Death in the Barrel Room by K. Lee Butler
In the serene heart of North Carolina’s wine country, the charming Gray Estates Winery seems like the perfect escape. But when tragedy strikes on Lydia Hartwell’s first day as the vineyard’s new business manager, the idyllic landscape transforms into a chilling crime scene. Her cousin Meredith is found dead in the barrel room, and the local police dismiss it as a tragic accident.
Retired detective Frank Noir sympathizes with Lydia’s heartbreak and vows to uncover the truth behind the tragedy. As he delves into the winery’s shadowy past, Frank teams up with the spirited Lydia and several quirky regulars at the Oakville Private Library, who each bring their own secrets and insights. Together, they navigate a tangled web of jealousy, betrayal, and long-held grudges that threaten to spill more blood before the last autumn leaf drops.
With the picturesque vineyards as a backdrop, Frank and Lydia find themselves in a thrilling race against time, uncovering hidden motives and shocking revelations. As the danger intensifies, they must confront a cunning killer whose dark agenda knows no bounds.
Join Frank and Lydia in this cozy mystery that blends friendship, intrigue, and a splash of Southern charm. Will they unravel the secrets of Gray Estates before it’s too late? Raise a glass to a tale of suspense and redemption—where every cork popped could reveal a hidden truth.