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thephdivabooks's review
4.0
This series is a lot of fun. I’m sure there are others that exist, but this is the only wine themed mystery series I’ve come across and as a wine-lover myself, I enjoy the theme.
Parker and Reid’s relationship is becoming more serious, so much that they are taking a couples weekend with Parker’s brother Liam and his girlfriend Sage to a ski resort in Silver Creek, CO. Though her last name is Valentine, Parker has a lot of sadness and anxiety around the holiday ever since her beloved Aunt Laura passed away. Her aunt always made Valentine’s Day a big deal and Parker—who hasn’t always felt the most supported by her parents—has so many feelings wrapped up around her aunt, the holiday, and her grief.
Before we even get to the mystery, I’ll pause to say that this theme continues throughout the book. Though Liam warns her that Reid is planning something for Valentine’s Day, Parker really beats herself up for not getting him something in return. Perhaps I’m just not a big Valentine’s Day person, but I’ve never felt that grand gestures are needed there. If you’re already spending the day with your partner, should you expect gifts to be involved? Parker and Reid do, and Reid even seems disappointed at first that Parker hasn’t done anything for him. This got a bit shmoopy for me, and was too much of a focus of the book. However, I did understand the complications Parker felt due to her late Aunt Laura’s special connection to the day.
Back to the mystery… Parker uses the opportunity to set up a pitch meeting with the wine director at Silver Creek Lodge to taste her mulled wine, and consider carrying it at the resort. Parker is even more excited when former Olympic skier and owner of the resort, Annemarie Bauer joins for the tasting and wants to put in an order. However, the next day when the two couples hit the ski slopes, Annemarie’s body is discovered partway down one of the runs. The police soon make it clear they are investigating the death as a murder.
Not only does Annemarie’s death put Parker’s deal with the resort in jeopardy, but she also can’t shake the fact that she was one of the closest witnesses who may be able to offer clues to help solve the case. Someone else must know it too, as deadly mishaps begin to occur, threatening to ruin not just the weekend, but potentially Parker’s life!
I’m continuing to really enjoy this series, though I did feel that this book went a little too heavy on the story surrounding Parker’s anxiety around Valentine’s Day and whether she got Reid the perfect gift. This felt a bit superfluous to me, particularly the part around the gift exchange. That said, having read the prior two books, I did really feel for Parker. We saw how her parent’s aren’t very supportive of her, and there is always a distance between them. Parker has her brother Liam, and from this book we learn how special her relationship with her late Aunt Laura was.
The mystery was interesting and engaging. I loved the setting at the ski resort. It felt like my own little getaway, and it was nice to see them out of town for a mystery since the last two have surrounded Parker’s and Reid’s businesses. Lansing does a great job offering plenty of viable suspects. There was a scene towards the end to help unmask the murderer that reminded me of classic mysteries like Nero Wolfe, where the suspects are all invited to dinner or an event and the detective walks through a show of revealing whodunnit.
A fun mystery! I definitely plan to continue to book 4 in the series. As always, I’ll mention that these can be read alone, but I think the character development across the series makes some of the subplots more meaningful, so I recommend reading in order if you are able to. Grab a glass of wine and cozy up with Mulled to Death this winter!
Parker and Reid’s relationship is becoming more serious, so much that they are taking a couples weekend with Parker’s brother Liam and his girlfriend Sage to a ski resort in Silver Creek, CO. Though her last name is Valentine, Parker has a lot of sadness and anxiety around the holiday ever since her beloved Aunt Laura passed away. Her aunt always made Valentine’s Day a big deal and Parker—who hasn’t always felt the most supported by her parents—has so many feelings wrapped up around her aunt, the holiday, and her grief.
