It’s vintage Poppy McAllister when the gluten-free baker and B&B owner tries to solve a murder at a Cape May winery . . . When Poppy and Aunt Ginny agreed to host a Wine and Cheese Happy Hour for a tour group at their Butterfly House Bed and Breakfast on the Jersey Shore, they never anticipated such a sour bunch. Grumpy guest Vince Baker should be in a better mood—he’s filthy rich and on … better mood—he’s filthy rich and on his honeymoon with his much younger wife Sunny, who seems to dote on him almost as much as her high-spirited teacup Pomeranian, Tammy Faye Baker.
But the honeymoon is over when Vince drops dead the next day touring the Laughing Gull Winery. Turns out he’s been poisoned, and it seems like everybody on the tour is hiding something. Now Poppy has to put her gluten-free baking on the back burner and bottle up her feelings for the two men in her life while she charges after a bitter killer with a lethal case of sour grapes . . .
Includes Seven Recipes from Poppy’s Kitchen!
“Fans of Chopped will have fun juggling the complicated set of suspects and following a romantic triangle that has yet to be resolved.”
—Kirkus Reviews on Restaurant Weeks Are Murder
more
This is book five in this series. Can be read as a standalone but more fun to read them all so you can connect with the characters throughout better. In this one Poppy and her Aunt are doing a wine and cheese tasting for their bed and breakfast crowd when one drops dead from poisoning Poppy has to put aside her own personal life craziness to discover the killer before it is too late. I found this to be a fun read with wonderful characters and a great storyline. I loved the touch of a recipe at the back of the book. Look forward to more from this author
Author Libby Klein offers up her trademark blend of humor mixed in with a murder mystery in this fifth installment of the popular Poppy McAlister Mystery series. Will Poppy choose between her beau’s Gia and Tim in this book? I’m team Gia all the way!
The South Jersey Wine Tour has filled the rooms at Aunt Ginny’s Butterfly Wings Bed & Breakfast with an eclectic cast of guest characters. Figaro, Poppy’s cat, is not happy with the arrival of the tiny teacup Pomeranian one of the visitors brings along. During the wine tour, a guest dies suspiciously but everyone says they saw nothing unusual happen.
Full of laugh-out loud scenes including the crazy antics of Aunt Ginny and her bawdy group of elderly friends! They remind me of watching old ‘I Love Lucy’ re-runs! There are so many conniving characters it’s like a wild goose chase choosing a suspect. The ending is a wily written masterpiece. Say whatttt, Gia?!?
The author also offers several delicious recipes for readers to try at the end of the story.
I honestly reviewed a digital ARC provided by NetGalley and Kensington Publishing. All opinions are my own.
Overall, Wine Tastings Are Murder, book #5 in the Poppy McAllister Mystery series, was as outstanding a cozy mystery as the first four books in the series. Once again, I could not point my finger at the culprit! It felt a little slow at first but even then, Aunt Ginny kept me laughing. Once the action took off, which was soon, it was a typically awesome Poppy McAllister book which says a lot because this series stands head and shoulders above so many of the good light mysteries out today. If the book had been flat except for my time with little Henry that would have made it worth reading. but it was far from flat! Complicated romance situations for both Poppy and Ginny, the “ride and die” fab five, murder, Tim and Gia, not to mention the kind of slightly crazy best friend anyone would wish for, creates a wonderful experience for any reader. In addition the intricately woven murder mystery is likely to keep any reader engrossed and guessing. Libby Klein is a whiz as developing realistic and lovable people and amazing, complex mysteries. It would be a blast to spend time with any of the people in her life. Well, maybe it would be more than a blast to drool over Gia!
I love this series so I was of course delighted to get an ARC via NetGalley. You may be the first to hear about it but you sure won’t be the last!
All of my favorite, zany characters are back for an adventure with guests at the B&B for a wine tour. And if something could go wrong, it will. I love Poppy, Aunt Ginny, the biddies, and of course, Figaro. And he has a nemesis in this one, a miniature Pomeranian names Tammy Faye (Baker). Add this one to your TBR list. It’s funny, smart, and all the twists are great.
