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The Vintage Club
Can wine really make you live forever? Yes, if the grapes are an ancient varietal---or so the members of the Vintage Club believe. Made up of some of the world’s wealthiest industrial magnates, the club conducts secret scientific research to discover what has eluded humans throughout the elixir of life.
Their quest hits a snag when scientist Walter Trudell is murdered. The prime murder suspect is his godson Reggie Alexander, a patent attorney whom Trudell once saved from a life of poverty in northeast Washington, D.C. As soon as news of the murder spreads, Reggie goes into hiding---soon after his wife and son disappear.
After being chased by mysterious assailants, beaten unconscious, and planted with a bug, Reggie must come to grips with his own private demons while figuring out how to save his family. The Vintage Club is a thriller that both explores the ancient Christian symbolism of wine and imagines ways that modern nanotechnology could be used to discover the fountain of youth.
Their quest hits a snag when scientist Walter Trudell is murdered. The prime murder suspect is his godson Reggie Alexander, a patent attorney whom Trudell once saved from a life of poverty in northeast Washington, D.C. As soon as news of the murder spreads, Reggie goes into hiding---soon after his wife and son disappear.
After being chased by mysterious assailants, beaten unconscious, and planted with a bug, Reggie must come to grips with his own private demons while figuring out how to save his family. The Vintage Club is a thriller that both explores the ancient Christian symbolism of wine and imagines ways that modern nanotechnology could be used to discover the fountain of youth.
326 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2013
15 people are currently reading
1062 people want to read
About the author
Darin Gibby
5 books144 followersIn addition to a thriving career as a novelist, author Darin Gibby is also one of the country’s premiere patent attorneys and a partner at the prestigious firm of Kilpatrick Townsend. With over thirty years of experience in obtaining patents on hundreds of inventions from the latest drug delivery system to life-saving cardiac equipment, he has built IP portfolios for numerous Fortune 500 companies. In addition to securing patents, Gibby helps clients enforce and license their patents around the world.
Darin's newest thriller, CHASING HINDY, follows the quest of a patent attorney, Addy Verges, who thinks she's landed her dream job with a startup purporting to have a car that can run on water.
Darin's other recent book, GIL, tells the story of a 44year old baseball coach who discovers that he can pitch with lightening speed. However, after joining the Colorado Rockies, he learns that the more he pitches, the faster he leads to his own death.
Darin's first book, WHY HAS AMERICA STOPPED INVENTING?
explored the critical issue of America’s broken patent system. Find out more about Darin and peruse the first few chapters at www.daringibby.com.
Awarding winning novel THE VINTAGE CLUB? was Darin's first fiction book and tells about a group of the world's wealthiest men chasing a legend about a wine that can make you live forever.
With a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering and a Master of Business Administration degree, he is highly regarded in Denver’s legal and business community as a patent strategist, business manager, and community leader. He is also a sought-after speaker on IP issues at businesses, colleges and technology forums, where he demonstrates the value of patents using simple lessons from working on products such as Crocs shoes, Izzo golf straps and Trek bicycles.
An avid traveler and accomplished triathlete, Darin also enjoys backcountry fly-fishing trips, skiing in the Rocky Mountains and surfing in San Diego. He lives in La Jolla, California and Vail, Colorado with his wife, Robin.
Darin's newest thriller, CHASING HINDY, follows the quest of a patent attorney, Addy Verges, who thinks she's landed her dream job with a startup purporting to have a car that can run on water.
Darin's other recent book, GIL, tells the story of a 44year old baseball coach who discovers that he can pitch with lightening speed. However, after joining the Colorado Rockies, he learns that the more he pitches, the faster he leads to his own death.
Darin's first book, WHY HAS AMERICA STOPPED INVENTING?
explored the critical issue of America’s broken patent system. Find out more about Darin and peruse the first few chapters at www.daringibby.com.
Awarding winning novel THE VINTAGE CLUB? was Darin's first fiction book and tells about a group of the world's wealthiest men chasing a legend about a wine that can make you live forever.
With a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering and a Master of Business Administration degree, he is highly regarded in Denver’s legal and business community as a patent strategist, business manager, and community leader. He is also a sought-after speaker on IP issues at businesses, colleges and technology forums, where he demonstrates the value of patents using simple lessons from working on products such as Crocs shoes, Izzo golf straps and Trek bicycles.
An avid traveler and accomplished triathlete, Darin also enjoys backcountry fly-fishing trips, skiing in the Rocky Mountains and surfing in San Diego. He lives in La Jolla, California and Vail, Colorado with his wife, Robin.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
February 24, 2014
Reggie Alexander is just another man trying to get by. His daily activities including his work at the patent office, dinner with his wonderful wife and son, coaching his son’s basketball team, and planning his path to becoming a patent attorney. But when his godfather, and savior, is found dead, Reggie’s world spins out of control once again as he becomes the prime suspect and begins to discover that Walter’s death may have been part of something much bigger.
The Vintage Club by Darin Gibby was a great read from the very start. It begins not in the present, but far in the past, in the days where living a long life meant centuries. Since I was expecting a story taking place in the present time, I was automatically draw into the story to figure out how this would relate back to the story I thought I was reading.
