Secrets can be deadly. When the owner of a local bar is found dead in his home after eating at her best friend's husband's restaurant, veterinarian Rylie Sunderland is determined to uncover the truth to save her friend in this intriguing small town cozy mystery.
This suspenseful cozy mystery is perfect for fans of Kate Carlisle, Ellie Alexander, and Lauren Elliott.
Rylie's thrilled when she gets a long-term locum veterinarian job in the beautiful Napa Valley wine country where her best friend Sophie lives, and she's looking forward to enjoying the area and spending time with Sophie and Sophie's husband, Lucien.
That is until the owner of a local bar is found dead in his home after having eaten at Lucien's restaurant during the Chamber of Commerce awards dinner.
Evidence piles up against Lucien, but Rylie is certain he's innocent. She feels compelled to do whatever she can to help clear Lucien of suspicion.
When Rylie meets Alex, the handsome son of the man who died after eating in Lucien's restaurant, they can't deny their attraction to each other. And they're both motivated to find out who killed Alex's father. Alex believes Lucien's innocent. And he has some ideas of his own as to who may have had motive to kill his father.
Rylie goes to the detective in charge of the case with each new piece of information she finds that she thinks could be relevant to the murder investigation. But the detective seems laser focused on the mounting evidence against Lucien and doesn't seem swayed by any of the information Rylie brings him.
The pressure increases as Rylie's best friend Sophie struggles to deal with the stress of the investigation involving her husband. Will the secrets of the past prevent the truth from being revealed?
Vengeance in the Vines is the second book in the Rylie Sunderland cozy mystery series featuring Rylie, a 32-year-old female veterinarian, and her loving golden retriever Bella.
You'll find an eclectic mix of characters in the charming real-life small town of St. Helena, California, in the beautiful Napa Valley wine country, a hint of romance for Rylie, a golden retriever with plenty of personality, and a mystery that will keep you guessing until the end. If you love intriguing cozy mysteries full of twists and turns, you'll love this series.
Each book in the series may be read as a stand-alone, but they're more enjoyable when read in order.