The Merlot Murders

More about the book

A phone call at two-thirty in the morning brings devastating news for Lucie Montgomery: her estranged brother, Eli, informs her that their father, Leland, has died in a hunting accident on their Virginia vineyard. Eli has hastily arranged the funeral, prompting Lucie's concerns about the family’s future. Returning home after a two-year absence due to an accident that left her disabled, Lucie finds her family's once-grand estate in disrepair, a reflection of her father's poor business choices. Eli, struggling financially and eager to support his new wife, has persuaded their rebellious sister, Mia, to sell the debt-laden vineyard, dismissing Lucie's objections. On the eve of the funeral, Lucie's godfather Fitz reveals that Leland's death was no accident, hinting at motives tied to the vineyard's potential sale. This conversation becomes crucial as Fitz is soon killed, leaving Lucie as the sole opponent to the sale. With her brother, sister, and a questionable vintner all under suspicion, Lucie must navigate a web of betrayal and greed. Determined to uncover the truth behind her father and godfather's deaths while ensuring a successful harvest, Lucie fights to protect the vineyard she loves, set against the backdrop of Virginia's historic horse and hunt country, rich with the intricacies of winemaking.