What I discovered is that this introduction was just one example of how author Gibby delves deep into the past to tell us about the characters, the events of the story, and even the settings of the story. I was amazed at how much detail we were given, especially about the few main characters. At every turn we were learning how these people became who they are and ended up doing what they were doing. He used multiple points of view to tell the story, which only increased my interest and made it easier to learn more and more about each character’s backstory.
While this book was classified as “Fiction – General” on the cover, I would rather describe it with words like mystery, thriller, crime, and suspense. As a fan of Dan Brown, I was excited to see how Gibby seemed to follow a similar model in the Vintage Club. In fact, it fits in well with works by Dan Brown, Brad Meltzer, and even the National Treasure movies: all of them include religion, knowledge lost over centuries, the quest for an item or truth, and plenty of secret societies and conspiracy theories. However, Gibby’s focus on wine and wine-making added another level that wasn’t present in similar stories I’ve read.
With any book this action- and adventure-packed, you know that the climax will completely blow your mind. And I will gladly admit it did, though I was a bit confused. While the story had plenty of plot twists and sudden changes, it seemed like they were too concentrated at the end of the book. I was fine reading up to the most intense part, but the moment I turned the page I was completely lost as to how certain things had happened. I continually felt like I had missed something, but couldn’t ever find it. Luckily, the confusion was over some minute details, but this brings me to another point about the story: the reader needs to read deeper and use what Gibby’s told us previously in order to fully understand the dialogue and events.
I felt like this book was highly intellectual, and appreciated that a lot of the focus was on science and religion. As a religious person who also has a passion for science, I understand that there must be a balance between the two. Gibby has mastered the art of mixing science and religion into a story that will not offend those who are religious and will still make it believable for those whose faith lies in the sciences. I was very impressed.
This book is definitely worthy of five stars, 10 out of 10, or two thumbs up. It kept me hooked from beginning to end. Gibby was even able to conclude the story in a way that both wraps up the story but also leaves you guessing if more could come. I would recommend this to anyone who likes adventure/action/mystery/crime novels, especially fans of Dan Brown. Truthfully, this is a story that I believe anyone would like.
The Vintage Club by Darin Gibby was a great read from the very start. It begins not in the present, but far in the past, in the days where living a long life meant centuries. Since I was expecting a story taking place in the present time, I was automatically draw into the story to figure out how this would relate back to the story I thought I was reading.
What I discovered is that this introduction was just one example of how author Gibby delves deep into the past to tell us about the characters, the events of the story, and even the settings of the story. I was amazed at how much detail we were given, especially about the few main characters. At every turn we were learning how these people became who they are and ended up doing what they were doing. He used multiple points of view to tell the story, which only increased my interest and made it easier to learn more and more about each character’s backstory.
While this book was classified as “Fiction – General” on the cover, I would rather describe it with words like mystery, thriller, crime, and suspense. As a fan of Dan Brown, I was excited to see how Gibby seemed to follow a similar model in the Vintage Club. In fact, it fits in well with works by Dan Brown, Brad Meltzer, and even the National Treasure movies: all of them include religion, knowledge lost over centuries, the quest for an item or truth, and plenty of secret societies and conspiracy theories. However, Gibby’s focus on wine and wine-making added another level that wasn’t present in similar stories I’ve read.
With any book this action- and adventure-packed, you know that the climax will completely blow your mind. And I will gladly admit it did, though I was a bit confused. While the story had plenty of plot twists and sudden changes, it seemed like they were too concentrated at the end of the book. I was fine reading up to the most intense part, but the moment I turned the page I was completely lost as to how certain things had happened. I continually felt like I had missed something, but couldn’t ever find it. Luckily, the confusion was over some minute details, but this brings me to another point about the story: the reader needs to read deeper and use what Gibby’s told us previously in order to fully understand the dialogue and events.
I felt like this book was highly intellectual, and appreciated that a lot of the focus was on science and religion. As a religious person who also has a passion for science, I understand that there must be a balance between the two. Gibby has mastered the art of mixing science and religion into a story that will not offend those who are religious and will still make it believable for those whose faith lies in the sciences. I was very impressed.
This book is definitely worthy of five stars, 10 out of 10, or two thumbs up. It kept me hooked from beginning to end. Gibby was even able to conclude the story in a way that both wraps up the story but also leaves you guessing if more could come. I would recommend this to anyone who likes adventure/action/mystery/crime novels, especially fans of Dan Brown. Truthfully, this is a story that I believe anyone would like.
February 15, 2014
Darin Gibby gives us a new entry into the growing corpus of Da Vinci Code novels where something from the Biblical past plays a huge role in today's world.
Do not think Gibby copied early entries in the subgenre. His The Vingage Club is a unique contribution. Take a cabal of international billionaires seeking immortality by trying to recreate the wine served at the Last Supper. Strong belief that ancient grape seeds can grow into vineyards that produce an elixir of eternal life drive this cabal to cheat, scheme and murder to keep its secret, well, secret.
When a benefactor and friend of a member of the group files a patent application that threatens the secret, people die. Another is framed.
The action is fast paced as one would expect from a thriller, yet there are small pauses for the reader to reflect and catch her breath. A quick read good for a rainy day or a sunny day. Oh, heck. This is a good read for any day.
