THE CHARDONNAY CHARADE

Christine Marshall's Southern accent and clear diction set the tone for this enological mystery set in northern Virginia. Bad weather is the least of vineyard owner Lucie Montgomery's problems--she must also deal with a murder, a suicide, an alcoholic sister who may have caused a fatal car accident, her feelings for a local winemaker, and a new romance with a tycoon who wants to buy adjoining property. It's a good mystery, and Marshall brings out each character's strengths, flaws, motivations, and, in some cases, foreign accents. Lucie's determination to clear her sister ultimately solves the murders as well. A brief and informative comparison of California and Virginia winemaking follows. This is an audio worth a toast! J.B.G. © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine [Published: FEB/ MAR 08]