Flambé in Armagnac

I mentioned the Winemaker Detective series to a friend who lives in Paris. She said she hadn’t seen the series or read the books, but that one of the stars in the television series was a good actor. This led to a conversation about American crime shows versus French crime shows: dumbed down versus too complicated. But we both agreed that the French have the wine market locked in.
And in many ways that is what this series is in the cozy mystery market.
This installment finds our favorite wine expert in the home of D’Artagnan, while he and his ever present assistant Virgile are hired to write a report for an insurance company. Benjamin (the French version of Jessica Fletcher) soon discovers that as always there is more going on that at first appears. Because this is France, it involves adultery, good alcohol, food, and rugby.
And in this installment, literature as not only Dumas is referenced by Charles Perrault as well.
In many ways, the mystery presented here – based on the rise and fall of a family- is more tightly plotted than the last book I read in the series. Unlike the previous book, the ending and resolution for some of the characters is more up in the air than in Mayhem in Margeaux, mostly likely because the reader knows nothing too bad will happen to the family Cooker family. Additionally, while still keeping the air of a cozy mystery, there are looks at class and gender differences or double standards. This doesn’t make the book darker than the rest of the series, but perhaps meatier than some of the other volumes.
While it would be impossible to describe Virgile as a lightweight, he comes into his own more in this book. Instead of being given a romantic sub-plot (Virgile is usually the active sensualist), Virgile finds himself in the midst of a new friendship. Some of the best sections in the book concern this relationship, including some very funny rugby scenes, and they serve to deepen Virgile’s character and even make him a tad more likable. He becomes more than the pretty face and servicing body part that he was in danger of being in a few of the earlier books. He is far more likable here.
I find myself looking always on the lookout for the newest volume in this fun, cozy mystery series.

Another excellent mystery.

Benjamin Cooker is at it again. He is hired by an insurance co. to evaluate the value of the Armagnac stock lost in a fire. This time around it is Virgil who has suspicions about the cause of the fire. This was a good read, but after having read Mayhem in Margaux, I found I enjoyed this story just a bit less. Another tale for sitting back with a cigar or near someone who smokes cigars and sipping your favorite spirit in a room with leather-bound books and dark paneling.

More capers with some old friends, old cars, old family's, new friendships formed, hospitality, suspicions abound, Virgil gains a conscience (!?!), soccer, upper class snobbery, family drama, family secrets, greed, jealousy, unrequited love, mystery, death, food, wine and brandy.

This is the third book that I have read in the Winemaker Detective Mystery series, this is the seventh book published and it is fine to read as a stand alone. The main character in the books is renowned wine expert Benjamin Cooker. In this installment in the heart of Gascony, a fire has ravaged the warehouse of one of Armagnac’s top estates, killing the master distiller. Cooker is called in to estimate the value of the losses but immediately, he and his assistant Virgile want to know more as there are too many unanswered questions – Did the old alembic explode? Was it really an accident? Why is the estate owner Baron de Castayrac penniless? How legal are his dealings? The book is well paced and a very easy page turner and it does leave you guessing who dunnit until very near the end – just what I like in these kind of books! I have enjoyed all of the books in the series and they are all really well written. Cooker and Virgile are a lovely double-act and support each other as the books progress, Virgile in this one does have more of a lead which is nice. I am already looking forward to the next in the series – 4 stars from me.

I’ve just finished reading the next Winemaker Detective book, Flambé in Armagnac, being released this summer! Previous reviews will tell you of my great affinity for this series, and I have no hesitation in saying each one is better and better.

The opening was one of the best I’ve seen in a long time – taking an everyday item or occurrence, in this case, buying a yearly calendar, and spinning it to draw the reader in with a great visual hook. I re-read it about three times for the sheer pleasure of a cool bit of writing, those little moments in books that stick with you even when the other quotes have faded.

At this point in the series we *know* there’s going to be a mystery or some puzzle to solve, so the authors turn our expectation around on itself by introducing an insurance claim for Cooker to investigate. To still keep us on our toes, however, they add a few layers to what is going on, several mysteries at once to solve. It makes for a busy, but exciting read.

Flambé in Armagnac is interesting in that the resolution and explanation comes straight from the culprit’s mouth, unlike the previous works where we are looking back and someone else is explaining it. In this case, it was the best way to bring conclusion to everything that had happened, and also show the authors’ strengths in varying their style, even within the same series.

As always, food, wine, and even more food, but this time the reader isn’t just treated to the sights, smells and tastes in consumption, but also while preparing the dishes! I liked the expansion of this central part of these works – it made it feel more accessible to me, as a reader without much prior knowledge of the French plate.