Do not think Gibby copied early entries in the subgenre. His The Vingage Club is a unique contribution. Take a cabal of international billionaires seeking immortality by trying to recreate the wine served at the Last Supper. Strong belief that ancient grape seeds can grow into vineyards that produce an elixir of eternal life drive this cabal to cheat, scheme and murder to keep its secret, well, secret.
When a benefactor and friend of a member of the group files a patent application that threatens the secret, people die. Another is framed.
The action is fast paced as one would expect from a thriller, yet there are small pauses for the reader to reflect and catch her breath. A quick read good for a rainy day or a sunny day. Oh, heck. This is a good read for any day.
January 27, 2014
An amazing, and believable, story of money and power. The Vintage Club is made up of billionaires who want the ultimate - eternal life.
Follow the Police as they pursue a missing patent application and the murderers who want it. The ending is a perfect setup for a sequel.
Gibby's debut novel is first rate and will keep you up, wanting to read just one more chapter. The Vintage Club members have warped the true meaning of Bible verses, to fit their own needs. Or have they? Check it out yourself.
Follow the Police as they pursue a missing patent application and the murderers who want it. The ending is a perfect setup for a sequel.
Gibby's debut novel is first rate and will keep you up, wanting to read just one more chapter. The Vintage Club members have warped the true meaning of Bible verses, to fit their own needs. Or have they? Check it out yourself.
September 28, 2024
I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads Giveaway.
This book was so different than I thought it would be. I really liked the cat-and-mouse spy thriller aspect of it when Reggie was on the run. I did think the ending was a bit over the top, but it definitely kept my interest.
This book was so different than I thought it would be. I really liked the cat-and-mouse spy thriller aspect of it when Reggie was on the run. I did think the ending was a bit over the top, but it definitely kept my interest.
May 14, 2018
I received a copy of this book from Goodreads in exchange for a review.
An elite group of the worlds wealthiest men have come together to form ‘The Vintage Club’. Their sole purpose is to discover the ancient ‘biblical’ grape that they believe will allow them to live forever.
Their quest has led them to patent attorney Walter Trudell. But when Trudell is found murdered, it is up to his godson, Reggie Alexander, to get to the bottom of this crazy, twisted conspiracy.
This is one of those books that you have to read every page because you don’t want to miss a thing. A murder, a missing patent application, a mysterious group of religious fanatics, and his wife and son abducted, the blows keep coming to Reggie as he tries to get to the crux of the matter. Battling his own demons, that came as a result of his own dysfunctional family upbringing, Reggie is far from your typical hero but he struggles to overcome his own anxieties just like he struggles to overcome his haunted past.
An oh so believable blending of fact and fiction, this tale , just like a good bottle of wine, must be savored.
And please, PLEASE don’t read the last page first. The ending will surprise and maybe even shock you.
An elite group of the worlds wealthiest men have come together to form ‘The Vintage Club’. Their sole purpose is to discover the ancient ‘biblical’ grape that they believe will allow them to live forever.
Their quest has led them to patent attorney Walter Trudell. But when Trudell is found murdered, it is up to his godson, Reggie Alexander, to get to the bottom of this crazy, twisted conspiracy.
This is one of those books that you have to read every page because you don’t want to miss a thing. A murder, a missing patent application, a mysterious group of religious fanatics, and his wife and son abducted, the blows keep coming to Reggie as he tries to get to the crux of the matter. Battling his own demons, that came as a result of his own dysfunctional family upbringing, Reggie is far from your typical hero but he struggles to overcome his own anxieties just like he struggles to overcome his haunted past.
An oh so believable blending of fact and fiction, this tale , just like a good bottle of wine, must be savored.
And please, PLEASE don’t read the last page first. The ending will surprise and maybe even shock you.
November 12, 2020
( Format : Audiobook )
"A murder, a funeral, a pink slip." Sent
Adopted as a youth into a social experiment to improve lives of deprived children, Reggie had done well, from poor kid seeing his mother killed by his father, to himself a father in a most!y contented marriage, a good job with the patent office, and loving, If eccentric godparents. But it all falls apart when his godfather is found dead and Reggie believes he is thought to be the murderer.
A convoluted story of religious obsession,0lreal - mad, perhaps, but, well, solid. Narration by Harry Shaw adds to the substance of these people, each given their own distinctive voice and the whole read with good pacing, clear modulation which stops the text ever becoming boring, and just a little touch of emotional imput. A good performance.
My thanks to the rights holder of The Vintage Club who, at my request freely gifted me with a complimentary copy. The protagonists might have been OTT in beliefs progressions but it was still an exciting, easy to read thriller which da Vinchi code.readers are likely to enjoy. Good read, good fun. Recommended..
"A murder, a funeral, a pink slip." Sent
Adopted as a youth into a social experiment to improve lives of deprived children, Reggie had done well, from poor kid seeing his mother killed by his father, to himself a father in a most!y contented marriage, a good job with the patent office, and loving, If eccentric godparents. But it all falls apart when his godfather is found dead and Reggie believes he is thought to be the murderer.
