n Mother Teresa. Now, not all Mary Sues are bad. But this one...is just...what? Boring? Simple? Meh? I don't know. But I found myself kinda wishing she'd be murdered and we'd have a new lead.
Speaking of wishing someone dead: Tessa. The best friend. Ugh. Even before the murder happened, I was seriously wishing Tessa would be bludgeoned by a bottle. I have a feeling she was suppose to be a free, "modern" woman. Really, she was just a train-wreck (seriously, drunks shouldn't work at wineries, though I'm sure they do). She was just generally very unappealing and I can't understand why Katie would be friends with her other than pity.
Next up: Dean, the detective/love interest. Ok, ok. I get it. It makes for an easy story to have the detective let a citizen hang out with them during investigations, but it always just feels lazy to me. Dear Detective Dean should SO be fired for all he let Katie run this case. It really got to the point of being ridiculous. Letting her in and out of the cells to chat with the suspect, taking her to witness interviews...come on. I know this is a book and there should be a suspension of disbelief...but COME ON.
*But*, during the times when the characters didn't annoying me so much that I was audibly groaning at my tablet, it was an ok read. The setting of Napa Valley was original and nicely described. The story was a pretty straight-forward cozy mystery, but it isn't bad. There were enough happenings to keep the interest and I thought the pacing was nice. I'd definitely check out another Nettmann book (I just hope that next time the characters are a wee bit better).
**I received this copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
January 20, 2016
Every chapter begins with a wine pairing. I feel like that's all I really need to say. If you like mysteries and you like wine, then this is the book for you. :)
August 16, 2017
After Katie Stillwell fails the Sommelier Certification, she hopes that spending time with her friend Tessa at a wine tasting party at Tessa's workplace, Frontier Winery, will help cheer her up a little. But when a body is discovered and Tessa is the prime suspect, Katie does all she can to try and clear her friend's name. As the daughter of a police chief, Katie is no stranger to crimes so the deputy in charge of the murder allows her to come along when he returns to the winery. Someone thinks Katie is getting too close to the truth and after a couple of attempts on her life as well as another murder, she's more determined than ever to figure out who the real killer is.
I really enjoyed learning a little about the sommelier certification process as well as the wine making and tasting processes. The book overall was very well written although I had a little problem thinking that the daughter of a police chief would fall victim to a set-up, but as it turns out, it worked a little in her favor.
The characters were very likable. Tessa was hilarious, just the crazy friend that everyone knows or knew of in school. I loved how she and Katie sort of adopted one another and were close as sisters. I'll be interested in seeing if anything happens with Katie and handsome Deputy Dean that she likes but won't admit to liking, so I will definitely be reading the next book. It would also be nice to meet Tessa's dad since there's only a phone conversation with him but it's a meaningful one and I'd like for them to have a little reunion.
I really enjoyed learning a little about the sommelier certification process as well as the wine making and tasting processes. The book overall was very well written although I had a little problem thinking that the daughter of a police chief would fall victim to a set-up, but as it turns out, it worked a little in her favor.
The characters were very likable. Tessa was hilarious, just the crazy friend that everyone knows or knew of in school. I loved how she and Katie sort of adopted one another and were close as sisters. I'll be interested in seeing if anything happens with Katie and handsome Deputy Dean that she likes but won't admit to liking, so I will definitely be reading the next book. It would also be nice to meet Tessa's dad since there's only a phone conversation with him but it's a meaningful one and I'd like for them to have a little reunion.
May 28, 2016
Katie Stilwell is a heroine I am pre-disposed to admire. She’s level headed, bright, witty, charming, and none too pleased to find her old friend up to old tricks, even if she does appear to be holding down a plum job as the winery’s wine club organiser. The trouble is that Tessa has, let’s call it a failure to focus on things in life, which leads to trouble. Like being the only person unaccounted for when the wine boss is found murdered – with Tessa’s bottle opener in his back. But Katie is on the job, out to clear her friend. And Katie has better claims to crime solving than many others – her father is a respected detective, she started to follow in his footsteps but got diverted into wine selection, and the steps in detecting which wine is which demands the same attention and focus as crime solving. So, Katie steps in and help the cops to the correct conclusion with not too much treading on toes, trampling evidence or getting herself practically murdered in the process.
