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Vintage Cookbook Mystery #2
Wined and Died in New Orleans
The second in a fantastic new cozy mystery series with a vintage flair from USA Today bestselling and Agatha Award–winning author Ellen Byron.
It’s hurricane season in New Orleans and vintage cookbook fan Ricki James-Diaz is trying to shelve her weather-related fears and focus on her business, Miss Vee’s Vintage Cookbook and Kitchenware Shop, housed in the magnificent Bon Vee Culinary House Museum.
Repairs on the property unearth crates of very old, very valuable French wine, buried by the home’s builder, Jean-Louis Charbonnet. Ricki, who’s been struggling to attract more customers to Miss Vee’s, is thrilled when her post about the discovery of this long-buried treasure goes viral. She’s less thrilled when the post brings distant Charbonnet family members out of the woodwork, all clamoring for a cut of the wine’s sale.
When a dead body turns up in Bon Vee’s cheery fall decorations, the NOPD zeroes in on Eugenia Charbonnet Felice as the prime suspect, figuring that as head of the Charbonnet family, she has the most to gain. Ricki is determined to uncover the real culprit, but she can’t help noticing that Eugenia is acting strangely. Ricki wonders what kind of secret her mentor has bottled up, and fears what might happen if she uncorks it.
In the second Vintage Cookbook Mystery, Ricki has to help solve a murder, untangle family secrets, and grow her business, all while living under the threat of a hurricane that could wipe out everything from her home to Bon Vee.
It’s hurricane season in New Orleans and vintage cookbook fan Ricki James-Diaz is trying to shelve her weather-related fears and focus on her business, Miss Vee’s Vintage Cookbook and Kitchenware Shop, housed in the magnificent Bon Vee Culinary House Museum.
Repairs on the property unearth crates of very old, very valuable French wine, buried by the home’s builder, Jean-Louis Charbonnet. Ricki, who’s been struggling to attract more customers to Miss Vee’s, is thrilled when her post about the discovery of this long-buried treasure goes viral. She’s less thrilled when the post brings distant Charbonnet family members out of the woodwork, all clamoring for a cut of the wine’s sale.
When a dead body turns up in Bon Vee’s cheery fall decorations, the NOPD zeroes in on Eugenia Charbonnet Felice as the prime suspect, figuring that as head of the Charbonnet family, she has the most to gain. Ricki is determined to uncover the real culprit, but she can’t help noticing that Eugenia is acting strangely. Ricki wonders what kind of secret her mentor has bottled up, and fears what might happen if she uncorks it.
In the second Vintage Cookbook Mystery, Ricki has to help solve a murder, untangle family secrets, and grow her business, all while living under the threat of a hurricane that could wipe out everything from her home to Bon Vee.
304 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published February 7, 2023
72 people are currently reading
4,720 people want to read
About the author
Ellen Byron
14Ìýbooks1,543ÌýfollowersEllen is the bestselling, Agatha Award-winning author of the Cajun Country Mysteries, the Vintage Cookbook Mysteries, and the Catering Hall Mystery series, which she writes under the name Maria DiRico.
Ellen is also award-winning playwright, and non-award-winning TV writer of comedies like WINGS, JUST SHOOT ME, and FAIRLY ODD PARENTS. She has written over two hundred articles for national magazines but considers her most impressive credit working as a cater-waiter for Martha Stewart.
She is a lifetime member of the Writers Guild of America.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 171 reviews
February 9, 2023
Ellen Byron’s second book in her Vintage Cookbook cozy mystery series,
Wined and Died in New Orleans
, picks up soon after book one. It features twenty-eight year old widow Ricki James-Diaz. Her husband died doing a stunt and her boss was a criminal (unbeknownst to her) so she decides to move from Los Angeles to New Orleans, the city of her birth.
Ricki has turned her avocation of collecting vintage cookbooks into a job by establishing a gift shop in the late home turned museum of Genevieve (Vee) Charbonnet, who ran one of the city’s finest restaurants before she died. Ricki’s gift shop features vintage cookbooks and kitchenware. When repairs on the property unearth crates of very old and valuable French wine buried by the home’s builder, Jean-Louis Charbonnet, Ricki is initially thrilled when her post about the discovery goes viral. However, when distant Charbonnet family members start arriving demanding a cut of the wine’s sale, the situation rapidly goes downhill.
Ricki is a likeable person that makes friends easily, but she has trust issues due to her backstory. That backstory in book one gives readers insight into Ricki’s thoughts, behaviors, and actions towards others. There are a large number of characters, but there is a character list at the front of the book for reference. Readers will enjoy guessing which characters are dangerous and which are merely quirky.
Diverse characterization deepened the conflict while great world-building details and the internal dialogues pulled this reader into the inner world of the characters. The author captures the characters, as well as the cultural lifestyles and traditions of New Orleans and brings them to life. It was great to see how the dynamic characters responded to events as they unfolded. There was only one action taken near the end of the book that seemed at odds with Ricki’s character.
The well-plotted and beautifully executed story gradually builds momentum until it reaches the astonishing conclusion. There were some twists and turns along the way and one of the threads left open in book one’s epilogue was unraveled. I enjoyed the humor that was interspersed within the novel, as well as admiring how multiple threads were brought together effortlessly. The descriptive narrative transported me to New Orleans. However, the very ending was a little too much “tell� versus “show� for me.
At the end of the book are some recipes from a variety of vintage cookbooks as well as some information about the cookbooks themselves. Themes in the novel include death, theft, family dynamics, friendship, trust, greed, and much more.
Overall, this was an engaging novel with humor, suspense, action, and the possibility of romance. If you enjoy sleuth mysteries, then I recommend that you check out this one. I am looking forward to finding out what happens next in New Orleans and I want to check out this author’s other series.
Berkley Publishing Group and Ellen Byron provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for February 7, 2023. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
-----------------------------------------------
My 4.19 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon.
Ricki has turned her avocation of collecting vintage cookbooks into a job by establishing a gift shop in the late home turned museum of Genevieve (Vee) Charbonnet, who ran one of the city’s finest restaurants before she died. Ricki’s gift shop features vintage cookbooks and kitchenware. When repairs on the property unearth crates of very old and valuable French wine buried by the home’s builder, Jean-Louis Charbonnet, Ricki is initially thrilled when her post about the discovery goes viral. However, when distant Charbonnet family members start arriving demanding a cut of the wine’s sale, the situation rapidly goes downhill.
Ricki is a likeable person that makes friends easily, but she has trust issues due to her backstory. That backstory in book one gives readers insight into Ricki’s thoughts, behaviors, and actions towards others. There are a large number of characters, but there is a character list at the front of the book for reference. Readers will enjoy guessing which characters are dangerous and which are merely quirky.
Diverse characterization deepened the conflict while great world-building details and the internal dialogues pulled this reader into the inner world of the characters. The author captures the characters, as well as the cultural lifestyles and traditions of New Orleans and brings them to life. It was great to see how the dynamic characters responded to events as they unfolded. There was only one action taken near the end of the book that seemed at odds with Ricki’s character.
The well-plotted and beautifully executed story gradually builds momentum until it reaches the astonishing conclusion. There were some twists and turns along the way and one of the threads left open in book one’s epilogue was unraveled. I enjoyed the humor that was interspersed within the novel, as well as admiring how multiple threads were brought together effortlessly. The descriptive narrative transported me to New Orleans. However, the very ending was a little too much “tell� versus “show� for me.
