The Critic: A tantalising cold-case murder mystery (The Enzo Files Book 2)

The author of The Blackhouse and Coffin Road, Enzo Macleod, is handed a new cold case in Gaillac, France. Gil Petty, America's most celebrated wine critic, is found strung up in a vineyard, dressed in the ceremonial robes of the Order of the Divine Bottle, and pickled in wine. Enzo must decode Petty's mysterious reviews to solve the murder and uncover a back-stabbing community in French viticulture.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 400 pages
Publication date: 25 May 2023
Publisher: Quercus Publishing

Enzo Macleod, the acclaimed author of "The Blackhouse" and "Coffin Road," has taken up a new case that has left the forensic sleuth in a state of perplexity. The scene unfolds in the picturesque town of Gaillac, nestled in the south-west region of France. The investigation begins with the discovery of Gil Petty, the esteemed wine critic from America, suspended lifelessly from a vineyard, adorned in the ceremonial robes of the Order of the Divine Bottle, and preserved in a vat of wine. What ensues is an intricate puzzle, with a cryptic code that remains uncracked, leaving Enzo to unravel the secrets hidden within Petty's enigmatic reviews. As Enzo delves deeper into this unsolved murder, he uncovers a treacherous underbelly within the serene world of French viticulture. Rivalry and backstabbing are prevalent, and Enzo soon realizes that he is not the only one seeking answers. A mysterious individual is determined to halt his investigation, even if it means resorting to lethal measures.

Enzo's journey takes him through the winding roads of the French countryside, where he encounters a diverse cast of characters, each with their own motivations and secrets. From the vineyard owners who rely on Petty's influential reviews to maintain their reputation to the local winemakers who fear the consequences of Enzo's findings, the plot thickens with each step. As Enzo digs deeper into the case, he uncovers a web of lies and deceit that spans decades, and he realizes that the true culprit may be closer than he ever imagined.

With his expertise in forensic analysis and his keen intuition, Enzo must navigate through a maze of red herrings and false leads to uncover the truth behind the murder. As he delves deeper into the complex world of wine and the cutthroat industry that surrounds it, Enzo realizes that he is not only fighting for justice but also for his own survival.

In the end, Enzo emerges victorious, having solved the mystery and brought the perpetrator to justice. The case not only sheds light on the dark underbelly of French viticulture but also serves as a reminder of the dangers that lie hidden within the shadows of success. Enzo Macleod's latest adventure is a thrilling and suspenseful tale that will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very last page.

Weight: 276g
Dimension: 128 x 198 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781529431582