A convoluted story of religious obsession,0lreal - mad, perhaps, but, well, solid. Narration by Harry Shaw adds to the substance of these people, each given their own distinctive voice and the whole read with good pacing, clear modulation which stops the text ever becoming boring, and just a little touch of emotional imput. A good performance.
My thanks to the rights holder of The Vintage Club who, at my request freely gifted me with a complimentary copy. The protagonists might have been OTT in beliefs progressions but it was still an exciting, easy to read thriller which da Vinchi code.readers are likely to enjoy. Good read, good fun. Recommended..
April 9, 2018
**Received this book in a Goodreads Giveaway**
The book overall was a good book in terms of writing, action, and suspense. My one-star rating is because I don't feel right about giving it anything higher due to some of the content. Let me explain:
The premise is that the Vintage Club members believe that the wine Jesus gave his disciples at the Last Supper gave eternal life. That they could find the grape seeds or particular grape vine from which the wine was made to create the elixir to live forever (on Earth, might I add, which is grossly short-sighted). I'm not sure of the author's intent in writing this book- whether he actually believes the 'legends' presented in this book or if he was just writing a creative story. But I have issue with what the book depicts. For starters- they say Jesus was a god, not God, which goes against everything the Bible teaches...
Plus they're missing the best part of the Gospel! God sent his Son to earth to live the perfect life we never could and die the death we all deserve so that we could spend eternity with them in Heaven. Christ's sacrifice and our salvation is not based on us- whether we're good enough, loving enough, self-sacrificing enough, wise enough. No, it is a gift we don't deserve and can't earn. Jesus says, "I am the way, the truth, the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" and "whoever comes to me I will never cast out." (John 14:6; 6:37) There is only way to eternal life and if you desire it, He will never turn you away. And it is not through the bread and the wine that we obtain it, but "if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." (Romans 10:9) What great news for us- we don't have to do good works and cross our fingers that they outweigh our sins! He died "once for all" (Romans 6:10) and we need only to accept his gift!
Regardless of his intent in writing this story, I think it demeans Christ's sacrifice to even pretend that Jesus, eternal life, and the Gospel is anything other than the truths Scripture tells us. And for that, I give one star because I can't rightly recommend a book that twists the truths of the Bible- regardless of motivation.
The book overall was a good book in terms of writing, action, and suspense. My one-star rating is because I don't feel right about giving it anything higher due to some of the content. Let me explain:
The premise is that the Vintage Club members believe that the wine Jesus gave his disciples at the Last Supper gave eternal life. That they could find the grape seeds or particular grape vine from which the wine was made to create the elixir to live forever (on Earth, might I add, which is grossly short-sighted). I'm not sure of the author's intent in writing this book- whether he actually believes the 'legends' presented in this book or if he was just writing a creative story. But I have issue with what the book depicts. For starters- they say Jesus was a god, not God, which goes against everything the Bible teaches...
Plus they're missing the best part of the Gospel! God sent his Son to earth to live the perfect life we never could and die the death we all deserve so that we could spend eternity with them in Heaven. Christ's sacrifice and our salvation is not based on us- whether we're good enough, loving enough, self-sacrificing enough, wise enough. No, it is a gift we don't deserve and can't earn. Jesus says, "I am the way, the truth, the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" and "whoever comes to me I will never cast out." (John 14:6; 6:37) There is only way to eternal life and if you desire it, He will never turn you away. And it is not through the bread and the wine that we obtain it, but "if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." (Romans 10:9) What great news for us- we don't have to do good works and cross our fingers that they outweigh our sins! He died "once for all" (Romans 6:10) and we need only to accept his gift!
Regardless of his intent in writing this story, I think it demeans Christ's sacrifice to even pretend that Jesus, eternal life, and the Gospel is anything other than the truths Scripture tells us. And for that, I give one star because I can't rightly recommend a book that twists the truths of the Bible- regardless of motivation.
June 27, 2018
I'm giving this book 2.5 stars. It had way too much bible history and scientific detail to hold my interest. Hard to tell the good guys from the bad guys. Some excitement toward the end if you hang in that long.
April 28, 2018
An interesting read. The inferences of the bible, wine, sacrifice, blood sensors--all over the top ideas, but the author made a good case to the reader!
February 19, 2019
Good book. Easy to read and hard to put down!
July 14, 2014
NO SPOILERS
A well spun story, should be enjoyed by those who love Glenn Kleier and Dan Brown for it's sense of mystery and history. Don't be put off by the religious element it doesn't shove it down your throat the biblical references are merely there as a template of history and not intended to convert the heathens!
I didn't feel that I would want to keep a copy of this book (had it been a book and not an ebook). Glenn's books take pride of place on my shelves this would not but it had a certain something. However I found the endless descriptions of things very irritating hence 4 stars not 5. It interrupted the flow of the story which I enjoyed. The book could be at least 50 pages shorter if the descriptions of pointless things weren't there. I don't really care what every stone on a house looks like and what it's tiling and carpets are like in detail unless that is necessary for the story (which it wasn't). The descriptions were also quite childlike in that they were all given up front rather than, like in most books for grownups, dripfed. For example (not taken from the book) - John walked into the blue room with a blue sofa that looked comfortable it was in the middle of the room adjacent to a dark wooden table that had Hello magazine on it opened at page 5. John wore green trousers and a red jumper that his Mum's cat's former owner's sister bought him for Christmas the year before. John is 37 years old and has brown hair. Anyway you get the gist I'm being a little unfair but if you read the book you'll see what I mean.