At the end of the book are some recipes from a variety of vintage cookbooks as well as some information about the cookbooks themselves. Themes in the novel include death, theft, family dynamics, friendship, trust, greed, and much more.
Overall, this was an engaging novel with humor, suspense, action, and the possibility of romance. If you enjoy sleuth mysteries, then I recommend that you check out this one. I am looking forward to finding out what happens next in New Orleans and I want to check out this author’s other series.
Berkley Publishing Group and Ellen Byron provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for February 7, 2023. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
-----------------------------------------------
My 4.19 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon.
September 28, 2022
Wined and Died in New Orleans is the sophomore book in the Vintage Cookbook Mysteries written by the accomplished and amazingly cool author, Ellen Byron, a former television comedy writer with a long and thrilling history in Louisiana. I've read and enjoyed the author's other Louisiana-based series, which is truly one of the strongest of the genre, and I also began her latest series (written under a pen name) about a mafia-tangential protagonist based in New York City. I've got strong connections to both locations, so this makes Byron's books always in my top reading list... and now that this new series has us returning to Louisiana, I'm even more excited. From the traditional New Orleans flair and extravagance to the meticulous character development and dialog, readers will thoroughly love this series - one filled with the essence of the Louisiana cuisine, attitude, and larger-than-life characters. Set in a historic home, shop, and museum with a vintage cooking theme, readers meet long-lost relatives of a character we learned a lot about in the previous installment. But these folks are not people you'd want to meet in reality except for a laugh and a shock. When one of them kicks the bucket, you know the book's off to excellent start. And after we learn the true genealogical connections of the entire family, the jaw-dropping plot development pulls out all the surprising stops. Byron never fails to deliver a perfect ending, and I am super grateful for having received an early copy. I can't wait to see what happens in the third of the series next year!
August 15, 2024
Sleazy cousin with a meat mallet in the garden. Wait this isn't a game of Clue, but we sure do have a lot of suspects - pretty much everyone has a reason to hate this guy. And, Ricki's vintage meat mallet from her fall display is the murder weapon and not a few people remarked on how nice it would look upside the victim's head. This is going to be a tough one, because Ricki cares a lot about some of these folks.
For a SoCal girl like Ricki, and me, earthquakes are not that frightening, but hurricanes scare the bejesus out of us. When you throw the discovery of crates of rare wine, a murder at Bon-Vee, and clues to her past, well Ricki James-Diaz has a lot on her plate.
The discovery of crates of rare wine bring hope to the employees of Bon-Vee that needed repairs will finally be made, but the find brings out a lot of less than savory Charbonnet relations seeking to cash in on the find and maybe take over the whole operation of both the Bon Vee Culinary House Museum and the historic restaurant too. Since Ricki has a vested interest as the owner of the Miss Vee's Cookbook and Kitchenware Shop, she is determined that doesn't happen.
When cousin Jean-Louis Charbonnet is found dead, lots of people had good reason to see him gone, permanently. Ricki turns super sleuth to find out who the murderer is in order to save the head of the Charbonnet family, a lady she really likes. Along the way she finds out some very interesting personal information and gets closer to the hot chef she is co-parenting two fur babies with.
For a SoCal girl like Ricki, and me, earthquakes are not that frightening, but hurricanes scare the bejesus out of us. When you throw the discovery of crates of rare wine, a murder at Bon-Vee, and clues to her past, well Ricki James-Diaz has a lot on her plate.
The discovery of crates of rare wine bring hope to the employees of Bon-Vee that needed repairs will finally be made, but the find brings out a lot of less than savory Charbonnet relations seeking to cash in on the find and maybe take over the whole operation of both the Bon Vee Culinary House Museum and the historic restaurant too. Since Ricki has a vested interest as the owner of the Miss Vee's Cookbook and Kitchenware Shop, she is determined that doesn't happen.
When cousin Jean-Louis Charbonnet is found dead, lots of people had good reason to see him gone, permanently. Ricki turns super sleuth to find out who the murderer is in order to save the head of the Charbonnet family, a lady she really likes. Along the way she finds out some very interesting personal information and gets closer to the hot chef she is co-parenting two fur babies with.
February 1, 2023
3.75 Stars
When crates of 19th century French wine are discovered under the Bon Vee Museum, long lost Chardonnet cousins make an unwelcomed visit to New Orleans to stake their claim to the profits. Did greed lead to murder?
Highlights:
� An unexpected culprit.
� Intriguing family secrets!
� New Orleans atmosphere makes a fabulous backdrop for a cozy mystery.
� Many mentions of vintage cookbooks, cookware, and curious recipes, like gelatin and aspic molds.
WINED AND DIED IN NEW ORLEANS is a solid mystery, though Ricki's main goal was cooking up other suspects for the police to focus on instead of her boss, Eugenia. By not reading the first book, I felt like I was missing some backstory details, but not so much that I was lost. There were quite a few viable suspects, and in the end the killer was someone I had not considered. A large, diverse cast of characters and plenty of humor made this a delightful cozy mystery.
Disclosure: I received a digital ARC of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
When crates of 19th century French wine are discovered under the Bon Vee Museum, long lost Chardonnet cousins make an unwelcomed visit to New Orleans to stake their claim to the profits. Did greed lead to murder?
Highlights:
� An unexpected culprit.
� Intriguing family secrets!
� New Orleans atmosphere makes a fabulous backdrop for a cozy mystery.
� Many mentions of vintage cookbooks, cookware, and curious recipes, like gelatin and aspic molds.
WINED AND DIED IN NEW ORLEANS is a solid mystery, though Ricki's main goal was cooking up other suspects for the police to focus on instead of her boss, Eugenia. By not reading the first book, I felt like I was missing some backstory details, but not so much that I was lost. There were quite a few viable suspects, and in the end the killer was someone I had not considered. A large, diverse cast of characters and plenty of humor made this a delightful cozy mystery.
Disclosure: I received a digital ARC of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
November 12, 2022
Everything I love in a cozy mystery is part of WINED AND DINED IN NEW ORLEANS. An amazing cast of characters who I’d love to mingle and chat with enhance the atmospheric setting of the grand old Bon Vee mansion. Great descriptions of the New Orleans area; from the decaying infrastructure, to the threat of hurricanes, the food and drink, and the mix of cultures are here in Ms. Byron’s rich narrative and visuals. Humor abounds throughout the story, and I really enjoyed the laugh-out-loud moments!
Ricki James-Diaz is a delightful protagonist who works hard to stock vintage cookbooks and rare kitchen items in her dream store, Miss Vee’s Vintage Cookbook and Kitchenware Shop in the Bon Vee mansion. Ricki’s joined by Eugenia’s granddaughter, Olivia, who will be interning with them this semester. Olivia turns out to be a social media whiz and extremely helpful to Ricki. I really liked Olivia and hope to see her in future stories. I love Mordant, tour guide and handyman, who’s like a knight in shining armor for Bon Vee. Each returning character is unique in their own way and some I like more than others.