Before we even get to the mystery, I’ll pause to say that this theme continues throughout the book. Though Liam warns her that Reid is planning something for Valentine’s Day, Parker really beats herself up for not getting him something in return. Perhaps I’m just not a big Valentine’s Day person, but I’ve never felt that grand gestures are needed there. If you’re already spending the day with your partner, should you expect gifts to be involved? Parker and Reid do, and Reid even seems disappointed at first that Parker hasn’t done anything for him. This got a bit shmoopy for me, and was too much of a focus of the book. However, I did understand the complications Parker felt due to her late Aunt Laura’s special connection to the day.
Back to the mystery… Parker uses the opportunity to set up a pitch meeting with the wine director at Silver Creek Lodge to taste her mulled wine, and consider carrying it at the resort. Parker is even more excited when former Olympic skier and owner of the resort, Annemarie Bauer joins for the tasting and wants to put in an order. However, the next day when the two couples hit the ski slopes, Annemarie’s body is discovered partway down one of the runs. The police soon make it clear they are investigating the death as a murder.
Not only does Annemarie’s death put Parker’s deal with the resort in jeopardy, but she also can’t shake the fact that she was one of the closest witnesses who may be able to offer clues to help solve the case. Someone else must know it too, as deadly mishaps begin to occur, threatening to ruin not just the weekend, but potentially Parker’s life!
I’m continuing to really enjoy this series, though I did feel that this book went a little too heavy on the story surrounding Parker’s anxiety around Valentine’s Day and whether she got Reid the perfect gift. This felt a bit superfluous to me, particularly the part around the gift exchange. That said, having read the prior two books, I did really feel for Parker. We saw how her parent’s aren’t very supportive of her, and there is always a distance between them. Parker has her brother Liam, and from this book we learn how special her relationship with her late Aunt Laura was.
The mystery was interesting and engaging. I loved the setting at the ski resort. It felt like my own little getaway, and it was nice to see them out of town for a mystery since the last two have surrounded Parker’s and Reid’s businesses. Lansing does a great job offering plenty of viable suspects. There was a scene towards the end to help unmask the murderer that reminded me of classic mysteries like Nero Wolfe, where the suspects are all invited to dinner or an event and the detective walks through a show of revealing whodunnit.
A fun mystery! I definitely plan to continue to book 4 in the series. As always, I’ll mention that these can be read alone, but I think the character development across the series makes some of the subplots more meaningful, so I recommend reading in order if you are able to. Grab a glass of wine and cozy up with Mulled to Death this winter!
heatherflower's review
4.0
I never expected to like this book…in fact, I walked straight past it a handful of times assuming it wasn’t for me. In a moment of weakness for a wintery story, I decided to give it a try, and I’m so glad I did!
I’m new to mysteries, and even newer to the cozy mystery sub-genre…but this book got me hooked!
All I wanted to do, from page one to the end, was curl up with this book, a cozy blanket, and my own cup of mulled wine. It was the perfect easy escape, that left me feeling like I’d just had my own little getaway to the ski slopes of Colorado!
I was also glad to discover that while it’s part of a series, it totally worked as a stand alone book if you wanted to jump right in!
I already can’t wait to read the others. This might just be a new favourite series for me!
—A word to the wise: come prepared with a bottle of wine, and clear your schedule, if you’re planning to pick up this book. You’ll be glad you did!
I’m careful with my star ratings…but it deserves all 4 of them. It’s on par with others books I’ve loved this much. I’m as surprised as you are!
…and to top it all off…there are recipes at the end! So YOU can enjoy the pairings along with the prose! It doesn’t get cozier than that!
I’m new to mysteries, and even newer to the cozy mystery sub-genre…but this book got me hooked!
All I wanted to do, from page one to the end, was curl up with this book, a cozy blanket, and my own cup of mulled wine. It was the perfect easy escape, that left me feeling like I’d just had my own little getaway to the ski slopes of Colorado!
I was also glad to discover that while it’s part of a series, it totally worked as a stand alone book if you wanted to jump right in!
I already can’t wait to read the others. This might just be a new favourite series for me!
—A word to the wise: come prepared with a bottle of wine, and clear your schedule, if you’re planning to pick up this book. You’ll be glad you did!
