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Spring is in bloom in Redwood Grove, where Annie Murray is deep in preparation for the party of the season in her sweet California village. But things are about to take a dark turn.
The annual Spring Fling features live music, arts and crafts, food trucks, and entertainment. There's even more reason for celebration with the official launch of Better with Age wines; the passion project of Penny Shurr, Annie's dear friend, who has been painstakingly restoring an old vineyard and estate on the outskirts of town. Penny's winemaker, Luca Garcia, is winning every newcomer's award and making waves in the industry. So much so that Douglas Bryne, the head of a major distributors, makes a special detour to the village to pitch Penny on getting her wines into stores nationwide.
There's just one problem. Luca immediately recognizes Douglas, and he's not happy to see this old contact from his time in the Yakima Valley. It appears the feeling is mutual.
When Douglas's body is discovered in the park's fountain, Luca is suddenly the top suspect. Annie and Fletcher are on the case. Can the Novel Detectives uncork the truth before an innocent man takes the fall, and before the real killer decides to strike again?
Perfect for readers who love:
- Cozy bookshop and small-town mysteries
- A warm, close-knit community setting
- Found family and workplace friendship
- Amateur sleuths on the case
- A victim with a secret past and multiple suspects
This latest Novel Detectives mystery, for fans of Lauren Elliott, Merryn Allingham and M.C. Beaton, blends small-town charm with a gripping murder investigation that will have you reading late into the night.
"Ellie Alexander never disappoints! This is a spin off we have all needed but didn't know! I was biting my nails as a turned each page! Five stars as usual!" Books a Million, 5 stars
"I love Ellie Alexander. I love every book I've read from her and this is no exception! I adored this book, I enjoyed coming back to this world, and I enjoyed the twist! Incredible start to a new series!" Barnes & Noble bookseller, 5 stars
"I love this new series… meticulous plotting, the story is engaging, the mystery intriguing, and the characters memorable… This is a series that I'll look forward to reading with each new release! " NetGalley review, 5 stars
"Ellie Alexander does it again. This first book in the Novel Detective series is such a page-turner. I could not stop reading it… Can't wait for the next one." NetGalley review, 5 stars
"A clever, twisty mystery that kept me guessing and fully invested in the story… made me forget the world outside for a few hours and left me satisfied and smiling when the final page was turned… a charming, smart, and thoroughly enjoyable read." NetGalley review, 5 stars
"I loved this… Annie and Fletcher make a great detective team, and the bookstore and town of Redwood Grove are as charming as ever." NetGalley review, 5 stars
"Pulled me in from the very first chapter and never let go. It reminded me why I fell in love with mysteries as a child—the kind that make you suspect everyone and race toward the reveal." NetGalley review, 5 stars
"A delight… full of humor, suspense, and the charming world of Redwood Grove. This cozy mystery will keep you on your toes. Highly recommend!" NetGalley review, 5 stars
"A charming cozy mystery filled with likable characters and enough mystery to make you feel like a professional couch detective. There's twists and turns and a killer that you'll never expect." NetGalley review, 5 stars
"If Ellie Alexander writes it, I'll read it. The mystery had me audibly gasping." NetGalley review, 5 stars
"Entertaining, full of twists and turns and I didn't completely guess whodunnit until Annie did… I'm thoroughly invested… I'm excited to see where the author takes these endearing characters next! I highly recommend this series to all my cozy loving friends!" NetGalley review, 5 stars
"I loved this!! Can't wait for the next one!" NetGalley review, 5 stars