This aside I do recommend the read. A couple of the twists may not surprise you but you will enjoy them nonetheless if you like this kind of thing. I did though I know my review might read a bit negative please don't consider it to be so, I'm being hyper picky.
Likeable and hateable characters in the right places and a wonderfully woven story. I would certainly read other things by Darin Gibby but seriously hope the descriptions are cut down a bit so I have a bit less skip reading and much more enjoyment.
A well spun story, should be enjoyed by those who love Glenn Kleier and Dan Brown for it's sense of mystery and history. Don't be put off by the religious element it doesn't shove it down your throat the biblical references are merely there as a template of history and not intended to convert the heathens!
I didn't feel that I would want to keep a copy of this book (had it been a book and not an ebook). Glenn's books take pride of place on my shelves this would not but it had a certain something. However I found the endless descriptions of things very irritating hence 4 stars not 5. It interrupted the flow of the story which I enjoyed. The book could be at least 50 pages shorter if the descriptions of pointless things weren't there. I don't really care what every stone on a house looks like and what it's tiling and carpets are like in detail unless that is necessary for the story (which it wasn't). The descriptions were also quite childlike in that they were all given up front rather than, like in most books for grownups, dripfed. For example (not taken from the book) - John walked into the blue room with a blue sofa that looked comfortable it was in the middle of the room adjacent to a dark wooden table that had Hello magazine on it opened at page 5. John wore green trousers and a red jumper that his Mum's cat's former owner's sister bought him for Christmas the year before. John is 37 years old and has brown hair. Anyway you get the gist I'm being a little unfair but if you read the book you'll see what I mean.
This aside I do recommend the read. A couple of the twists may not surprise you but you will enjoy them nonetheless if you like this kind of thing. I did though I know my review might read a bit negative please don't consider it to be so, I'm being hyper picky.
Likeable and hateable characters in the right places and a wonderfully woven story. I would certainly read other things by Darin Gibby but seriously hope the descriptions are cut down a bit so I have a bit less skip reading and much more enjoyment.
May 22, 2014
http://openbooksociety.com/article/th...
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Andra
It was an interesting book, though difficult to get into in the beginning (probably due to a lot going on in this book and the story vacillating between the vintage club member’s (a club of 12 of the richest men in the world) story and Reggie’s story in the beginning and thus a bit difficult to focus. Once I got past the initial hump….and as a result of the writing being so good and the story/mystery became intriguing, I did not want to put the book down and was swept away.
As stated in the book …
“The goal of the Vintage Club was to find a new wine that would reverse the aging process by chemically transforming a person’s blood into the sort of the blood that ran through Adam before his fall.”
Rather a bold goal for this club. The journey the club members take is thought provoking and bold, as the reader will see.
Similar to other stories (for example: the Da Vince Code) The Vintage Club explores both the literal and figurative meanings of many scripture and historical bits of information related to the life and death of Christ, and in particular the idea of eternal life. With these religious tie-ins included, it can make it difficult for a reader to follow, especially if at least a small base of religious knowledge is not present.
As a mystery/thriller, the author did a delightful job. I enjoyed following Reggie’s journey. The whodunit was not revealed until the end (of course), but I was kept guessing until the end….not the person I thought it was. And is that not what one wants from a mystery?
The story was wrapped up well, though it certainly left little “bits” of unanswered questions so that maybe another book is on the way?
*OBS would like to thank the author for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Andra
It was an interesting book, though difficult to get into in the beginning (probably due to a lot going on in this book and the story vacillating between the vintage club member’s (a club of 12 of the richest men in the world) story and Reggie’s story in the beginning and thus a bit difficult to focus. Once I got past the initial hump….and as a result of the writing being so good and the story/mystery became intriguing, I did not want to put the book down and was swept away.
As stated in the book …
“The goal of the Vintage Club was to find a new wine that would reverse the aging process by chemically transforming a person’s blood into the sort of the blood that ran through Adam before his fall.”
Rather a bold goal for this club. The journey the club members take is thought provoking and bold, as the reader will see.
Similar to other stories (for example: the Da Vince Code) The Vintage Club explores both the literal and figurative meanings of many scripture and historical bits of information related to the life and death of Christ, and in particular the idea of eternal life. With these religious tie-ins included, it can make it difficult for a reader to follow, especially if at least a small base of religious knowledge is not present.
As a mystery/thriller, the author did a delightful job. I enjoyed following Reggie’s journey. The whodunit was not revealed until the end (of course), but I was kept guessing until the end….not the person I thought it was. And is that not what one wants from a mystery?
The story was wrapped up well, though it certainly left little “bits” of unanswered questions so that maybe another book is on the way?
*OBS would like to thank the author for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
January 2, 2014
Reading this book was reminiscent of Dan Brown’s Da Vinci Code series, with an added and much-appreciated nod to actual theology. Like the Da Vinci series, this book delves into literal and figurative meanings of many icons, myths, scripture and historical tidbits related to the life and death of Jesus Christ, and in this case, the idea of eternal life. There was a lot going on in this book, and it was difficult at times, to keep everyone and all the stories straight. They did all come to a head eventually and many of the loose ends were tied up by the end, although a few do remain open, perhaps for the sake of a sequel.