I’m careful with my star ratings…but it deserves all 4 of them. It’s on par with others books I’ve loved this much. I’m as surprised as you are!
…and to top it all off…there are recipes at the end! So YOU can enjoy the pairings along with the prose! It doesn’t get cozier than that!
kimdavishb's review
5.0
MULLED TO DEATH is the third book in the Colorado Wine Mysteries by Kate Lansing. What could be better than a romantic mountain ski resort getaway with lots of mulled wine and delicious food? Not much… but the death of the resort owner puts a damper on the Valentine’s weekend celebration for the protagonist, winery owner Parker Valentine, and her boyfriend, Reid. The author’s strong descriptive voice pulled me in so that I felt the biting chill of the snow, the warmth of the roaring fire, and heard the chattering guests as they enjoyed the delectable dishes from the resort’s chef. Ms. Lansing also weaves in Parker’s winemaking skills and her reflections on wine without detracting from the plot. I enjoyed how she relates the tasting notes of individual wines to what’s happening in the story and how Parker feels about it. It’s obvious the author has done her research on wine and wine making and it adds to the enjoyment of the book. I also enjoyed that Parker’s brother, who is dating Parker’s best friend, are both included in the getaway. I loved the dynamics between the two couples.
The mystery is well-plotted and even though Parker might not have a strong reason for getting involved in the investigation, she manages to find out clues. The action is fast-paced, which kept me turning pages, wondering what would happen next. When Parker’s life is threatened—twice, it only adds to the tension and inspires Parker to pry into the lives of those who surrounded the victim and dig up the secrets they’d been hiding. The reveal came as a complete surprise to me, which adds to the entertainment value! While this is the first in the series I’ve read, it was easily read as a standalone and easy to get to know the characters. I’ll be picking up the other books to catch up with this delightful series.
The mystery is well-plotted and even though Parker might not have a strong reason for getting involved in the investigation, she manages to find out clues. The action is fast-paced, which kept me turning pages, wondering what would happen next. When Parker’s life is threatened—twice, it only adds to the tension and inspires Parker to pry into the lives of those who surrounded the victim and dig up the secrets they’d been hiding. The reveal came as a complete surprise to me, which adds to the entertainment value! While this is the first in the series I’ve read, it was easily read as a standalone and easy to get to know the characters. I’ll be picking up the other books to catch up with this delightful series.
porky's review
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
cherese's review
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
This is book #3 in the Colorado Wine Mystery series, but my first time sipping the wine. Not having background from the earlier books meant it took me a bit to click with the characters initially. But they eventually grew on me as I got further into the story.
That's the hope for cozy mysteries, right? Just a fun, comfy escape that doesn't require too much mental heavy lifting. Throw in some tasty recipes, and even better! Mulled to Death ticked those boxes for me.
It wasn't an instant connection out of the gate. But once I settled into the wine and core cast, I found myself fully engaged in the enjoyable mystery at the heart of this book. The characters turned into the kind of crew I wouldn't mind curling up with again.
All in all, it hit the spot for what I want from a cozy - easygoing entertainment with likable company. I'll definitely be back for more adventures with this wine sleuthing crew. If you're looking for a light, undemanding read with some culinary flair, give this Colorado Wine series a pour.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - ☕️☕️☕️☕️
Let me start by saying I rate my cozy mysteries different than all other genres of books I read. I still use a five star rating system (or with cozies I like to think instead of stars how many cups of coffee/tea.….which is my idea of cozy). The following is how I rate my cozies:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - ☕️☕️☕️☕️
Let me start by saying I rate my cozy mysteries different than all other genres of books I read. I still use a five star rating system (or with cozies I like to think instead of stars how many cups of coffee/tea.….which is my idea of cozy). The following is how I rate my cozies:
1 cup of coffee- did not finish or will not continue on in series.
2 cups of coffee- this book has potential, but on the fence about whether I will read the next book.
