More adult than the average beach cozy, but still enjoyable.

Lucie Montgomery is having a stressful time: she’s getting married in a week and some of the new, pricy grapevines are dying when one of the people associated with the new grapevines is killed. There’s a question of her groom being involved in the death. As she tries to investigate the killing, there’s a huge storm that blows through knocking out power.

More adult in that the story was a little gritter than the typical fluffy cozy, and there was lots of wine (perhaps obviously, as there’s a vineyard involved). Overall, fairly typical, although highly entertaining. I thought the storm added a nice level of tension.

Recommended.I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley.com and voluntarily chose to review.

Lucie and Quinn are only days away from the wedding day and even though they are both excited for the event, their feelings as winemakers are worried because of the problems they are having with vines that were only planted a few years ago. Not getting any assistance from the nursery that supplied the vines, as well as comparing notes with other growers with similar issues. Trying to stay positive Lucie meets her friend, Kit, and they together discover the body of one of the leading members of the nursery team who had made an appointment to meet with Quinn. As if things weren't bad enough, wedding plans take a decided turn for the worse when a derecho storm slams through the area. Not only are vines impacted, the wedding venue is destroyed, there is no power or phones, roads are blocked and emergency services are strained.

Getting to the bottom of the murder as well as salvaging her wedding are Lucie's top priorities.

I truly enjoy reading the adventures that happen at the Montgomery Winery and thoroughly thrilled at this story. The characters are great and the mysteries top notch

Great page turner in a great setting! I hadn't read the previous book, but it didn't impact my enjoyment. Really enjoyed this one. Thanks to NetGalley for a copy of this book!

The characters in this series have become old friends by now, and I thoroughly enjoyed this
installment. Thanks for the opportunity to preview the title!

If it wasn’t for the fact I have made it thus far in the series -- I may have given up. The first twenty percent of the book is a history lesson on the area, a wine-making dissertation, and a deep dive on root goo. Except for the root disease, this has been covered in practically all previous books and feels like filler. I had started scanning until something piqued my interest.

Forty percent into the book, Lucie Montgomery, amateur sleuth, finally has something to investigate. With her soon-to-be husband considered a suspect, Lucy has no other choice than to dive headfirst into questioning her likely suspects, but then again, I wonder if she would have bothered with a wedding to plan and failing vines.

Three-quarters through the book, Ellen Crosby decides to slot the pieces together and gets back to the mystery part of the book; instead of the repetition of climate change, root goo, and a great deal of background noise.

At least Thelma and her word usage were entertaining. In the future, Ellen Crosby needs to decide what story she wants to tell since this mash-up seemed to have been chaotic and off-putting.

A compelling, gripping, and highly entertaining mystery that I read as fast as I could. It's been some times since last I read a book in this series and I was glad to catch up with the characters.
The solid mystery is full of twists and kept me guessing.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

This mystery series is set in Virginia wine country, featuring vineyard owner Lucie Montgomery and her fiance winemaker Quinn Santori. Their wedding is set to take place in a week in the gardens at the vineyard, when it is threatened with derailment by two catastrophes: the murder of a young wine industry consultant, and a natural disaster-- a violent storm (a derecho) which causes extensive damage and power outages all over the area.

Things have been uneasy in wine country since there is a vine disease going around amongst those (including Lucie and Quinn) who bought their stock from a particular company. The company is denying they are in fault and things are getting ugly.

The murder victim had privately asked Quinn to meet with her but never showed up. He doesn't know what she wanted and why it was a big secret, but Lucie is uneasy. This would work as a standalone but the characters and background are much more developed if the entire series is read. The characters are nicely fleshed out and the wine information and setting are quite interesting. Thanks to the publisher and to Net Galley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Bitter Roots is the 12th book in the Wine Country Mysteries written by Ellen Crosby and it is my first in this series. The author successfully combines all things wine, a complex investigation, a beautiful Virginia setting, reality and a historical theme in the book. The heroine, Lucie Montgomery and Quinn Santori are soon to be married at the Montgomery Estate Vineyard. But Lucy's vines are slowly dying and then nursery worker, Eve Kerr is found dead. A delightful and evocative read for me; this author and series has a new admirer!

