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camartin1015's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
I really enjoyed this book, as we see Bruno investigating suspicious deaths related to the potential city-government facilitated sale of value wine country land below its market value. I started this as soon as I finished Bruno, Chief of Police, and appreciated being thrust back into the setting, picking up in the fall after Bruno and Isabelle's intense summer romance that ends when she goes to Paris for her new position . Some parts of the plot were a surprise to me as we see Bruno interact with many outsiders who are interested in investing in the area. His commitments to his mayor and his community are tested, and the plot (neatly) resolves in a way that allows him to fulfill both.
Content Warnings
Minor: Sexual content, Death, and Fire/Fire injury
meganpbennett's review
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
The Dark Vineyard sees Bruno dealing with some very odd things. First, a GMO research station (one that didn't have the proper permits in the first place) burns. And then a rich American winemaker shows up, trying to buy land as part of their expansion project (Bruno does not approve). Lastly, as expected, someone turns up dead, followed almost immediately by the second, and Bruno learns the hard way that wine vats can be deadly. The case involves figuring out it if it was murder, natural causes, or an accident. There's a family feud, a love-triangle, protests, and industrial espionage to round out the investigation.
While the murder and arson investigations are interesting, the best parts of the book is the description of the food and drink, and town life in a small village in France.
While the murder and arson investigations are interesting, the best parts of the book is the description of the food and drink, and town life in a small village in France.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcohol, Fire/Fire injury, and Animal death
Moderate: Terminal illness, Stalking, Death, Vomit, Drug use, and Cancer
Minor: Sexual harassment
purplepenning's review against another edition
mysterious
medium-paced
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcohol
Moderate: Animal death, Vomit, Death, and Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Blood, Sexual harassment, Violence, Cultural appropriation, Stalking, Drug use, Sexism, and Terminal illness
General tone and character comments objectifying women
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