3 cups of coffee- good- will definitely continue series, but did have some issues
4 cups of coffee- great- will definitely continue series- minor issues
5 cups of coffee-EXCEPTIONAL!
What I think about when I give my ratings:
1.) They are called cozies for a reason, and that being said I know they are not for everybody. I love them!! Therefore the first thing I think about is how cozy are they? The more cheese the better for me…lol. The horrible puns in the titles…LOVE THEM.
2.) Characters/ and relationships with secondary characters
3.) Setting/theme
4.) The mystery
deanapotter's review
4.0
Mulled to Death is an entertaining and adventurous edition to the Colorado Wine Mystery Series.
Parker is mixing a bit of business and pleasure with Valentine's weekend getaway. Nestled away in the mountains of a beautiful Alpine ski resort Parker and her boyfriend Reid have plans of a romantic time in between hitting the slopes and Parker pitching her wine to the Director of the resort. On what should be a fun day of hitting the slopes Parker comes across the resort owner's body dead on a ski trail. What should’ve been a fun and romantic weekend is thrown into chaos. Not only does Parker find a dead body but little things keep happening that have her looking a bit over her shoulder.
Mulled to Death was fantastic. Each book in the series gets better and better. Parker takes sleuthing to a whole other level. She wants to get to the bottom of it and she goes full tilt. Even if sometimes it’s not the best choice. She’s very passionate about finding out who and why. I love seeing Parker‘s romantic side come out a bit more. As a romance lover I love seeing a bit of romance with my cozy mysteries. As for the mystery part this one is twists and turns and has the reader doing some thinking. I also love how the author is able to incorporate things about wine in just about every aspect of the book that does not involve winemaking. The description of the spices for the mulled wine makes me want to try and make a batch myself.
Kate Lansing’s Mulled to Death is what you want in a cozy mystery.
Parker is mixing a bit of business and pleasure with Valentine's weekend getaway. Nestled away in the mountains of a beautiful Alpine ski resort Parker and her boyfriend Reid have plans of a romantic time in between hitting the slopes and Parker pitching her wine to the Director of the resort. On what should be a fun day of hitting the slopes Parker comes across the resort owner's body dead on a ski trail. What should’ve been a fun and romantic weekend is thrown into chaos. Not only does Parker find a dead body but little things keep happening that have her looking a bit over her shoulder.
Mulled to Death was fantastic. Each book in the series gets better and better. Parker takes sleuthing to a whole other level. She wants to get to the bottom of it and she goes full tilt. Even if sometimes it’s not the best choice. She’s very passionate about finding out who and why. I love seeing Parker‘s romantic side come out a bit more. As a romance lover I love seeing a bit of romance with my cozy mysteries. As for the mystery part this one is twists and turns and has the reader doing some thinking. I also love how the author is able to incorporate things about wine in just about every aspect of the book that does not involve winemaking. The description of the spices for the mulled wine makes me want to try and make a batch myself.
Kate Lansing’s Mulled to Death is what you want in a cozy mystery.
thisandthatwithkaren's review
5.0
"Mulled to Death” by Kate Lansing the 3rd instalment in the “Colorado Wine Mystery” series. I really enjoy this series.
A Valentine's Day getaway is on the rocks when a young winemaker discovers a body at an alpine resort in this delightful cozy mystery.
I found myself engrossed in the story and reading it in a few days. It was entertaining, full of twists and turns as well as a few surprises.
I loved the characters which are well developed, especially Parker she makes a good protagonist. The secondary characters Reid, Sage, and Liam were likeable as well. I can’t wait to see what happens next, as the characters are really growing on me.
I recommend this book to all my cozy lover friends.
I requested and received an advance reader copy of this book from Berkeley Publishing and Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
A Valentine's Day getaway is on the rocks when a young winemaker discovers a body at an alpine resort in this delightful cozy mystery.
I found myself engrossed in the story and reading it in a few days. It was entertaining, full of twists and turns as well as a few surprises.
