Cognac Conspiracies (Winemaker Detective) - Tapa dura

"A fine vintage." - Peter May

"A series that is both delectable for connoisseurs of wine and an initiation for those not in the know." --Marine de Tilly, Le Figaro

"There is much to this enjoyable read, including an education in cognac and wine tasting. Characters were interesting... I wanted more." --Librarian review

"A good story from an ongoing enjoyable series." --4-star Netgalley review

"A book that is so evocative of France, you can visit it in an afternoon without leaving the comfort of your home! Highly recommended enjoyable reading." --4-star Netgalley review

"The descriptions of cognac and cigar scents and flavors drew me in as if I, too, were a connoisseur. Rose gardens and sudden storms seem real enough to feel and smell. Then there is a very charming couple of detectives and a surprising mystery. All of this blends together to make an entertaining reading experience." --4-star librarian review

"Readers who would like to visit this part of France vicariously will like this book. It truly concerns itself with France, wine region by wine region. It concerns itself with connoisseurship in food, wine and cigars...such as I found in France and Switzerland over many years of travel. The 'star' of this novel is La Charente, home to the grapes used in Cognac. Readers will learn something here: the typical fragrances (noses) of a well aged Cognac. We (briefly) meet 'Monsieur Body', one of those gifted noses. One also learns that defending cultural icons in a global economy is far from simple." --4-star Netgalley review

"When was the last time you were in France and visited one of the oldest and best cognac estates? What? You've never been to one cognac estate? Never even been to France? Here's your chance to kill two birds - sip away at this most rare of mysteries - one with hints of intrigue, death, old romance, new romance, and rare blends of small, French villages and attempted Chinese takeovers and frowned upon loves. You deserve something different with rich flavors and aromas - you deserve this page turner - you know you do!" --5-star Netgalley review
"Flanked by a quirky cast of characters, this intriguing novel features two amateur detectives who set out to solve the murder of a winemaker...it is easy to see why this series has gained a following. The depiction of the French countryside enhances the story line. The setting on a French country estate has a certain Gothic element, and the descriptive, flowery language is captivating. Virgile is the Holmes to Benjamin's Watson, serving up the more crackling and interesting dialogue and persona... it is a breezy read, and quite enjoyable." --Foreword Reviews

"Benjamin Cooker uses his composure, erudition and intuition to solve heady crimes that take place in the exclusive--and realistic--world of grand cru wines." --Jean-Claude Raspiengeas, La Croix

"Alaux and Balen offer intrigue and plenty of good eating and drinking within just a few pages. Already turned into a popular television series in France, this book and its successors will whet appetites of fans of both Iron Chef and Murder, She Wrote." - Booklist (Treachery in Bordeaux)

..".the journey through its pages is not to be rushed." - ForeWord Reviews (Treachery in Bordeaux)
"A delightful, frequently tongue-in-cheek excursion through the mysteries and politics of cognac production. Totally recommended." --Live Journal

"There is much to this enjoyable read." --Librarian review

"The Winemaker Detective Mystery series is a new obsession." --Marienella

"The descriptions of cognac and cigar scents and flavors drew me in as if I, too, were a connoisseur." --Librarian review
"An excellent mystery series in which you eat, drink and discuss wine as much as you do murders." --Bernard Frank, Le Nouvel Observateur

The heirs to one of the oldest Cognac estates in France face a hostile takeover by foreign investors. Renowned wine expert Benjamin Cooker is called in to audit the books. In what he thought was a sleepy provincial town, he is stonewalled, crosses paths with his first love, and stands up to high-level state officials keen on controlling the buyout. Meanwhile, irresistible Virgile mingles with the local population until a drowning changes the stakes.