🍇🍷Book Review:
Title: Blood On The Vine
Author: J.T. Falco
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/4 stars

You had me at wine! Here, recently, I've been on a winery kick, so this book was right down my alley. Wine, murder, mystery, yes! I very much enjoyed this book. Many characters that seemed suspicious and I thought I knew whodunnit but I didn't 🤣. Definitely recommend!

"For fans of Lisa Jewell and Allison Brennan.

Two women are slain in ritualistic fashion near the vineyard Lana Burrell once called home. Rumors of a dangerous cult are embedded at the center of wine country, the most powerful family in the Valley is breathing down her neck, a mysterious stranger is stalking her every move, and Lana might be the next to die. True Detective meets the rolling hills of Napa in this wine-soaked thriller."

Published: April 22nd, 2025

Thank you, @netgalley and @crookedlanebooks, for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!

Blood on the Vine by J.T. Falco is a gripping thriller that masterfully intertwines suspense, family secrets, and atmospheric tension. I received a copy from Canelo via Netgalley.

The setting is fantastic. The Napa Valley vineyard backdrop is beautifully described, almost haunting at times, and adds a strong atmospheric layer to the story. There’s a sense of isolation and legacy that perfectly complements the unfolding mystery.

What really worked was Lana Burrell as a main character. She’s tough and determined, but not in that one-dimensional, hardened-detective way. Her return home to investigate new murders that echo her best friend’s unsolved death—and the wrongful conviction of her father—makes the stakes feel incredibly personal.

I will say, there were a few moments where the pacing slowed more than I’d have liked, especially in the middle part.

All in all, a very decent novel.

4/5⭐️

What would be more delightful than choosing a thriller behind the scenes at a Napa Valley vineyard as your next book club selection? Best book club gathering ever.

It’s all I could think about as I finished reading 𝘽𝙡𝙤𝙤𝙙 𝙊𝙣 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙑𝙞𝙣𝙚 a novel by J.T. Falco @joey_t_falco .

It’s also a super debut novel for this accomplished screenwriter.

ᴡʜᴀᴛ ɪᴛ’s ᴀʙᴏᴜᴛ

Lana Burrell grew up on an idyllic Napa Valley vineyard with her best friend Jess–until Jess mysteriously disappeared and Lana’s father was falsely accused of her murder. Over twenty years later, he’s still serving a life sentence, but Lana knows he’s innocent, just like she knows Jess’s real killer is still out there.

Now, as a seasoned FBI agent in the San Francisco field office, Lana figures she can handle just about anything—until a killer strikes the Valley again and those old wounds come bursting open. Two women are slain in ritualistic fashion near the vineyard she once called home, and Lana has no choice but to revisit the site of the nightmarish past she tried to leave behind, a past that seems to be repeating itself as the blood and wine continue to spill all over Napa Valley.

𝑀𝓎 𝒯𝒽𝑜𝓊𝑔𝒽𝓉𝓈

This was a well plotted police procedural/ mystery thriller debut , and reminded me of some more well known authors’ works like Michael Connelly’s Harry Bosch series. There was also a forensics element to the investigation that made me feel like I was watching one of my favorite police crime dramas. I enjoyed the investigation, especially the trip to UC Davis to track down information on the clues.

Lana Burrell was a great FMC that I could see starring in a continued series (is it ok to wish for a strong female detective thriller series?) If they publish it, I’ll read it.

Pick this up if you like following the evidence with a seasoned FBI agent who knows how to find the truth and solve the case.

Pair it with a Cab Sav. Thanks for letting me read the ARC @crookedlanebooks - this is my honest opinion.

Wow! A totally surprising ending. This book started a bit slowly, as all the major characters were revealed, and then it took off. Lana’s quest to find who murdered two women in the small enclave of the Napa Valley becomes intertwined with the twenty-year old conviction of her father for the murder of her best friend. Total suspense until the very end!!! I received an ARC from NetGalley, and the opinions expressed are my own.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and author for an advance copy.

