Wine and Whispers: A Cozy Mystery (Sophie Brooks Mysteries)
Culinary Cozy Mystery
2nd in Series
Setting – California
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Beaches and Trails Publishing (January 11, 2025)
Digital : 170 Pages

Synopsis

In the heart of wine country, secrets run as deep as the vines.

Sophie Brooks, a food blogger and digital nomad, heads to Sonoma’s wine country to explore its famous vineyards. But when a mysterious disappearance shatters the idyllic landscape, Sophie must uncover the truth hidden among the whispers and the wine.

Food blogger and digital nomad Sophie Brooks is on her first stop in Sonoma, California, where the wine flows as freely as the secrets. Eager to showcase the region’s farm-to-table dining scene, Sophie is ready to indulge in the local wines and meet the passionate people behind them. But when one of the vineyard’s owners goes missing, the peaceful countryside takes a dark turn.

As whispers of betrayal and old grudges swirl through the vines, Sophie finds herself caught in the middle of a mystery that threatens to unravel the very fabric of this picturesque wine country. With her sharp instincts and a love for uncovering the truth, Sophie must navigate the delicate balance between tasting fine wines and untangling deadly secrets.

Can she solve the mystery before the whispers turn into something more dangerous?

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Pre-order today! The book releases on 1/11/25

Guest Post

Traveling Through the Pages: Visiting Real-Life Locations from Mystery Books
By Daisy Landish

One of my favorite things about being a writer is the chance to blend reality and imagination. As a mystery lover, there’s something magical about stepping into the real-world locations that inspired the fictional worlds I adore. It’s like solving a puzzle that connects me with the authors and stories I love—a little mystery in itself.

When I visit these places, I can’t help but imagine the characters walking the same streets, sipping tea in the same quaint cafés, or sneaking through the same dark alleys. Today, I’d love to take you on a journey through a few of my favorite destinations that have inspired and been inspired by mystery novels.

Greenway Estate: Agatha Christie’s Haven

No mystery-lover’s travel list is complete without a visit to Agatha Christie’s Greenway Estate in Devon, England. Walking through the lush grounds and peering out at the winding River Dart, it’s easy to see how this serene retreat sparked the imagination of the Queen of Mystery. The house itself feels like stepping into one of her novels—grand yet cozy, with rooms filled with intriguing artifacts.

Greenway featured prominently in Dead Man’s Folly, and as I wandered the grounds, I half-expected Poirot himself to appear, straightening his mustache and commenting on the symmetry of the garden. If you ever make it there, be sure to pause by the boathouse—a charming yet ominous spot that adds a touch of suspense to the otherwise peaceful estate.

Edinburgh: The City of Secrets

Scotland’s capital is a labyrinth of narrow closes, hidden stairways, and cobblestone streets that practically scream “mystery.” It’s no wonder authors like Ian Rankin have used Edinburgh as a backdrop for their novels. Rankin’s Inspector Rebus roams these same streets, often uncovering the city’s darker side.

While exploring Edinburgh, I visited the historic Grassmarket area, known for its haunting history and picturesque charm. At night, the city takes on an even more mysterious vibe, with ghost tours that delve into its chilling past. But what I loved most was wandering down the Royal Mile, ducking into tiny alleyways and imagining all the stories these walls could tell.

The Cotswolds: A Cozy Mystery Come to Life

If you’ve read any cozy mystery set in a charming English village, chances are you’ve pictured something very similar to the Cotswolds. This region’s honey-colored cottages, blooming gardens, and quiet lanes are the perfect setting for a whodunit. Authors like M.C. Beaton, with her Agatha Raisin series, have captured the essence of these idyllic towns while adding a dash of murder and mayhem.

I spent a few days in Bourton-on-the-Water, often called the “Venice of the Cotswolds.” Strolling by the gentle stream and quaint stone bridges, I couldn’t help but imagine Agatha Raisin investigating a scandalous crime in one of the perfectly manicured cottages. It’s the kind of place where every friendly local feels like they could harbor a delicious secret.

Paris: Mystery with a Touch of Elegance

While Paris may not scream “cozy,” it’s impossible to ignore its allure in mysteries like Cara Black’s Aimée Leduc series. Black’s novels weave intrigue into the glamorous streets of the City of Light, and visiting locations like the Marais or Montmartre offers a glimpse into the shadows beneath Paris’s bright exterior.
I visited a tiny café in the Marais, one featured in one of Black’s novels, and I couldn’t resist ordering an espresso and people-watching. I imagined Aimée sitting in the corner, her laptop open, scanning clues while keeping an eye on suspicious characters. Paris may be elegant, but it’s also layered with the kind of secrets that make for a perfect mystery.

Why Travel and Mystery Go Hand in Hand

There’s something inherently mysterious about exploring new places. Whether it’s a grand city like Edinburgh or a hidden village in the Cotswolds, the sense of discovery mirrors the experience of unraveling a mystery. Each twist and turn in an unfamiliar street feels like a clue waiting to be uncovered.

For me, visiting these places has not only deepened my appreciation for the stories I love but also inspired my own writing. Every location has a story, and sometimes, all it takes is a little imagination to uncover it.

About the Author

Daisy Landish is a sweet romance and cozy mystery author, whose clean and sweet stories have tugged at readers’ heartstrings around the world. When she’s not writing love stories, Daisy spends her time reading, hiking at dawn, and riding into the sunset on her horse, Rosebud.

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