Backstabbing in Beaujolais

Excellent! Another case solved.

I have read quite a few of the books in this series, and none have disappointed -in fact the more I read the better they get. The book has various gently mysteries woven through the story, all presented in a natural way which flows perfectly with the story of producing wine. Truly, every time I read about this beautiful area of France, the more I want to go there and participate in the wonders of the area. Translated from French in a very smooth way -one would not know it wasn't originally written in English - if flows just so well. A very enjoyable series.

The Winemaker Detective is truly in his element as he is summoned to assist a querulous rich man in buying a winery and land, and developing a successful new wine. As usual, the reader is treated to lots of good information on the manufacture of fine wine. Sex and violence add intrigue to the plot, and more than one murder occurs along the way. If you've never read any of the books in this series, you will still enjoy this well-told tale. I have read all of the many books in this series, and I am astounded at how fresh the stories are and how the quality never slips.

This is the fifth book that I have read in the series and I have really enjoyed each one. The characters are great and the plots in the books are always exciting with some twists and turns, and this one again doesn't disappoint. The book flows really well and even though I don't drink wine (shock when reading this series!) I still find the books really fun to read and informative. I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Benjamin Cooker and his assistant Virgile are back in another installment of the Winemaker Detective series. They have been commissioned by Guillaume Périthiard to help restore a wine estate in Beaujolais. Mr. Périthiard wants to become a major force in the region where he grew up. But not everyone is happy about his plans. Things take a turn for the worse when one of his new employees dies while out hunting.

While overseeing the restoration of the vines and wine making equipment Benjamin and Virgile must find out who is behind the murderous attempts to sabotage Mr. Périthiard's business interests.

Once again the authors have written an interesting mystery full of beguiling characters, descriptions of delicious food, wine and scenery from the French countryside. I can't imagine a better way to spend a lazy afternoon, than with Benjamin and Virgile traveling around Beaujolais looking for answers to Mr. Périthiard's problems. All you need to accompany this book is a good glass of wine.

I have read quite a few of the books in this series, and none have disappointed -in fact the more I read the better they get. The book has various gently mysteries woven through the story, all presented in a natural way which flows perfectly with the story of producing wine. Truly, every time I read about this beautiful area of France, the more I want to go there and participate in the wonders of the area. Translated from French in a very smooth way -one would not know it wasn't originally written in English - if flows just so well. A very enjoyable series. This book was provided to me in return for a honest and unbiased review.

Another joyful mystery novella in the Winemaker series. The duo of Benjamin and Virgile are called into to aid a businessman, Guillaume, to get his wine business going successfully.

At a reception, a murder occurs. We discover that it is a realtor with whom Guillaume had once had an affair. There is great character development and interaction, like the tension between Benjamin and Guillaume. There are unexpected twists to keep your interest in the story. I love the relationship between Benjamin and Virgile, it is one of the reasons I want to continue reading this series.

It is well plotted, humorous and educational on the region and wines. I would recommend the book to other readers. Many thanks to Le French, the publishers for a copy of the book via netgalley.

Benjamin Cooker and his assistant Virgile become immersed in the world of the Beaujolais wine producers in this epicurean adventure that has a soupçon of murder on the side. This novel has descriptions of food to make one salivate and wine information that makes you want to dash off to the nearest Oddbins to indulge in this passion. Murder is incidental to the pursuit of the Gallic way of life, but each case is solved and explained beautifully.
This book has been a delight to read and has given me a lesson in how to educate my palate regarding the Nouveau Beaujolais and the Beaujolais Cru. I love this series of books that make me wish I was back in France again, I heartily recommend this book and always find these books go best with a good glass of my favourite Cotes de Rhone by my side!!

i read this delightful series voraciously, and this one is more full of the life of france and information on wines than even earlier ones in the series - along with astute character assessments by Mr Cooker and his sexy assistant, Virgile - and in this one some spectacular women take center stage too. Deaths and villainy - spoiling vines of prescious wines, and attacking a new business crop up - and are integrated terrifically well into the place - these are easy and entertaining and informative books, and now i am left waiting for the next - this is a good one.

Just when you thought it was safe to drink the wine.......

The ninth entry in the Winemaker Detective series, Backstabbing in Beaujolais, by Jean-Pierre Alaux and Noel Balen begins at an outdoor reception being hosted by a newly opened vineyard. A reception where the body of a dead woman is found floating in one of the wine vats. Continuing to develop the relationship between their characters, and further establishing their ability to solve crimes, the reader is taken along on their journey as they discover who committed the crime. Fans of this series will find this to be another riveting adventure for Benjamin and Virgile while new readers will no doubt enjoy getting their first taste.

Departing from their usual style, the authors begin this adventure with the discovery of the dead woman. A woman both wine expert Benjamin Cooker, and his apprentice Virgile Lanssien, know and have dealt with in the recent past. Using a “flashback” to tell the story, we learn about Benjamin and Virgile’s journey to the Beaujolais region in France to meet with Guillame Perithiard. A wealthy businessman who has decided to return to the area of his birth and start a second career as a wine producer. While Mr. Perithiard is used to getting his way, and is used to having the best that money can buy, he can only get Benjamin to inspect the vines and buildings of the vineyard he plans to purchase. Providing a report on the quality of the soil and plants is as far as Benjamin is willing to involve himself in the man’s newest endeavor.

Once again the authors treat the readers to the beauty of France by providing a glimpse into a different region, the wines produced in the area and the local cuisine. All explained in the guise of Benjamin’s lessons to Virgile, who continues to benefit from his teacher’s vast experience. Introducing a handful of new characters, it’s clear that Benjamin is not only an expert in food and wine but also in how to make friends and influence people’s choices. I wish I had the time and money to take a trip to the region where this story takes place just so I could sample the wines and eat all of the same foods myself.

The mystery is well developed and takes several twists and turns. While the dead woman is one of the characters we meet early in the story, she’s the real-estate agent who sold the vineyard to Mr. Perithiard, it takes a while to discover why someone would want to kill her and how she ended up in the vat. Especially since she’s quite beautiful and talented with dealing with people too. The story’s pace is good and the author’s writing style is well established and easy to follow.

Will Benjamin and Virgile be able to discover the identity of the killer? Will the new vineyard and the wine it produces be ruined as a result of the crime? You’ll have to read Backstabbing at Beaujolais to fine out. I enjoyed it and can’t wait to read about Benjamin and Virgile’s next adventure.

Disclaimer: ARC via Netgalley.
This is another installment in the Winemaker Detective series. Benjamin and his lustful apprentice Virgile are hired to evaluate a winery by its potential buyer, who is facing disapproval from his wife. Of course, as always, there appears a body.
I once said that the series reminds me of Jessica Fletcher, and this is partly true. In many ways, however, it is the children of Murder, She Wrote and Midsummer Murders. That is largely true here, and, in fact, there is more Midsummer than Murder She Wrote.
This installment is a little more adult than previous, and is closer to one of the stereotypes of the French that Americans have. Part of this is because the supporting characters get more room here. Overall, that’s a nice touch and removes some of the status quo feeling that sounds Benjamin and his circle.
There are also some in jokes about writing.
The charm of the series lies in the authors’ description of French country and country life, and this book does not let the reader down. In fact, there seems to be more emphasis on description of nature in this book. In part, this seems to be a desire to make a little known part of France better known. This also seems to be true of the discussion about wine and marketing. It’s a bit more issue oriented in this regard. This isn’t to say the discussion is dull; it’s not and you might find yourself recalling it when you next buy wine.
A good entry into an enjoyable series.
Honesty, there should be a vacation tour tied to this series.

‘He wanted the whole region to know he had arrived.’

Benjamin Cooker and his assistant Virgile have been commissioned by Guillaume Périthiard to help restore a wine estate in Beaujolais. Although Guillaume Périthiard wants to become a major force in the region where he grew up, it seems that not everyone is happy with his plans. While Benjamin and Virgile are overseeing the restoration of the vines and the wine making equipment, they are also trying to find out who is trying to sabotage Guillaume Périthiard's business interests. Then, when one of Périthiard's new employees dies while out hunting, things get even worse. Who is trying to sabotage Guillaume Périthiard and why?

While this is the ninth instalment of the Winemaker Detective series, it is the first I’ve read in this series. While I found it both interesting and entertaining and the story stands alone, I’d like to read more of the series to get a better sense of the main characters and their backstories. In this particular story, I thought I’d worked out who the culprit was. I was wrong, and clearly I’ll need to pay more attention next time. I already have the tenth instalment ready to read. This is a comparatively short novel, with fewer than 200 pages, perfect to while away a short journey. I think that the setting will appeal to many, as will the food and wine references.

Note: My thanks to NetGalley and Le French Book for the opportunity to read this novel.

Jennifer Cameron-Smith

As someone who enjoys quaffing the occasional glass of wine, I always find these stories satisfying on several levels. There is always a murder (two this time) for Benjamin Cocker to solve with his trusty assistant Virgile. They are never mysteries that have the reader on pins and needles. They are interesting but seldom high in the suspense department- more of a gentle mystery.
The stories always provide background on one of the wine-growing regions of France and teach the reader much about whatever wine is highlighted. This time it is Beaujolais which has gone from being very chic to being maligned and is fighting its way back to prominence. As someone who awaited the Noveau every November in the 1970's and 80's, it was really interesting to learn of its long history.
Before Kindles, I was an awful cheater. I would flip to the end of the book if I was reading a mystery to find out whodunit and if my favourite characters survived, I have seldom suffered the frustration of not having the printed page to turn with this series. The stories just seem more mellow and not requiring any fast-tracking. If you are a suspense junkie, these may not be your books. But if you can sip and enjoy a story that has a smooth delivery, this might be just to your palate.
Like a fine wine.

I always enjoy the books in this series. Another gentle murder mystery with a large dose of wine production information. This tale felt a little more soap opera than usual, lots of gossip and scandalous relationships! An entertaining read.

Old vineyard, new wine; a recipe for murder

I had never heard of this author or collection prior to receiving this galley. I was pleased with the selection, however, I am far from a vintner, so I had to do some research while reading for full comprehension. I also wanted it to be longer! I am excited to read more, hopefully longer, adventures from this author!

The latest edition of the Winemaker Detective Mystery does not disappoint. Our favorite accidental gumshoes wine expert Benjamin Cooker and his assistant Virgile has surpassed another Jessica Fletcher of “Murder, she wrote” when it comes to solving mysteries without all the high tech gadgets of CSI.

Among the many books now written about Benjamin Cooker, I especially enjoyed this one, because of the history of Beaujolais and the memories t brought back. I remember very clearly the years when the taste of banana overpowered any other flavor for the Beaujolais nouveau and I stopped enjoying that wine.
The mystery around the wine is good, albeit a bit short. But honestly, the special charm of those books come more from the wine description and the main characters than the murders themselves!
Cooker is like good vine, he gets better as years go by.

Another great read with the Winemaker Detective duo!

Guillaume Périthiard has retired and finds it unbearable. He is an unlikeable businessman wants to transform a winery he has just purchased, and has asked our Winemaker friends Benjamin Cooker and his assistant Virgile Lanssien to kit him out as needed to be a knockout-wine producer in short order. But tempers flare in every direction.

Our friends in the French Wine industry are once again touring a region of France and highlighting the region's culture and viticulture. Alongside them, we learn about Beaujolais countryside food and wines, the continued drive to make the next issue of the Cooker's guide the go-to guide, and the education of erstwhile Virgile, when he can be rescued from his focus on the ladies. Oh, and then there are the murders! Those don't go unsolved, either!

I had no idea there was a series of The Wine Detective. I loved the book. Well written and enjoyed by this Benjamin Cooker virgin. I will definitely search out the previous books, but from what I have read this can be read as a stand alone and not having any previous knowledge of the main character (Benjamin Cooker) before reading Backstabbing in Beaujolais, did not take anything away from the enjoyment of this excellent book.

Backstabbing in Beaujolais turned out to be a well written and thought provoking book on wine making and the wine markets with murders in between. Everything blended well into a well paced, thoughtful plot and enjoying a good wine myself, it allowed me to see beyond the bottles on the shelf into the wine regions of France and beyond. This is a book you can read with a glass of red in a quiet corner and savour both the wine and the book. This book was a true joy to read and my thanks to Netgalley for providing this to me for a review. - Eddy Weatherill

This was one of my favourite in the series. As always, I lost myself in the setting, so beautifully described I could almost pick the grapes myself. The mystery kept me guessing and was not as predictable as others in the series have been. I love how Cooker and Virgile seem to morph into one when it comes to talking of wine, but then there very different lifestyles reveal them to be well-rounded, humorous and engaging personalities. I always look forward to these releases and this one did not disappoint.

Jean-Pierre Alaux and Noël Balen wrote Backstabbing in Beaujolais with several twists that were involved in the play on word Backstabing. There were several red herrings in this book. The first involved Laurent Quilleobaul and the second involved Eric Chavannes.

Benjamin Cooker solved the murder without the police being necessary. This was a nice to read in one go as a murder mystery. I would recommend it to people who want a change of pace.

Book Review Late Harvest Havoc 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, the wine expert, is on a tour of a cathedral in Strasbourg when the tour guide, Jeanne, collapses to the floor. Just moments ago, she was asking him for a date. Benjamin realizes how quick life can change. He and his assistant, Virgile Lanssien, are in Germany to meet with Fritz Loewenberg for a tasting.

When the rear tires on Benjamin’s vintage Mercedes Benz 280SL, the hotel manager lends him the hotel Toyota. In search of vandalized grape vines, Benjamin swears to miss a wild boar and her babies. Unfortunately, he hits a vine stock and snaps it off. He goes in search of the property owner. To his surprise, they were waiting for him at the Deutzler winery. The police thought it was too much of a coincidence that Benjamin was in all the areas that were vandalized.

Benjamin goes on ahead to Germany to meet with Fritz leaving Virglie behind to continue with the investigation. While in Germany, he sees Bernadette. She informs him that Vincent Deutzler, the owner of one of the vandalized vineyards has died. They think the stress was too much and caused a heart attack.

This is the tenth book in the Winemaker Detective series. I really enjoy these books. I learn something in each book. It is amazing that everyone knows of the Cooker Guide for wine. Benjamin and Virgile work tirelessly to solve mysteries and crimes.

Another great wine-infused story from the team at Le French Book, where the translations are pitch perfect and the mysteries are cozy. If you haven't yet sampled any of these books, you are really missing out on some special treats.

I can't seem to put down books with Benjamin and Virgile. This time they stay with Benjamin's friends a Catalan artist and his mystery writer wife. The description of the wine making region of Beaujolais is fascinating as always the investigation and finale is exciting. Wonderful story line and fine characters.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.

Each November, the French Beaujolais winemakers literally roll out their Beaujolais Nouveau in street parties and celebrations throughout France. In November 2015, the Winemaker Detective Series rolled out its new English language edition of Backstabbing in Beaujolais.

“Beaujolais is a lighthearted wine that makes people happy. And what makes people happy is fine with me.”—Benjamin Cooker, the winemaker detective

I was happy to sit down and enjoy Backstabbing in Beaujolais on an otherwise dreary Saturday afternoon. In this novella, our favorite winemaking detective Benjamin Cooker and his assistant Virgile stumble upon murder in the beautiful pink granite terrain of Beaujolais.

Ambitious and stubborn, self-made millionaire Guillaume Périthiard has decided on a second career: to build a Beaujolais empire. After purchasing an old chateau, vineyard, and winery, he hires Cooker & Co. to help him develop the vines and rebuild the winery—in time to produce Beaujolais Nouveau for that year’s Nouveau rollout. After stealing talent from an established Beaujolais vineyard—and a local woman from a local realtor— Périthiard stokes the ire of leading local vineyards.

While Cooker and Virgile search for answers to the resulting murder or two, we get to learn more the important differences in Beaujolais Nouveau, Beaujolais Villages, et Cru Beaujolais, as well as about important marketing concerns in the wine industry—from rapid changes in international tastes to branding for the younger generations.

Anyone with an interest in fine wine, gourmet food, and France will love Alaux and Balen’s Winemaker Detective Series. New to the series? Be sure to read my review of the first three novellas, published together in December 2015 as the Winemaker Detective Omnibus.

This series is a delight with a perfection in blending the location, wine background and characters. This is a fabulous mystery that is well plotted, fun and kept this reader on edge to the end. I highly recommend this series.