Book Review - Silenced by Syrah
A Wine Country Murder Mystery by Michele Scott
Nikki Sands loves her job as wine manager for the luxurious Malveaux Estates winery, restaurant, and spa, until she finds the chef shot in the spa's soaking tub.
Silenced by Syrah is the third in a series of murder mysteries featuring Nikki Sands and set in California's wine country. In this novel, Nikki, who is the wine manager for upscale vineyard Malveaux Estates, is busy helping with the opening night festivities for the facility's new gourmet restaurant. That is until she stumbles upon the restaurant's star French chef, Georges Debussey, shot through the head and lying in one of the vineyard's spa soaking tubs.
Nikki Investigates
Although she has been warned by the local police detective to keep her nose out of the murder, Nikki is drawn into the situation, first by Georges distaught assistant and later by events that are too close for comfort. Her sleuthing takes her to San Francisco's Mission District, around Napa Valley, to the prestigious Auberge de Soleil restaurant and hotel, and to the San Francisco airport, among other places, before she finally learns the truth.
Derek or Andres?
Silenced by Syrah begins with Nikki in a quandry between the two men in her life -- her tall blond boss, Derek Malveaux and the kind, dark Spaniard, Andres Fernandez, whom she's been dating for the past two months. Both make her heart tremble, but can she really be in love with both men? or is she in love with either of them? At the end of the novel, she is forced to make a choice. The decision? It's to be left to the readers to choose. Will it be Derek or Andres? Watch Michele Scott's Web site for a chance to vote, coming soon.
Silenced by Syrah is a lively, well-written novel that leaves you wanting to read more about the characters. As an extra bonus, the chapters are peppered with recipes including suggested wine pairings.
About Michele Scott
Michele Scott is a California native and the author of four mystery novels, including three in the wine country series. Aspiring writers take heart: it took Ms. Scott ten years of perfecting and submitting her writing to get published. Her next novel, Death Reins (the second in her horse series) is set to be published in June of 2007. Ms. Scott lives in San Diego with her husband, daughter, and two sons. You can read more about Michele Scott, as well as excerpts from her books, on her well-designed Web site.
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