Beyond all the mysteries and food, there was another, slightly veiled theme that stays with the reader, to muse upon once the rush of solving the puzzle passes. That being, how far-reaching and impactful the actions of one family, even one person, can be on those around them. This is the first time where not only the great cuisine but also the mystery can be pulled out and looked at in the context of the reader’s own life and experiences.

We get to know more about Virgile, and hear from his point of view a great deal. This was one of the best aspects of this book to me, as we finally start to really understand him not just as apprentice, but assistant, and heir-apparent to Cooker’s legacy. Seeing from his view also gave us more moments of intentional humor and joking, which made this book both a fun, and at times, funny read.

I cannot wait for you to get your own copy!

I received a review copy of this work from the publisher through NetGalley.

Winemaker Detective Mysteries #7 -- Can be read as a stand-alone book.
The Winemaker Detective., Benjamin Cooker is asked to do some work for an insurance claim at Baron de Castayrac's estate known for Armagnac. There may be some foul play.

Read this for the interaction of characters, the slow and steady evaluation of the unveiled facts, and the gastronomic details of food, cigars, and of course, wine and libations.

Again, I was impressed with the gentle mystery. A fire in a wine cellar led to an insurance claim, but also a death. These books are always open to surprises and this one is no exception. Just because someone tries to over value on insurance does not make a murderer. A worthwhile addition to this series! More please!

I still like these characters as they solve mysteries in the world of wines. Keep up the good work!

A nice cozy mystery, set in Gascony, where a castle Armagnac cellar burned, causing the death of the maitre de chaix, the cellar master. Benjamin Cooker and his faithful Virgile are asked by the insurance company to check the losses suffered by the property.
Just by checking through the ashes and rubble left by the fire, the two investigators get suspicious. The demijohns should have left pieces and bits, even if they had exploded. The baron, owner of the property, claims to have had much more than what can be traced. Their investigation goes on, with great food and amazing drinks. That is the most pleasant part of the book, making you hungry and wanting to visit France's southwest.

I recently started the new meme „International Crime“, starting with French crime authors this month. I really think that there is no better start for this meme than a book about wine, mystery and a French castle.

I met Benjamin and his assistant Virgile previously in „Mayhem in Margaux“ and joined them solving the mystery of the car accident. This time they are back with another brand of wine and mystery to solve. There has been a fire in a castle where the best wine Armagnac is produced and the master distiller is dead. Benjamin Cooker is called to estimate the losses and find out more about the fire. Was is an accident or was it all about the insurance? Was the death of master distiller an accident or an attempted murder? Benjamin Cooker has to leave his wife alone on New Year and with his assistant Virgile drive on thin ice to the Chateau Blanzac to find out. But the Chateau doesn't reveal its secrets that easy. The winemaker duo has to use the detective skills to solve the mystery behind the sweetness of the Armagnac.

The character that I absolutely adore here is Virgile, Benjamin's assistant. He is smart, young, clumsy, everything. He is very educated about wine, but he is also a great detective himself. With every other mystery his observation skills are more and more expressed. He is also Virgo, like me, and I can see many of my Virgo habits in his character. It is very easy for me to connect with him as a character.

I also love the writing style of the authors. There are many expressions and old sayings that are used in my country and it is easy for me to understand the whole story. I fell in love with the characters and the plot and I felt like almost tasting the Armagnac.

So, wine lovers, and book lovers also, if you love a perfect break in the shadows of your garden or under the sun on the beach, get a glass of the tasteful Armagnac, and enjoy this cozy mystery perfect for relaxation. Even your gray cells will enjoy!

My opinion: 4,5 / 5.

I have to say I love this series and constantly check for news titles; the wine master and his athletic and amorous assistant are great fun - I learn a lot not only able drink but abt the parts of France where they visit wine country. This one concerns family tragedy that involves c.f. then both in hazardous passions - and fraud too! You skim asking and nothing is predictable except good food, some chiding of the assistant, and descriptions of wine. Feel good factor predominates even when the going gets tough - characters are set out in full with humour and awareness of 'weaknesses' - we're in France after all

The winemaker detective and his assistant, Virgile travel to Gascony where a request t0 verify an insurance loss opens the door to unraveling a web of intrigue, sex, duplicity and murder. As always the narrative is beautiful and provides a vivid description of the French countryside. The story is haunting. The characters are engaging. The only complaint I can have is the brevity of he book. I wish I could have spent more time with it. The narrative flows so smoothly it is hard to believe it is a translation from the original.

Book Review: Flambé in Armagnac by Jean-Pierre Alaux and Noël Balen

The seventh book in the “A Winemaker Detective Mystery” series “Flambé in Armagnac” raised the ante in excitement, mystery and thrill with wine expert Benjamin Cooker and his assistant Virgile investigate an insurance claim in the heart of Gascony.