The mystery and double murders in this second novel center around several crates of rare wine Mordant uncovers that were hidden at the mansion years ago by ancestor, Jean-Louis Charbonnet. The wine is appraised and very valuable, and is to be auctioned off. Once OhNo!La breaks the news, Charbonnet relatives start crawling out of the woodwork! From France! From Dallas! From the Panhandle! It’s an amusing Charbonnet reunion with Eugenia secretly checking everyone’s DNA as they all want to claim a portion of the wine sale proceeds. Almost everyone is arguing and fighting with each other—and, of course, someone is murdered. What a suspect list! This story is so much fun and absorbing to read! Around this point, it’s only about 21% into the plot which just gets better, and better, and better!
In the midst of the alleged heirs fighting for their rights to the wine fortune; there is trouble inside the known Charbonnet Family. Brothers, Ralph and Hugo are acting suspicious. Chef Avril and husband, Wilder, are having problems, and Virgil has a new assistant, Carissa, who has taken an instant dislike to Ricki. The humor keeps on flowing!
More and more astounding surprises are revealed as the story moves forward. Could someone on the Bon Vee staff be a killer? You must read the story and see for yourself. All is revealed in the exciting and shocking conclusion to the story. I must say this is my personal favorite cozy mystery of 2022. I’d give it 10 Stars if I could! I highly recommend it to cozy mystery fans. I would read the first book before this one, if possible, to get to know the main characters. The author also treats readers to delicious recipes after the story.
I honestly reviewed an unedited digital arc provided by NetGalley and Berkley Publishers. All opinions are my own.
Ricki James-Diaz is a delightful protagonist who works hard to stock vintage cookbooks and rare kitchen items in her dream store, Miss Vee’s Vintage Cookbook and Kitchenware Shop in the Bon Vee mansion. Ricki’s joined by Eugenia’s granddaughter, Olivia, who will be interning with them this semester. Olivia turns out to be a social media whiz and extremely helpful to Ricki. I really liked Olivia and hope to see her in future stories. I love Mordant, tour guide and handyman, who’s like a knight in shining armor for Bon Vee. Each returning character is unique in their own way and some I like more than others.
The mystery and double murders in this second novel center around several crates of rare wine Mordant uncovers that were hidden at the mansion years ago by ancestor, Jean-Louis Charbonnet. The wine is appraised and very valuable, and is to be auctioned off. Once OhNo!La breaks the news, Charbonnet relatives start crawling out of the woodwork! From France! From Dallas! From the Panhandle! It’s an amusing Charbonnet reunion with Eugenia secretly checking everyone’s DNA as they all want to claim a portion of the wine sale proceeds. Almost everyone is arguing and fighting with each other—and, of course, someone is murdered. What a suspect list! This story is so much fun and absorbing to read! Around this point, it’s only about 21% into the plot which just gets better, and better, and better!
In the midst of the alleged heirs fighting for their rights to the wine fortune; there is trouble inside the known Charbonnet Family. Brothers, Ralph and Hugo are acting suspicious. Chef Avril and husband, Wilder, are having problems, and Virgil has a new assistant, Carissa, who has taken an instant dislike to Ricki. The humor keeps on flowing!
More and more astounding surprises are revealed as the story moves forward. Could someone on the Bon Vee staff be a killer? You must read the story and see for yourself. All is revealed in the exciting and shocking conclusion to the story. I must say this is my personal favorite cozy mystery of 2022. I’d give it 10 Stars if I could! I highly recommend it to cozy mystery fans. I would read the first book before this one, if possible, to get to know the main characters. The author also treats readers to delicious recipes after the story.
I honestly reviewed an unedited digital arc provided by NetGalley and Berkley Publishers. All opinions are my own.
May 14, 2023
The 2nd book in the vintage cookbook cozy mystery series is a page turner! Lots of twists and turns and secrets came out in this book that will leave you anticipating book 3!
Byron has created a great protagonist and her love of New Orleans makes the city feel like a supporting character.
The recipes in this book are unique because they are from collections of old cookbooks....so fun!
I highly recommend this series to any cozy mystery lover!
I received an arc of this book in exchange for a honest review. I would like to thank netgalley, the author Ellen Byron, and the publisher for the opportunity to review this book!
Byron has created a great protagonist and her love of New Orleans makes the city feel like a supporting character.
The recipes in this book are unique because they are from collections of old cookbooks....so fun!
I highly recommend this series to any cozy mystery lover!
I received an arc of this book in exchange for a honest review. I would like to thank netgalley, the author Ellen Byron, and the publisher for the opportunity to review this book!
February 7, 2023
I'm absolutely loving this series and this book might've been better than the first! Poor Eugenia seemed to have relatives coming out from every woodwork wanting to contest Aunt Vee's will. One might be the real deal, but are the others fakes? And one relative wasn't even interested in the will, just having a little shell shock at the moment.
Speaking of relatives (legit ones that is!) I just loved Olivia's character as Eugenia's granddaughter and hope she hangs around for the rest of the series (which I hope is at least as long as Cajun Country was). She's fresh and funny and even taught Ricki and her Grams a thing or two. It's hard to not spill secrets while I gush over loving this book, so I'll just say to let the good times roll and read this awesome book to learn some fun secrets. It's super satisfying when the ones set out to do wrong get what they deserve! In true NOLA style, family and friends celebrated with all their fave foods and drinks.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by Berkley Publishing via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.
Speaking of relatives (legit ones that is!) I just loved Olivia's character as Eugenia's granddaughter and hope she hangs around for the rest of the series (which I hope is at least as long as Cajun Country was). She's fresh and funny and even taught Ricki and her Grams a thing or two. It's hard to not spill secrets while I gush over loving this book, so I'll just say to let the good times roll and read this awesome book to learn some fun secrets. It's super satisfying when the ones set out to do wrong get what they deserve! In true NOLA style, family and friends celebrated with all their fave foods and drinks.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by Berkley Publishing via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.
February 11, 2023
Everything is not as it seems; there are multiple surprise reveals that will keep you glued to the pages.
Having family from south Louisiana, I always love a book with that setting. This is the second in this series set in New Orleans and features a family that some might consider nobility in certain circles of N'awlins.Ìý
In the second installment of this series, cases of rare wine are discovered under Bon Vee, which sets off an influx of "family" that state that they have a claim on the proceeds. Greed has a way of bringing out the worst in people, especially family members. These characters keep Rickie, Eugenia, and the rest of the gang on their toes while they sort through the details.
I loved the book from start to finish. I find Rickie's shop to be quite intriguing. I love to cook and have many cooking gadgets myself, but nothing antique, but I do love roaming through cooking stores and imagine that I could spend hours rummaging through Miss Vee's store.
A new family addition is Olivia. She is Eugenia's granddaughter and something of a typical Gen Z., but that also brings about a multitude of talents that Rickie can use, from posting tips to videos and images. While Olivia might seem a bit surly at times, I grew to love her character and hope we see her more in the future.
I had to chuckle at Carissa, who has the hots for Virgil (but I'm pretty sure he likes Rickie), and her antics. Never come between two people and their dogs! It will never end well for you.
I will not reveal any spoilers, but this is becoming a new favorite from this author. I can't wait to see what happens in the next installment.
We give this book 5 paws up!
Having family from south Louisiana, I always love a book with that setting. This is the second in this series set in New Orleans and features a family that some might consider nobility in certain circles of N'awlins.Ìý
In the second installment of this series, cases of rare wine are discovered under Bon Vee, which sets off an influx of "family" that state that they have a claim on the proceeds. Greed has a way of bringing out the worst in people, especially family members. These characters keep Rickie, Eugenia, and the rest of the gang on their toes while they sort through the details.