This book was a bit of a wild ride. I grew up not too far from the area so know it well which is pretty cool. I could definitely envision the places that were portrayed. The parallels between our own Governor and that in the book didn’t go unnoticed.

If you want a dark mystery with an ok ending pick this one up. It’d be a great read by the beach and an even better one on a wine country trip!

I thought this started a little slow, but once it took off there was no slowing down.
The ending was such a shock, I loved it. The twists the story took were so good. I hope this is going to be a series, Lana is such a good character.

A debut novel about deadly secrets growing in a California vineyard. Lana grew up in a small Napa Valley town surrounded by grapes and wineries. Her father was a wine label designer and the manager at her best friend Jessica’s family vineyard. Life was perfect—until Jessica was killed and her father was sentenced to life in prison for her murder.

Now, FBI agent Lana Burrell has returned to Napa Valley after two new murders are committed, their bodies displayed exactly like Jessica’s. Has her father been innocent all these years or is this an act of a copycat killer?

Hands down the best book I’ve read this year! From the very first page, the storyline grabs hold and doesn’t let go. The pacing is relentless, the twists are perfectly timed, and just when you think you have it all figured out—bam—the ending pulls the rug out from under you. It’s one of those rare thrillers that keeps you thinking long after you’ve turned the last page. If you love suspense, unexpected turns, and characters that linger in your mind, this book is a must-read.

What a ride. After two more young women are found dead, FBI agent bring Lana Burrell is forced to go back to the place where her trauma started to help catch the real killers. I sped through this book, not being able to stand the anticipation to get to the resolution. This book has everything you want in a thriller!

FBI agent Lana Burrell is forced to go back go her hometown for a series of murders. She’s surrounded by rich people who all seem rather guilty. Meanwhile, she’s dealing with the fact that they put her father in prison for the murder of her best friend 22 years ago.
This is very much a police procedural mystery. That being said, Lana makes a lot of questionable decisions.
I will say that I didn’t see the killer coming which always makes a book more enjoyable.
Overall 3/5 stars for me.
I received an ARC of this title, all opinions are my own.

I gave this a 3.5 but you don’t allow for half stars

I really did enjoy this thriller!! I give it a 3.5 but rounded up for Good reads .
Lana is an FBI agent who grew up in wine country. She gets called back home to solve a few murders but all things lead to her past ……

Blood On The Vine by T.J. Falco, this was a new author for me. FBI Agent Lana Burrell grew up in Napa Valley, but left there after her father was convicted of murdering her best friend and is sent to prison. Lana is determined to make something of her life, and years later she is a FBI agent that will be sent back to her old stomping grounds to find the killer of two young women. What follows is an action packed story line, that kept me turning the pages until the very end. I certainly would recommend this book to others.

I received an ARC from NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books the publisher, and I am leaving my review voluntarily.

I absolutely loved this thriller! Full of fast-paced twists and turns I was hooked from the creepy prologue and didn't look back. And here's the deal; this book hits all of the high notes that you expect from a well written thriller: a broody main character, a stunning backdrop (Napa Valley), multiple suspects and motives to keep you guessing, a fascinating murder mystery. But it also had something extra special that I personally find elevates a book for me; something that in my experience isn't often done in thrillers...education. Knowledge. I learned so much about wine making, soil composition, and Napa when it was a small farming community and not catering to the rich. This one really was the complete package and I highly recommend it to thriller lovers!

Thank you to Crooked Lane for my advanced copy of this one!

A different murder mystery thriller set thriller in Napa Valley, California, featuring FBI agent, Lana Burrell, who is called upon to investigate the mysterious deaths of two women. Not only that her father is in jail for murder.

I loved this book except for the slow start and drawn out ending. The cork message was also odd, but plenty of wine making knowledge to balance this out. Yes, the middle part of the book was excellent with many twists and turns.

