Morgan Kenworthy—a Berkeley student studying abroad and a guest of the de Carduzacs, family friends who have a chateau in St. Émilion in France—uncovers a coup against the government of France. Soon after she arrives, a bombing at the Brassault Aviation plant kills several ministers. The investigation, led by General Tolbert, the head of French intelligence and friend of Joseph de Carduzac, … points to jihadists. However, clues Morgan unearths about Joseph’s past suggest that the two blew up the Greenpeace ship Rainbow Warrior in 1985 and committed other nefarious acts while serving President Mitterand. After another explosion, killing most of the cabinet, Tolbert announces that he is in charge. As General Tolbert suspects she knows about the plots, Morgan’s life and the life of her lover, Alex, Joseph’s stepson, are in danger. Morgan tries to leave Europe for the US but is thwarted, and Alex is captured by the general’s thugs. Now the two must rely on their wits, and their friends, for survival until they can convince the French Government who the real criminals are…
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Morgan Kenworthy, an intrepid Berkeley exchange student studying abroad in France, visits with family friends who are wealthy vintners in Bordeaux. But alarm bells ring when she stumbles upon something strange in a shed on the family’s estate. Shortly thereafter, bodies begin to pile up, those of acquaintances she’s met through the family and perhaps more stunning, of ministers in the French government.
Tatrallyay’s novel is a political thriller that takes you to Bordeaux, Paris, Spain, and New Zealand, treating you to sumptuous meals complemented by the country’s celebrated wines. But you will also accompany Morgan to the private underground prison of the mastermind who dares to overthrow the French government. Hold on firmly as the author methodically develops a plot that will keep you rapt to the very end and leave you wondering at the factions that vie for control of our world today.
In Geza Tatrallyay’s, Rainbow Vintner, political intrigue and terrorism aren’t the only plot driven aspects of the book. Young and beautiful, American exchange student, Morgan Kenworthy, has taken up studies in France, where she forms a keen interest in a family friend’s son, Alex. Her school mate, Claire, Alex’s sister, is her local guide between the de Carduzac’s family estate, school and other social interest. Introducing her to important members of government, associated with the family, and socially challenging professors, with opposing political ideals, Morgan is swept up in the lavish setting of the Bordeaux region.
When Morgan runs across some interesting photos in the de Carduzac’s office, she begins to put together pieces of a puzzle that lead her into a political triangle. Russians, Jihadist, French right wing activist are all a part of a plot that may take down France, Morgan and Alex with it.
I was surprised by the depth of the characters in this international thriller and pleasantly intrigued by such details of upper class living. The descriptions of food, wine and ambiance was delectable. The author had an artful way of divulging information for the reader through dialogue, so you felt like you were a part of the conversation.
With issues that parallel our own daily news, readers will find themselves dissecting the political subject and categorizing their own passions for moral resolution. Vigilante espionage and a surprising ending that I didn’t see coming.
Geza Tatrallyay’s The Rainbow Vintner, takes on the specter of Jihadist terrorist violence in France, with drama, intrigue and passion. When US exchange student Morgan Kenworthy uncovers evidence in a bombing plot that points the finger not at radical Muslims but at right-wing members of the French government, it’s anybody’s guess how events will pan out. Can Morgan and her French lover Alex fend off the criminals on their own? To whom can they turn in these times of crisis? This book will feed not only your curiosity but also your appetite as the characters enjoy sumptuous wine and food with every meal. Liberté, égalité, fraternité.
Morgan is a UC Berkeley student spending her junior year in France where fine wine and scrumptious food are a daily experience. (As an aside, I really enjoyed the descriptions of French dining.) Life is certainly great and interesting and her love life begins to look up. Her only problem is her keen mind and suspicious nature. Little things occur which soon mushroom into a full blown conspiracy theory against some of France’s most prominent citizens. The terrorist bombings are not what they seem, not to Morgan anyway, but who to talk to, and how to convince them lest the republic fall prey to a right wing coup d’etat.
Mr. Tatrallyay has woven here an interesting tail of intrigue, a mixture of mystery and thriller that revolves inexorably around French dining and national landmarks. Morgan is a very likable protagonist – beautiful enough to turn French heads and smart enough to give them headaches.
Highly recommended.