I loved the book from start to finish. I find Rickie's shop to be quite intriguing. I love to cook and have many cooking gadgets myself, but nothing antique, but I do love roaming through cooking stores and imagine that I could spend hours rummaging through Miss Vee's store.
A new family addition is Olivia. She is Eugenia's granddaughter and something of a typical Gen Z., but that also brings about a multitude of talents that Rickie can use, from posting tips to videos and images. While Olivia might seem a bit surly at times, I grew to love her character and hope we see her more in the future.
I had to chuckle at Carissa, who has the hots for Virgil (but I'm pretty sure he likes Rickie), and her antics. Never come between two people and their dogs! It will never end well for you.
I will not reveal any spoilers, but this is becoming a new favorite from this author. I can't wait to see what happens in the next installment.
We give this book 5 paws up!
February 25, 2023
The newest addition to the “A Vintage Cookbook Mystery� series, Wined and Died in New Orleans, has added a fun and intriguing aspect to this series. Only the second book, yet the characters feel like old friends. The setting is beautiful, and no matter what type of cozy you enjoy, the combination of Ricki, murder, and bad weather will keep you on the edge of your seat.
When crates of old wine are discovered on the ground of Bon Vee that could be worth a small fortune, greed comes out of the woodwork. It isn’t long before murder follows suit. Just when the investigation gets underway, Ricki, Bon Vee, and everyone in the city is in the path of the worse possible weather. Ricki’s fears are coming to fruition, and she doesn’t have long to figure out who the killer is before it may be too late for all of them.
The suspects are friends and family, but Ricki wonders if there is more to the story than meets the eye. Regardless of the weather, evidence could be washed away in more ways than one, but when she starts asking questions, it isn’t a hurricane Ricki needs to fear. Plenty of twists and turns throughout the story keep readers on their toes. The pace is good without being too fast or slow. The characters make you smile and worry at the same time. Even the killer holds fascination. The unveiling is easy to imagine and makes Ricki and the reader doubt much of what they thought they knew.
Wined and Died in New Orleans< is a crowd-pleaser. Everything about this story keeps the reader invested, from the weather and Ricki’s constant fear of a hurricane to the murder and killer, you won’t be disappointed. This book will keep fans excited and looking forward to the next installment.
When crates of old wine are discovered on the ground of Bon Vee that could be worth a small fortune, greed comes out of the woodwork. It isn’t long before murder follows suit. Just when the investigation gets underway, Ricki, Bon Vee, and everyone in the city is in the path of the worse possible weather. Ricki’s fears are coming to fruition, and she doesn’t have long to figure out who the killer is before it may be too late for all of them.
The suspects are friends and family, but Ricki wonders if there is more to the story than meets the eye. Regardless of the weather, evidence could be washed away in more ways than one, but when she starts asking questions, it isn’t a hurricane Ricki needs to fear. Plenty of twists and turns throughout the story keep readers on their toes. The pace is good without being too fast or slow. The characters make you smile and worry at the same time. Even the killer holds fascination. The unveiling is easy to imagine and makes Ricki and the reader doubt much of what they thought they knew.
Wined and Died in New Orleans< is a crowd-pleaser. Everything about this story keeps the reader invested, from the weather and Ricki’s constant fear of a hurricane to the murder and killer, you won’t be disappointed. This book will keep fans excited and looking forward to the next installment.
February 1, 2023
I didn't enjoy this book as much as the first one, but still love this series and am interested to find out what happens next in Ricki's life. (3.5 stars)
February 18, 2023
Dollycas’s Thoughts
We are back in New Orleans and at Bon Vee Culinary House Museum where Ricki James-Diaz has her Miss Vee’s Vintage Cookbook and Kitchenware Shop, and it is hurricane season. Ricki gets nervous whenever the clouds get dark and rain moves in. These days she tries to keep busy with her shop hoping to be distracted by what is happening outside.
A fabulous distraction takes hold when several cases of old, valuable French wine are found on the premises. Trying to use social media to attract more visitors to the museum Ricki reveals the discovery in a viral post. It does bring in more visitors but it also brings in long-lost relatives of the home’s builder, Jean-Louis Charbonnet, all wanting to reap the rewards the wine will provide. It also attracts a murderer . . . or was the murderer already there?
The police place the head of the Charbonnet family, Eugenia Charbonnet Felice at the top of the suspect list. She definitely is hiding something but Ricki knows she is no killer. Ricki pours herself into proving just that as storms rage and family secrets are revealed. Hold on tight, this could be a doozy.
The incredible quirky cast of characters from Bayou Book Thief is back with gusto. They continue to develop so well. They feel true to real life and at times they are delightfully funny. Ricki is a strong protagonist and a worthy amateur sleuth. In this story, she is given an intern who is fantastic. Olivia is Eugenia’s granddaughter and a sophomore at Tulane. She is totally addicted to her phone and social media but she teaches Ricki a thing or two. She is only supposed to be there for a semester but I hope we see a lot more of her. The other new characters are the Charbonnet “cousins� that seem to have fallen out of the woodwork wearing their greed on their sleeves. They are cleverly created to invoke the mood and emotions the author intended which was no surprise. Ms. Byron excels at character development.
The author takes her readers right to New Orleans, the Bon Vee Culinary House Museum, Miss Vee’s Vintage Cookbook and Kitchenware Shop, and more. From the weather to the grounds, to the street out front, and to each room we visit, her descriptive style is amazing. Vivid pictures formed in my mind. It was almost like watching a movie complete with sound. I have never been to New Orleans but after reading everything this author has written it is on the top of my bucket list of places I want to visit.
I know hurricanes make Ricki nervous but the author has plotted a great tornado twister of a story. The pace is fast and filled with twists and surprises that kept me guessing the entire way. She entwined the main plot with several subplots, and they all come together to what I only can deem as a perfect ending.
I loved every minute of Wined and Died in New Orleans. Surprises and excitement abound within these pages. I totally escaped right into this book.
I highly recommend both books in this series and for maximum enjoyment, they need to be read in order. I have given Wined and Died in New Orleans my highest rating, “A Trip to Paradise�, the first of the year, and a spot on my Best Reads of 2023.
I am really looking forward to the next book in the Vintage Cookbook Mystery Series and my next virtual New Orleans vacation.
We are back in New Orleans and at Bon Vee Culinary House Museum where Ricki James-Diaz has her Miss Vee’s Vintage Cookbook and Kitchenware Shop, and it is hurricane season. Ricki gets nervous whenever the clouds get dark and rain moves in. These days she tries to keep busy with her shop hoping to be distracted by what is happening outside.
A fabulous distraction takes hold when several cases of old, valuable French wine are found on the premises. Trying to use social media to attract more visitors to the museum Ricki reveals the discovery in a viral post. It does bring in more visitors but it also brings in long-lost relatives of the home’s builder, Jean-Louis Charbonnet, all wanting to reap the rewards the wine will provide. It also attracts a murderer . . . or was the murderer already there?
The police place the head of the Charbonnet family, Eugenia Charbonnet Felice at the top of the suspect list. She definitely is hiding something but Ricki knows she is no killer. Ricki pours herself into proving just that as storms rage and family secrets are revealed. Hold on tight, this could be a doozy.
