This is the 2nd book in the Wine Country Mystery series written by Nancy J. Parra. I didn't read the first book, but I didn't have any problem following the story. "Taylor O’Brian, founder of “Off the Beaten Path”, takes small groups on wine country tours of romantic Sonoma County." She isn't as big as she would like to be, but honestly, when does she have time to lead tour groups when she's solving murders?

I love cozy mysteries and love discovering a new (to me) series. This was a fun one with likeable characters and an engaging plot. I felt like I learned a bit about wine making as well, which was a plus.

I enjoyed this foray into wine country with a side of cozy mystery, and look forward to going back and reading the first book in the series.

4/5 stars.

*** I would like to thank NetGalley, Crooked Lane Books, and Nancy J. Parra for the opportunity to read and review this book. ( )

Seven Deadly Zins is the second book in A Wine Country Mystery series and I did feel it can stand on its own. Taylor O’Brian was lured to Sonoma County by her Aunt Jemma from her job in advertising in San Francisco. Instead of working at Aunt Jemma’s winery, Taylor created Off the Beaten Path to provide tourists with unique wine tours. Unfortunately, Bridget Miller decided to do the same thing and her business has doubled since she began (with fancy pink buses too). It would help if Taylor networked and advertised her business (use social media too). The author started this storyline and then it disappeared. I wonder if she will pick it up again in the next book. Taylor is a slightly annoying main character who wants to help her friends when they need assistance which is how she gets herself mixed up in a second murder. Taylor enjoys spending time with her girlfriends eating barbecue and drinking wine (they do this frequently). There are two men who are potential love interests for Taylor and she waffles between them. I hope the author is not heading down the love triangle road. The mystery appears to be convoluted, but the solution can effortlessly be discerned. I was not a fan of how the police were portrayed (that they were not up to the task of solving the crime). Taylor believes she can solve the crime better than the professionals and believes she is always right. The author took the time to describe the female characters outfits (every single one of them) in detail. I wish the author had spent the time describing what zinfandel looks and tastes like instead (I reached the end of the book and still had no clue—you can tell that I do not drink wine). I also felt that Aunt Jemma’s fake séance was not needed in the book (really did not add anything). The story could have used more character development and depth along with stronger dialogue. Seven Deadly Zins is a slow starter, but it picks up as the story progresses. There are some loose ends at the end of the book plus there are missing details (Aunt Jemma’s last name and the name of her winery for example). I am giving Seven Deadly Zins 3 out of 5 stars. Seven Deadly Zins is an airy cozy mystery with recipes at the end. ( )

Seven Deadly Zins is the second book in the A Wine Country Mystery series.

Taylor O’Brian has recently formed Off The Beaten Path and provides tours of the smaller wineries and walking tours of some of the beautiful spots in the area. Her next group that will be touring is a group of investors looking to purchase or invest in local wineries. Tim Slade, who owns a winery near Taylor’s Aunt Jemma asks when his winery will be one of the stops on her tours. She agrees to include with this group. As Tim is explaining the process of producing wine he finds a body in one the vats. The will soon be identified as Realtor Jeffrey Hoag. Tim’s girlfriend, Mandy, worked for Hoag in his real estate office. Sheriff Hennessey feels he has enough evidence to charge Tim with the murder of Hoag. Taylor’s friend, a lawyer, is able to get Tim released on bail.

Also going on in Sonoma, Dr. Brinkman, a meditation guru, has moved to town and is seeking new followers. Mandy has arranged for free tickets to Taylor, Holly, Taylor’s best friend, and Chelsea, a friend and newspaper reporter. Drinks are provided to everyone to “relax” the potential followers. Taylor and Chelsea decide to abstain, but Holly drinks hers. After the meeting, Holly wants to pursue the meditation ritual that Brinkman is backing. Taylor and Chelsea feel that there was something mind-altering in the drink. A couple of days later, Holly wants to go to another meeting and Taylor agrees to go along to make sure Holly doesn’t turn over savings to the group. When they arrive, Mindy sees them and offers to take them backstage to meet Dr. Brinkham. What they find is Tim looking over Brinkaham’s body and Tim has blood on his shirt. Once again the police arrest him and bail will be denied.

Taylor can’t believe that Tim would ruin a vat of wine by putting a dead body in a vat and with the help of Chelsea and Holly they set out to find the killer.

In addition to being concerned about finding the killer, Taylor is also concerned about the new tour company that has just started operating. The owner, Bridget, has a high-tech bus and Taylor is worried about Bridget taking away some of her business.

A wonderful addition this fun series which also has an interesting cast of characters.

Recipes are also included with the book.

I will be watching for the next book in the series. ( )

Taylor O’Brian, owner and tour guide of “Off the Beaten Path” in Sonoma Valley, wasn't exactly planning that the possible investors that she was guiding would see a body floating a vat of pressed grapes. But that's what the found when they arrived at the winery owned by her friend Tim Slade. Every time Taylor thinks that she has found a way to prove Tim's innocence, she finds him in another compromising situation. And Tim's girlfriend isn't helping much. She is spending most of her time (and Tim's money) following a guru who she's to have some kind of special formula to attract and control others - is it something in the tea of something in the air?

The mystery part of the storyline was pretty straight forward, however, there were some strange red herrings that didn't really seem to work, or if they did I didn't see it - problems with her would-be boyfriend, possible love triangle, as well as some competition on the tour guide front. Hopefully, these will be resolved in future installments. ( )

amateur-sleuth, women-sleuths, murder, wine, california, law-enforcement, lawyers

Taylor appears to be a magnet for dead bodies, and this one is a shady realtor discovered in a vat of very desirable zinfandel. She has some very good friends and a dear aunt who aid and abet her in all things. From this basic start, add in the beleaguered vintner, a fascinating sheriff and similar lawyer, an iffy and expensive guru, and Taylor's rather neglected tour guide business just for interest, then let the sleuthing begin!
I requested and received a free ebook copy from Crooked Lane Books via NetGalley. ( )