When world-renowned grape and fungus expert Professor Vincent Forland is decapitated in Crozet, Virginia, it looks like a political killing. Forland had recently lectured on how distilled fungus plays a critical role in chemical warfare. But then another headless body turns up, and the residents of Crozet wonder who will be next.
©2006 American Artists, Inc.; (P)2006 Recorded Book, LLC
"This venerable mystery series has been on a good run of late. Brown does everything right here, from creating a suspenseful plot to introducing readers to Virginia vineyards and the art of winemaking....Wine fanciers or not, readers will happily toast the animal-loving author for creating this robust and flavorful tale." (Booklist)
"A captivating look at grape growing and the passionate dedication it requires." (Publishers Weekly)
"Tedious"
The story and the plot were mildly entertaining, but there were far too many minor characters with little to add to the story, making it difficult to know which characters to remember and which to forget. There were a couple of fist fights which seemed to be added in for no particular reason. This is one book which would work well as an abridged audiobook.
"Toady"
Rita Mae Brown appears to be totally obsessed with garnering favor from Patricia Kluge, a real person of social consequence and considerable wealth in Albemarle County, rather than writing a clever, well plotted mystery. To fans of her other Sneaky Pie mysteries this one will be a real disappointment. It is dreadful. Ms. Brown appears to have forsaken her considerable talents to social climbing.
"Going downhill"
I have been reading the Sneaky Pie Brown series for about 13 years now off and on and I have to say that the plot lines are getting thinner and thinner. I used to read them for a good mystery and to find out what was happening to my favorite characters. The storyline used to keep me on the edge of my seat, but now I just get them to find out about the main characters. The mystery is almost nonexistant. I felt no suspense whatsoever until the last couple of chapters and then I thought the killer's motives were lame and unconvincing. I am now wondering if I will go on with the series at all. If Ms. Brown wished to change the course of the series to a purely interpersonal novel, then she has many places she could go, but as far as mysteries go, she has hit a dead end.
"Sour Puss Review Rita Mae Brown and Sneaky Pie"
I just love Rita Mae Brown's Sneaky Pie series - haven't read her other books though.
This was another good one by Rita Mae! Very interesting, easy listening, and very enjoyable mystery where the animals solve it, but make it look like the people did.
I enoyed it!