The incredible quirky cast of characters from Bayou Book Thief is back with gusto. They continue to develop so well. They feel true to real life and at times they are delightfully funny. Ricki is a strong protagonist and a worthy amateur sleuth. In this story, she is given an intern who is fantastic. Olivia is Eugenia’s granddaughter and a sophomore at Tulane. She is totally addicted to her phone and social media but she teaches Ricki a thing or two. She is only supposed to be there for a semester but I hope we see a lot more of her. The other new characters are the Charbonnet “cousins� that seem to have fallen out of the woodwork wearing their greed on their sleeves. They are cleverly created to invoke the mood and emotions the author intended which was no surprise. Ms. Byron excels at character development.
The author takes her readers right to New Orleans, the Bon Vee Culinary House Museum, Miss Vee’s Vintage Cookbook and Kitchenware Shop, and more. From the weather to the grounds, to the street out front, and to each room we visit, her descriptive style is amazing. Vivid pictures formed in my mind. It was almost like watching a movie complete with sound. I have never been to New Orleans but after reading everything this author has written it is on the top of my bucket list of places I want to visit.
I know hurricanes make Ricki nervous but the author has plotted a great tornado twister of a story. The pace is fast and filled with twists and surprises that kept me guessing the entire way. She entwined the main plot with several subplots, and they all come together to what I only can deem as a perfect ending.
I loved every minute of Wined and Died in New Orleans. Surprises and excitement abound within these pages. I totally escaped right into this book.
I highly recommend both books in this series and for maximum enjoyment, they need to be read in order. I have given Wined and Died in New Orleans my highest rating, “A Trip to Paradise�, the first of the year, and a spot on my Best Reads of 2023.
I am really looking forward to the next book in the Vintage Cookbook Mystery Series and my next virtual New Orleans vacation.
September 19, 2024
Just as delightful and cosy as the first - but now I feel like I really know these people!
The atmosphere, the plot, and the characters: I like all of them. This is turning into a top-tier cosy mystery series.
I will absolutely return for book 3 - soon.
The atmosphere, the plot, and the characters: I like all of them. This is turning into a top-tier cosy mystery series.
I will absolutely return for book 3 - soon.
September 15, 2022
To be honest, going into this book, I didn’t remember much about the first (I read a lot of cozies� they start to blend). What I do remember was a lot of diverse characters that I didn’t really connect with (despite their unique names) and a crazy cliffhanger ending. The good news- I got satisfaction with both! In book 1, I felt that the secondary characters were not distinct enough for me to remember who was who, but this story gave more focus to each supporting character and allowed them to establish their own personalities. And as for the cliffhanger, it was hinted at early and resolved throughout but left enough open to continue in further books. While I felt the first book struggled to set itself apart from other, similar series, I think the second has come into it’s own.
February 23, 2023
Wined and Died in New Orleans Earns 5/5 Goblets � Engaging & Fun Cozy!
Crates of vintage French wine, potentially priced through the roof, have been found bringing out several interested parties. Ricki, who’ll try anything to boost business for Miss Vee’s Vintage Cookbook and Kitchenware Shop, seizes the opportunity to announce the discovery. So, with so many vying for a swig of the windfall, is it any surprise a dead body is also discovered? The head of the museum, Eugenia Charbonnet Felice, and Ricki’s mentor, is the prime suspect. Ricki is sure she’s innocent and while anticipating the upcoming hurricane, she’s whittling through complex family dynamics, suspicious behaviors, DNA checks, and a new employee. Totally engaging all the way thru to the surprising and satisfying end. But, a murder mystery is only one mystery Ricki is eager to solve. She’s adopted, and although she has a great relationship with her adoptive parents, the identity of her biological family is important. An added and interesting side story to an already engaging series.
Ellen Byron presents a clever mystery for the second book in her series to keep me entertained. She includes vivid, sensory-laden descriptions of New Orleans, witty repartee, and entertaining multi-generational, some quirky, characters, along with several suspect and motive possibilities, a few engaging predicaments, an extra homicide, and a threat of a hurricane to make things more stressful. I am a fan of Ellen’s writing style always well-written, steady paced, funny, and poignant. AND � recipes, too! Byron cites and offers insights for several vintage cookbooks. Focusing on wine these recipes are perfect: Biscuit Tortoni, Curried Chicken, and Barbeque Frankfurters along with an alternate recipe using Ground Turkey or Beef. Try Beer Hush Puppies using your favorite brew. And, sans any alcohol, try this traditional dessert: Brownies.
Disclosure: I received an ARC from Berkeley thru NetGalley. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments.
Crates of vintage French wine, potentially priced through the roof, have been found bringing out several interested parties. Ricki, who’ll try anything to boost business for Miss Vee’s Vintage Cookbook and Kitchenware Shop, seizes the opportunity to announce the discovery. So, with so many vying for a swig of the windfall, is it any surprise a dead body is also discovered? The head of the museum, Eugenia Charbonnet Felice, and Ricki’s mentor, is the prime suspect. Ricki is sure she’s innocent and while anticipating the upcoming hurricane, she’s whittling through complex family dynamics, suspicious behaviors, DNA checks, and a new employee. Totally engaging all the way thru to the surprising and satisfying end. But, a murder mystery is only one mystery Ricki is eager to solve. She’s adopted, and although she has a great relationship with her adoptive parents, the identity of her biological family is important. An added and interesting side story to an already engaging series.
Ellen Byron presents a clever mystery for the second book in her series to keep me entertained. She includes vivid, sensory-laden descriptions of New Orleans, witty repartee, and entertaining multi-generational, some quirky, characters, along with several suspect and motive possibilities, a few engaging predicaments, an extra homicide, and a threat of a hurricane to make things more stressful. I am a fan of Ellen’s writing style always well-written, steady paced, funny, and poignant. AND � recipes, too! Byron cites and offers insights for several vintage cookbooks. Focusing on wine these recipes are perfect: Biscuit Tortoni, Curried Chicken, and Barbeque Frankfurters along with an alternate recipe using Ground Turkey or Beef. Try Beer Hush Puppies using your favorite brew. And, sans any alcohol, try this traditional dessert: Brownies.
Disclosure: I received an ARC from Berkeley thru NetGalley. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments.
March 1, 2023
There was so much going on in this mystery that kept me reading late into the night (I finally had to give up when I kept nodding off and reading the same sentence repeatedly). Ricki and her friends are a delight, all quirky, fun, and perfectly flawed. The discovery of the wine and the threat of a hurricane added to the drama and excitement. I also enjoyed the revelations regarding Ricki’s possible parentage and family connections � this will be drawn out throughout the series but I’m glad that bits and pieces are being doled out as the series continues. And Ricki must be the luckiest thrifter in the world � every time she hits the sales, she finds a bunch of vintage cookbooks for cheap! Looking forward to what she discovers next.
February 3, 2023
"Wined and Died in New Orleans� the 2nd instalment in A Vintage Cookbook Mystery series by Ellen Byron. What a great follow up to book one!
I absolutely loved this story, full of family secrets, vintage wine all while overcoming her fear of hurricanes.
I really like Ricki, Zellah, Lyla, Eugenia and newest employee Victoria. Once again I enjoyed the interaction between Ricki and Detective Rodriguez. The author is great at building a community you become invested in and you want to be apart of it.
The mystery is interesting and well plotted, and had plenty of twists to keep engaged right to the very end. The story moves at a steady pace, and I had a hard time putting it down. I also liked how the author left the ending making us wait in anticipation for book 3.