The only real negative I have is that Reggie is, by far, the most unnecessarily paranoid person, when under major stress. More so than I would assume most people with his history would be. Although it did add to the story, I think it was a bit overdone and could have been scaled back with the same effect. That and the fact that much of the scientific terminology and experimentation are a bit distracting due to the difficulty in understanding the nature of the subjects discussed. Some of the technical jargon could have been altered for easier understanding.
The Club and their literal translation of the idea of eternal life was quite sad to me. Had they truly understood the meaning of the grace and love of Christ, they could have used their considerable resources to do some real good in the world. Part of me hopes for a sequel with Reggie’s suggested induction, so that he may shed the Light on their quest. I do recommend this book to lovers of symbolism, of scientific advances, and especially to those Christians who love a good suspense thriller.
Rating: 4
HEAT Rating: None
Reviewed By: Daysie W.
Review Courtesy of: My Book Addiction and More
The only real negative I have is that Reggie is, by far, the most unnecessarily paranoid person, when under major stress. More so than I would assume most people with his history would be. Although it did add to the story, I think it was a bit overdone and could have been scaled back with the same effect. That and the fact that much of the scientific terminology and experimentation are a bit distracting due to the difficulty in understanding the nature of the subjects discussed. Some of the technical jargon could have been altered for easier understanding.
The Club and their literal translation of the idea of eternal life was quite sad to me. Had they truly understood the meaning of the grace and love of Christ, they could have used their considerable resources to do some real good in the world. Part of me hopes for a sequel with Reggie’s suggested induction, so that he may shed the Light on their quest. I do recommend this book to lovers of symbolism, of scientific advances, and especially to those Christians who love a good suspense thriller.
Rating: 4
HEAT Rating: None
Reviewed By: Daysie W.
Review Courtesy of: My Book Addiction and More
June 16, 2014
Darin Gibby, author of The Vintage Club, brings an innovative storyline with mystery and intrigue seasoned with unconventional interpetations of Biblical passages linked to living forever. The Vintage Club is a secret club of wealthy men actively seeking to produce a wine that will cause them to live forever. As we meet the club member we see some are a bit eccentric while some are willing to go to almost any extreme to find this wine. Also in our story is Reggie, our main character, and his family, co-workers and church friends. The story tends to bobble from Reggie's world to the world of the Vintage Club. Reggie's godfather is murdered at the beginning of the book and the two worlds begin to intertwine.
It took me a bit to get into the book. After the first couple chapters I found it to flow well and to be at a good pace. It was hard to put down after that. Gibby's writting style, specifically the way he wrote the mystery portion, brought to mind John Grisham's style. The mystery was spontaneous and rarely predictable assuring me I did not know 'who did it' until the end.
A good author invites you to visit the characters and the places along the way. Gibby's settings were very well described and the events well written making you see them play out in your mindseye. I felt I watched Reggie on his cumbersome journey on the bike seeing him needing liquid and knowing the ankle was aching.
I enjoyed this book. It was refreshing to have such an interesting topic and have it so well presented.
It took me a bit to get into the book. After the first couple chapters I found it to flow well and to be at a good pace. It was hard to put down after that. Gibby's writting style, specifically the way he wrote the mystery portion, brought to mind John Grisham's style. The mystery was spontaneous and rarely predictable assuring me I did not know 'who did it' until the end.
A good author invites you to visit the characters and the places along the way. Gibby's settings were very well described and the events well written making you see them play out in your mindseye. I felt I watched Reggie on his cumbersome journey on the bike seeing him needing liquid and knowing the ankle was aching.
I enjoyed this book. It was refreshing to have such an interesting topic and have it so well presented.
May 6, 2014
The author, Darin Gibby, sent me a copy of this book to review and since I had a break in my normal reading schedule I finally got around to reading it. At first I was a bit worried since it starts off in the ancient Roman world and I tend to be very finicky about such setting given my education and former career. Luckily the book quickly leaves the ancient setting for the modern world and here Gibby has crafted a novel that is part mystery, part religious cult, and part personal revelation in the form of our main character Reggie Alexander.
I don't want to give much of the plot away but let me say that we have three main parties all touched by the murder of scientist and born-again Christian Walter Trudell who may have taken his fervor to prove the faith a bit too far in the eyes of some. Reggie, his adopted son, Trudell's compatriots in the elite Vintage Club, and the Captain Damhoff whose very presence at an investigatory level indicates the high stakes this murder involves for the world. Toss into this mix the fact that The Vintage Club is not all it seems and you have some very complex motivations that Gibby navigates quite well.
I'm not a fan of multiple viewpoints but Gibby does a good job of weaving them together, driving the plot quickly to a heart-pounding conclusion. There is a tiny hint that the story might continue but over all I think this is a good single novel.
I don't want to give much of the plot away but let me say that we have three main parties all touched by the murder of scientist and born-again Christian Walter Trudell who may have taken his fervor to prove the faith a bit too far in the eyes of some. Reggie, his adopted son, Trudell's compatriots in the elite Vintage Club, and the Captain Damhoff whose very presence at an investigatory level indicates the high stakes this murder involves for the world. Toss into this mix the fact that The Vintage Club is not all it seems and you have some very complex motivations that Gibby navigates quite well.
