A Pairing to Die for: 08/16/21

A Pairing to Die for by Kate Lansing is the second in the Colorado Wine mystery series. Parker Valentine's Boulder based winery is thriving. She's also in a serious relationship with Reid Wallace, the owner and chef at Spoons. It's so serious that she's meeting his family at the restaurant. Unfortunately the night ends badly with the sous chef murdered!

With the setting being a high end restaurant, I'm reminded of the earlier books in the Coffeehouse mysteries by Cleo Coyle where Joy is working her way up through the restaurant industry. In particular, I'm reminded of French Pressed (2008).

Besides the murder investigation, there's also the matter of Reid's horrible family. Here their bad attitude stems from classism. Here I'm reminded of two other mysteries: Mardi Gras Murder by Ellen Byron (2018) and Among the Departed by Vicki Delany (2012).

Parker Valentine continues to explain her life and situation through an extended wine metaphor. These allusions are hit or miss. They might work better with someone who is more of a wine aficionado than I am.

The third book is Mulled to Death which is scheduled for release on October 5th.

Five stars

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