Pinot Envy: A Woody Robins Wine Mystery

(Hardback)

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Description

Meet Woody Robins, a bon vivant, devil-may-care wine guru who specialises in investigatory work involving rare artefacts of a vinous nature. Amidst the backdrop of world-famous Napa, California wine country, and upbeat, cosmopolitan "city by the bay" San Francisco, Woody finds he's bitten off more than he can chew when hired by a wealthy grape grower to retrieve his stolen, rare, priceless, large bottle of red Burgundy that once belonged to the French emperor, Napoleon Bonaparte. Tested by a colourful cast of characters, deceit, blackmail, intrigue, dealings with the mob, and even murder ensue. With the help of his dosy boyhood chum, girlfriend, aunt, and detective buddy with San Francisco's finest, he eventually manages to unravel the case, but not before he learns a thing or two about himself.

Reviews

From the title to the plot, this is one book that hits on all cylinders: humour, mystery, adventure -- the author has certainly put his years of experience and knowledge in the wine industry to great use. Woody is definitely not your usual detective in style or credentials, and has a tendency to draw attention to himself by wearing the old-style Zoot Suits and hats. He cant for the life of him blend into any situation, but standing out wherever he goes with his vim and vigor allows people to always root for Woody as he falls into mess after mess that hes to get out of in order to appear (hopefully soon) in his next whodunit! -- Suspense Magazine "Readers will enjoy the wine lore and the San Francisco and Napa ambience in this mystery with a pleasant aftertaste of humor. -- Booklist (Barbara Bibel, Reference Librarian, Oakland, Ca Public Library; And Chair, Alas Sophie Brody Medal Committee) In Woody Robins, Ed Finstein has created a character whos not only a snappy dresser, but also a very crafty investigator. Pinot Envy crackles with wit, intelligence, and humor. Here's hoping that the Wine Doctor has more prescriptions on his pad. -- Bill Maclean, Entertainment Columnist, Beach Metro News, Toronto "Edward Finstein knows his wine and he packages that knowledge in a fast-paced murder mystery thats as intriguing and enjoyable as a glass of fine Pinot Noir." -- Tony Aspler, Author & Member of The Order of Canada "By the end of the story I found myself rooting for this crazy fool with the big heart. I enjoyed the setting of San Francisco and California wine country, and although the mystery was not complex, I enjoyed the build-up. This is a great read for those who do not like bloody violence in their mysteries. -- Kendra Book Girl

Author Bio

Edward Finstein, a.k.a "The Wine Doctor," is an internationally recognized wine expert. He is the award-winning author of "Ask the Wine Doctor." A TV and radio host, he is a renowned journalist writing for numerous newspapers, magazines and on the Internet in North America and abroad. As an international wine judge, he travels the world judging in competitions. Edward is also a Professor of Wine at George Brown College's School of Hospitality and Culinary Arts, a wine consultant, wine appraiser, wine tour guide, and former V.P. of the Wine Writers' Circle of Canada. "Doc," as he is known, believes wine should be fun, and he preaches the gospel with a sense of humour and whimsy. He lives in Toronto with his wife Jo Ann and their cat Pepper."