I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Severn House via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.

BITTER ROOTS is the 12th in Ellen Crosby's wine country mysteries set in the wine region of northern Virginia in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It's a heady setting near the power center of Washington, D.C. It's an area of horsey, tweedy overtones and beloved traditions, and as the book opens, it's a land where young Cabernet Franc vines purchased from a renowned nursery are dying of a mysterious ailment. Bad feelings run rampant among vineyard owners in the area, with some demanding an admission of failure from the nursery while others side with it. And then, a well known employee of the nursery is found dead--by Lucie and her friend Kim--murdered and thrown into a nearby creek.. Some readers might find themselves bogged down in vineyard lingo. But it is impossible to go forward with the story without the knowledge Crosby so skillfully imparts. Throughout the series, she does her research well. The loss of a 3-year-old vineyard block is a loss of hundreds of thousands of dollars, and it's happening all over the county. Not only does the murder cast a shadow over wedding plans, but further problems ensue when a hurricane-strength gale flattens buildings, knocks out power, and ruins the gardens created for the wedding. And who, in the midst of all these friends and neighbors, has murdered the hapless Eve? The possibilities are many and local, leaving a bad taste in everyone's mouth. This is a good mystery/romance loaded with delightful cozy touches, and for readers of the series, a cast of familiar and often humorous characters. There's sheriff Bobby; Dominique the French chef and Lucie's cousin; Thelma Johnson who runs the general store and talks to dead people when she's not dropping malapropisms; Frankie the tasting room manager; ghosts of the Confederate dead; and a cast of dozens. As I recommend this book, I also recommend Crosby's entire vineyard series. Beginning with THE MERLOT MURDERS when Lucie first takes the helm of the family winery, the series builds, more characters come on board, and readers will welcome the solid comfort of good stories about good people told well. Thanks to the author and to #NetGalley for a review copy of BITTER ROOTS.

Bitter Roots by Ellen Crosby is the twelfth A Wine Country Mystery. I did not know Bitter Roots was part of a series when I requested the book. Bitter Roots can be read as a standalone since the author provides all the necessary background information. However, I believe it would have helped me if I had at least read the first book in the series, The Merlot Murders. Reading a series in order allows you to get to know the characters and watch them grow as the series progresses. I thought Bitter Roots was well-written with developed characters. Ellen Crosby is a descriptive writer. She paints a picture so readers can envision Virginia’s wine country. I could imagine myself sitting on the patio behind the house sipping a glass of wine while looking at the grape vines blooming. The detailed descriptions, though, do slow down the pace of the book. The story goes into details on growing grapes, making wine, diseases that affect grapes, climate change, and the myriad of other details that go into making wine. It is interesting to learn, but I wish it had been presented in a different manner. There are numerous characters. It is difficult to keep track of all of them (vineyard owners, the vineyard managers, employees, family, townspeople, etc.). I did feel there was too much repetition especially regarding the affected grapes. The mystery was straightforward. Lucie investigates Eve’s death because her fiancé, Quinn is at the top of the suspect list. There is misdirection, several suspects, and helpful clues. A severe storm hinders the investigation and there is a chance the wedding will not take place. I did not find the whodunit challenging. I kept hoping for a twist that would surprise me. The reveal explained who and why they committed the crime. The ending will have fans of the series smiling. Bitter Roots is not a lighthearted, fun cozy mystery. Bitter Roots has a serious tone that delves into issues affecting grape vines. I do want to let you know that there is foul language in the story. While Bitter Roots was not a good fit for me, it appeals to many readers. If you like the sound of Bitter Roots, you should read a sample to see if it is the right fit for you. Bitter Roots transports readers to Virginia’s wine country where there is a vine virus, nursery controversy, blending get-together, a severe storm, wedding worries, confrontation with killer, and, hopefully, a happily ever after.

With one week before their wedding, vineyard owner Lucie Montgomery and winemaker Quinn Santori should be attending to the final details. Instead they are dealing with a field of dying vines. While a vineyard consultant has diagnosed a disease that was present in the vines when they were purchased, the nursery that sold them insists it is due to climate change. Other vineyards in the area that purchased vines from that nursery are having the same problem and battle lines are being drawn. With the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains as a backdrop, Ellen Crosby’s Bitter Roots takes you to a small town in Virginia where everyone is a neighbor and news travels fast.

