I wasn’t quite sure about this book as I
started to read it. It’s not like the
mysteries I’m used to. It’s quiet, delicious,
informative, historical, thoughtful.
Now, that’s not a good take on “normal” mysteries, the kind we in the States
think of when we say we read a good mystery. But in the end I liked what this
was.
Wine expert Benjamin Cooker, author of Cooker
guides to wine in France, and his assistant Virgile Lanssien are in the Sauterne countryside and involved
in solving the murder of an elderly couple who live near and worked on the
historical Chateau d’Yquem. The house of
Yquem has produced some of the most famous sauternes ever. This area holds memories of younger years
for Virgile and the rekindling of friendships makes the solving of this murder
even more important than just a procedural investigation.
I was concerned about the quiet nature of
this story but realized once the mystery was solved this was just a
delight. If you’re a Francophile, if
you love a glass of wine, a good meal, a journey through the French
countryside, some thoughtful contemplation instead of car chases, then give
this story a go.
Definitely like thoughtful contemplation over car chases!
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