I highly recommend this book to all my cozy lover friends. I can’t wait for book three!
I requested and received an Advanced Readers Copy from Berkley Publishing and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I absolutely loved this story, full of family secrets, vintage wine all while overcoming her fear of hurricanes.
I really like Ricki, Zellah, Lyla, Eugenia and newest employee Victoria. Once again I enjoyed the interaction between Ricki and Detective Rodriguez. The author is great at building a community you become invested in and you want to be apart of it.
The mystery is interesting and well plotted, and had plenty of twists to keep engaged right to the very end. The story moves at a steady pace, and I had a hard time putting it down. I also liked how the author left the ending making us wait in anticipation for book 3.
I highly recommend this book to all my cozy lover friends. I can’t wait for book three!
I requested and received an Advanced Readers Copy from Berkley Publishing and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 23, 2023
Enjoyed this! Glad it's a series, and will be waiting for the next one.
November 15, 2022
This second in the Vintage Cookbook Mystery series builds on the promise of the debut title , Bayou Book Thief. Ricki's vintage cookbook and kitchenware shop, housed in the Bon Vee Culinary House Museum, is doing well but The museum needs repairs and money is tight. When crates of a very old wine, hidden long ago by the home's builder, Jean-Louis Charbonnet, are discovered under the porch, it seems repair funding has been found. The decision is made to auction off the wine and use the money raised for much needed work. There's lots of excitement when the auction is announced but suddenly long-lost and previously unknown Charbonnets come crawling out of the woodwork - all wanting a cut from the auction proceeds. When one of the claimants is found dead Eugenia Charbonnet Felice, the head of the family becomes a suspect since she has the most to lose and because the murder weapon is found in her office. Ricki and her colleagues and friends pull together to find the killer and clear Eugenia's name. Ricki has her work cut out for her - training a college intern, filming a cooking video and dealing with the constant threat of hurricanes. In the process she learns family secrets - one of which involves her!
This a fast-paced cozy with quirky characters and lots of New Orleans atmosphere both climatic and culinary. Looking forward to the next in the series.
Thanks to NetGalley and Berkley for the opportunity to read this advanced copy.
This a fast-paced cozy with quirky characters and lots of New Orleans atmosphere both climatic and culinary. Looking forward to the next in the series.
Thanks to NetGalley and Berkley for the opportunity to read this advanced copy.
February 23, 2023
This series has really grabbed me. If you love cookbooks, vintage kitchen items, New Orleans and great characters, I strongly recommend this book and this series. Ricki has been through a lot, after the death of her husband, under really unusual circumstances, she has dived head first into a new city, new career and a new circle of friends and colleagues! While making some self discoveries she learns mystery solving may just be one of her talents. When a bunch of Charbonnet relatives show up at the Mansion, after a discovery of some very valuable vintage wine, can Ricki help to figure out what's going on with all these crazy people? You will want to be along for this wild ride!
June 12, 2023
This book was ok. Nothing special or unique, did not stand out. Did not grab my attention.
February 13, 2023
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
If you would like to see other reviews like this one, check out BaronessBookTrove.com.
Wined and Died in New Orleans by Ellen Byron makes Ricki feels like she has opened a can of worms by trying to do some good for the Bon Vee House Museum.
Vintage wine being found and distant cousins coming to town during hurricane season. Will Ricki find the time to ensure her new business is successful?
Ricki James-Diaz is back in a brand-new mystery! It's fall time in good old New Orleans, which is also hurricane season. Ricki is worried about the hurricanes, but more so for her business, as it has been slow. After discovering the wine, she takes it upon herself to post about it on social media after getting the go-ahead from Eugenia that it's okay to do so. Well, that brings about all sorts of drama for the Bon Vee staff. Ricki and the rest of the Bon Vee staff has more things to worry about when another murder happens on the property. Our resident sleuth has taken it upon herself to solve this one because she knows in her gut that it wasn't Eugenia that murdered this guy.
I loved Ricki in this installment, as she's getting used to being in New Orleans. Ricki is coming into her own here in New Orleans, and it's lovely to see.
The Mystery
Nobody at either Bon Vee or Charbonnet liked the murder victim after he inserted himself into everyone's affairs that dealt with the money side of both businesses. The Charbonnet family has many family members coming out of the woodwork to get what's rightfully theirs through the wine auction. I have to say that this mystery was one that I had a hard time following. See, I have to say that I fell for one of the red herrings and hoped it was one of the distant cousins that killed each other. I know, bad me. Everything tied together smoothly once the murderer was found, and I have to say that Ms. Byron led me like a fool to one of her carefully laid-out red herrings.
Five Stars
Wined and Died in New Orleans by Ellen Byron is the next installment in this Vintage Cookbook Mystery series, and I loved every minute of being in New Orleans during the fall season. Granted, we didn't get to celebrate Halloween there, but it was hurricane season. Ms. Byron makes the reader feel like they are in the story with the characters as they go through the case's developments. I am giving Wined and Died in New Orleans by Ellen Byron five stars and recommending it to anyone that loves a great southern cozy culinary mystery set in New Orleans.
Also, don't forget to check out the recipes at the back of the book. We have Biscuit Tortoni, Curried Chicken, Barbeque Frankfurters, Ellen's alternate recipe: Barbeque Ground Turkey (or Beef), Beer Hush Puppies,ÌýandÌýBrownies.
Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of Wined and Died in New Orleans by Ellen Byron.
Until the next time,
Happy Reading!
If you would like to see other reviews like this one, check out BaronessBookTrove.com.
Wined and Died in New Orleans by Ellen Byron makes Ricki feels like she has opened a can of worms by trying to do some good for the Bon Vee House Museum.
Vintage wine being found and distant cousins coming to town during hurricane season. Will Ricki find the time to ensure her new business is successful?
Ricki James-Diaz is back in a brand-new mystery! It's fall time in good old New Orleans, which is also hurricane season. Ricki is worried about the hurricanes, but more so for her business, as it has been slow. After discovering the wine, she takes it upon herself to post about it on social media after getting the go-ahead from Eugenia that it's okay to do so. Well, that brings about all sorts of drama for the Bon Vee staff. Ricki and the rest of the Bon Vee staff has more things to worry about when another murder happens on the property. Our resident sleuth has taken it upon herself to solve this one because she knows in her gut that it wasn't Eugenia that murdered this guy.
I loved Ricki in this installment, as she's getting used to being in New Orleans. Ricki is coming into her own here in New Orleans, and it's lovely to see.
The Mystery
Nobody at either Bon Vee or Charbonnet liked the murder victim after he inserted himself into everyone's affairs that dealt with the money side of both businesses. The Charbonnet family has many family members coming out of the woodwork to get what's rightfully theirs through the wine auction. I have to say that this mystery was one that I had a hard time following. See, I have to say that I fell for one of the red herrings and hoped it was one of the distant cousins that killed each other. I know, bad me. Everything tied together smoothly once the murderer was found, and I have to say that Ms. Byron led me like a fool to one of her carefully laid-out red herrings.
Five Stars
Wined and Died in New Orleans by Ellen Byron is the next installment in this Vintage Cookbook Mystery series, and I loved every minute of being in New Orleans during the fall season. Granted, we didn't get to celebrate Halloween there, but it was hurricane season. Ms. Byron makes the reader feel like they are in the story with the characters as they go through the case's developments. I am giving Wined and Died in New Orleans by Ellen Byron five stars and recommending it to anyone that loves a great southern cozy culinary mystery set in New Orleans.
