Hector Hernandez’s body is found among the vines of Faucher Winery. Hector was killed with a corkscrew and Jessica Faucher, the heiress to the winery, is the main suspect. Jessica’s grandmother approaches the law firm of Jacobs, Felder, and Smith to represent Jessica. Steve Daniels is assigned to investigate and determine if Jessica is innocent or guilty. Jessica’s fingerprints are on the murder weapon, and rumors are circulating that Hector was not interested in the attention she gave him. Jessica is a woman who doesn't take no for an answer and is used to getting what she wants. Steve's investigation into Jessica's past reveals disturbing events she was involved in but could not be proven. Can the mystery of Hector’s murder be solved in Tainted Wine by Linda Watkins?

I had the chills reading Tainted Wine. The story was complex and full of twists and turns. There was so much action I just kept turning the pages, afraid of missing something important. Linda Watkins’s characters are so realistic that they felt real to me. I liked them and they felt like friends. I did not like Jessica. She was obsessive and a troublemaker, pure evil. I could feel the evil radiating from her. Nothing could stand in her way to get what she wants. The suspense kept me on the edge of my seat and there was a surprise around every corner. The story was excellently written as the events were described in detail and were realistic. Nothing was left to the imagination. The ending was shocking; I did not see that coming.

Tainted Wine, Book 3 from The Steve Daniels Mystery Series is written by Linda Watkins. Steve Daniels, an investigator with a law firm, is assigned to help prove a client’s innocence. Jessica Faucher, a winery heiress, is accused of murdering Hector, a gifted vintner at the winery. Almost everyone he interviews at the vineyard is reluctant to talk to him. People that Jessica had been acquainted with have died tragically over the years. Steve begins to have doubts about the case as he gets to know Jessica. He also discovers important information about Hector, who was considered a threat to other vintners.

“Wine flies when you’re having fun.” Winemaking seems fascinating and Linda Watkins gives a good account of the process in her book. Tainted Wine has a lovely 1950s setting in the California countryside where many vineyards are located. There were times I felt the period was older due to the way the details were described. Steve is a man of integrity and I liked his caring personality. The courtroom drama was a favorite. I also felt sorry for him and what he had to endure while investigating. The author’s writing was touching and sad in many ways due to the story’s theme. The book maintained a moderate pace throughout, with good dialogue, and was entertaining to read. I liked the conclusion and think that the series will be enjoyed by mystery book lovers like myself.