Murder in the Merlot - (Ray Elkins Thrillers) by Aaron Stander (Paperback)

About the Book

Autumn has come to Cedar County. It's harvest time. The trees and vines in the orchards and vineyards are heavy with ripening fruit. However, there is one discordant note in this pastoral splendor, the crumpled body of an international wine maven has been discovered in a steeply terraced vineyard of merlot grapes.

Book Synopsis

Autumn has come to Cedar County. It's harvest time. The trees and vines in the orchards and vineyards are heavy with ripening fruit. For the tourists flocking to the tasting rooms of the region's vineyards, the landscapes and seascapes provide an elaborate tapestry of rich colors and textures.

However, there is one discordant note in this pastoral splendor, the crumpled body of an international wine maven has been discovered in a steeply terraced vineyard of merlot grapes. As Sheriff Ray Elkins quickly discovers, the roots of this crime run from the legendary chateaus of Burgundy to the exclusive watering holes of Chinese billionaires.

Review Quotes

Stander once again demonstrates his deep understanding of the geographic area and total fabric of northern Michigan. And he successfully melds this within a natural ability to tell a good yarn. -I Love a Mystery Newsletter "An honest ear for dialog, a fine eye for the landscape and a storyteller's sense of drama converged when author Aaron Stander wrote this compelling Up North mystery. A satisfying way to spend a winter's weekend with hot cocoa and a blanket." -Traverse, Northern Michigan's Magazine "With a protagonist as deep and textured as Ray Elkins and a backdrop as varied as this resort community, Stander has created a high-quality mystery series. -Foreword Magazine. "Stander has written a solid, entertaining tale."-Lansing State Journal "Stander's Cedar County with its haunting sand dunes, woodlands and Lake Michigan-alternately raging and serene-shape and shade every character on the canvas." -Northern Express "A thriller of the first order. Stander evokes these north woods and Lake Michigan with a poet's eye and the drama of the human heart with a detective's wry, unflinching touch." -New York Times BESTSELLER Doug Stanton "Stander has a keen sense of what it takes to keep readers turning the pages of his books." -Grand Traverse Insider