I'm not a fan of multiple viewpoints but Gibby does a good job of weaving them together, driving the plot quickly to a heart-pounding conclusion. There is a tiny hint that the story might continue but over all I think this is a good single novel.
April 25, 2014
The Vintage Club believes everlasting life is not found through Christ, but through the wine served at the Last Supper. Mind you, it’s doubtful the men in The Vintage Club should be granted the gift of immortality as they are most likely the least deserving. It goes hand-in-hand with something my other half always says, “Those who want to be a politician should never be a politician”. After scientist Walter Trudell, who is working with The Vintage Club to, is murdered and his research stolen, the members are desperate to find his notes. His last patent, submitted only hours before his death, has disappeared. Walter’s godson, Reggie Alexander, who works at the patent office, is the prime suspect in Walter’s death and the disappearance of the last patent Walter filed. Now Reggie is on the run and with his acute anxiety disorder, stemming from events in his childhood, he is not doing well. He’s trying to find the truth behind Walter’s death and the mysterious patent while dodging those who pursue him. THE VINTAGE CLUB may have some echoes of Dan Brown’s work, but it is definitely a different animal. While I could empathize with Reggie, I didn’t really feel a connection with any of the characters. The premise was definitely interesting – who wouldn’t like to think drinking alcohol will prolong life? I can see THE VINTAGE CLUB being loved by many readers.
August 19, 2016
I was provided this book by Goodreads First reads.
The Vintage Club is a group of wealthy and, to use the description given by one of the members, bored men who through research of history and science attempt to recreate a wine given by Christ to his disciple that supposedly gave one the ability to live forever. And then catastrophe, Walter, the scientist who they used to help them test the effects of this "miraculous wine" is killed. Reggie his godson is believed by the police to have committed the murder, Reggie feeling hunted, due in part to an easily manifested paranoia which he has had since childhood because a traumatic event, attempts to uncover who murdered his godfather and what was so very important about the patent which Walter filed on the eve of his death. The Vintage Club is also seeking answers but in so doing they help unravel Reggie's life further as all the groups searching for answers to why Walter was killed and what was in the patent work against each other. Along the way they uncover indications in Christian symbology that had not previously been considered by the group and in Walter's work which together may just uncover the secret to eternal life that the Vintage Club has long been seeking.
The Vintage Club is a group of wealthy and, to use the description given by one of the members, bored men who through research of history and science attempt to recreate a wine given by Christ to his disciple that supposedly gave one the ability to live forever. And then catastrophe, Walter, the scientist who they used to help them test the effects of this "miraculous wine" is killed. Reggie his godson is believed by the police to have committed the murder, Reggie feeling hunted, due in part to an easily manifested paranoia which he has had since childhood because a traumatic event, attempts to uncover who murdered his godfather and what was so very important about the patent which Walter filed on the eve of his death. The Vintage Club is also seeking answers but in so doing they help unravel Reggie's life further as all the groups searching for answers to why Walter was killed and what was in the patent work against each other. Along the way they uncover indications in Christian symbology that had not previously been considered by the group and in Walter's work which together may just uncover the secret to eternal life that the Vintage Club has long been seeking.
May 14, 2014
This novel has a mix of religion, mystery, and a cliffhanger that will literally leave you hanging on your seat!
The author takes you to Washington D.C. and you are introduced to Reggie Alexander.
I liked that the author didn't make Reggie to be a perfect character. He has alot of flaws, like many of us do and that makes him more of a relate-able character.
Now add a person such as Reggie with a scientist, who is also his Godfather, to the mix. When Walter is murdered, the authorities assume Reggie is the one who murdered Trudell.
I won't give out any spoilers, but I will say this. At one point in the book, one of the characters has to make a decision that many of us pray we never have to make. The author did a terrific job of showing the emotion of each character involved. While reading this part of the book, I was screaming inside, "WHAT? NO!". Once I got to that point of the book, I actually re-read the chapter again to make sure I understood what had happened because the cliffhanger really threw me.
This would make a good thriller mystery movie. It reminded me of The DaVinci Code.
Thank you to the author for providing me a copy of the book for my review.
The author takes you to Washington D.C. and you are introduced to Reggie Alexander.
I liked that the author didn't make Reggie to be a perfect character. He has alot of flaws, like many of us do and that makes him more of a relate-able character.
Now add a person such as Reggie with a scientist, who is also his Godfather, to the mix. When Walter is murdered, the authorities assume Reggie is the one who murdered Trudell.
I won't give out any spoilers, but I will say this. At one point in the book, one of the characters has to make a decision that many of us pray we never have to make. The author did a terrific job of showing the emotion of each character involved. While reading this part of the book, I was screaming inside, "WHAT? NO!". Once I got to that point of the book, I actually re-read the chapter again to make sure I understood what had happened because the cliffhanger really threw me.
This would make a good thriller mystery movie. It reminded me of The DaVinci Code.
Thank you to the author for providing me a copy of the book for my review.
