Silence of the Casks
(2025)(The fifth book in the Grape Expectation Mystery series)
A Story by Maisy Marple and Wendy Winchester
When sound becomes deadly, it takes a special kind of detective to hear the truth...
Vivian Barnes, former publishing executive turned vintner, thought hosting a popular wine podcast at her literary-themed winery would be good publicity. Instead, it uncorked a vintage mystery when podcaster Cameron Reid collapses after playing a mysterious audio clip, and his recording equipment vanishes in the chaos.
With her extraordinary cat Shakespeare leading the investigation, Vivian and the Mystery Mavens discover the attack connects to Prose Valley's mysterious "silent year" – a time when several local wines inexplicably lost their distinctive characteristics, driving family vineyards to bankruptcy.
As they dig deeper, a more sinister plot emerges: someone has weaponized acoustic technology that was originally designed to enhance wine. When Cameron's sound engineer is found dead in historic wine caves, surrounded by empty casks with the word "SILENCE" written nearby, the stakes turn deadly.
Can Vivian and Shakespeare unravel the complex connections between sound waves, sabotaged wines, and long-buried secrets before the killer strikes again? From hidden acoustic chambers to vintage recording equipment, every clue resonates with danger.
Perfect for fans of cozy mysteries with clever feline detectives, vineyard settings, and a splash of science. "The Silence of the Casks" is a harmonious blend of intrigue, friendship, and justice served with notes of romance and a satisfying finish.
Pour yourself a glass and settle in for a mystery that proves sometimes the most important sounds are the ones you can't hear...
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Vivian Barnes, former publishing executive turned vintner, thought hosting a popular wine podcast at her literary-themed winery would be good publicity. Instead, it uncorked a vintage mystery when podcaster Cameron Reid collapses after playing a mysterious audio clip, and his recording equipment vanishes in the chaos.
With her extraordinary cat Shakespeare leading the investigation, Vivian and the Mystery Mavens discover the attack connects to Prose Valley's mysterious "silent year" – a time when several local wines inexplicably lost their distinctive characteristics, driving family vineyards to bankruptcy.
As they dig deeper, a more sinister plot emerges: someone has weaponized acoustic technology that was originally designed to enhance wine. When Cameron's sound engineer is found dead in historic wine caves, surrounded by empty casks with the word "SILENCE" written nearby, the stakes turn deadly.
Can Vivian and Shakespeare unravel the complex connections between sound waves, sabotaged wines, and long-buried secrets before the killer strikes again? From hidden acoustic chambers to vintage recording equipment, every clue resonates with danger.
Perfect for fans of cozy mysteries with clever feline detectives, vineyard settings, and a splash of science. "The Silence of the Casks" is a harmonious blend of intrigue, friendship, and justice served with notes of romance and a satisfying finish.
Pour yourself a glass and settle in for a mystery that proves sometimes the most important sounds are the ones you can't hear...
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Used availability for Maisy Marple's Silence of the Casks