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Treachery in Bordeaux (The Winemaker Detective Series)
by Jean-Pierre Alaux, Noël Balen
Kindle Edition : 0 pages
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Introduction
"I love good mysteries. I love good wine. So imagine my joy at finding a great mystery about wine, and winemaking, and the whole culture of that fascinating world. And then I find it's the first of a series. I can see myself enjoying many a bottle of wine while enjoying the adventures of Benjamin Cooker in this terrific new series."--William Martin, New York Times bestselling author of Back Bay and The Lincoln Letter
The series is being adapted to television in France. This first book aired in February 2012 as Mission à Pessac.
Benjamin Cooker is a renowned winemaker and critic turned gentleman detective who sets out to find who is trying to take down the prestigious grand cru Moniales Haut-Brion. Is it negligence or sabotage? Who would want to target this esteemed vintner? Cooker and his assistant Virgile Lanssien search the city and the vineyards for answers, giving readers and inside view of this famous wine region. Treachery in Bordeaux is the first of the 20-book Winemaker Detective series that delves into the underworld of a global luxury industry.
"Treachery in Bordeaux is a fine vintage forged by the pens of two very different varietals. It is best consumed slightly chilled, and never alone. You will be intrigued by its mystery, and surprised by its finish, and it will stay with you for a very long time."--Peter May, Prize-winning, international bestselling author
"An excellent mystery series in which you eat, drink and discuss wine as much as you do murders."--Bernard Frank, Le Nouvel Observateur
"Benjamin Cooker uses his composure, erudition and intuition to solve heady crimes that take place in the exclusive--and realistic--world of grand cru wines."--Jean-Claude Raspiengeas, La Croix
"This is an excellent translation. You never have the feeling you are reading a translated text. The author obviously knows Bordeaux extremely well, and he knows quite a bit about oenology. The book should be a hit with lovers of Bordeaux wine."--Tom Fiorini, The Vine Route
Excerpt
“It leaves a very smooth sensation in the mouth,” Virgile continued. “And yet it has a kind of grainy texture.”“Very perceptive. That is typical of Haut-Brion. It is both strong and silky. And what else?”
“It’s fruity, wild fruits, with hints of berries, blackberries and black currant fruit.”
“True enough,” Benjamin said. “You can taste cherry pits later on, don’t you think?”
“I didn’t notice, but now that you mention it.”
“Beware of what people say. Some may not find that hint of cherry pits, and they wouldn’t be wrong.”
... view entire excerpt...
Discussion Questions
What are some classic images you have of French wine country, and how do they compare to what you read in the book?How does the confrontation of past and future play out in the book?
Cook and Lanssien represent two generations. Explore their relationship and the parallels with the plot.
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