Libby Klein stumped me!
The setting was well played with the new areas. You could almost think you were there. I do wish her books had a bit more variety though. She puts really only one new place in each book. That way you get to know the neighborhood more. Give me new stores, new spots, new things, I want more exploration (hence the 4 stars instead of 5).
The dialogue was snappy as usual, with definitely distinct voices and mannerisms. And the laughter caused by the dialogue and actions was superb. I love the sense of humor in the book.
The characters! What can I say about the characters that I haven’t said before. Each one was different, and well fleshed out. The reparte between all of them was fun to read. You had mousy ones, loud ones, funny ones and serious ones. Ones where were all about themselves, and ones who were selfless. The list of suspects were never ending, with plenty of tension going on. Aunt Ginny was up to her old tricks again, but there was one part… I won’t say it, but Libby did not fool me on that. I knew exactly what was going on. The physic was a hoot, with her predictions. She was very vague, but specific at the same time. Aren’t all physics like that though? But my fav? I told Libby I was shocked at the dog being named Tammy Faye Baker. I have been called that so many times I lost count. I wonder if she was thinking of me when she named the dog. But then again, Figaro took it to the next level. Not only has Agent Gibbs from NCIS stolen my signature move, now Figaro steals it? What is up with that! Talk about a laugh and a half!
The pacing and action were great, I did not flip over any paragraphs, and there were plenty of times when I could breathe because of the subplots.
The clues and red herrings were out in plain sight, but hidden so well you didn’t necessarily see them right away. Really tricky, but you won’t be left questioning anything, because when I finished, I said “oh yeah!”. I can tell you I was thinking everyone was the murderer at one point or another because of said clues and herrings, including myself!
And Poppy does make a decision on the boyfriend she needs to be with. It’s about time! Who is it? I won’t tell!
4.5 stars.
This is book 5 in the series and I think I laughed all the way through it. Aunt Ginny and the Biddies are such wonderful characters and when you thunk they can’t be any funnier, they are. Poppy is a great protagonist, she’s sometimes a little naive but perfectly enjoyable. The mystery in this one is fun to solve, the murderer caught me by surprise. I can’t wait for more in this laugh out loud funny series. I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher and I’m voluntarily giving an honest review.
Synopsis:
It’s vintage Poppy McAllister when the gluten-free baker and B&B owner tries to solve a murder at a Cape May winery . . .
When Poppy and Aunt Ginny agreed to host a Wine and Cheese Happy Hour for a tour group at their Butterfly House Bed and Breakfast on the Jersey Shore, they never anticipated such a sour bunch. Grumpy guest Vince Baker should be in a better mood–he’s filthy rich and on his honeymoon with his much younger wife Sunny, who seems to dote on him almost as much as her high-spirited teacup Pomeranian, Tammy Faye Baker.
But the honeymoon is over when Vince drops dead the next day touring the Laughing Gull Winery. Turns out he’s been poisoned, and it seems like everybody on the tour is hiding something. Now Poppy has to put her gluten-free baking on the back burner and bottle up her feelings for the two men in her life while she charges after a bitter killer with a lethal case of sour grapes . . .
Includes Seven Recipes from Poppy’s Kitchen!
“Fans of Chopped will have fun juggling the complicated set of suspects and following a romantic triangle that has yet to be resolved.”
— Kirkus Reviews on Restaurant Weeks Are Murder (Goodreads)
Review:
The characters are well developed and well rounded. Aunt Ginny and her friends are so funny and some of the situations they find themselves in are hilarious. Figaro is up to his old tricks and made me smile. Poppy is still having trouble deciding between two suitors and I think that detracted from my enjoyment of the book a little bit.
The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and these descriptions pulled me into the story from the very beginning. The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read. The mystery was well plotted and not easily solved. There were enough clues to sift through and suspects to consider.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. I cannot wait to read about Figoro’s next shenanigans, and the humans too.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, Kensington Books, and NetGalley, which I greatly appreciate.