I loved the characters which are well developed, especially Parker she makes a good protagonist. The secondary characters Reid, Sage, and Liam were likeable as well. I can’t wait to see what happens next, as the characters are really growing on me.
I recommend this book to all my cozy lover friends.
I requested and received an advance reader copy of this book from Berkeley Publishing and Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
peggyemi's review
4.0
Mulled to Death is the third book in the Colorado Wine Mystery series by author Kate Lansing. When I read the first book in the series I was instantly hooked, so when the publisher reached out to me with a widget on NetGalley to read this third book, I jumped at the chance. This was a very enjoyable read. It has a wonderful plot that moves along at a great pace. Parker Valentine is on a romantic Valentine's getaway with her boyfriend, her best friend, and her brother (who is dating the BF). The only problem - Valentine's Day is a sad day for Parker since the death of her aunt Laura, who used to make the day extraordinary for the women in her life. At least Parker thought that was the only problem. She just can't seem to get away from dead bodies, and this trip is no different.
I really enjoy the characters in this book and love the growth that Ms. Lansing has shown over the last three books. These are characters that are relatable and the reader will root for their success, both professionally and with their sleuthing. I like Parker as an amateur sleuth because she is very observant and intuitive. She also is not pushy when she gives help to the police. That said, she does have a strong sense of justice and doesn't always let things go easily, even when it's in her best interest or will keep her safe.
The mystery kept me guessing throughout the entire book and I will admit that the identity of the killer was a total surprise for me. The author provides her reader with clues that are dropped throughout the story and with each new clue it seems Parker finds herself in more trouble. However, in the end, justice and Parker prevail and the killer is caught.
As I said, I really enjoy this series and will continue to read new installments. I voluntarily read a digital advanced reader copy, provided to me by the publisher, Berkley, through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
I really enjoy the characters in this book and love the growth that Ms. Lansing has shown over the last three books. These are characters that are relatable and the reader will root for their success, both professionally and with their sleuthing. I like Parker as an amateur sleuth because she is very observant and intuitive. She also is not pushy when she gives help to the police. That said, she does have a strong sense of justice and doesn't always let things go easily, even when it's in her best interest or will keep her safe.
The mystery kept me guessing throughout the entire book and I will admit that the identity of the killer was a total surprise for me. The author provides her reader with clues that are dropped throughout the story and with each new clue it seems Parker finds herself in more trouble. However, in the end, justice and Parker prevail and the killer is caught.
As I said, I really enjoy this series and will continue to read new installments. I voluntarily read a digital advanced reader copy, provided to me by the publisher, Berkley, through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
reader_cheryl's review
4.0
Publisher’s Summary for Mulled to Death
When Parker Valentine decides to take a weekend getaway with her boyfriend Reid, a ski trip seems like the perfect choice. Between hitting the slopes and persuading the resort’s wine director to sell her mulled wine, Parker is eager to mix business with pleasure. But her plans are muddled when she finds the resort owner’s body on a treacherous portion of ski trail near the resort.
As a result, not only is Parker’s romantic weekend thrown into chaos, but now that the owner has died, her business deal is due for a frosty reception, and her life might be in danger as well. After a series of unfortunate mishaps befall Parker, she realizes that whoever killed the resort owner might want to tie up loose ends. Parker’s going to need all the investigative skills at her disposal to catch a killer before they put her on ice.
Why Did I Like Mulled to Death?
The characters
Parker Valentine, her boyfriend Reid, her brother Liam, and Liam’s girlfriend and Parker’s best friend Sage are spending Valentine’s Day weekend at Silver Creek Lodge in Silver Creek, Colorado.
Parker is the owner of Vino Valentine, a winery in Boulder. Parker is smart, but also still grieving the death of her Aunt Laura. Parker’s aunt always made Valentine’s Day special, and Parker is struggling not with her grief, which is magnified this time of year. Parker has yet to share her grief with Reid and this secret complicates their relationship.
