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The Wine Trail Mysteries #8
Mischief, Murder and Merlot
Norrie Ellington gears up for Halloween at Two Witches Winery, where the phrase “wine and spirits” takes on spooky—and deadly—overtones . . .
Back at Two Witches Winery for a short stay, Norrie Ellington is warming to the holiday spirit and the upcoming Hallow Wine Weekend, and she’s happy to steer clear of the writer from Wine Enthusiast magazine who’s come to do interviews about this year’s spectacular Merlot. But then the critic’s dead body is found slumped over a Halloween cauldron display, and despite a stern warning from the local deputy to keep her nose out of it, Norrie instantly switches into sleuth mode.
Intent on discovering why someone wanted to silence the victim, Norrie quickly learns that he was an unbearable snob and known womanizer who had no shortage of enemies. But as one suspect after another leads to a dead end, Norrie’s stumped—until the one mysterious clue that’s been haunting her turns the case around. Now, as all the ghouls, goblins, and trick-or-treaters come out on Halloween, Norrie’s ready to unleash her spirit of justice—she just has to close in on the killer before the Grim Reaper closes in on her . . .
Praise for the Books of J. C.
“Engaging characters and a stirring mystery kept me captivated from the first page to the last.” —Dollycas, Amazon Vine Voice, on Divide and Concord
“Well-crafted sleuth, enjoyable supporting characters. This is a series not to be missed.” —Cozy Cat Reviews on Death, Dismay and Rosé
“A sparkling addition to the Wine Trail Mystery series. A toast to protagonist Norrie and Two Witches Winery, where the characters shine and the mystery flows. This novel is a perfect blend of suspense and fun!” —Carlene O’Neil, author of the Cypress Cove Mysteries, on Chardonnayed to Rest
“A thoroughly entertaining series debut, with enjoyable yet realistic characters and enough plot twists—and dead ends—to appeal from beginning to end.” —Booklist, starred review, on Booked 4 Murder
“Enjoy this laugh-out-loud funny mystery that will make you scream for the authors to get busy on the next one.” —Suspense Magazine on Molded 4 Murder
About the
J. C. Eaton is the pen name of husband-and-wife writing team Ann I. Goldfarb and James E. Clapp. They are the authors of the Wine Trail Mysteries, the Sophie Kimball Mysteries, and the Marcie Rayner Mysteries. In addition, Ann has published nine YA time travel mysteries under her own name. You can learn more about Ann and Jim at jceatonmysteries.com, jceatonauthor.com, facebook.com/JCEatonauthor, and timetravelmysteries.com.
Back at Two Witches Winery for a short stay, Norrie Ellington is warming to the holiday spirit and the upcoming Hallow Wine Weekend, and she’s happy to steer clear of the writer from Wine Enthusiast magazine who’s come to do interviews about this year’s spectacular Merlot. But then the critic’s dead body is found slumped over a Halloween cauldron display, and despite a stern warning from the local deputy to keep her nose out of it, Norrie instantly switches into sleuth mode.
Intent on discovering why someone wanted to silence the victim, Norrie quickly learns that he was an unbearable snob and known womanizer who had no shortage of enemies. But as one suspect after another leads to a dead end, Norrie’s stumped—until the one mysterious clue that’s been haunting her turns the case around. Now, as all the ghouls, goblins, and trick-or-treaters come out on Halloween, Norrie’s ready to unleash her spirit of justice—she just has to close in on the killer before the Grim Reaper closes in on her . . .
Praise for the Books of J. C.
“Engaging characters and a stirring mystery kept me captivated from the first page to the last.” —Dollycas, Amazon Vine Voice, on Divide and Concord
“Well-crafted sleuth, enjoyable supporting characters. This is a series not to be missed.” —Cozy Cat Reviews on Death, Dismay and Rosé
“A sparkling addition to the Wine Trail Mystery series. A toast to protagonist Norrie and Two Witches Winery, where the characters shine and the mystery flows. This novel is a perfect blend of suspense and fun!” —Carlene O’Neil, author of the Cypress Cove Mysteries, on Chardonnayed to Rest
“A thoroughly entertaining series debut, with enjoyable yet realistic characters and enough plot twists—and dead ends—to appeal from beginning to end.” —Booklist, starred review, on Booked 4 Murder
“Enjoy this laugh-out-loud funny mystery that will make you scream for the authors to get busy on the next one.” —Suspense Magazine on Molded 4 Murder
About the
J. C. Eaton is the pen name of husband-and-wife writing team Ann I. Goldfarb and James E. Clapp. They are the authors of the Wine Trail Mysteries, the Sophie Kimball Mysteries, and the Marcie Rayner Mysteries. In addition, Ann has published nine YA time travel mysteries under her own name. You can learn more about Ann and Jim at jceatonmysteries.com, jceatonauthor.com, facebook.com/JCEatonauthor, and timetravelmysteries.com.
