In the fifth Poppy McAllister mystery, readers will have a rollicking good time solving a mystery alongside the eccentric cast of characters at the Butterfly Wings Bed & Breakfast. So kick back with a cheese plate and a glass of vino and enjoy Poppy’s latest adventure in WINE TASTINGS ARE MURDER.

Bed & Breakfast owner, Poppy McAllister, has her hands full running her business while also baking wonderful desserts for a local coffee shop and restaurant. Aunt Ginny helps with the B&B, but sometimes just keeping Aunt Ginny out of trouble is a job in itself. So when Aunt Ginny and Poppy agree to host a Happy Hour event at the Bed and Breakfast for a local wine tour company, Poppy is not surprised when the group causes more drama and chaos. Vince Baker and his younger wife, Sunny, are on a much-needed vacation until Vince’s daughter and son-in-law show up unannounced and antagonize Vince’s new wife. As the foursome squabble, the rest of the group which includes a young expecting couple, a famous blogger, and a retired couple, grow tired of the drama. Tour guide Lily Snow is not quite sure what to do, but on day two of the wine tour, Vince drops dead at a local winery. His wife is distraught, but is it all an act? Vince’s daughter and son-in-law are whispering.  What are they hiding? The group is acting suspiciously and when it is determined Vince was poisoned, Poppy has her hands full figuring out motives and uncovering suspects.

From start to finish this cozy was a lot of fun. There are several laugh-out-loud moments as eighty-something Aunt Ginny gets to know her new Alexa device and forgets almost everything else. New narcoleptic Ukraine chambermaid, Sierra, provides many hilarious moments as she gets used to her new job, falls asleep constantly, and finally finds the right maid outfit. Toss in Figaro the cat and a high strung Pomeranian, Tammy Faye Baker, and there is always something hilarious happening at the Butterfly Wings Bed & Breakfast.  

Along with the comedic elements, this mystery is well-plotted with plenty of suspects and red herrings. The placing of clues is good and the final scene where Poppy rounds up and enlightens her suspects is reminiscent of a traditional mystery. Poppy’s relationship drama further adds depth to the mystery and a romantic cliff-hanger at the end will keep readers excited for the next installment. There are so many good things happening in WINE TASTINGS ARE MURDER that it shines as a particularly good standout in the genre. And as an extra treat, there are recipes included!