Eve Kerr was working with the nursery and sold the questionable vines to Lucie and the other vineyards. While the nursery owner was adamant that it was not his fault, she appeared to be willing to work with the vineyard owners. Then Lucie and her friend Kit find Eve’s body in a nearby river. Quinn was supposed to meet with her the night before, but she never showed up. It left several of his hours unaccounted for. Quinn had known Eve in California. Lucie questions just how close he was to her but there is a trust between Lucie and Quinn that has grown over time and she knows that he had nothing to do with her death. When a devastating storm hits the area all of their plans for a beautiful wedding are destroyed. The situation puts the murder investigation on hold as all of the area’s resources are needed to handle the emergency and Crosby shows how a community will come together when tragedy strikes.

Ellen Crosby’s Wine Country Mystery series has shown the growth of Lucie’s family’s vineyard and her relationship with Quinn. She not only showcases the problems faced by a working vineyard, but also addresses the issue of the disposition of monuments honoring the Confederacy and whether they have a place in today’s world. Crosby’s characters are easy to love and make Bitter Roots a delight to read. I would like to thank NetGalley and Severn House for providing this book for my review.

Wine and a good murder mystery? Yes, please!! This is the first book that I have read in this series, it I will definitely be going back to read the other and am looking forward to more! This author has a new fan!!

I've been reading this series from the beginning and was honored to read an advanced copy of this latest edition! I've enjoyed watching the characters develop and grow throughout this series. It's always good to catch up with them, it feels like visiting old friends. These books are well researched, well written, and beautifully descriptive. Despite having worked (very part time) within the wine industry for about 10 years now, I feel as though I learn something new with each book. As vineyard owner Lucie Montgomery and winemaker Quinn Santori struggle to get to the root of what's causing their Cab Franc lot to die off, they encounter much hostility from the nursery the vines were purchased from. And when nursery employee Eve is found murdered after missing a clandestine meeting with Quinn, everyone becomes a suspect. Even Quinn. As Lucie and Quinn's wedding day approaches (finally!), so does an unexpected derecho. Chaos and devastation follow, their wedding garden is in ruins, an old secret comes to light, and a murderer is still on the loose. Can Lucie overcome the bitterness of discovering a long-held secret? Can the mystery of Eve's death be solved? Can the mystery of what's killing their vines be resolved? And will the wedding still take place? Like a fine glass of wine, these books are meant to be savored! Pour a glass, open your book, and enjoy. Cheers 🍷

What should be a joyous time- Lucie and Quinn are getting married- turns awful in so many ways when their grape vines begin to die from a fungus and worse, a deracho blows through. Wait- then Eve is murdered. Some in the community blame her for the failure of the grapes but who murdered her? Lucie, already an ace amateur sleuth, steps up her game here. It helps, I think, to have read at least a few of the earlier books in order to have a good feel for these characters. I like the series for them as well as for the setting. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. A good read.

Bitter Roots is the 12th book in Ellen Crosby's Wine Country Mysteries, a brilliantly crafted amateur sleuth investigation series based in Virginia's wine country. Since the beginning of this series, the author's gorgeous descriptions of the rural mountain setting and fascinating wine-making processes have enamored me. Whether I'm sipping a glass of wine that matches the variety being focused on in each book or picturing the stunning architecture and sweeping views of the vineyards, I relish every page. This installment was no different... perhaps one of the highlights.

An expected derecho. A group of angry, frustrated winemakers. A powerful but potentially dirty nursery who might've known about the fungus impacting the vines they blended and sold. Secret alliances between newcomers and underdogs. A wedding we've been excited about for a few years. So much comes together in this superb story where emotions are running high and expectations keep getting re-set. Poor Lucie has struggled enough in the last decade, and my heart broke when she learned how much money she'd lose over the failed vines they'd pressed their hopes on for three years. The author brilliantly compared the tender care she put into their nurturing to that of a parent who does everything for their child, only to have it ripped away.

