Jamison Vaughn just died in an accidental car accident, or did he? Lucie Montgomery will not stop until she knows for sure. I had not read any of the previous books in this series, but I was still about to read this book without being totally lost. I am sure I missed some character building and some of the other background nuances that I would have gained from reading the previous books, but I was still able to sense how much she and Quinn mean to each other. I was still able to know that Lucie is headstrong and will not stop until she reaches her goal, even if she put herself in harm's way. Even in book eight, Ms. Cosby still took enough time to explain the relationship of each character to Lucie, how she feels about them, and why. The trauma, from her accident, played a big part in this story. I have to assume it was mentioned previously since it and Greg (the man who caused the accident) have such a big impact on whom she is today and why she is must give Jamie's message to "Rick." Ms. Crosby made sure there was enough explanation about Greg and the accident so the reader is okay not having read the previous books. Not sure if I will go back and read books one-seven. I did enjoy this book, but I do not feel the desire to read those previous. That is partly due to my mistake in reading this book not realizing it was book eight. I would, however, give books nine and so on a go. If you have read the previous eight books, yes, surely keep going. If you have not and are wondering if you should, I do recommend the series. It is a good solid mystery with a plot line I have not encountered before. The vineyard as a backdrop was quite good. I learned quite a bit about winemaking which I found very interesting.

Lucie Montgomery is returning to her home and vineyard in Virginia wine country when she sees a car being driven by Jamie Vaughn speeding the wrong way in her lane. She quickly veers to the road shoulder and hears his car smash into the pillar of the entrance to her vineyard - in the exact spot where she was injured in a car accident driven by her then boyfriend. She rushes to help Jamie - who was depressed after losing a recent presidential election - but he refuses to help her open the car door but asks Lucie to ask Rick to forgive him and she is forced away by her neighbor Mick who has just driven by the scene without learning who Rick was and why Jamie wanted his forgiveness. Lucie believes Jamie has committed suicide and vows to learn who Rick is, and why Jamie would do this. Was it because he was under investigation for campaign finance fraud? Her friends and neighbors all want to consider it an accident but Lucie perseveres until she uncovers the truth. This is a well written mystery with beautifully developed characters, a lovely setting and engrossing plot and enough wine making lore and historical tidbits to make this a superior addition to a wonderful series.