Wine Tastings are Murder by Libby Klein is book five in the Poppy McAllister Mystery series. It can be read as a stand alone.
I love this series and book five did not disappoint. Who knew getting involved in a murder investigation could be funny! Then throw in a love triangle. Ms. Klein has another well written Cozy that you can’t put down. She has given plenty suspects. The story has romance and laugh out loud humor. Love of family and friends. Cute, but spoiled pets, and a jaw dropping end. I can’t wait for book six!
I was given an ARC from Kensington via NetGalley for an honest review.
I am really enjoying this series. I love the characters, especially Poppy and Aunt Ginny. There are guests staying at the B & B in this book that are on a Wine Tasting Tour, which brings in several new characters for this book. Also, Aunt Ginny has an Alexa which had me laughing many times throughout the story. The mystery was very interesting trying to figure out how it happened, and why. But equally interesting was that Poppy was trying to make a decision about who she wanted to date, Tim or Gia. I love how Sawyer and Kim were involved in the story, as well as how Aunt Ginny’s friends were included in the story too. The ending of the mystery was well written, but there was a bit of a cliffhanger. I can’t wait to see what happens next.
I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from Kensington Books through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Truly enjoyable cozy mystery starring a wonderful protagonist and a great cast of supporting characters. It’s a witty story with a touch of romance and great friendships.
This is the fifth book in the Poppy McAllister series but the first one that I’ve read. It’s easily read as a standalone but I enjoyed it so much I’m going to read the earlier entries in the series.
Poppy and her Aunt Ginny (her Alexa mishaps are a hoot) have just opened a B&B and their first guests have arrived. Vince and Sunny are part of a wine tasting tour. Vince is a wealthy older gentleman and he is married to a much younger woman. Surprise guests show up-Vinces’s daughter and her husband who have also decided to take part in the tour. They’ve heard that Vince has recently changed his will and are trying to change his mind. Poppy hosts a happy hour for the entire group and we meet the rest of the cast of characters.
The next day, while touring a local winery, Vince dies and while the thought is that he had a heart attack, the police discover he was murdered.
It’s a great mystery with many twists-the young wife, the daughter or son-inlaw, someone else from the tour group etc. You will not solve this one early on.
Highly recommend and look forward to future installments of this series.
I received an ARC but the opinion expressed is my own.
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Poppy McAllister is back along with her Aunt Ginny. Their B&B is open and they are hosting a Wine and Cheese Happy Hour for a tour group. The members of the group are staying at various B&B’s, one couple is even staying at a campground in their RV. Vince and Sunny Baker along with her Pomeranian, Tammy Faye are staying at Poppy’s Butterfly House Bed and Breakfast. They are later joined by Vince’s daughter and her husband when they unexpectedly crash the party and join the tour. They are not happy with Vince’s new wife and make their displeasure clearly known.
The next day the tour group travels to the Laughing Gull Winery. In the middle of the tasting, Vince keels over dead. At first, everyone thinks he had a heart attack but the man was definitely poisoned and everyone in the room becomes a suspect. With one of her guests dead, Poppy adds catch a killer to her long to-do list. Wait! Could the killer be under her roof as well?
OMG! I laughed so hard several times while reading this book, One time I laughed so hard I had tears in my eyes. My funny bone was thoroughly tickled time and again.
Victory emerged from Aunt Ginny’s bedroom at the back of the kitchen wearing a low-cut French maid costume with thigh-high stockings.
Sawyer came in just in time to see me choke on my coffee. “Whoa!” Sawyer giggled and had to cover her mouth. “Oh, Poppy. That is so much better than I imagined.”
Aunt Ginny emerged behind Victory with a genuine feather duster in her hand. “Look it fits her. What? Why are you making that face?”
and
“The Bible says: “With great power comes great responsibility.” Aunt Ginny folded her arms across her chest and tried to stare me down.