Although I often found Tessa irritating – since she is just the sort of person who irritates the hell out of me, and it’s a credit to the author that she is so real! – this book is a highly enjoyable page turner. The mystery is just right, the clues are liberally scattered about among the red herrings, the characters are believable and well fleshed-out, and the denouement handled extremely well. There are perhaps a few journeys up and down California highways that make me wonder about Katie’s mind, but those probably seem normal to Californians. There are possibilities of love interests that are on-off (mainly off) but which might point to further developments if this turns into a series. And I hope it does. It was thoroughly enjoyable, with characters you’d be happy to know better (even Tessa has some redeeming qualities).
A highly enjoyable crime thriller set in the wine-lands of the Napa Valley. The author knows her subject through and through, and provides enough twists and misdirection to satisfy the most jaded crime reader. A real page turner, despite the irritating friend.
Although I often found Tessa irritating – since she is just the sort of person who irritates the hell out of me, and it’s a credit to the author that she is so real! – this book is a highly enjoyable page turner. The mystery is just right, the clues are liberally scattered about among the red herrings, the characters are believable and well fleshed-out, and the denouement handled extremely well. There are perhaps a few journeys up and down California highways that make me wonder about Katie’s mind, but those probably seem normal to Californians. There are possibilities of love interests that are on-off (mainly off) but which might point to further developments if this turns into a series. And I hope it does. It was thoroughly enjoyable, with characters you’d be happy to know better (even Tessa has some redeeming qualities).
A highly enjoyable crime thriller set in the wine-lands of the Napa Valley. The author knows her subject through and through, and provides enough twists and misdirection to satisfy the most jaded crime reader. A real page turner, despite the irritating friend.
May 22, 2016
Things aren’t going well for Katie Stillwell. She’s trying to pass her certification exam to be a Sommelier, but then murder strikes.
Katie’s best friend Tessa works at a Napa Valley winery and invites her to a winery party, but then the owner of the winery is found murdered. To make things even worse, all evidence points in Tessa’s direction. Katie feels it’s her responsibility to clear her friend of all charges.
Unfortunately, Katie finds herself the target of threats. Maybe she’s getting a bit too close to the real killer? Katie won’t rest until the mystery is solved.
I found myself totally captivated by this story. I was at the edge of my seat and truly couldn’t put this one down. I had a few suspicions as to who the culprit was, but I was a bit off. I kept trying to figure everything out right along with Katie.
Katie is a wonderful character and I loved her relationship with Tessa. I definitely want to read more and hope this is a series that will continue. Great characters, an exciting plot, and a lovely setting. What more could I want from a cozy? Excellent debut for this author and it left me wanting a glass of wine!
FTC Disclosure: The author provided me with a copy of this book to review for this blog tour. This did not influence my thoughts and opinions in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.
Katie’s best friend Tessa works at a Napa Valley winery and invites her to a winery party, but then the owner of the winery is found murdered. To make things even worse, all evidence points in Tessa’s direction. Katie feels it’s her responsibility to clear her friend of all charges.
Unfortunately, Katie finds herself the target of threats. Maybe she’s getting a bit too close to the real killer? Katie won’t rest until the mystery is solved.
I found myself totally captivated by this story. I was at the edge of my seat and truly couldn’t put this one down. I had a few suspicions as to who the culprit was, but I was a bit off. I kept trying to figure everything out right along with Katie.
Katie is a wonderful character and I loved her relationship with Tessa. I definitely want to read more and hope this is a series that will continue. Great characters, an exciting plot, and a lovely setting. What more could I want from a cozy? Excellent debut for this author and it left me wanting a glass of wine!
FTC Disclosure: The author provided me with a copy of this book to review for this blog tour. This did not influence my thoughts and opinions in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.