Also, don't forget to check out the recipes at the back of the book. We have Biscuit Tortoni, Curried Chicken, Barbeque Frankfurters, Ellen's alternate recipe: Barbeque Ground Turkey (or Beef), Beer Hush Puppies,ÌýandÌýBrownies.
Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of Wined and Died in New Orleans by Ellen Byron.
Until the next time,
Happy Reading!
February 12, 2023
4.5 stars
Wined and Died in New Orleans is a delightful follow-up to Ellen Byron’s first book in the Vintage Cookbook Mysteries � Bayou Book Thief. Like its predecessor, this book too is full of vibrant, diverse characters (including the city of New Orleans itself) and a layered mystery that had me thoroughly engaged from beginning to end.
Ricki remains a wonderful protagonist, and I keep rooting for her to succeed professionally and personally (hello, swoony chef neighbor). Her new ‘assistant� Olivia and their interactions (particularly related to social media) provided plenty of opportunity for humor but also a lot of heart. I really enjoyed this addition to the supporting cast around Bon Vee, especially as their closer connection is revealed. Hold on to your hats, though, because a bevy of impossible-to-like distant branches of the Charbonnet line come out of the woodwork after a rare wine find means potentially mega bucks for the family coffers. These tertiary characters have very few, if any, redeeming qualities (they’re not supposed to) but they do provide some extra comic relief as well as additional tension related to the mystery plot � it certainly wouldn’t have been the same without them.
I really enjoyed book one in this series, and there were a couple of subplots that I was eager to see developed further in the next offering. Wined and Died in New Orleans gave me exactly what I was hoping for with regards to those subplots and even teased some more development for them in book 3. I love story arcs that continue across a series, and Ricki’s discoveries/mysteries about her biological family as well as her brewing romance with hottie Virgil keep me solidly invested in the series, apart from the enjoyable characters and solid plots which also keep me coming back for more. I also love her relationship (part antagonist, part friendship) with Detective Nina, and this sentence from Ricki to Nina made me laugh out loud:
“You’re about to get a new suspect, along with a lack of specific proof and a heavy dose of my imagination.�
haha! Isn’t that true of every good cozy amateur sleuth? And that’s why we love them, right?
Bottom Line: Wined and Died in New Orleans by Ellen Byron is a fun way to spend a few hours, wrapped up in the stormy Louisiana setting and a house museum full of endearing characters. Readers will love Ricki from her personality to her vintage cookbooks & accessories, her dogs, and her nearly Luddite approach to social media, not to mention her dogged pursuit of the culprit � or culprits � behind the variety of crimes going on in her purview. The mystery is expertly crafted and full of surprises, so settle in for another great read!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first reviewed at
Wined and Died in New Orleans is a delightful follow-up to Ellen Byron’s first book in the Vintage Cookbook Mysteries � Bayou Book Thief. Like its predecessor, this book too is full of vibrant, diverse characters (including the city of New Orleans itself) and a layered mystery that had me thoroughly engaged from beginning to end.
Ricki remains a wonderful protagonist, and I keep rooting for her to succeed professionally and personally (hello, swoony chef neighbor). Her new ‘assistant� Olivia and their interactions (particularly related to social media) provided plenty of opportunity for humor but also a lot of heart. I really enjoyed this addition to the supporting cast around Bon Vee, especially as their closer connection is revealed. Hold on to your hats, though, because a bevy of impossible-to-like distant branches of the Charbonnet line come out of the woodwork after a rare wine find means potentially mega bucks for the family coffers. These tertiary characters have very few, if any, redeeming qualities (they’re not supposed to) but they do provide some extra comic relief as well as additional tension related to the mystery plot � it certainly wouldn’t have been the same without them.
I really enjoyed book one in this series, and there were a couple of subplots that I was eager to see developed further in the next offering. Wined and Died in New Orleans gave me exactly what I was hoping for with regards to those subplots and even teased some more development for them in book 3. I love story arcs that continue across a series, and Ricki’s discoveries/mysteries about her biological family as well as her brewing romance with hottie Virgil keep me solidly invested in the series, apart from the enjoyable characters and solid plots which also keep me coming back for more. I also love her relationship (part antagonist, part friendship) with Detective Nina, and this sentence from Ricki to Nina made me laugh out loud:
“You’re about to get a new suspect, along with a lack of specific proof and a heavy dose of my imagination.�
haha! Isn’t that true of every good cozy amateur sleuth? And that’s why we love them, right?
Bottom Line: Wined and Died in New Orleans by Ellen Byron is a fun way to spend a few hours, wrapped up in the stormy Louisiana setting and a house museum full of endearing characters. Readers will love Ricki from her personality to her vintage cookbooks & accessories, her dogs, and her nearly Luddite approach to social media, not to mention her dogged pursuit of the culprit � or culprits � behind the variety of crimes going on in her purview. The mystery is expertly crafted and full of surprises, so settle in for another great read!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first reviewed at
February 8, 2023
3.5 Stars
Ricki James-Diaz recently moved back to her hometown of New Orleans after spending several years in Los Angeles. She loves her job running the vintage cookbook and kitchenware gift shop within a historic home and museum. Ricki is getting used to dealing with hurricane warnings and up-and-down sales but still enjoys her job and spending time with her new friends. She and the other employees of MIss Vee’s museum are excited by the discovery of valuable 150-year-old wine discovered in a crawl space of the home, but the added publicity brings long-lost relatives of the family who owns the museum out of the woodwork, as well as a murderer.
This book is the second in the Vintage Cookbook Mystery series. I fell in love with the premise and the setting of this series after reading the first book. I had mixed feelings about the main character, Rikki, who is sometimes wise beyond her years and sometimes very immature, and I felt this way again in this book. This second book works fine as a standalone since plenty of background information is given, but I didn’t enjoy it as much as the first. The setting is still wonderful and the information about vintage cookbooks and gadgets is just as interesting, but unfortunately isn’t as big of a part in this book. Rikki is more likable this time around, but still acts immature much of the time, ironically usually when she’s trying to impress the much older man she is attracted to.
The returning side characters from the first book, who are friends and colleagues of Ricki, are easy to like. However, the plot of this book, which calls into question the inheritance of the museum’s namesake and original owner of the home, Miss Vee, brings in several new characters. They all say they are relatives and make various claims upon the estate. Even with the list of characters at the beginning of the book, I had a hard time keeping everyone straight. One of the new characters that did make an impression on me is Olivia, the college student who is interning at the museum. She and Ricki work well together and I hope they team up again in future books. The moments of humor throughout the story helps to elevate the book. The murder investigation gets complicated, and Ricki needlessly puts herself in danger to try to solve the case. However, the book ends dramatically but positively, and I am curious to know what happens next in Ricki’s life.
~ Christine
Ricki James-Diaz recently moved back to her hometown of New Orleans after spending several years in Los Angeles. She loves her job running the vintage cookbook and kitchenware gift shop within a historic home and museum. Ricki is getting used to dealing with hurricane warnings and up-and-down sales but still enjoys her job and spending time with her new friends. She and the other employees of MIss Vee’s museum are excited by the discovery of valuable 150-year-old wine discovered in a crawl space of the home, but the added publicity brings long-lost relatives of the family who owns the museum out of the woodwork, as well as a murderer.
