Murder Uncorked - A Review

 

MURDER UNCORKED by Maddie Day
The First Cece Barton Mystery

 

Manager of the wine bar, Vino y Vida, widow Cece Barton is getting used to living in the small town of Colinas, California. Living close to her twin sister is just one of the perks. After hearing an argument at the bar, she soon learns that one of the men has been murdered. The same man with whom she's had unpleasant business dealings. When the brusque detective starts implying Cece could be a suspect and when Cece realizes that the good looking man staying at her sister's B&B could be the killer she decides to look into things herself. After all, it wouldn't be the first time.

 

While MURDER UNCORKED is the first book in the series there are several references to Cece being involved with solving a murder. It turns out there is a prequel in the anthology CHRISTMAS MITTENS MURDER. I wish I would have read this short story that introduces Cece first. Although MURDER UNCORKED certainly works fine without knowing the introductory details, since there were several references to it, I would have liked to have read it first.

 

I like the relationship between Cece and her twin, Allie. I also appreciate her dealings with her nephews and the fact that her relationship with her daughter is not the best. One of my favorite relationships though is between Cece and the VOM, Very Old Man, her neighbor Richard. It was also nice seeing a variety of ethnicities represented. The mystery was well plotted with nice diversions. Cece is an intelligent protagonist and I like how she handles herself.

 

MURDER UNCORKED is a full bodied mystery with a host of interesting characters in a unique setting. I look forward to visiting this charming town again!