March 17, 2017
I read this because I have an ARC for book #2 and wanted to read #1 first. But I really struggled with it - the characters were just so unbelievable and I found most of their actions completely ridiculous. This was more like a 1.5 rating for me but I like the idea behind the books so I rounded up. Sure hoping book #2 is better!!
May 8, 2016
I already loved wine before I read this book, and the details about the wineries and wine itself made this mystery even more enjoyable. Katie is a likable character who is used to using her deduction skills to solve mysteries—about wine. When her best friend becomes the main suspect in a murder, Katie has to use those skills to save her friend.
The twists and turns kept me guessing, and Dean wasn't so bad either. ;) I can't wait to read the rest of this series!
The twists and turns kept me guessing, and Dean wasn't so bad either. ;) I can't wait to read the rest of this series!
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May 17, 2016Written by a former student of mine. Congrats, Nadine!!
August 14, 2017
3.5/5 (rounding up because I thoroughly enjoyed the wine pairings for each chapter)
This was a fun, quick read! Considering this was Nadine Nettman's first novel, I was overall quite impressed with it.
I think the plot was maybe a bit weak. I actually figured out who did it about mid-way through the book and I felt that Tessa's character was a bit more annoying and childish than she needed to be (and thoroughly unhelpful whenever she was ever asked a single question, which started to become a bit unbelievable later in the book), but on the whole, it was well done. I'm excited to check out Uncorking A Lie at some point soon.
The most fascinating part of the book for me, however (and the reason I rounded up my score), was the wine information and the wine pairings for each chapter. Anyone that knows me knows that I love wine, and getting to learn more about it while reading this book was very exciting for me. Not only were the wine pairings a neat addition, but information and tidbits about wine were constantly appearing in the book, and I thought that it was really cool to learn more about it. Nettman is a sommelier and it shows how knowledgeable she is about wine when reading this book.
This was a fun, quick read! Considering this was Nadine Nettman's first novel, I was overall quite impressed with it.
I think the plot was maybe a bit weak. I actually figured out who did it about mid-way through the book and I felt that Tessa's character was a bit more annoying and childish than she needed to be (and thoroughly unhelpful whenever she was ever asked a single question, which started to become a bit unbelievable later in the book), but on the whole, it was well done. I'm excited to check out Uncorking A Lie at some point soon.
The most fascinating part of the book for me, however (and the reason I rounded up my score), was the wine information and the wine pairings for each chapter. Anyone that knows me knows that I love wine, and getting to learn more about it while reading this book was very exciting for me. Not only were the wine pairings a neat addition, but information and tidbits about wine were constantly appearing in the book, and I thought that it was really cool to learn more about it. Nettman is a sommelier and it shows how knowledgeable she is about wine when reading this book.
April 17, 2017
Katie is in a funk. She choked on her Sommelier test and her dreams seem farther off now. To take her mind off it, she goes to a party at the Winery where her best friend, Tessa, works.
When Tessa's boss is murdered at the party and tessa is a prime suspect, Katie works with the detective on the case to clear her friend's name.
Each chapter lists a wine pairing and the knowledge of wine is fascinating. Katie is very likable and a smart sleuth who has a good balance of sense and confidence.
When Tessa's boss is murdered at the party and tessa is a prime suspect, Katie works with the detective on the case to clear her friend's name.
Each chapter lists a wine pairing and the knowledge of wine is fascinating. Katie is very likable and a smart sleuth who has a good balance of sense and confidence.
December 30, 2017
Perfect quick cozy mystery read for a Friday night. A murder takes place at a private winery event & sommelier Katie Stillwell’s best friend is accused of the murder. Katie owes Tessa & is determined to prove her innocence. Set in Napa Valley & San Francisco and filled with wine it is an enjoyable read.
September 9, 2018
Napa Valley Wine Country provides the setting for this cosy mystery. Kate Stillwell - sommelier in training - has been invited to an exclusive vineyard for a tasting by her BFF Tessa Barkley.
Needless to say, murder, a missing BFF, and Kate joins the investigation in the hopes of clearing her friend's name. Sure enough, Kate herself becomes a suspect. Will she solve the crime in time to clear them both?
