A Taste for Death

A Taste for Death is the first in a mystery series in the Finger Lakes Wine region of Upstate New York.
Gerard Bellamont, a famous wine critic with French roots, is found strangled with what appeared to be trellis wire at Allenwood Vineyard, where he was one of the guests to a party the previous night. At this party, Bellamont was heard saying something odd when staring at one of the local wine bottles, “I didn’t like it the first time I laid eyes on it”. Investigator Deville, also originally from France, remembers the victim briefly. The crime scene disturbs him, triggering his memory about his own past. He arrived in the United States in an alcohol induced coma which caused amnesia. Many parts of his past unveil itself as he investigates. Many suspects had a reason to kill Bellamont, his wife, his teenage son, the woman he was having an affair with, plus the owners from the winery he gave merciless reviews. Three wineries are always in the picture: Allenwood Vineyard, Owen’s Winery, and Catalina. Which winery has the most to gain and who was responsible for the death?

Who should read this book?
Wine lovers, mystery readers, and/or both. The wine industry is continually growing, and the Finger Lakes region is continuing to dominate the industry with awards and praise from national and worldwide media, including Wine Enthusiast magazine, who has named the Finger Lakes one of its top ten "wine travel" destinations for 2015. Last year, Wine Enthusiast gave another nod to the region, naming New York state, including the Finger Lakes, as its worldwide "Wine Region of the Year" for 2014. In addition, this detective story is a modern mystery in a traditional British style, fans of Louise Penny, Elizabeth George, and Charles Todd will enjoy this series.