“That’s not the Bible. That’s Spider-Man.”
Aunt Ginny narrowed her eyes. “Are you sure? I think it’s in the Bible.”
“Not unless there’s a chapter written by Stan Lee.”
Those are just two of my favorite scenes. There are many more.
Beyond the humor, Ms. Klein serves us such wonderful characters. Libby and her Aunt Ginny are two of my favorite cozy personalities. You never know what is going to come out of Ginny’s mouth or the antics she and her friends are going to get into. Think Golden Girls on steroids!
Poppy is still trying to decide between Gia and Tim while baking for each of their restaurants, running the B&B, trying to keep Ginny in line, and now investigating another murder. She gets stronger in each story. Her sleuthing is improving too.
All the supporting characters are developing nicely. The new characters that are introduced are quite a crew. All seem to be hiding something. They were all very well-crafted. The pet characters are great too! Figuro may have met his match!
The mystery to solve was so much fun with a plethora of twists and turns. To avoid spoilers I won’t say more but the big reveal was epic and a total surprise. I loved it!!
This entire series is fantastic. I anxiously await each new book. Wine Tastings Are Murder is stellar, captivating, hilarious, and a must-read. The ending also sets up a huge cliffhanger! So now I am counting down the days until June 29, 2021. The day Beauty Expos Are Murder hits store shelves! 203 days!
Wine Tastings Are Murder is definitely one of the best books I have read this year and receives my Paradise Rating!
I’m a happy reader when I can spend time with a satisfying mystery that includes great characters, lots of laugh out loud humor, romance and an animal or two. This, the fifth of the Poppy MCallister series, has it all.
Poppy and her Aunt Ginny have their hands full at their B&B, Butterfly House. Their guests are enjoying a wine tasting tour on the South Jersey shore and the B&B puts together a wine and cheese happy hour. Too bad one of the guests, who on the surface should be very happy, is getting the award for Mr. Grumpy. When he drops dead the next day while on a winery tour, it isn’t by natural causes. He has been poisoned. There is a killer in their midst and Poppy, Aunt Ginny and her friends, The Biddies, shift gears and go into investigative mode. The laughs are plentiful and the mystery is well crafted but the characters are the big draw for me. These days I really need lots of laughter and this series delivers. As for the romance – which guy will Poppy pick? I’ll stop so I don’t spoil it for you but it quite the ending. I’m eager for the next in the series, Beauty Expos are Murder, due out June 29, 2021.
My thanks to the publisher, Kensington and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
Libby Klein’s Poppy McCallister Mystery Series is, hands down, probably my favorite cozy series! The author consistently provides a well-written, engaging, and laugh out loud story, and her latest installment, Wine Tastings Are Murder, is everything I’ve come to expect and love in a Poppy book! A wine tour group has checked in at the Butterfly House Bed and Breakfast and (big surprise, lol!), one of the participants is murdered! Poppy and octogenarian Aunt Ginny plus their gang of Cape May Irregulars must work together to solve the crime, and they do so with their usual style! I love this series, and recommend Wine Tastings Are Murder to one and all! A+++
The previous books in the Poppy McAllister Mysteries are full of humor, wit, and intrigue. Wine Tastings Are Murder is no different, making an excellent fifth book in the series! I love Poppy and her Aunt Ginny, and their new B&B by the sea. When one of the guests in their happy hour event winds up dead under suspicious conditions, Poppy can’t help but indulge her curiosity and conduct her own investigation. This story moved at just the right pace, was hard to put down, and kept me guessing til the very end…. all things I enjoy in a great mystery. I recommend this book to anyone who likes a well written story with a realistic protagonist and some hearty chuckles throughout. Can’t wait for the next Poppy book!
I received an advance copy of this book. This review contains my honest thoughts and opinions.
The trifecta of entertainment – a well plotted mystery, humor and uncertain romance. I also liked the colorful characters and the fact that the murder did not occur near the beginning of the book. Thus, I spent the first part of the story trying to decide who was going to be killed and then the rest trying to figure out who was guilty. The cliffhanger at the end was great too.
