Blood on the Vine
Blood on the Vine: A Sunny Mystery
The longest day of the year becomes the deadliest night in Little Beechfield's history.
When the tranquil village of Little Beechfield hosts its first-ever Summer Solstice "Midnight Sun" Wine Auction, featuring a legendary 1823 vintage supposedly blessed by the abbey's final monk, the atmosphere is electric with anticipation. The exclusive candlelit event promises to be the social highlight of the year-until wine historian Dr. Cordelia Ashworth is found dead among the ancient abbey ruins at dawn.
Village librarian Trixie Goode and documentary filmmaker Cipher Parker are thrust into their most complex case yet when Cordelia's murder appears linked to her explosive research into academic fraud. The brilliant historian had been investigating decades of falsified medieval astronomical wine-making claims, threatening to expose a conspiracy that reaches from Little Beechfield's cherished heritage all the way to the ivory towers of academia.
As DC Elena Dyer leads the official investigation, the amateur sleuths uncover a web of forged documents, planted evidence, and financial deception surrounding the mystical "Stellarian Monks" and their supposed celestial wine knowledge. With multiple suspects harboring dangerous secrets-from the village antiquarian protecting local legends to the smooth auction house representative with hidden connections-every shadow cast by the midsummer sun conceals potential betrayal.
Racing against time as the killer grows increasingly desperate to bury the truth, Trixie and Cipher must separate authentic history from elaborate fiction, navigate the murky waters of academic rivalry, and expose a murderer who will stop at nothing to preserve their carefully constructed lies.
Perfect for fans of Louise Penny, Agatha Christie, and M.C. Beaton, Blood on the Vine combines atmospheric English village charm with sophisticated plotting, delivering a mystery where the past and present collide in deadly fashion. While this gripping tale stands alone, returning readers will delight in the continued growth of beloved characters and the deepening mysteries of Little Beechfield.
When the longest day ends in murder, can truth survive the darkness?
"A masterful blend of academic intrigue and village charm. Trixie Goode's sharp wit and Cipher Parker's keen eye make them the perfect detecting duo for this atmospheric puzzle."
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