This was a quick light read - a heady mix of wine and murder - with each chapter paired by wine. There is great imagery in the setting; the characters are three dimensional - strong, flawed, with long hidden secrets. A couple of things did grate - the character of Kate, who comes off slightly arrogant; and of course the complete disregard of police procedure - which is pretty much standard in cosy mysteries (how else can our heroine insinuate herself into the investigation).
Having said that, there is a good build up to the plot twists and reveal, however, we are also left hanging as this will lead into the second in the series Uncorking a Lie.
Needless to say, murder, a missing BFF, and Kate joins the investigation in the hopes of clearing her friend's name. Sure enough, Kate herself becomes a suspect. Will she solve the crime in time to clear them both?
This was a quick light read - a heady mix of wine and murder - with each chapter paired by wine. There is great imagery in the setting; the characters are three dimensional - strong, flawed, with long hidden secrets. A couple of things did grate - the character of Kate, who comes off slightly arrogant; and of course the complete disregard of police procedure - which is pretty much standard in cosy mysteries (how else can our heroine insinuate herself into the investigation).
Having said that, there is a good build up to the plot twists and reveal, however, we are also left hanging as this will lead into the second in the series Uncorking a Lie.
February 8, 2016
Katie's day goes from bad to worse when the owner of a very elite winery is found murdered in his own press on the night of a big party. What makes the night go downhill from there is her childhood friend, her hostess at the party, is the prime suspect.
Katie is a sommelier whose father happens to be the LA chief of Police. Naturally, the genes will surface and she become embroiled in trying to exonerate her friend from the murder and other offences. She herself is hoodwinked into being set up for a crime and lands in jail too.
Good thing the detective investigating all the crimes fancies her- and she him-and lets her get involved until he pulls the plug. That part of the story tested my credulity but Katie is a fascinating character and it's worth cutting some slack.
The mystery is a good one and there are enough red herrings to make the bad guy a surprise although his accomplice was someone I suspected.
There is a nice touch with the wine pairings at the beginning of each chapter. It works as a primer for a reader who is not a wine connoisseur.
The series has potential and I shall look forward to seeing where Ms. Nettmann takes. It.
Katie is a sommelier whose father happens to be the LA chief of Police. Naturally, the genes will surface and she become embroiled in trying to exonerate her friend from the murder and other offences. She herself is hoodwinked into being set up for a crime and lands in jail too.
Good thing the detective investigating all the crimes fancies her- and she him-and lets her get involved until he pulls the plug. That part of the story tested my credulity but Katie is a fascinating character and it's worth cutting some slack.
The mystery is a good one and there are enough red herrings to make the bad guy a surprise although his accomplice was someone I suspected.
There is a nice touch with the wine pairings at the beginning of each chapter. It works as a primer for a reader who is not a wine connoisseur.
The series has potential and I shall look forward to seeing where Ms. Nettmann takes. It.
July 7, 2016
In Nadine Nettman's Decanting a Murder, the first installment in the Sommelier cozy mystery series, you would learn a whole lot about wine making and becoming a sommelier. For Katie Stillwell, she wanted to pass her Master Sommelier test. But when she failed, she helped out his best friend Tessa Barkley at a party in front of Frontier winery. Everything wasn't what it seemed, when Mark Plueger winded up dead and her best friend's wine corker places the blame on her. To help Tessa out in a bind, she learns the secret truths behind the people at the winery and who wanted to see Mark dead. With the help from Detective John Dean, it's up to him to help Katie clear her name. But when Katie's ends up in trouble, she would have to figure out for herself on who wanted the winery for themselves. And who wanted Katie next to become dead.
May 25, 2016
Katie Stillwell lives for wine, so when her best friend, Tessa, gets her an invitation to Frontier Winery’s 100th anniversary party, Katie gladly accepts. The night ends with tragedy when Katie finds the owner murdered. With Tessa missing, Katie must figure out what is really going on. Can she do it?