- GenresCozy MysteryMysteryCozy
284 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 30, 2022
8 people are currently reading
63 people want to read
About the author
J.C. Eaton
31 books344 followersAnn I. Goldfarb
New York native Ann I. Goldfarb spent most of her life in education, first as a classroom teacher and later as a middle school principal and professional staff developer. Writing as J. C. Eaton, along with her husband, James Clapp, they have authored the Sophie Kimball Mysteries (Kensington), The Wine Trail Mysteries (Kensington Lyrical Underground), and coming in August 2018, The Marcie Rayner Mysteries (Camel). In addition, Ann has nine published YA time travel mysteries under her own name. Visit the websites at:
www.jceatonmysteries.com
www.facebook.com/JCEatonauthor/
www.timetravelmysteries.com
James E. Clapp
When James E. Clapp retired as the tasting room manager for a large upstate New York winery, he never imagined he’d be co-authoring cozy mysteries with his wife, Ann I. Goldfarb. Non-fiction in the form of informational brochures and workshop materials treating the winery industry were his forte along with an extensive background and experience in construction that started with his service in the U.S. Navy and included vocational school classroom teaching. Visit the website at www.jceatonauthor.com
New York native Ann I. Goldfarb spent most of her life in education, first as a classroom teacher and later as a middle school principal and professional staff developer. Writing as J. C. Eaton, along with her husband, James Clapp, they have authored the Sophie Kimball Mysteries (Kensington), The Wine Trail Mysteries (Kensington Lyrical Underground), and coming in August 2018, The Marcie Rayner Mysteries (Camel). In addition, Ann has nine published YA time travel mysteries under her own name. Visit the websites at:
www.jceatonmysteries.com
www.facebook.com/JCEatonauthor/
www.timetravelmysteries.com
James E. Clapp
When James E. Clapp retired as the tasting room manager for a large upstate New York winery, he never imagined he’d be co-authoring cozy mysteries with his wife, Ann I. Goldfarb. Non-fiction in the form of informational brochures and workshop materials treating the winery industry were his forte along with an extensive background and experience in construction that started with his service in the U.S. Navy and included vocational school classroom teaching. Visit the website at www.jceatonauthor.com
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
October 24, 2022
Thank you NetGalley and Beyond the Page Publishing for accepting my request to read and review Mischief, Murder, and Merlot.
Author: J.C. Eaton
Published: 08/30/22
Genre: Cooking, Food, & Wine -- Humor -- Mystery & Thrillers
Unfortunately I didn't connect with the plot, the characters or the setting. Even the Halloween decorating chat was lost. I read through roughly 52% and frankly was bored and just didn't care. Nothing about the book grabbed me.
I am giving this 2.5 stars, I'm not rounding up, I didn't finish the book.
I do believe there is a cozy market for this book. If you like winery tidbits, bonfires, ghost stories give this a try.
Author: J.C. Eaton
Published: 08/30/22
Genre: Cooking, Food, & Wine -- Humor -- Mystery & Thrillers
Unfortunately I didn't connect with the plot, the characters or the setting. Even the Halloween decorating chat was lost. I read through roughly 52% and frankly was bored and just didn't care. Nothing about the book grabbed me.
I am giving this 2.5 stars, I'm not rounding up, I didn't finish the book.
I do believe there is a cozy market for this book. If you like winery tidbits, bonfires, ghost stories give this a try.
September 1, 2022
Mischief, Murder and Merlot is the 8th book in the Wine Trail Mystery series and this was my 3rd dip into the series. Although it was book eight, I had no difficulties keeping up with characters and events and it worked for me as an individual story. It was a very entertaining read with stacks of humour and I readily found myself chuckling away.
Winery manager Norrie Ellington is also a screenwriter in Nolita, New York, and a marvellous protagonist whom I find to be compassionate and smart. Set in Penn Yan in the Finger Lakes region of New York, Norrie is looking after the Two Witches Winery while her sister, Francine, and brother-in-law, Jason are away in the Philippines, Maui and Hawaii. Her parents live in Myrtle Beach and Norrie is arriving prior to a planned Halloween event weekend with Seneca Lake wineries. The papier-mâché witches are in place, along with the witches' cauldrons and there will be a costume contest, as well as spooky finger food and a storyteller. A wine journalist is coming to interview the local vineyards for an article about their Merlot. The interview takes place but then a dead body is found near the cauldron display... its Donavan Brin - the interviewer.
The book was well-crafted, swift-paced and thoroughly entertaining. The mystery was very engaging and I was kept guessing until the end of this lively tale. I waited a while to try this series, but I am delighted I have continued with it. There are quite a few instalments to catch up on and I can’t wait to revisit Penn Yan again. Very highly recommended.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Beyond the Page Publishing via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
Winery manager Norrie Ellington is also a screenwriter in Nolita, New York, and a marvellous protagonist whom I find to be compassionate and smart. Set in Penn Yan in the Finger Lakes region of New York, Norrie is looking after the Two Witches Winery while her sister, Francine, and brother-in-law, Jason are away in the Philippines, Maui and Hawaii. Her parents live in Myrtle Beach and Norrie is arriving prior to a planned Halloween event weekend with Seneca Lake wineries. The papier-mâché witches are in place, along with the witches' cauldrons and there will be a costume contest, as well as spooky finger food and a storyteller. A wine journalist is coming to interview the local vineyards for an article about their Merlot. The interview takes place but then a dead body is found near the cauldron display... its Donavan Brin - the interviewer.
