A review by ajt87
Blood on the Vine by J.T. Falco

adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious sad tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Blood on the Vine by J.T. Falco is one of those thrillers that pulls you in slowly, but won’t let go once the plot starts cooking! 

This story follows FBI agent Lana Burrell. As a teenager, her best friend Jess was murdered and her father was framed for her murder. She’s left the Napa Valley life behind, but when two women are murdered within a month in the same community, her boss calls her in to lead the investigation. As she returns to the past she’d left behind, she must contend with the police officer who put her father behind bars and the Jess’ family, a center of wealthy wine dynasty. With clues of a shady cult in the middle of wine county and a stalker following her every move, Lana works to solve the murders with mounting fear that she could be the killer’s next victim. 

I wasn’t fully sure what to think of this one as it went on. The plot drew me in quickly, but I thought it lost a little steam in the middle. That ending though does barrel through! I had some suspicions on who the murderer was, though the extent of the deed I couldn’t have guessed! I do think the ending was a bit abrupt. Would have liked to see a bit more to wrap it up. 

I really liked these characters. Lana was a fantastic main character, well developed and sympathetic when she needed to be. The cast of supporting characters are colorful! The doubt is well placed on a lot of these characters which made it exciting. I really loved Essie the best! Her dynamic with Lana was fantastic.  

This one is fun. I definitely suggest checking it out once it comes out! 

Thank you to Crooked Lane Books and Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review. 

Release Date: 4/22/24