There are so many things to love about Blood on the Vine — the beautiful setting, the interesting characters, the (potentially) unsolved mystery, and the various media (excerpts, interviews, etc) interspersed between the chapters. For mystery fans looking for a plot with depth and twists, this could be a great fit.

Absolutely great read, I’m not a wine drinker but I just may have to start now!! The pace of this story kept me wanting more, I really loved the main character and all of her issues. I loved her drive to find out who the killer or killers were. It was a thriller for sure and the story had heart as well. I kinda want to know more about the the main character.

I really enjoyed this classic murder mystery thriller with some cult vibes set in Napa Valley, California amongst the grapevines and winemakers of the region. I spent a lot of time in California wine country when I lived in San Francisco, so I enjoyed reading a book in a familiar setting. I liked the main character with her rough edges and the book kept me guessing - I really did not see the identity of the killer coming until the last minute. Would definitely recommend to any mystery-lovers out there!

Woooow. This cured my slump.

FBI Agent Lana Burrell heads back to her roots in Napa Valley to investigate two murders tied to the vineyards she grew up around. Which happens to be the same place her father was convicted of murdering her childhood best friend. Not only does she have to finally face the past, but she has to partner with the Sheriff who put her father behind bars.

The plot was a slow burn and I truly didn’t see the twist and turns coming. The story had so much depth to it with a potential cult, family drama, murder and of course wine.

The character development is really what shined for me. I felt like I really understood Lana. She is a bit chaotic, but so very likable. She lives in her head and is very self aware, strong, determined and funny. Her growth throughout the novel was amazing to watch.

I couldn’t put this one down once I started and I am so very thankful to Net Galley and Crooked Lane Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest feedback.

This book contained several elements that consistently draw me in to a story - the affluent and chic Napa Valley setting, the law enforcement career of the main character, and a decades-long murder mystery still waiting to be solved. I absolutely loved this. Thank you to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for the eARC. All opinions are my own.

4.5! Wine country, cult vibes, murder- what's not to love about this book!?! Thank you Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for an advance copy of this book, I really enjoyed it! First off, I love the FMC as well as the dynamics of the rest of the characters. They seemed to be multiple layered and their reltaionships between each other only added to the story. The writing flowed well and Iwas well balanced. I didn't feel strug along with mudane uneccessay details waiting for meat and potatoes of the story. I also enjoyed having little exerpts from legal or local documents intertwined with the story. It helped layer the story by seeing the research for the case without finding a way to explain it outright. I also liked how there were several places in the book that had some comic relief. The only thing I didnt like was the length of the chapters. They are inconsistent lenths and there were several chapters that seemed like they should have been split us into smaller ones. However, I enjoyed this book and will be recommending to my friends.

Thank you Netgalley and Crooked Lane books for an ARC.

This book is one of the best thrillers I've read so far in 2024. Right off the bat, it doesn't feel like a debut novel at all. It felt like it has been written by an established author.

The book follows Lana, an FBI agent who is tasked to solve the murders happened in her hometown which she had left ages ago.

The book is just brilliant. Very well written and charactersl development is done just the right amount.

FBI agent Lana Burrel is assigned to investigate a pair of murders in her hometown. Upon arrive back in her hometown, she is paired with a 60 year old rookie deputy. She describes Deputy Essie Leroux as a geriatric ambassador. The chemistry between these two is great! The investigation into the deaths leads her to a winery that her father, who is now in prison, use to manage the farming portion. Fresh salt it added to old wounds as she works the case that may implicate the governor of California. This is a well paced thriller that leaves no vine unturned. Sex, drugs and wine. A fantastic edge of your seat mystery. Great writing. The story simply flows and the reader is enveloped.

5 stars

Thank you so much to NetGalley for this book!! It was such a surprise!! I read this in one day and couldn’t put it down, it had an amazing plot, I could relate to the characters the story had lots of depth and turns and things that were completely unexpected. Also the history of “wine” was so fascinating! I’m an avid mystery book reader and it’s really really hard for me not to guess the “killer” and I had no idea! I highly recommend this book and I’m going to see what other books he has.
Specifically for the author though I recommend adding a *TW* as there is very brief material on rape. And readers need to be aware of this!

Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced copy of Blood on the Vine by J.T. Falco.
FBI, childhood tragedy, wine dynasty, and a cult. This twisty thriller has all the makings of what will hopefully be the start of a new series.

I had to request this first for the plot and second for the cover because this is gorgeous. I love the idea of an agent coming back home to solve a case but then catching another but its all connected oh wait is that a spoiler? I dont think so but yeah this was really well written and I really felt for the MC with her father issues.

The story flowed well and the characters were well developed. I recommend this book and look forward to more from this author.


****Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest review****

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

This thriller was SO GOOD! Every time I thought I had the murders solved, another plot twist was thrown at me until all the answers were finally revealed at the end. I got this one as an ARC from Crooked Lane Books, but unfortunately for you all it won’t be published until April 2025.

The main character of this book, FBI agent Lana Burrell is forced to go back to her childhood home while she investigates a double murder. As she investigates the case she stumbles upon a cult, lots of illicit drugs, and more than a few skeletons in a few closets.

Thank you @netgalley !

Rounding up because I was pretty hooked through the majority of the book. There were a few eye roll moments in Lana's thought processes and I didn't love the ending, but I did like the characters (Caleb, Essie) and the Napa Valley setting.
Thank you NetGalley for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

Interesting story. Started out a little slow but built over time. Lana is called nack to her hometown to help solve the murders of two young girls. She also tries to clear her father's name in the murder of her best friend years ago.

Themes of betrayal, emotional tied to the past as well as the occult.

My 6P review: Premise, Plot, People, Place, Prose/Pace, Praise

FBI Agent Lana Burrell heads back to her hometown of Napa Valley to solve two murders and that of her best friend Jess. In doing so, she also hopes to clear her father’s name. Forced to partner with the sheriff who put her father in prison, Lana must put her personal feelings aside to solve these murders.

It began quite slowly, and I was tempted to DNF this book. There was a lot of purely written information which I found myself skimming. I kept reading though and I’m glad I did.

I like Lana but I liked Bessie even more. She was a fun character who used her age and wisdom especially well when needed.

I found some of Lana’s decision making questionable at times. I also rolled my eyes when she was concerned about shaving her legs. Sometimes there were details which did not add a thing to the story and could have been left out.

The ending was wrapped up in a letter which I found to be the author taking the easy way out instead of the characters coming to the conclusion themselves.

It was a good first novel for this author.

Thank you to Netgally for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

5 ⭐

Incredible. Very True Detective-ish. Murders (in different years). Cults. Powerful families. Colorful characters. Generational trauma. The lead detective going through emotional hell. And wine.

A good mystery supported by great characters.

Highly Recommended. 👍

THIS is one of the best thrillers i've read omg?

Simple plot: FBI Agent Lana has no choice but to revisit the site of the nightmarish past she tried to leave behind, due to two murders that happened on the same place. The place has several secrets left covered from the past and several going on. With hints of a ancient cult embedded at the center, and someone stalking her every move, Lana’s hope to solve the murders begins to have a fear that she might be the next to die.

This is one of those only ARC's ive no criticism for, like its literally PERFECT. The right amount of suspense, thriller, and a little romance.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

J. T. Falco’s Blood on the Vine is a gripping thriller that masterfully blends the serene beauty of Napa Valley with a dark, suspenseful narrative. This novel is a must-read for fans of atmospheric mysteries and intricate plots.

The story follows Lana Burrell, who returns to her family’s vineyard in Napa Valley after years of self-imposed exile. Her return is marred by the haunting memories of her best friend Jess’s mysterious disappearance and her father’s wrongful imprisonment for Jess’s murder. As Lana delves deeper into the past, she uncovers a web of secrets that threaten to unravel the fabric of her life. The discovery of a secret cult operating within the vineyards adds a chilling layer to the mystery, making Lana’s quest for the truth even more perilous.

Falco’s characters are richly developed and multifaceted. Lana is a compelling protagonist whose determination and vulnerability make her journey both relatable and engaging. The supporting cast, including the enigmatic vineyard workers and the powerful families of Napa Valley, add depth and complexity to the narrative. Each character is meticulously crafted, contributing to the novel’s intricate tapestry of intrigue and suspense.

Falco’s writing is evocative and immersive, capturing the lush landscapes of Napa Valley while simultaneously building an atmosphere of tension and dread. The prose is both lyrical and precise, drawing readers into the story with vivid descriptions and sharp dialogue. Falco’s ability to balance the beauty of the setting with the darkness of the plot is a testament to their skill as a storyteller.

Blood on the Vine explores themes of betrayal, redemption, and the enduring impact of the past. The juxtaposition of the idyllic vineyard setting with the sinister events that unfold creates a powerful contrast that underscores the novel’s central themes. Falco also delves into the complexities of family dynamics and the lengths one will go to protect their loved ones.

Blood on the Vine is a standout thriller that combines a richly atmospheric setting with a tightly woven plot and compelling characters. J. T. Falco has crafted a novel that is a page-turner and a thought-provoking exploration of human nature.

This book is highly recommended for readers who enjoy a blend of mystery, suspense, and psychological depth.

Wow! A totally surprising ending. This book started a bit slowly, as all the major characters were revealed, and then it took off. Lana’s quest to find who murdered two women in the small enclave of the Napa Valley becomes intertwined with the twenty-year old conviction of her father for the murder of her best friend. Total suspense until the very end!!!