An enjoyable thriller, well worthy of 4 stars.

Thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for the chance to read and review.

Lana reluctantly returns to the Napa Valley to investigate two similar murders. She'll have to face people she knew before her father was sent to prison for murdering her best friend Jess (which she never believed he did). Investigating the cases she'll be paired with a new officer (although in her sixties) who knows everyone and everything that happens in town and will provide the attention Lana craved after losing her mother to cancer. The investigation will uncover secrets, a cult, will provide Lana with an unexpected ally, the town's sheriff, and will rekindle her relationship with her father. The story has an unexpected end that will provide closure for many in town. Blood on the Vine is fast-paced, with mystery and lots of action and is written with humor. Great entertainment!
I thank Mr. Falco, his publisher, and NetGalley for this ARC.

4.5 overall!

This thriller is going to be perfect for summer! It has murder, cults, and of course, plenty of wine. From the first chapter alone I was hooked and couldn’t stop reading. I loved Lana she was such a badass and her field agent Essie had me laughing, their partnership was wonderful. I really enjoyed the mixed media that was sprinkled throughout and how it tied in with the overall story. There are so many twists and turns I loved seeing how it all connected and came together at the end. I also learned so much about wine and everything that goes into making it, which was a lovely plus.

Overall, I highly recommend this thriller to anyone who loves cults, police procedurals, and wine!

It's evident from the pacing of Blood on the Vine that J,T. Falco has a background in screenwriting, because this book would be a great series/movie. Lana is a gritty, well-constructed character that I think would translate well to the big screen. Blood on the Vine is a strong debut, and I'm looking forward to whatever J.T. Falco is working on next!

Lana Burrell grew up in Napa Valley and hasn’t looked back after leaving. Now an FBI agent she’s called into an investigation following the murder of two young women in the wine country. Lana has no desire to return, but after being assigned to the case devastating memories of the past resurface. With some big names in the wine industry high on the suspect list, Lana delves in deep and if she’s not careful, she’ll be the next victim. The storyline started out intriguing, but I didn’t care for the direction it ended up taking and it seemed a bit far fetched to be believable. Thank you to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for an ARC of this book.

This was a twisty, bonkers, and surprisingly fun read!

I really think you should just go into this one blind and enjoy the ride!

You won't regret it.

Thank you to Netgalley, JT Falco, and Crooked Lane Books for my advanced copy.

This thriller contains fast-paced twists and turns, starting from the prologue. It includes elements typical of a well-written thriller: a broody main character, a Napa Valley backdrop, multiple suspects and motives, and a murder mystery. Additionally, it provides information on wine making, soil composition, and Napa's history as a farming community. This book is recommended for thriller enthusiasts due to its comprehensive package of suspense and educational content.

Thank you to Crooked Lane for the advanced copy.

Happy #pubday to @joey_t_falco and his novel, Blood on the Vine! I saw @jordys.book.club recommend this one and I immediately went to @netgalley to request it 😆. Thank you @crookedlanebooks for the ARC!

Our main character, Lana, grew up in the Napa Valley with her father until her high school best friend, from a prominent wine-making family, is murdered…and her father goes away to prison for life for the crime. Twenty years later, Lana is an FBI agent living in San Francisco until the two bodies of young girls are found in Napa and she is summoned back to her hometown to help solve the case while simultaneously trying to clear her father’s name.

In short, I loved this! It was a fantastic thriller with great pacing, many twists and turns, and was a wild ride. Apart from it just being a great thriller, I LOVED the Napa Valley setting! We live about an hour away, frequent wine country regularly, and love wine (I want to get my somm certification and work in a tasting room as my retirement career one day!). All the tidbits about people and places in the valley, the “cult” of biodynamic winemaking, and just the beautiful but eerie setting was just the icing on the cake for this thriller. Highly recommend and would love to see this made into a series!