Thanks to Kensington and NetGalley for an ARC. The opinions expressed are my own.
I can not say this enough how much I LOVE this series! Between all the adventures that Poppy, Aunt Ginny and everyone involved takes. I feel like I’m right there with them, cheering them on or saying what they are doing isn’t such a good idea. – WOW I have so many emotions going on right now. I keep loving every book more than the previous one. I do not want to give too much info because I want you to trust me when I say Libby Klein is a genius and I can not wait for what she has planned for Poppy’s next adventure. Thank you Libby!!
I’ve been reading this series from the beginning and I love the characters. Aunt Ginny is hilarious. The mysteries are well done with plenty of suspects to keep you guessing. In the last few books, however, the love triangle has begun to take over the mystery. I picked up this book and was hoping the relationship issue would be resolved. I was heartened to see that as the book was coming to a close I finally got a resolution to the relationship issue. My relief was short-lived as the author through in a twist that left me very disappointed. I feel like the author has lost the focus on this being a cozy mystery series and this has become more of a romance with a character who happens to solve a mystery. After five books I think I will be reevaluating whether I continue to read the series.
I voluntarily read a digital advanced reader copy provided to me by the publisher, Kensington, through Netgalley. The opinions are my own.
This series always makes me laugh and drooling over the competition for Poppy’s heart by Tim and Gia. I think I have mentioned I am Team Gia all the way, but will he do what it takes to win her heart? We do get to find out at the end of the book which one she chooses, but there is a bit of twist when she informs the lucky guy that he is her love. Let’s just say it was a bit of a jaw-dropper for me but that is all I’m going to say and you will need to read the book to learn who she has chosen.
Aunt Ginny and her gaggle of friends are still a hoot and they discover a new interest….but I’m not telling you what that is either because it is quite comical how Poppy learns of this interest. There are some other antics this gang is up to and I like how everything is drawn out over the length of the book and not all at once. I am still quite surprised by what they can come up with to get into a bit of trouble.
The mystery portion was quite intriguing because quite a few potential murderers are discovered and any one of them could have done it. I enjoyed trying to decipher the clues but in the end, I had no idea who killed Vince. There are some very unlikeable characters, Vince included, and I hope that a certain character gets what is coming to him. No hints so as not to spoil anything.
Overall, I have really loved this series and the author leaves me on the hook breathlessly awaiting the next installment for the answer to the twist regarding Poppy’s love life, a new adventure, and more delicious recipes to try.
We give this book 5 paws up.
A fun cozy mystery full of laughs! Poppy and Aunt Ginny’s B & B is open for business and they have a couple staying with them who are part of a wine tour. Vince and his much younger wife, Sunny, seem to be an odd match. After their arrival, Vince’s daughter and son-in-law show up wanting to stay at the B & B and stating that they’ve joined the wine tour. During the tour of the winery Poppy’s friend, Kim, works at, Vince collapses and dies. It is determined to be murder and Kim begs Poppy to help investigate to clear the winery of any wrong doing. Police officer and Poppy’s nemesis, Amber, asks Poppy if all of the guests participating in the wine tour can stay at the B & B so Poppy can keep her ears open and they can try to find Vince’s killer. Lots of laughs and most of the winery tour guests seem to be keeping a secret or two. I enjoyed watching Poppy and Sawyer team up to investigate. Aunt Ginny was hysterical as usual and her using Alexa was a riot! The new chambermaid that Poppy hired brought along her own entertainment and Figaro and Sunny’s dog seemed to have a bit of a feud going on. Poppy is still trying to decide which guy she wants to be with and finally makes a choice at the end of the book, which brings a new twist. I look forward to seeing more of Aunt Ginny’s antics and hope that Poppy and the guy she chose can work things out, as she chose the guy I wanted her to end up with. Keep the laughs and mystery coming!
Love this series!