Maddie Day's Fatal Attraction: Critique/Contest/Guest Article
In the heart of California wine country, Cece Barton, a widowed single mom and a recent transplant, finds herself embroiled in a murder mystery that threatens to shake the tranquility of her new home. The victim is none other than her ex-husband, electrician Karl Meier, who was found crushed to death in a car accident.
Cece's wine bar, a popular local haunt, has been undergoing repairs, with electrician Karl Meier being hired by Cece for the job. However, the peaceful renovations were disrupted by the tragic incident, leaving Cece alarmed and determined to uncover the truth.
Cece's daughter Zoe, now a mature young woman, is eager for answers about her father's past. Alongside her twin sister Allie, Cece embarks on an investigation to clear the name of their mechanic, Josie, who discovered the body.
The Sonoma County investigators seem to be battling over law enforcement territory, with the investigating sheriff's department detective suspecting Cece's friend Jo of intentionally causing Karl's death. Angry former clients also add to the list of suspects.
As Cece delves deeper into the investigation, she discovers that Karl had acrimonious relationships with the women in his life. Threats against the wine bar further fuel Cece's determination to unravel the mystery.
The book, titled Deadly Crush, is Cece Barton's 35th published mystery. It continues to explore the relationships and bonds between twins, as well as the complexities of human relationships in a food and wine-centric setting. The story is filled with wine tastings, making it an engaging read for those who appreciate a good glass of wine.
The contest for a chance to win a copy of Deadly Crush is now open. Entrants can participate by emailing KRL at [email protected] or commenting on this article. The deadline for entries is January 18, 2025, and the contest is open to U.S. residents only, with entrants needing to be 18 or older.
Customs for ringing in the New Year vary widely across different countries, reflecting unique cultural traditions. For instance, in Mexico, a loud bell is rung 12 times, with each ring accompanied by the eating of a grape and a wish for the coming month. In Spain, people try to eat 12 grapes during the 12 strokes of midnight for good luck. In Japan, the New Year is officially celebrated on January 1, but the Lunar New Year is celebrated only in some Japanese Chinatowns and certain regions.
As Cece Barton starts a new year in California wine country, she finds herself in the midst of a mystery that promises to be as intriguing as the customs she's learning about the world over.
- Cece Barton, who is writing her 35th published mystery, finds her new lifestyle in California wine country intertwined with a murder mystery, similar to how food and drink are intertwined with the setting of her story.
- As she investigates the murder of her ex-husband, Cece spends time reading about home-and-garden renovations, seeking answers about the peaceful renovations of her wine bar that were disrupted by the tragic incident.
- Amidst the shocking revelations about her ex-husband's past and the growing list of suspects, Cece and her daughters follow the breadcrumbs, much like fans follow their favorite celebrities' lives, hoping to uncover the truth and clear the name of their mechanic friend.