I’m not a wine drinker, but I completely enjoyed this debut. Tessa could be a bit much at times, but I liked her at others. I was bothered by how much the detective included Katie in the investigation, but overall I completely enjoyed this book. The story moved forward quickly, and Katie is a great main character. I can’t wait to revisit her.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
I’m not a wine drinker, but I completely enjoyed this debut. Tessa could be a bit much at times, but I liked her at others. I was bothered by how much the detective included Katie in the investigation, but overall I completely enjoyed this book. The story moved forward quickly, and Katie is a great main character. I can’t wait to revisit her.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
February 25, 2019
This book was an Agatha award finalist in 2016 for best 1st novel. Honestly I probably would not have read it if I'd taken time to find out what the book was about 1st. It involves the industry of wine making in Napa valley (Not a subject I would be interested in)! There is a murder at a wine party held at night, lots of suspects, lots of reasons, 1 goofy girl who is the subject, her best friend who is a wine tasting expert trying to help her and a few guys trying to get to know her better!! Fast read, clean book and good characters, it was the setting of taking place in a wine company that just didn't do it for me!
I gave it a 4, try it out you will most likely enjoy it! David
I gave it a 4, try it out you will most likely enjoy it! David
February 24, 2019
Very weak plot (like Scooby Do when villain confessed motive or a ridiculous nonsensical arrest and cop who lets witnesses just tagalong). Unlikeable character - should have been likeable but badly flawed and not in a romantic or tragic way. Stubbornly independent, withhold truth, weak, and stupid (who leaves phone in car?).
June 17, 2016
A wonderful debut set in Napa Valley. A rich cast of characters and a winner heroine. The wine angle is great, too. Enjoy a glass of something while you read this. Each chapter heading suggests a wine pairing. Five stars!
May 18, 2023
Decanting a Murder, A Sommelier Mystery #1 was our May book club choice. This book opens with Katie Stillwell learning that she has failed the sommelier exam. Katie's lifelong best friend Tessa, factors into this story quite quickly followed by a host of other characters. I was immediately intrigued by Katie's character and wanted to learn more about her and her journey to become a sommelier. I took an instant dislike to her best friend Tessa who seems spoiled, thoughtless, self serving, and irresponsible. Katie is like the top note on a wine that makes you curious and wanting to taste more. Tessa is like a middle note that you can't quite identify and you're not sure you like (I'll need a few more "sips" ). A twist in their relationship story comes to light later in the book and made me rethink my opinion but still left me unsure. The story itself is a solid cozy mystery with each chapter beginning with a wine pairing. I would compare this first book in this series to a bottle of young red wine that's opened a little too soon and is a tad bit "green". As is often the case with an "opened to soon" bottle of wine, you can still get a sense of how good it's going to be eventually. It's not quite there yet but you know it's going to get there. That's how I feel about this series... the first book was good but young. I can't wait to see how this series and it's characters develop more fully, mature, and come into their own. Cheers to the next book in the series 🍷
August 12, 2023
I can't recall how I came across Nadine Nettmann's wine mystery series (might have been in Wine Enthusiast), but I'm glad I did. The idea of a sommelier using their skills of deduction to solve a murder is a pretty fresh idea, and is what peaked my initial curiosity; the wine aspect sealed the deal.
Katie, the main character in this series, was a little hard to swallow at first read. She was quick to jump when one of her impulses struck, not using common sense or taking a second to fully think her actions through - and this was annoying at times. However, she came to grow on me, and I was a fan by the end.
Katie's friend, Tessa, however, was an entirely different pill to ingest. She reminded me of a young Paris Hilton, if Paris Hilton wasn't the heir to a fortune. She was a hot mess for most of the story, but she did have a redeeming quality in her backstory, and, like Katie, I slowly - and reluctantly, became a fan.
I believe there are three novels in this series, and I'm looking forward to reading the rest of them. If you're in search of a fun and quick read, something that is light, not too heavy on the brain, and is entertaining, then I think you'll dig this book. I'd recommend having a temperature-correct bottle of vino at the ready, because all of the drinking will definitely leave you feeling a wee parched.