The book was well-crafted, swift-paced and thoroughly entertaining. The mystery was very engaging and I was kept guessing until the end of this lively tale. I waited a while to try this series, but I am delighted I have continued with it. There are quite a few instalments to catch up on and I can’t wait to revisit Penn Yan again. Very highly recommended.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Beyond the Page Publishing via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
June 28, 2024
Light, and entertaining, with authentic details about the wine industry, this is a great read for anyone who wants to relax, unwind, and enjoy a little humor with their murder. A fun, Halloween theme, intrigue, and characters you'll love spending time with, this series is a real win.
If you enjoy this title, I recommend picking up the Phee Kimball series for your next great read.
If you enjoy this title, I recommend picking up the Phee Kimball series for your next great read.
July 31, 2022
Norrie Ellington is a screenwriter in Manhattan, while her sister mans the family's Two Witches Winery. But when Francine and her husband Jason are off again on another quest for an elusive insent, Norrie makes the journey to take over the winery until they return -- which, she hopes, will be soon. No sooner does she arrive than she discovers that a writer from Wine Enthusiast magazine is visiting the local vintners to check out their Merlots. Norrie is more than happy to leave him to Franz, her own winemaker.
She has more on her plate than writing a new screenplay, she has to make sure the Halloween decorations and events are running smoothly, along with her meetings with the other local vintners. But one morning she gets a call from one of her workers who tells her that there's more than two witches near their cauldron decoration...someone has added a body and they're very much dead. After discovering the man's identity, she's told to keep it under her hat -- easier said than done. Now Norrie, along with her friends, is determined to find out who killed him.
But with people swarming the winery and others from the magazine, she's on the trail of a killer. But then there's another problem or two that arises, the least of these being that Norrie herself might have to sell her own soul to solve the murder...
This is the eighth book in the series, and I have enjoyed them all immensely. J.C. Eaton is indeed a talented author (and yes, I know it's a brother and sister team but I will refer to them as one) who can weave a story well, pulling the reader into the tale and making us see the winery and all the action surrounding it.
It is autumn, and you can almost smell the scents in the air as they bundle up for the season; trying to find a killer but stay out of the watchful eye of Deputy 'Grizzly' Gary, as Norrie has labeled him. This time out she manages to stay under the wire, but just barely. It was almost as if I wanted to ignore the fact of what she was doing at times.
The mystery is so well-wrought that even I had no idea of the murderer right up until the point that Norrie began to put it together. It is a taut tale of greed and murder, intrigue and secrets, and it is told well and leaves us wanting more. I eagerly await the next in the series. Highly recommended.
I received an advance copy from the publisher and NetGalley but this in no way influenced my review.
She has more on her plate than writing a new screenplay, she has to make sure the Halloween decorations and events are running smoothly, along with her meetings with the other local vintners. But one morning she gets a call from one of her workers who tells her that there's more than two witches near their cauldron decoration...someone has added a body and they're very much dead. After discovering the man's identity, she's told to keep it under her hat -- easier said than done. Now Norrie, along with her friends, is determined to find out who killed him.
But with people swarming the winery and others from the magazine, she's on the trail of a killer. But then there's another problem or two that arises, the least of these being that Norrie herself might have to sell her own soul to solve the murder...
This is the eighth book in the series, and I have enjoyed them all immensely. J.C. Eaton is indeed a talented author (and yes, I know it's a brother and sister team but I will refer to them as one) who can weave a story well, pulling the reader into the tale and making us see the winery and all the action surrounding it.
It is autumn, and you can almost smell the scents in the air as they bundle up for the season; trying to find a killer but stay out of the watchful eye of Deputy 'Grizzly' Gary, as Norrie has labeled him. This time out she manages to stay under the wire, but just barely. It was almost as if I wanted to ignore the fact of what she was doing at times.
The mystery is so well-wrought that even I had no idea of the murderer right up until the point that Norrie began to put it together. It is a taut tale of greed and murder, intrigue and secrets, and it is told well and leaves us wanting more. I eagerly await the next in the series. Highly recommended.
I received an advance copy from the publisher and NetGalley but this in no way influenced my review.
August 1, 2022
J.C. Eaton’s latest installment in The Wine Trail Mysteries has our heroin Norrie Ellington stumbling herself into another murder mystery while babysitting the family vineyard.
Rumor has it that a Wine Enthusiast Magazine writer is set to visit Two Witches Winery to debut a piece about this years stunning Merlot. Norrie is attempting to make her venture quick this Halloween season, but is thwarted by said author being found slouched over in their yearly Halloween display, dead.
Norrie and her mismatched group of winery friends end up playing amateur sleuth to get to the bottom of this grisly mystery. Is everyone who they seem?
I found this book to be entertaining at a surface level. It was quick to read, easy to get through, but left some to be desired. The character arcs are not well thought out, and the buildup to the end was quite long. It seemed like the end came like a punch, and then it was just..over.
Also of note, lots of random discussion of food. Not sure if Ms Eaton was overly hungry while penning this?
Overall, a decent read. Distracted me from some heavier reads I’m currently on and was easily finished. Would recommend if you’re looking for something light and airy to read…and if you’re not starving.
I received this book as an ARC via NetGalley
Rumor has it that a Wine Enthusiast Magazine writer is set to visit Two Witches Winery to debut a piece about this years stunning Merlot. Norrie is attempting to make her venture quick this Halloween season, but is thwarted by said author being found slouched over in their yearly Halloween display, dead.
Norrie and her mismatched group of winery friends end up playing amateur sleuth to get to the bottom of this grisly mystery. Is everyone who they seem?
I found this book to be entertaining at a surface level. It was quick to read, easy to get through, but left some to be desired. The character arcs are not well thought out, and the buildup to the end was quite long. It seemed like the end came like a punch, and then it was just..over.
Also of note, lots of random discussion of food. Not sure if Ms Eaton was overly hungry while penning this?
Overall, a decent read. Distracted me from some heavier reads I’m currently on and was easily finished. Would recommend if you’re looking for something light and airy to read…and if you’re not starving.
I received this book as an ARC via NetGalley
July 25, 2022
Ms. Eaton’s Two Witches Winery series is fantastic.
Silent partner Norrie is back at the winery to cover for her sister at Halloween and is knee deep in prep for the upcoming festival.
A little surprise her sister neglected to mention was an interview the members of the wine association was supposed to give to Wine Enthusiast for an article on their Merlots. The vintners have it covered until the interviewer is found dead in a Halloween prop.
While the police investigate, Norrie does too, with the help of friends and the other wineries in their association. The tale has colorful characters, some nasty people and some great friends. We are given motives and possibilities, but are things what they seem?
I recommend this book highly, it was fun and entertaining with bits of humor and romance.
I requested and received a NetGalley ARC to peruse gratis and offer my opinion in the same.
Silent partner Norrie is back at the winery to cover for her sister at Halloween and is knee deep in prep for the upcoming festival.
A little surprise her sister neglected to mention was an interview the members of the wine association was supposed to give to Wine Enthusiast for an article on their Merlots. The vintners have it covered until the interviewer is found dead in a Halloween prop.
While the police investigate, Norrie does too, with the help of friends and the other wineries in their association. The tale has colorful characters, some nasty people and some great friends. We are given motives and possibilities, but are things what they seem?
I recommend this book highly, it was fun and entertaining with bits of humor and romance.
I requested and received a NetGalley ARC to peruse gratis and offer my opinion in the same.
September 20, 2022
Overall good read. 2 thumbs up. Great for Autumn season with picturesque descriptions of the setting & interesting characters that I would love to meet.
I knew this book was not the 1st in the series. The 1st 3 pages were catch up for the previous books. I thought this was the second or 3rd book in the series, but quickly found out it's #8. I was very surprised and a little sad because I was hoping to go back and read that 1st book right away. However, my tbr list is big enough. Despite the fact that it's the 8th book in the series, it can easily be read as a standalone. I may not be rushing out to buy the other 7 books. But they are on my radar. I enjoyed the mystery, the setting and the characters. very well written. Great interaction and I loved hearing names of real towns that I'm familiar with. Although the kindle version seemed a bit longer read than most coziez, the story moved quite quickly & did not dawdle on the everyday mundane. I had to drop a star and only give it 3. I'm afraid the ending was worse than some of the hallmark stories that Norrie talks about. The murderer was a surprise. Mostly. I knew they were involved but pieced it together as Norrie did. It just happened in a way that wasn't believable. Even tv mysteries try to be more correct with their police procedures. It's still worth the read and doesn't harm the over all story. I will say the ending is satisfactory. Just a bit unreal. I recommend Miscief, Murder and Merlot by the duo known as J.C. Eaton. Thank you Netgalley for the eARC version of this story & for introducing me to a new author.
I knew this book was not the 1st in the series. The 1st 3 pages were catch up for the previous books. I thought this was the second or 3rd book in the series, but quickly found out it's #8. I was very surprised and a little sad because I was hoping to go back and read that 1st book right away. However, my tbr list is big enough. Despite the fact that it's the 8th book in the series, it can easily be read as a standalone. I may not be rushing out to buy the other 7 books. But they are on my radar. I enjoyed the mystery, the setting and the characters. very well written. Great interaction and I loved hearing names of real towns that I'm familiar with. Although the kindle version seemed a bit longer read than most coziez, the story moved quite quickly & did not dawdle on the everyday mundane. I had to drop a star and only give it 3. I'm afraid the ending was worse than some of the hallmark stories that Norrie talks about. The murderer was a surprise. Mostly. I knew they were involved but pieced it together as Norrie did. It just happened in a way that wasn't believable. Even tv mysteries try to be more correct with their police procedures. It's still worth the read and doesn't harm the over all story. I will say the ending is satisfactory. Just a bit unreal. I recommend Miscief, Murder and Merlot by the duo known as J.C. Eaton. Thank you Netgalley for the eARC version of this story & for introducing me to a new author.
February 21, 2023
I enjoyed returning to Two Witches Winery along with Norrie Ellington who is again taking care of the family winery while her sister and brother-in-law fly off to the Philippines in search of a rare insect. She is just in time to manage her part of Lake Seneca’s Hallow Wine Weekend at the same time media arrives to learn about the area’s outstanding Merlot produced this year.
There are shenanigans centered around the cauldron of her winery’s Hallow Wine welcoming display, but the other wineries have vandalism as well. It isn’t too bad until Norrie discovers a fourth person in her display. There were originally only three, and this addition can only be described as dead.
This mystery rates high in complexity as there are several people with possible motives for the murder, including the victim’s wife, mistress, and girlfriend. There are business associates that could be involved and a few of them disappear. Fortunately, Norrie has a great crew who keep the winery, tasting room, and café running as Norrie tries to track down the criminal. She also has a lot of friends who support and help her from neighbors Theo and Don to the gorgeous Stephanie who can distract men with a flip of her hair.
I enjoyed the book; the mystery was well plotted with humor sprinkled throughout. The thing that kept it from being a five star book for me was the number of times Norrie stepped over lines of legal and ethical conduct. As Norrie herself says, “The hamburger bounced around in my stomach the more I thought about what I was going to do. Words like illegal, felony, and incarceration came to mind and they were only a sampling.” A lot of cozy mysteries have the protagonist edging up to conduct that is dangerous and deserves rethinking. Norrie goes too far, and she involves others in activities that could cost them their livelihoods and reputations.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
There are shenanigans centered around the cauldron of her winery’s Hallow Wine welcoming display, but the other wineries have vandalism as well. It isn’t too bad until Norrie discovers a fourth person in her display. There were originally only three, and this addition can only be described as dead.
This mystery rates high in complexity as there are several people with possible motives for the murder, including the victim’s wife, mistress, and girlfriend. There are business associates that could be involved and a few of them disappear. Fortunately, Norrie has a great crew who keep the winery, tasting room, and café running as Norrie tries to track down the criminal. She also has a lot of friends who support and help her from neighbors Theo and Don to the gorgeous Stephanie who can distract men with a flip of her hair.
I enjoyed the book; the mystery was well plotted with humor sprinkled throughout. The thing that kept it from being a five star book for me was the number of times Norrie stepped over lines of legal and ethical conduct. As Norrie herself says, “The hamburger bounced around in my stomach the more I thought about what I was going to do. Words like illegal, felony, and incarceration came to mind and they were only a sampling.” A lot of cozy mysteries have the protagonist edging up to conduct that is dangerous and deserves rethinking. Norrie goes too far, and she involves others in activities that could cost them their livelihoods and reputations.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
August 28, 2022
Mischief, Murder and Merlot
The Wine Trail Mysteries #8
By: J.C.Eaton
Published By: Beyond the Page Publishing
Publish Date 30 August 2022
Cooking, food, and wine/ Humor/ Mystery and Thriller
#MischiefMurderandMerlot#NetGalley
100 Book ReviewsProfessional Reader
I would like to first thank both NetGalley and Beyond the Page Publishing for letting me read and review this book.
Book Review:
This was a fun book to read, and I gave it 4 stars. This is the 8th book in the series and the first one that I read in this series. I was a little lost at the beginning of the book in understanding who was who, but it cleared up for as I read along. I would suggest reading the series in order, so you are more familiar with the characters.
In this book Norrie is babysitting the winery that she co-owns with her sister. Norrie lives in New York and is a screen writer while her sister runs the winery with her husband. The reason Norrie is watching the winery during the fall season is because her sister and husband are off looking into a new kind of grasshopper or cockroach.
During her stay it is Halloween season and a weekend full of events to celebrate. There is also a wine journalist coming to interview some of the local vineyards to do an article about their Merlot. This year the Merlot is excellent, and this popular magazine wants to run an article about it.
After the interview the journalist is found dead in one of the displays. How did he get there and what happened. Norrie is well known for involving herself in solving crimes and this one is no different.
I love how the vineyards are friendly towards one another and are on the lookout for each other. They have a great time together and help each out. When Norrie goes out to investigate, they don’t allow her to go by herself.
