The Viognier Vendetta

The Viognier Vendetta
by Ellen Crosby

Wine lovers will enjoy this series set in Virginia's hunt country. Each book entwines the story of a different wine into the plot. The crisp Viognier wine is featured in this story. Vintner Lucie Montgomery explains to her customers who are not familiar with this wine that even though it has a long in history in France it is fairly new to the United States because the grape is difficult to grow. Trivia about Mosby's Raiders and J.E.B. Stuart, who roamed the area, add a dash of civil war history to the novels. When the book opens Lucie is driving to Washington D.C. to spend the weekend with her old college friend, Rebecca Natale. They are going to a black-tie gala honoring Rebecca's boss, billionaire investor Sir Thomas Asher. They stop at the Vietnam Wall where Rebecca leaves a bouquet of white roses. She tells Lucie that she has to run an errand for her boss but that she will meet her at their hotel before the event. Rebecca never comes back to the hotel. The next morning Rebecca's clothing is found neatly folded by the Potomac River. Rebecca has vanished, along with an antique silver wine cooler. Is it suicide, murder or a bold plot to disappear? Lucie joins force with Rebecca's friend, Ian Phillips, to find out what happened to Rebecca by following clues that she left for them in an Alexander Pope poem. Crosby has created a likeable character in the resourceful Lucie who overcame a crippling injury and took over her family's failing vineyard and turned it into a thriving business. [If you enjoy this, you may also wish to try Books by Cleo Coyle, Ellery Adams and Julie Hyzy.] -- recommended by Donna G. - Virtual Services Department

[Also available in downloadable audio format.]

[ official Viognier Vendetta page on the official Ellen Crosby web site ]

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