This is one series where I don't rush to read the newest book... merely because once I do, I know I'll have to wait an entire year for the next one. This collection combines so many things I love in one place, and I truly find the characters multi-dimensional; they do things I disagree with yet they still encourage my empathy. I root for them to win, and when they lose, I want to reach into the pages and soothe their pain. The unexpected windstorm amped up the suspense, and when all was said and done, I expected a tragic death... thankfully, my guess on the victim was wrong. But Crosby takes chances in her books, and I'm always on the edge of my seat wondering when she might throw us that nasty curveball once again.

Definitely a recommended series. Not a light one... not too heavy, but filled with political, historical, and cultural significance. I've got to find a way to get on this writer's beta team!

As their wedding day approaches Lucie and Quinn are dealing with a bigger issue. Grapevines they and their neighbors purchased three years ago from a local nursery are not thriving but dying. As the nursery owner and the university professor who cultivated the graft continue to claim it is climate change that is the cause, no one believes this except the nursery owner. He has even hired a high-powered attorney to intimidate the vineyard owners. When someone dies connected to the nursery owner and the professor, everyone is suspect especially Quinn, who secretly arranged to meet Eve on the day she is murdered. Another excellent entry into this sumptuous winemaking series.

I have read all the Virginia Wine Country mysteries and I think Bitter Roots is my favorite. Lucie's vines are dying and she and Quinn are trying to prove whether or not the nursery knew the vines were diseased when they were sold. As other vineyards develop the same problem a women working with the nursery is found murdered. Lucie fears the reason behind the murder might spell disaster for her upcoming wedding and set out the discover the murderer.
The mystery always keeps me guessing until the end when I'm shocked at the murderer. However, the characters are by far the heartbeat of the story. They are so real and seeing their development through the series has been like developing deep friendships with them. The writing is so good that the reader may find themselves liking even the villain, at least through most of the book.
While descriptive in a way that makes you feel like you are in Virginia's horse country and have learned a great deal about vineyards and wine making, Ms. Crosby's writing style never lags and the pages keep turning. I have thoroughly enjoyed this series and recommend Bitter Roots to all mystery lovers. If you haven't read the rest of the series you will still enjoy this book but afterward, you will want to read more of this series.

The latest in this long-running wine country mystery series. With vineyard owner Lucie Montgomery and winemaker Quinn Santori's wedding a week away, their future is threatened by slowly dying vines and a nursery owner denying responsibility for selling the diseased plants to Lucie and to her neighbouring winemakers.

And when a long time and very beautiful friend of Quinn, is found dead a few days later, just before a catastrophic storm destroys everything in its path, life seems to have reached rock bottom.

No power, no phones, no wedding venue, and a big question mark over just how friendly this lady was with Quinn, and several others, Lucie realises she has to resolve the mystery to safe her own impending marriage and her vineyard.

The writing is fluent; the characters well drawn. And the series deserves its loyal following. But we don't encounter the murder until way over a third of the way into the book. So is there just a bit too much wine and vineyard details obstructing the flow and progression of the plot?

Perfectly Penned Prose…
The twelfth, no less, in the Wine Country Mystery series and events are conspiring to ruin the forthcoming nuptials of Virginia winemaker Lucie and husband to be, Quinn. Quite apart from a torrential storm, a brutal murder casts a long shadow. With perfectly penned prose and a clear knowledge of the subject matter the author delivers another evocative and hugely enjoyable mystery.

Ellen Crosby writes the most wonderful -- and twisty -- mysteries featuring her duo of Lucie Montgomery and Quinn Santori. Rich in U.S. history, as well as wine, she pushes these two nearly to their limit a few days before their wedding. With Lucie's incredible grandfather visiting (and he's just one of the best supporting characters around), Quinn and Lucie work to uncover who is responsible for the death of Eve Kerr whose life intertwines with many of their friends. After a devastating storm hits the area, they have no power or phones, but still manage to pull together to try to salvage not only their wedding but trying to figure out who killed Eve and why. I look forward to every single book written by Ms. Crosby - her descriptions and knowledge of history make these fascinating reads!