The Wine Trail Mysteries #8
By: J.C.Eaton
Published By: Beyond the Page Publishing
Publish Date 30 August 2022
Cooking, food, and wine/ Humor/ Mystery and Thriller
#MischiefMurderandMerlot#NetGalley
100 Book ReviewsProfessional Reader
I would like to first thank both NetGalley and Beyond the Page Publishing for letting me read and review this book.
Book Review:
This was a fun book to read, and I gave it 4 stars. This is the 8th book in the series and the first one that I read in this series. I was a little lost at the beginning of the book in understanding who was who, but it cleared up for as I read along. I would suggest reading the series in order, so you are more familiar with the characters.
In this book Norrie is babysitting the winery that she co-owns with her sister. Norrie lives in New York and is a screen writer while her sister runs the winery with her husband. The reason Norrie is watching the winery during the fall season is because her sister and husband are off looking into a new kind of grasshopper or cockroach.
During her stay it is Halloween season and a weekend full of events to celebrate. There is also a wine journalist coming to interview some of the local vineyards to do an article about their Merlot. This year the Merlot is excellent, and this popular magazine wants to run an article about it.
After the interview the journalist is found dead in one of the displays. How did he get there and what happened. Norrie is well known for involving herself in solving crimes and this one is no different.
I love how the vineyards are friendly towards one another and are on the lookout for each other. They have a great time together and help each out. When Norrie goes out to investigate, they don’t allow her to go by herself.
September 22, 2022
Princess Fuzzypants here: Norrie is back at Two Witches while her sister and brother-in-law hunt bugs around the world. She arrives in time for Hallow Wine, a big event around Halloween. The place is decorated and they are really excited because a famous wine writer is coming to interview their winery on its exemplary Merlot. Things seem to be going well until there is a change to the decorations. Someone has left an unwanted addition in their cauldron: the wine writer.
Asked to keep his identity a secret by her local cop nemesis, Grizzly Gary, Norrie tries to figure out why someone killed the victim and why they plonked him on her property. There are a number of people who show up, including his assistant, who have good reason not to like the man. But is that an excuse for killing him? Then there are some suspicious folks lurking around. Do they have a connection to the deceased or is it the assistant who conveniently disappears. Norrie enlists her usual suspects to help her sleuth, much to the frustration on Grizzly Gary. But when Norrie is on the trail, she is relentless.
Glad to say she stays on the right side of Darwin and there is an unusual and entertaining climax. It is a series I do enjoy, partly for the characters and partly for the plots. The only problem is I end up wanting to open up a bottle. If that is the worst, I will drink to that. Five purrs and two paws up.
Asked to keep his identity a secret by her local cop nemesis, Grizzly Gary, Norrie tries to figure out why someone killed the victim and why they plonked him on her property. There are a number of people who show up, including his assistant, who have good reason not to like the man. But is that an excuse for killing him? Then there are some suspicious folks lurking around. Do they have a connection to the deceased or is it the assistant who conveniently disappears. Norrie enlists her usual suspects to help her sleuth, much to the frustration on Grizzly Gary. But when Norrie is on the trail, she is relentless.
Glad to say she stays on the right side of Darwin and there is an unusual and entertaining climax. It is a series I do enjoy, partly for the characters and partly for the plots. The only problem is I end up wanting to open up a bottle. If that is the worst, I will drink to that. Five purrs and two paws up.
August 14, 2022
This is the eight in the Wine Trail Mystery series. It is set in upstate New York in the Finger Lakes region. Norrie Ellington has been called back to their winery as her sister and brother-in-law are off on another trip to find a rare grasshopper.
It’s just before Halloween and the wine trail has a festival planned that weekend. The promotion decorations at each site play a large portion in our mystery. Brin Donovan is found dead in the Two Witches caldron after his interview with the three local wineries with the velvety merlot.
So, is this a prank that has gone wrong or a pre-planned murder or a crime of opportunity? Norrie’s on the case. There is plenty going on in this story. I feel for Detective Gary. He definitely has his hands full with Norrie trying to direct what he should do.
Norrie is a strong character and has a great supporting cast in trying to solve what happened and how the body wound up at her winery display.
The characters are great, the antic funny, and I was just turning those pages as fast as I could.
Hats off to J. C. Eaton on another superb book.
I was given an advanced readers’ copy and am not required to leave a positive review. I chose to do so.
It’s just before Halloween and the wine trail has a festival planned that weekend. The promotion decorations at each site play a large portion in our mystery. Brin Donovan is found dead in the Two Witches caldron after his interview with the three local wineries with the velvety merlot.
So, is this a prank that has gone wrong or a pre-planned murder or a crime of opportunity? Norrie’s on the case. There is plenty going on in this story. I feel for Detective Gary. He definitely has his hands full with Norrie trying to direct what he should do.
Norrie is a strong character and has a great supporting cast in trying to solve what happened and how the body wound up at her winery display.
The characters are great, the antic funny, and I was just turning those pages as fast as I could.
Hats off to J. C. Eaton on another superb book.
I was given an advanced readers’ copy and am not required to leave a positive review. I chose to do so.