January 27, 2014
Wine, the ancient Christian symbol of everlasting life figures prominently in "The Vintage Club", possibly a certain wine whose lineage goes back to the time of Christ and the Last Supper. Gibby takes this premise and creates a story that is fast-paced with believable characters. The character of Reggie Alexander is one to whom the reader can relate; his 'rescue' from a hellish childhood, his success, his angst, his paranoia, and his fears are realistic. I especially enjoyed the idea of a wine that can impart immortality; it gives the idea of life everlasting a whole new meaning! Biblical codes, soul-searching, and a satisfying climax makes this a recommended book.
Kristen Houghton, author of "Welcome to Hell" and "No Woman Diets Alone-There's Always a Man Behind Her Eating a Doughnut.
Kristen Houghton, author of "Welcome to Hell" and "No Woman Diets Alone-There's Always a Man Behind Her Eating a Doughnut.
January 21, 2014
Top marks to author Darin Gibby for writing a sophisticated, well-crafted novel. He weaves an intriguing premise throughout the storyline—the premise that certain grapes, processed in the right way, can become the elixir of eternal life. And as the story unfolds, we see the lengths to which men will go to obtain it. The characters are believable, and the details relating to the ancient symbolism of wine are well-researched. The main character, Reggie Alexander, is an Everyman who is faced with challenges that push him to the limit and force him to overcome his personal demons in a desperate bid to save his family. The Vintage Club is a book that will keep the reader anxiously turning pages in order to see how the narrative concludes and the conflicts are resolved.
July 3, 2014
"ARC received for honest review"
Interesting book, not my usual read. The book starts with ancient Rome world and transitions to modern. The mystery behind it goes from religious cult to characters revelations.
I’m an atheist but I am quite open about any religious believes, although this story got most concepts of Christians legends and there is a lot of reference to them I still enjoyed the story line. How twelve of the wealthiest men in the world form a club that is secret and exclusive in order to find the Fountain of Youth in a wine glass.
If you enjoy this sort of reading give it a go.
Interesting book, not my usual read. The book starts with ancient Rome world and transitions to modern. The mystery behind it goes from religious cult to characters revelations.
I’m an atheist but I am quite open about any religious believes, although this story got most concepts of Christians legends and there is a lot of reference to them I still enjoyed the story line. How twelve of the wealthiest men in the world form a club that is secret and exclusive in order to find the Fountain of Youth in a wine glass.
If you enjoy this sort of reading give it a go.
November 18, 2013
The Vintage Club pits the obsession of one man to discover the secret of prolonging life against another man’s quest to discover the truth and to save his family’s life, as well as his own. A group of the world’s richest men make up Vintage Club, the vinorati if you will, believing that wine made from an ancient varietal linked to the wine that Christ served the disciples can prolong life. Gibby weaves this unique premise into a well-plotted novel with strong characters, a protagonist in danger and out to save his family, and a time-winding-down ending.
March 2, 2014
Look out Dan Brown, you have competition! Darin Gibby's style of writing has you hooked from the very beginning. The characters are well formed and believable. The twist at the end is perfect.
The Vintage Club is made up of the worlds wealthiest men on a quest for the elixir of life.
Reggie Alexander finds himself the prime suspect when his godfather is murdered. The story follows Reggie at a fast pace as he tries to stay one step ahead of the police. If you want to know more then just read the book!
Thank you Darin Gibby. I will certainly look forward to your next book!
The Vintage Club is made up of the worlds wealthiest men on a quest for the elixir of life.
Reggie Alexander finds himself the prime suspect when his godfather is murdered. The story follows Reggie at a fast pace as he tries to stay one step ahead of the police. If you want to know more then just read the book!
Thank you Darin Gibby. I will certainly look forward to your next book!
January 12, 2014
A brilliant novel by Darin Gibby. I was gripped all the way through. The story line is really original, like Dan Brown, Darin explores the possibilities of hidden codes in the bible, this being that wine could unlock an elixir for eternal life. Its really fast moving and there's no pointless chapters to pad it out, each chapter adds something to the story. The characters are three dimensional and believable and the book is very well written. Whilst the plot sounds a little crazy, its so well told its almost realistic. I really enjoyed it!
December 30, 2013
I received this book free from a goodreads giveaway. When I first saw the book, I must admit I was not very enthusiastic about reading it. I was pleasantly surprised however, with the content of the book. It was a thriller and a page turner with lots of twists and turns. The ending was not what you would have expected either, which is always good, when many mystery thriller type books are very predictable.
December 30, 2013
I received this book from the goodreads first reads program. This was an excellent book. I was intrigued by all of the elements; murder, mystery, biblical symbolism, secret society. Well written and extremely enjoyable to read.
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June 12, 2014
different storyline that what i had thought it was going to be about but it was very thought provoking idea. i would recommend this book as a book club choice. there are several areas that would definately generate alot of conversation.
January 27, 2014
I entered this goodreads giveaway cause I am recent wine lover thanks to my daughter's neighbors.
I enjoyed this book very much and have passed it along to my new friends. Long live the vino.
I enjoyed this book very much and have passed it along to my new friends. Long live the vino.
July 7, 2014
AMAZING
5/5 angel stars
Review to follow
5/5 angel stars
Review to follow
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews