Ripe for Murder (Cypress Cove Mystery #2) by Carlene O'Neil

Do you remember lat year when I told about a fabulous new series at a winery, Cypress Cove Mysteries? I do hope you took my advice and read the first part because part two is available now! I must say, as much as I love part one, Ripe for Murder (Cypress Cove Mystery #2) by Carlene O'Neil was even better.

From the back of the book:

From the author of One Foot in the Grape—a new full-bodied Cypress Cove mystery that is certain to delight, even if one wine lover is about to expire…

Penny Lively loves running her family’s winery, but to keep business growing, she needs to find a way to attract more guests. When she’s approached to invest in a new train line through wine country, Penny and her intoxicating winery manager, Connor, hightail it to a lavish resort to hear the details. Unfortunately, her neighbor’s daughter, Chantal, is also there, swirling up trouble by flirting with the married investors—and with Connor too.

When one of the investors’ wives is murdered, Chantal, who was seen fighting with the woman, is the prime suspect. Chantal may be a sour grape, but she’s no killer. So Penny, who’s become a sleuthing connoisseur, starts sniffing out the real suspect—and discovers that her fellow potential investors have been savoring more than their share of deadly secrets.

My thoughts:

You may recall that I adored the first part in this series so I was very happy to be back with the established characters, going deeper. At the same time, there were some wonderful new characters. The setting was just as rich and immersive as the first part, allowing me again to be totally comfortable in a setting that is foreign to me.

I loved the subtle clues that made this one a fun challenge to figure out. As the mystery unfolds, I like that Penny doesn't just have the answers, or know who to talk to, or where to look. She is real, flawed, and happens into things as a real person might. There were a good amount of suspects and good reasons to consider them. The ending unfolded beautifully with surprises that felt good and satisfying.

You don't need to have read the first part to follow along in this book but I recommend them both. They are both rich and beautifully plotted mysteries.

Take some time to browse the other great mysteries available from Berkley Prime Crime. While you are there, you can sign up for the newsletter so you never miss a new release. I must warn you though, after browsing my wish list is longer than I could probably read. You can also connect with them on Twitter where you can happen across a fun giveaway as well. 

Disclosure: I may receive products in exchange for an honest review. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I personally believe will be good for my readers.