This book is the second in the Vintage Cookbook Mystery series. I fell in love with the premise and the setting of this series after reading the first book. I had mixed feelings about the main character, Rikki, who is sometimes wise beyond her years and sometimes very immature, and I felt this way again in this book. This second book works fine as a standalone since plenty of background information is given, but I didn’t enjoy it as much as the first. The setting is still wonderful and the information about vintage cookbooks and gadgets is just as interesting, but unfortunately isn’t as big of a part in this book. Rikki is more likable this time around, but still acts immature much of the time, ironically usually when she’s trying to impress the much older man she is attracted to.
The returning side characters from the first book, who are friends and colleagues of Ricki, are easy to like. However, the plot of this book, which calls into question the inheritance of the museum’s namesake and original owner of the home, Miss Vee, brings in several new characters. They all say they are relatives and make various claims upon the estate. Even with the list of characters at the beginning of the book, I had a hard time keeping everyone straight. One of the new characters that did make an impression on me is Olivia, the college student who is interning at the museum. She and Ricki work well together and I hope they team up again in future books. The moments of humor throughout the story helps to elevate the book. The murder investigation gets complicated, and Ricki needlessly puts herself in danger to try to solve the case. However, the book ends dramatically but positively, and I am curious to know what happens next in Ricki’s life.
~ Christine
April 16, 2023
Book 2 in ’s Vintage Cookbook Mystery series, is a solid 4 - 4 1/2 star book! When crates of very old, very valuable wine are discovered at Bon Vee, the Charbonnet cousins start crawling out of the woodwork. The most vocal among them is Jean-Louis Charbonne from France. He’s decided to sue Eugenia Charbonnet Felice for a major stake in Bon Vee, the Charbonne restaurant and the proceeds from the wine auction Eugenia is planning. Other cousins with questionable pasts jump on Jean-Louis’s bandwagon. Jean-Louis is loud, obnoxious and overbearing to everyone he comes in contact with. Then one morning his lifeless body is found outside the Bon Vee mansion. The police have set their sites on Eugenia as their prime suspect. Main character, Ricki James-Diaz cannot let Eugenia be framed. She begins investigating with help from he Bon Vee friends.
There are a couple of subplots running in this book, too. One is regarding Ricki’s love interest and the other is in connection with Ricki’s past. Both are really well integrated and don’t take anything away from the murder plot while moving the overall series forward.
The Bon Vee employees and Ricki’s friends are delightful editions to the cast of characters and I love the scenes with the dogs, Thor and Princess. I can’t wait for to wrie book 3!
There are a couple of subplots running in this book, too. One is regarding Ricki’s love interest and the other is in connection with Ricki’s past. Both are really well integrated and don’t take anything away from the murder plot while moving the overall series forward.
The Bon Vee employees and Ricki’s friends are delightful editions to the cast of characters and I love the scenes with the dogs, Thor and Princess. I can’t wait for to wrie book 3!
February 16, 2023
Ellen Byron's new book (2nd in a new series) is so good and cute.
I will not provide a summary of what the story is about cause the publisher does a much more amazing job than I ever could.... having said that.... I love this author and I love her books....
I did not remember everyone's backstory at first, but I quickly caught on.
What I loved about this story..... Ricki finds out the truth about her heritage. Characters are more fleshed out. Background story on location in NOLA. AND MY NEW FAVE CHARACTER..... Olivia, She is Eugenia's granddaughter and she made the story so much fun.
We have sketchy relatives (and one imposter) crashing Bon Vee, trying to cash in on a historic find of crates of Madeira wine from the 1800s. My least one is Cassidy, who is Virgil's assistant and also a cousin.... I really loved hating on her and I'm glad how it ended.
At first, the story was a little slow, but when it picked up, it picked up causing this reader a late night (thank you Ms. Byron lol). When a body is found on the grounds of Bon Vee, Ms. Eurgenia is the main suspect. Ricki and company gather to help clear the Charbonnet's matriarch name and catch the killer.
I loved the red herrings (you never know who the culprit is until the end), and I loved how the friends came together to help solve the murder.
This is the kind of series, you want the author to keep pushing out - they are enjoyable. The same thing happened to me with her other series - I just devoured them all quicky... Ms. Byron is a great cozy author.
I will not provide a summary of what the story is about cause the publisher does a much more amazing job than I ever could.... having said that.... I love this author and I love her books....
I did not remember everyone's backstory at first, but I quickly caught on.
What I loved about this story..... Ricki finds out the truth about her heritage. Characters are more fleshed out. Background story on location in NOLA. AND MY NEW FAVE CHARACTER..... Olivia, She is Eugenia's granddaughter and she made the story so much fun.
We have sketchy relatives (and one imposter) crashing Bon Vee, trying to cash in on a historic find of crates of Madeira wine from the 1800s. My least one is Cassidy, who is Virgil's assistant and also a cousin.... I really loved hating on her and I'm glad how it ended.
At first, the story was a little slow, but when it picked up, it picked up causing this reader a late night (thank you Ms. Byron lol). When a body is found on the grounds of Bon Vee, Ms. Eurgenia is the main suspect. Ricki and company gather to help clear the Charbonnet's matriarch name and catch the killer.
I loved the red herrings (you never know who the culprit is until the end), and I loved how the friends came together to help solve the murder.
This is the kind of series, you want the author to keep pushing out - they are enjoyable. The same thing happened to me with her other series - I just devoured them all quicky... Ms. Byron is a great cozy author.
February 9, 2023
Being from New Orleans, I have to say I love the setting. The story line in this one was very compelling as I always enjoy mysteries within mysteries. The character development is strong. I love the personalities of the cast and the new members introduced.
Ellen does a fantastic job capturing the vibe of both the city and the people. I had to laugh a bit. Some not familiar with hurricanes and hurricane season may not have understood the significance of the named storms. If the storm names are at the end of the alphabet, it's been a rough year for sure (which actually happened when we went in the Greek alphabet a few years ago).. Ricki putting masking tape on the windows was a blast from the past. My entire childhood, I had no idea what else it was used for, I kind of still don't lol.
Such a great book and series and I cannot wait to continue the journey.
Ellen does a fantastic job capturing the vibe of both the city and the people. I had to laugh a bit. Some not familiar with hurricanes and hurricane season may not have understood the significance of the named storms. If the storm names are at the end of the alphabet, it's been a rough year for sure (which actually happened when we went in the Greek alphabet a few years ago).. Ricki putting masking tape on the windows was a blast from the past. My entire childhood, I had no idea what else it was used for, I kind of still don't lol.
Such a great book and series and I cannot wait to continue the journey.
March 10, 2023
The story is set in New Orleans during an active storm season. The main character,Ricki, finds out she is a member of the famous Charbonnet family. The family discovers a long lost treasure of wine from 1853 which leads to murder and family discord. The book was an easy read and includes recipes.
March 25, 2023
2023 bk 102. An enjoyable mystery centered around a treasure trove of old wine, greedy relatives, and a murder. Ricki just wants to run her vintage cookbook store at the historic home, but when murder comes in, her ability to snoop out clues kicks in. Along the way she discovers the ugly side of family ties, some truths about herself, and conquers (mostly) her fear of hurricanes. Well done.
April 6, 2025
So we all guessed who she might be related to? I did not guess the murderer but I guessed that much
March 8, 2023
Very entertaining book! I love all the characters and family connections. Very excited for the next book!
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