Blood & Wine

A Michael Flaherty Noir Book One

Fiction - Mystery - Murder
238 Pages
Reviewed on 11/04/2025
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    Book Review

Reviewed by Richard Prause for Readers' Favorite

Blood & Wine by Bryan James Beck is a noir mystery novel that revolves around Michael Flaherty, a disfigured former Navy SEAL. Michael relocates to Ruidoso, New Mexico, hoping to find peace and leave behind his painful memories of war. He is hired by Chris Ortiz, the compassionate owner of Ortiz Winery—but soon enough, tragedy strikes. Chris is brutally murdered after sharing drinks with Michael, leaving the police to suspect that he is the killer. All evidence points to him. Michael, however, realizes he is being set up, but by whom? He eventually crosses paths with Gracie Kim, an intuitive officer who suspects that this case is more complex than it appears. Together, they uncover secrets and lies involving a corrupt elite family and Chris's missing daughter, Christina. Can Michael find the real killer and clear his name before it is too late?

Bryan James Beck’s Blood & Wine is a riveting novel that combines crime, suspense, and psychological elements. It’s both a mystery and a moral test of how far one man will go to expose the truth. It is a heartfelt story about trauma, prejudice, and bringing justice to a close-knit town. Michael's path to redemption shows how war can change a person both emotionally and mentally. At the same time, the book paints a graphic picture of Ruidoso, a town where secrets run deep, justice is manipulated by the wealthy, and loyalty is bought and not earned. These social dynamics certainly keep the storyline captivating and fresh. The narrative alternates between Michael's and Gracie's points of view, building a sense of tension and intrigue that keeps readers engaged. Their exhilarating partnership brings the right amount of pizzazz to the story. It's the perfect must-read for murder mystery fans.