From doctor and sommelier Acton Manning comes the story about a brilliant detective caught in a twisted tale of psychological suspense, eerie coincidence, grief, and the path to redemption - in the #1 Amazon Best Selling Wine novel End of the Vine.
Amanda Turner's death is ruled a suicide... Police have closed the case, but San Francisco Detective Daniel Winters disagrees. Dan's rationale is far from conventional: handwoven rope, freshly painted room, and pieces of prosciutto at the scene... all remind him of Friulano, a distinctive Italian white wine. When another death follows, Dan is surprised by the richness of detail and is convinced of foul play. A fatal jump is paired with a distinct sense of place and connects him to the terroir, aromas, and complexity of a sublime Australian Coonawarra Cabernet.
As a young man, Dan was a rising sommelier with a talent for uncovering worlds of context, subtlety, and complexity in a glass of wine. Fast forward fifteen years, he is a legendary detective solving the most complex of mysteries. Dan's little known secret? He literally has a nose for crime. Dan savors the rich, layered sensory experiences that become his leads and evidence.
But can a serial killer craft murders with the same complexity that Dan uses to solve them? Can the will and the senses of victims be manipulated? To prevent the next tragedy, Dan embarks on a journey of a lifetime, through remote terroirs and meandering vineyards to arrive where the story began: a cold, dark cellar where a little boy went mad.
Book Review:
"End of the Vine" by Acton Manning is an intriguing and suspenseful mystery that will keep you guessing. The story follows Detective Daniel Winters, who is not your typical detective. Before becoming a detective, Dan was a talented sommelier, someone who knows wine inside and out. This special skill helps him solve crimes in unique ways.
The book starts with the mysterious death of Amanda Turner, which the police quickly call a suicide. But Dan sees something others don't – clues that remind him of a special Italian white wine called Friulano. Strange details like a handwoven rope, a freshly painted room, and pieces of prosciutto at the scene catch his attention. When another unusual death occurs, Dan becomes certain that a clever killer is at work.
What makes Dan stand out is his extraordinary sense of smell and taste, developed from years of studying wine. He uses these senses to notice details that others miss. As he investigates, Dan travels through beautiful vineyards and wineries, following a trail of clues that leads him back to a dark cellar from his past.
Manning's storytelling is rich and engaging, painting vivid pictures of the wine world while weaving a gripping mystery. The novel is easy to follow and full of interesting details that will appeal to both mystery lovers and wine enthusiasts.
"End of the Vine" is a unique and entertaining read, perfect for anyone who enjoys a good mystery with a twist. It's a fascinating journey through the senses and secrets, leaving you eager to see what Detective Winters uncovers next.