Katie, the main character in this series, was a little hard to swallow at first read. She was quick to jump when one of her impulses struck, not using common sense or taking a second to fully think her actions through - and this was annoying at times. However, she came to grow on me, and I was a fan by the end.
Katie's friend, Tessa, however, was an entirely different pill to ingest. She reminded me of a young Paris Hilton, if Paris Hilton wasn't the heir to a fortune. She was a hot mess for most of the story, but she did have a redeeming quality in her backstory, and, like Katie, I slowly - and reluctantly, became a fan.
I believe there are three novels in this series, and I'm looking forward to reading the rest of them. If you're in search of a fun and quick read, something that is light, not too heavy on the brain, and is entertaining, then I think you'll dig this book. I'd recommend having a temperature-correct bottle of vino at the ready, because all of the drinking will definitely leave you feeling a wee parched.
July 8, 2018
A flavour of blood and a smell of deception. Cozy wine&murder mystery.
Katie Stillwell haven't passed the Sommelier Certification test. So the upcoming winery party in the mysterious Frontier winery in Napa Valley feels a bit less glorious. But her best friend had invited her, so Katie is still on. Which is good, because when murder happens, Tessa falls right under the suspicion. But Katie knows her friend and this time, she is not going to run far away, she is her to stay. And solve.
Nice, cozy mystery. As a wine lover, I very much appreciate all the sommelier information, nice touch. Now I am in the mood for the nice glass of red one!
The story itself goes into the cozy category, so don't wait for the Sherlock Holmes brilliant deduction. But the psychological additions (namely the past guilt and the courage to come clean) makes this a relatable read (which I tend to prefer to technically perfect, but "cold" books).
Nice.
Katie Stillwell haven't passed the Sommelier Certification test. So the upcoming winery party in the mysterious Frontier winery in Napa Valley feels a bit less glorious. But her best friend had invited her, so Katie is still on. Which is good, because when murder happens, Tessa falls right under the suspicion. But Katie knows her friend and this time, she is not going to run far away, she is her to stay. And solve.
Nice, cozy mystery. As a wine lover, I very much appreciate all the sommelier information, nice touch. Now I am in the mood for the nice glass of red one!
The story itself goes into the cozy category, so don't wait for the Sherlock Holmes brilliant deduction. But the psychological additions (namely the past guilt and the courage to come clean) makes this a relatable read (which I tend to prefer to technically perfect, but "cold" books).
Nice.
July 24, 2021
The owner of a winery is hauled out of a wine vat, dead. In the various mysteries set in various “wine countries” (Virginia, Texas, the Loire Valley, Provence, Paso Robles…) the victim is usually hauled out of a wine vat, if not found expired amongst the vines, and the question here is how did he get in there? A limited number of characters come forward as the possible perps, one of them eliminated by the narrator because, because… The motive eventually revealed seems weak and aside from the “but-she-can’t-have-done-it-because, because” suspect, all the characters are shallow, monochromatic, interchangeable with one another. The writing is insipid; there is no buildup of tension; arrests, handcuffing, jailing are all presented nonchalantly and inconsequentially. Attacks with flying wine bottles seem merely quirky, rather than threatening. The best parts of the book are the wine pairings beginning each chapter.
May 25, 2025
#1 in the Katie Stillwell San Francisco sommelier mystery series.
Katie focus has been solely on her work and and practicing for Sommelier Certification. The story opens with her failing the blind tasting portion of the certification test because the pressure gets to her and she does poorly. Shaken and disappointed, she immediately leaves San Francisco driving to an exclusive Napa Valley winery party to join her best friend of 20 years Tessa (who is both superficial and flaky) who works there and had invited her. It soon goes down hill when the owner is found murdered and Tessa is arrested for it. Using her deductive wine skills, Katie tries to track down the real killer working closely with police detective in charge. There are repeated attempts made on her life, as Katie discovers there is more going on at the winery than meets the eye and she has to open secrets including her own to get to the bottom of things.