It was supposed to be a routine inquiry but Mr. Cooker and Virgile stepped into a double love triangle, family feuds and the intricacies of living in small town France. Benjamin Cooker reacquaints himself with old friends while Virgile makes new ones, which unexpectedly adds to the mystery and intrigue.

Having been a fan of Mr. Cooker and Virgile since the first book, I find them becoming more and more like Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson with the release of a new book. But, they remain very French and the storyline can only be written by Frenchmen or someone who understands the nuances of French culture.

That the series is about wine is a big plus. I learn new things in every book. It is obvious that the writers are true connoisseurs.

A great addition to the series, a great addition to your library and a must-have in your summer reading list.

“Flambé in Armagnac” is Rated T for Teens due to some violence. There are no sex scenes in this book.

I love this series, I love learning so much about how various forms of alcohol are made and distributed. IN addition, the mystery provides an entertaining way to illustrate all of this for the novice like myself.

A nice cozy for lovers of good food and wine. Benjamin and Virgile are fine chacacters and this series is a joy to read.

Flambe in Armagnac is another enjoyable entry in the Winemaker Detective Series, based on a long-running French TV series. The famous winemaker, Benjamin Cooker, and his assistant, Virgile are called into Gascony to consult with the insurance provider for a famous winery/distiller. The winery was destroyed by fire, killing the Cellarmaster as well. The owner is claiming huge damages but as usual, things are not as they seem. The business is in financial ruins and the owner has a very bad reputation, to say the least. Could the fire have been set deliberately?

The Winemaker Detective Series is full of descriptions of the various French regions, winemaking lore and food, food, food! They are all short reads, just right for an evening's reading and escape. Thanks to Le French Book and netgalley.com for an advance digital copy

Benjamin is back with Virgile this time they are estimating the damage done at Armagnac estate by a fire in which the master distiller was also killed. The loss was substantial and the insurance company needs a dollar amount. I found this one as good as the other books I have read in this series,good story line and believable characters. ***I received this book in exchange for an honest review***

Benjamin Cooker and his assistant are hired by an insurance company to evaluate the losses of one of Armagnac's factory. A fire destroyed the factory and the master distiller is dead. How did the fire stop? How did the master distiller die? As Benjamin and his assistant Virgile investigate, the estate owner is stand of fish and snobby. He also is short of money and offers little hospitality. As Cooker and Virgile investigate secrets are discovered.

The cozy mystery is fast paced and easy to read. It is an enjoyable read. I love the writing style of the authors. I am glad that I got to read it.

‘Gastro Crime’ Thriller Pays Lip-smacking Homage to Food and Drink, 25 July 2015 As I recently stayed in rustic, rural France this little novella was right up my Rue!!
And, for me, a new genre has landed - Gastro Crime. The homage to food and drink throughout this story almost outdoes John Lanchester without the madness of The Debt to Pleasure. But this surely was a pleasure to read. And for anyone who might be daunted by a five hundred page-plus crime thriller then I think this is an ideal solution. I believe this is just one story in a whole series. And I don’t know if my mouth is watering from the thought of more of these stories or the descriptions of food.

However this is a translation and I always think you’re only getting half a book when you read a work in translation. Through no fault of the translator the subtleties of the language, the idioms and cadences are lost. So there is a slightly staccato feel to the flow of the narrative. Sacre Bleu!! I wish I were fluent in French and could read this in the original. I would probably give five stars.

But, translation notwithstanding, we are treated to a delightful menu of French customs and etiquette. I had absolutely no idea that the much parodied and emulated cheek peck kisses follow strict regional protocol as to how many kisses should be offered to each cheek!! And apart from how to drink the stuff I knew nothing about the production of brandies.

And to the crime story itself. It is compact and accessible. Paradoxical almost as it is understated, undemanding and yet there are the intricacies and complexities of a crime plot. I found a predictability as the story unfolded but it is the unravelling of the details of the crime that allows the book to get away with that. I’d need to read some more in the series to refine my opinion but I think these would make a great TV series.

I have a very clear picture of Benjamin Cooker, his competence and professionalism. Indeed all characters have their clear parts to play. No one was gratuitous. Some were a little one dimensional. But our main protagonists were believable.

There was something almost delightfully old fashioned as the mature, experienced Benjamin allowed his younger sidekick to learn and develop alongside him, something Holmes and Watsony? Maybe that’s a step too far. It wasn’t quite Batman and Robin but you get the idea?
And I loved the name of the dog!! So apt. I’m not going to tell you what it is. I don’t do spoilers.--Sante

Rating: Four Stars.

Benjamin and Virgile are back at it, but this time Benjamin has been asked to estimate the damage done at an estate which had a devastating fire in their cellars along with an accidental death. Being an expert in the field, this is the type of routine work Benjamin is often asked to do by insurance companies. This was a fine, engaging cozy just as I had anticipated it would be. Perhaps not as exciting or fun as the last two, but that happens with long series. I still thoroughly enjoyed this seventh entry with its banter between Benjamin and Virgile, the atmosphere of cigars and (this time) down home country French food. Virgile is ahead of his boss on the mystery this time, which was fun to read and several twists to the story kept me on my feet figuring this one out. I really enjoyed all the wine talk this time around especially as I'd never heard of Armagnac and am eager to give my tastebuds a swirl!

Another fabulous book that has been translated to English, and done very seamless. It is a mystery that has lots of elements (can't give the show away) which will not disappoint. The characters are extremely real and the story takes you on a journey into the French countryside.

Another book in the winemaker series. This time Benjamin Cooker and his assistant Virgile travel to Armagnac to assess the losses after a fire at the estate in which the cellar master died.. All is not what it seems, however, and the duo go about their business unravelling the clues to solve the mystery.

This is the second novella in the Winemaker's series that I have read and already the characters of Benjamin and Virgile feel like friends I am happy to be in the company of and indeed cherish.

The two are asked to look into a fire on the Armagnac estate in which the master distiller dies. As the business was in trouble, the question arises as to whether it was done for the money. Family and local secrets are uncovered.

As usual, I found myself imbibing the culture and the atmosphere provided by the novella, the humour and wit of Benjamin and Virgile and their interactions. Loved it and I intend to continue reading these gems. Many thanks to Le French publishers for a ebook copy via netgalley for an honest review.

A little lightweight compared to other detective series around at present. However it is quite atmospheric and captures the region well.

A delight to read this next in the Winemakers series is your perfect companion for a cozy evening. The location is so richly described you feel as if you are in France, the detective Benjamin continues to be savvy, intelligent and a excellent sleuth. The characters are richly drawn and enjoyable additions to each in series. The dialogue is witty and only adds to the enjoyment as the mystery of a fire at a vineyard deepens and secrets are discovered. Thank you for the advance reading copy Net Galley and Le French book. Viva La France! This series is a delight for every reader. ! I look forward to the next in series.

This is another mystery in the wine/bordeaux realm. The characters are interesting. The authors' food and wine and even cigar descriptions make me wish I could enjoy them with the characters. There is enough suspense here to keep the reader awake for just another hour.

Book Review Flambe in Armagnac by Jean Pierre Alaux, Noël Balen

Review by Dawn Thomas

140 Pages Publisher: Le French Book

Mystery, Thriller, Suspense, French Detective, Wines, Vineyards

Benjamin Cooker gets a letter from an insurance company asking him to provide a value report for a vineyard, which suffered a fire. Benjamin’s first thought was not to accept the offer but changed his mind.

While investigating, Benjamin learns a man died in the fire. Everyone has nice things to say about Francisco Vasquez and is sad of his passing. Was his death an accident or pre-meditated. As Virgile digs through the rubble to find clues, Benjamin is uncovering more information into the winery.

Tension gets high between a father and his sons. Could one of them had anything to do with setting the fire to collect from the insurance company? Benjamin returns home but soon Virgile calls him back for more research. When more deaths occur, Benjamin scrambles to find out what is happening.

This is the seventh book in the Winemaker Detective series. This is a very interesting series. I enjoy the characters and their quirkiness. I also learned a lot about the distillation process. This is a great cozy series for anyone interested in wine or food.

'Flambé in Armagnac' is the 7th book in the Winemaker Detective series by Jean-Pierre Alaux and Noel Balen. It seems to show no signs of slowing down and there is still a lot to learn about the world of French wine.

This time around, the story takes place in Gascony. A fire at one of the top distillers of Armagnac has occurred and Benjamin Cooker and his assistant Virgile are called in to estimate the value of the losses. Benjamin has friends in the region, which is good because the owner of the disillery is hostile. Along the way, Virgile meets a fellow rugby player and family secrets as well as a possible murder are uncovered.

These are quick reads, but I enjoy the series. One aspect is the wine education, one is the travel and food of the different regions of France, but the main one might be our two main characters. A quick enjoyable read. I only wish I'd had a glass of Armagnac to sip while I read it.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Le French Book and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.

I received this as an arc from net galley in exchange for an honest review. A small town holds fiercely onto it's secrets. In the heart of Gascony, a fire ravages the warehouse of one if armagnac top estates, killing the master distiller.
Very good read. I liked the story and the characters. I liked Benjamin. He was my favourite character. Wow. What a read. I liked the ending too. Highly recommended. Definitely worth more than 5 *.