September 9, 2022
I enjoy both series penned by the brother and sister team of J. C. Eaton. If you want a solid mystery to unravel and a cast of characters that aren't made of cardboard plus a healthy dose of humor, check them out. This latest of the Wine Trail series has the Halloween theme, perfect to get you in the spooky mood.
Norrie has her hands full taking care of the family winery, The Two Witches, while her sister and brother-in-law are out of town. Not only is Norrie trying to wrangle her screen play but she has to deal with the arrival of a wine critic and the upcoming Halloween festivities. That includes all of the wineries decorating with goblins and ghosties and things that go bump in the night. Don't forget those witches. Fake witches around a cauldron - check. Wait a minute! Who added the extra one and who killed him? Yep, the wine critic has imbibed his last glass of merlot. The list of suspects is long because he was a real cad. With the local police intent on keeping her nose out of the case, Norrie and her various friends set out to unmask the killer. It all makes for a very entertaining seasonal mystery.
My thanks to the publisher Beyond the Page and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
Norrie has her hands full taking care of the family winery, The Two Witches, while her sister and brother-in-law are out of town. Not only is Norrie trying to wrangle her screen play but she has to deal with the arrival of a wine critic and the upcoming Halloween festivities. That includes all of the wineries decorating with goblins and ghosties and things that go bump in the night. Don't forget those witches. Fake witches around a cauldron - check. Wait a minute! Who added the extra one and who killed him? Yep, the wine critic has imbibed his last glass of merlot. The list of suspects is long because he was a real cad. With the local police intent on keeping her nose out of the case, Norrie and her various friends set out to unmask the killer. It all makes for a very entertaining seasonal mystery.
My thanks to the publisher Beyond the Page and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
December 28, 2022
Halloween hijinks gone awry or is it more than just mischief that led to murder while everyone was sipping merlot…Norrie is back vineyard sitting at the Two Witches Winery while her sister and brother in-law are off on another bug tracking expedition. The Seneca Lake wineries have produced an impressive Merlot this year and from are in town to try them out. This could be huge for the small vineyard owners and Norrie knows that her job as winery-sitter is to nod and wave. Alas, something wicked this way comes and the critic wines up in the cauldron. On the bright side it means more time with her boyfriend, the winery staff, and the Wine Trail Lake folks. On the dark side, Norrie will need to rope in her friends around the Lake to help to talk up the possible suspects and going on reconnaissance ride alongs. Norrie is an extremely likeable character whom you would want to sip wine with while she tells you about her latest screenplay. The plot flows nicely (like the bottles of wine in the tasting room), and backstory is added in such a way that you are never lost or in a fog. Another great Wine Trail Mystery and the ending that leaves us hanging for the next one!
September 22, 2022
Mischief , Murder and Merlot by J.C. Eaton
This was kind of a disappointment for me but partly my own fault maybe because this is book 8 in a series and the first I have read.
The main character is kind of irrational and frequently jumps to conclusions with no actual rationale. She does things that are very dangerous which could lead to her arrest or even death when you consider the ending of the book. She gets other people to compromise their ethics and engage in illegal behavior. And when does she have time to write her screenplays I’d like to know.
The characters were not highly developed, her boyfriend was a bit of a cipher. I felt like I knew the dog better than him.
The murder method was ridiculous but no spoilers so I won’t say why. Research it yourself if you care.
I read this book because I really enjoy the Sophie Kimball series by this couple but this book fell flat for me.
I give it three stars because I did finish it but I won’t be reading another one from this series.
This was kind of a disappointment for me but partly my own fault maybe because this is book 8 in a series and the first I have read.
The main character is kind of irrational and frequently jumps to conclusions with no actual rationale. She does things that are very dangerous which could lead to her arrest or even death when you consider the ending of the book. She gets other people to compromise their ethics and engage in illegal behavior. And when does she have time to write her screenplays I’d like to know.
The characters were not highly developed, her boyfriend was a bit of a cipher. I felt like I knew the dog better than him.
The murder method was ridiculous but no spoilers so I won’t say why. Research it yourself if you care.
I read this book because I really enjoy the Sophie Kimball series by this couple but this book fell flat for me.
I give it three stars because I did finish it but I won’t be reading another one from this series.
October 29, 2022
I don't know anything about wine, but I do love a good cozy. Norrie is a screenwriter in Manhattan. Her sister Francine manages the family's winery. Francine wants to go with her husband to an exotic locale to study bugs. Yep, bugs. So Norrie is back home helping with the winery while her sister is gone. Halloween is coming up and all the wineries in the area are celebrating Halloween with a big event. Wine tasting and scary stores. On top of that, Norrie learns a journalist is coming to review the regions Merlot. When the writer turns up dead in the decorations for Two Witches Winery, Norrie is fit-to-be-tied. She doesn't have any faith in the local constabulary so she sets off with her friends and fellow Vintners to figure who killed the writer.
This is a fun and entertaining cozy. The characters are quirky and at time made me laugh. The writing style is easy-to-read and was a nice escape.