Reid is owner and head chef of Spoons, a popular restaurant in Boulder. He’s always ready to help Parker when their vacation turns into a murder investigation. Their relationship grows throughout the novel. It’s obvious he’s in love with Parker and he shows it by his unwavering support.
Liam Valentine is Parker’s older brother. A budding photographer, he is stubborn when Parker tries to offer him business advice. She can get prickly when he hits home with comments he makes about her sleuthing. But, when it counts, they have each other’s backs. Plus, he’s a Dr. Who fanatic, which makes him a perfect fit for Sage.
Sage is also Parker’s best friend; they were roommates in college. This friendship is apparent throughout the book, as Sage does everything she can to help Parker solve a murder. Parker needs all of them to solve this latest murder.
Even while investigating a murder, this is a group of friends who knows how to have fun.
A strong cast of supporting characters gives the reader plenty of potential suspects to choose from. There are a lot of motives for murder among the employees of Silver Creek Lodge.
Read an excerpt
Publishing information
Berkley Publishing Group
ISBN: ISBN 9780593100226
Author Information
Kate Lansing is an award-winning short-story author. Her work has appeared in the Brave New Girls anthology and the Crossing Colfax anthology. She lives in Denver, Colorado, with her husband, daughter, and a chair-napping tabby named Maple. Learn more online at katelansing.com.
Copy of book provided by #Netgalley
When Parker Valentine decides to take a weekend getaway with her boyfriend Reid, a ski trip seems like the perfect choice. Between hitting the slopes and persuading the resort’s wine director to sell her mulled wine, Parker is eager to mix business with pleasure. But her plans are muddled when she finds the resort owner’s body on a treacherous portion of ski trail near the resort.
As a result, not only is Parker’s romantic weekend thrown into chaos, but now that the owner has died, her business deal is due for a frosty reception, and her life might be in danger as well. After a series of unfortunate mishaps befall Parker, she realizes that whoever killed the resort owner might want to tie up loose ends. Parker’s going to need all the investigative skills at her disposal to catch a killer before they put her on ice.
Why Did I Like Mulled to Death?
The characters
Parker Valentine, her boyfriend Reid, her brother Liam, and Liam’s girlfriend and Parker’s best friend Sage are spending Valentine’s Day weekend at Silver Creek Lodge in Silver Creek, Colorado.
Parker is the owner of Vino Valentine, a winery in Boulder. Parker is smart, but also still grieving the death of her Aunt Laura. Parker’s aunt always made Valentine’s Day special, and Parker is struggling not with her grief, which is magnified this time of year. Parker has yet to share her grief with Reid and this secret complicates their relationship.
Reid is owner and head chef of Spoons, a popular restaurant in Boulder. He’s always ready to help Parker when their vacation turns into a murder investigation. Their relationship grows throughout the novel. It’s obvious he’s in love with Parker and he shows it by his unwavering support.
Liam Valentine is Parker’s older brother. A budding photographer, he is stubborn when Parker tries to offer him business advice. She can get prickly when he hits home with comments he makes about her sleuthing. But, when it counts, they have each other’s backs. Plus, he’s a Dr. Who fanatic, which makes him a perfect fit for Sage.
Sage is also Parker’s best friend; they were roommates in college. This friendship is apparent throughout the book, as Sage does everything she can to help Parker solve a murder. Parker needs all of them to solve this latest murder.
Even while investigating a murder, this is a group of friends who knows how to have fun.
A strong cast of supporting characters gives the reader plenty of potential suspects to choose from. There are a lot of motives for murder among the employees of Silver Creek Lodge.
Read an excerpt
Publishing information
Berkley Publishing Group
ISBN: ISBN 9780593100226
Author Information
Kate Lansing is an award-winning short-story author. Her work has appeared in the Brave New Girls anthology and the Crossing Colfax anthology. She lives in Denver, Colorado, with her husband, daughter, and a chair-napping tabby named Maple. Learn more online at katelansing.com.
Copy of book provided by #Netgalley
megs_s's review against another edition
lighthearted
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5