Katie focus has been solely on her work and and practicing for Sommelier Certification. The story opens with her failing the blind tasting portion of the certification test because the pressure gets to her and she does poorly. Shaken and disappointed, she immediately leaves San Francisco driving to an exclusive Napa Valley winery party to join her best friend of 20 years Tessa (who is both superficial and flaky) who works there and had invited her. It soon goes down hill when the owner is found murdered and Tessa is arrested for it. Using her deductive wine skills, Katie tries to track down the real killer working closely with police detective in charge. There are repeated attempts made on her life, as Katie discovers there is more going on at the winery than meets the eye and she has to open secrets including her own to get to the bottom of things.
May 14, 2021
Interesting insight into the world of Sommeliers and their obsession with wine and vineyards. The Sommelier in question finds herself in the midst of a murder after visiting her best friend who works for a secretive vineyard. When her best friend is accused of the murder of the vineyard murder it is upto Katie to discover the real murderer.
The final reveal of the murderer or murderers is both obvious and unimaginative which is a little disappointing as the book as a whole is well written. The supporting characters are well developed and the relationships fully explored. Yet the obvious ending is something of a let down.
However, it is an interesting thriller set in an unusual setting that is engaging and interesting.
The final reveal of the murderer or murderers is both obvious and unimaginative which is a little disappointing as the book as a whole is well written. The supporting characters are well developed and the relationships fully explored. Yet the obvious ending is something of a let down.
However, it is an interesting thriller set in an unusual setting that is engaging and interesting.
July 28, 2018
This first title in the “A Sommelier Mystery” series introduces wine expert Katie Stillwell. She’s a guest at a Napa Valley winery along with her friend Tessa when the owner is found dead. Evidence points to Tessa, but Katie believes in her innocence. As she gets to know the people working at the place, she realizes they all have secrets. Which one of them would kill to hide their misdeeds? Katie puts her own life in danger the closer she gets to the truth and may have to confess her own sordid secret to free her friend from a potential jail sentence. The multiple motives kept me guessing to the end. Fun discussions about wine add spice to the story.
June 14, 2018
This was a fun book to read! I'm not into wine, but I loved stepping into Katie's shoes and exploring the world of wine, grapes, vineyards, and wine tastings. It all becomes so real and like you're actually there in Napa, California. Nadine Nettman definitely appears to bring all her personal skills to the table, beginning each chapter with a selected wine. It will be interesting to read more about Katie, her blind tasting group, and the Sommelier Certification. This is a series I'm definitely going to continue!
February 22, 2025
Easy to Read
I read The Bootleggers Daughter a few months ago, and I so enjoyed the writing style. I put the Sommelier Mystery books on my wish list. A birthday gift card let me add them to my Kindle.
Decanting a Murder was a good story and one I had trouble putting down. The characters and story flowed so smoothly, I couldn't wait to get back to finish it.
I can see why Katie and Tessa are such good friends. Katie is such a good detective and it will be fun to see where her relationship with Detective Dean goes.
On to Uncorking a Lie.
I read The Bootleggers Daughter a few months ago, and I so enjoyed the writing style. I put the Sommelier Mystery books on my wish list. A birthday gift card let me add them to my Kindle.
Decanting a Murder was a good story and one I had trouble putting down. The characters and story flowed so smoothly, I couldn't wait to get back to finish it.
I can see why Katie and Tessa are such good friends. Katie is such a good detective and it will be fun to see where her relationship with Detective Dean goes.
On to Uncorking a Lie.
July 3, 2017
I really wanted to like this book more than I did. The murder mystery itself is pretty intriguing, the wine setting/tie in was fantastic, and the heroine is very likable. Sadly, her best friend put me off, as did (semi spoiler) the backstory reveal regarding the heroine's secret past. (It actually seriously left me disappointed in the heroine.)
But I did like it enough that I'll definitely try book two.
But I did like it enough that I'll definitely try book two.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 12, 2018
I really enjoyed this! The writing was easy to follow and it kept me interested and turning the pages. This was the perfect size book to travel with as I read it on my flights to keep me busy. I was surprised by the ending in the same way Katie was (did not see that coming) but how she broke everything down for the mystery just like she would for a wine was not only interesting but a fun new perspective for me to read.
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