Thanks to NetGallery for giving me the opportunity to read this book and offer my honest review.
This is a fun and entertaining cozy. The characters are quirky and at time made me laugh. The writing style is easy-to-read and was a nice escape.
Thanks to NetGallery for giving me the opportunity to read this book and offer my honest review.
August 30, 2022
I can't believe this is book eight. How have I missed reading all the books this series?! I'm not sure, but I'm glad I didn't miss this one. It was interesting and twisty and had me going "hmmmm" several times as I tried to figure out whodunit. The main character, Norrie, is fun and funny and her brain (and her voice) goes about 90 miles an hour. LOL The rest of her sleuthing team are just as fun and engaging.
As I said, I haven't read all of the other books in this series, which I plan to do something about, but I followed along with no problems at all. I highly recommend this intriguing mystery.
Many thanks to Beyond the Page Publishing and NetGalley for an advance copy of this book My thoughts and opinions are my own and without bias or favor or expectation.
As I said, I haven't read all of the other books in this series, which I plan to do something about, but I followed along with no problems at all. I highly recommend this intriguing mystery.
Many thanks to Beyond the Page Publishing and NetGalley for an advance copy of this book My thoughts and opinions are my own and without bias or favor or expectation.
August 27, 2022
Norrie is a script writer for Canadian films and co-owner of her sister's grapes and wine business. While sister and her entomologist husband are out of country, Norrie is covering the business. Norrie heads into things without thinking and is joined in the lunacy by friends and the other local wineries despite the head shaking attitude of the local law. Tons of situational and verbal humor! Fun characters and interesting observations. A great and fun whodunnit!
I requested and received a free e-book copy from Beyond the Page Publishing via NetGalley. Thank you!
This is not an unbiased review because my sister has a Plott Hound and I've never seen another in any other stories.
I requested and received a free e-book copy from Beyond the Page Publishing via NetGalley. Thank you!
This is not an unbiased review because my sister has a Plott Hound and I've never seen another in any other stories.
September 28, 2022
Norrie is pulled back to town to fill in at the winery as her sister must go out of town. It is coming up on Halloween and the wineries have come up with some fabulous displays for the event. There is even a writer coming because they have heard about the great Merlot this season. Then there is a body found in the cauldron on site and Norrie is sure the police need help solving it. She has help from the other wineries in her attempts to solve the murder. Will she figure it out in time to save the event? Read this, you won't be disappointed.
October 18, 2022
I have come to enjoy and look forward to books by J.C. Eaton. They are fun, clever, and usually have a dash of humor thrown in. Mischief, Murder, and Merlot is no different. If you are a cozy mystery fan, do yourself a favor and pick up a book by J.C. Eaton. You’ll be glad you did. This book is especially great in the fall with a nice cup of cider and a cozy place to rest. Then sit back and enjoy the Halloween mayhem as you try to solve a mystery that has a satisfying end.
August 2, 2022
An entertaining and compelling cozy mystery that I found enjoyable. Well plotted, solid mystery, fleshed out characters.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
August 13, 2022
Norrie is back at Two Witches Winery for a short stay while her sister and brother in law are away. During Hallow Wine weekend a dead body is found in a cauldron display. Norrie and her friends decide to investigate. Cute cozy.
November 17, 2022
When a dead journalist turned up in her Halloween display cauldron, Norrie couldn't resist the temptation to investigate. With a penchant for sleuthing, she found herself deeply involved in the investigation, regardless of what the Sheriff decreed. It was an intriguing and exciting read.
November 2, 2022
Enjoyable book.
July 25, 2022
Norrie Ellington is back at Two Witches for Halloween. She’s hoping this will be a quick visit, as her sister said it would just be a month or so. While Norrie was hoping for a quiet, quick visit this time, a murderer has other plans when she finds a body in the winery’s Halloween display.
Not just any body either, it turns out it’s the author from the wine magazine that was there to write about the great Merlot the local wineries have been producing. With a shot to save the article a close secondary thought, Norrie and the gang want to figure out why the writer was killed and why their wineries received threats. Can they figure out what happened and save the story, or will it all come crashing down around them like a rack of merlot?
I absolutely LOVE this series! I don’t ever want Norrie’s sister and husband to stop finding new insects to research…unless of course Norrie finally gives in and moves to Penn Yan for good. Either way, I want and need more time in Penn Yan at Two Witches and the other wineries!
Not just any body either, it turns out it’s the author from the wine magazine that was there to write about the great Merlot the local wineries have been producing. With a shot to save the article a close secondary thought, Norrie and the gang want to figure out why the writer was killed and why their wineries received threats. Can they figure out what happened and save the story, or will it all come crashing down around them like a rack of merlot?
I absolutely LOVE this series! I don’t ever want Norrie’s sister and husband to stop finding new insects to research…unless of course Norrie finally gives in and moves to Penn Yan for good. Either way, I want and need more time in Penn Yan at Two Witches and the other wineries!
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