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Le Sang de la vigne #7
Cognac Conspiracies
The heirs to one of the oldest Cognac estates in France face a hostile takeover by foreign investors. Renowned wine expert Benjamin Cooker is called in to audit the books. In what he thought was a sleepy provincial town, he is stonewalled, crosses paths with his first love, and stands up to high-level state officials keen on controlling the buyout. Meanwhile, irresistible Virgile mingles with the local population until a drowning changes the stakes.
154 pages, Paperback
First published October 6, 2004
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385 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
September 17, 2017
Cognac Conspiracies is the fifth book in the Winemaker Detective Mysteries series and the first one I have read in the series. But I had no problem getting into the story, there are not many characters to keep track on and the main characters Benjamin Cooker and Virgile made an interesting duo. But I must say that I preferred Virgile as a character rather than Benjamin. At least in this book. Since this is the first book I have read about them perhaps my view will change when I read the others. But one of the reasons to why I liked Virgile was that not only do women fancy Virgile but in this book he had some problem with a man desiring him. But that is perhaps something he is used to, I don't know. But that was quite fun reading. Trying to work with women and men undressing one with their eyes was tough for poor Virgile.
But, I wish I had to get to know the characters a little more than I did in this book. A little more background. That's the drawback to reading a book in the middle of a series. On the plus side, I now have a couple of books to read.
Now about the story. It wasn't really a surprise that something was fishy about the drowning, this is a crime novel after all. Also, This isn't a thick book, so there wasn't really much time for red herrings or many suspects and that was too bad because that meant that there wasn't really a big surprise when everything was revealed at the end of the book. I wished there would have been more twists to the story because I liked the writing style and the main characters in the book.
In the end, will I say that I liked the book. It was a nice cozy mystery book and I would very much read more in the series. Especially the previous books. But I have to deduct a half star because of the lack of a more surprising ending.
2.5 stars
I received a copy from the publisher and france book tours in return for an honest review!
But, I wish I had to get to know the characters a little more than I did in this book. A little more background. That's the drawback to reading a book in the middle of a series. On the plus side, I now have a couple of books to read.
Now about the story. It wasn't really a surprise that something was fishy about the drowning, this is a crime novel after all. Also, This isn't a thick book, so there wasn't really much time for red herrings or many suspects and that was too bad because that meant that there wasn't really a big surprise when everything was revealed at the end of the book. I wished there would have been more twists to the story because I liked the writing style and the main characters in the book.
In the end, will I say that I liked the book. It was a nice cozy mystery book and I would very much read more in the series. Especially the previous books. But I have to deduct a half star because of the lack of a more surprising ending.
2.5 stars
I received a copy from the publisher and france book tours in return for an honest review!
July 26, 2016
The descriptions of Cognac, the making of this fine liquor piqued my interest. The lush environs of Samson’s Mill even the details of the Lavoisier property captured my attention.
I found the ending well done, wasn’t sure of the culprit given the scandalous references and harbored secrets of the various characters.
I am a fan of this series, although I did find this particular installment veering off the road. I understand the authors need to not adhere to a formulaic style, however this narrative might have taken edgy too far.
I wasn’t a fan of the implied incestuous relationship between brothers and sister. The sexuality throughout the narrative dominated the mystery aspect serving as a distraction becoming tiresome.
Cooker’s behavior was shocking. His conduct when reunited with his former love seemed so unlike his usual refined persona. He becomes hyper focused on sex and bawdy thoughts commandeer his mind. His mercurial and impatient behavior is brazen sans a diet as the excuse. Cooker just isn’t his usual gentlemanly, well mannered behaved self.
Looking forward to the next in this series with more mystery and less or no sexuality in the narrative with the charming Cooker acting more like the beloved Cooker I adore.
I found the ending well done, wasn’t sure of the culprit given the scandalous references and harbored secrets of the various characters.
I am a fan of this series, although I did find this particular installment veering off the road. I understand the authors need to not adhere to a formulaic style, however this narrative might have taken edgy too far.
I wasn’t a fan of the implied incestuous relationship between brothers and sister. The sexuality throughout the narrative dominated the mystery aspect serving as a distraction becoming tiresome.
Cooker’s behavior was shocking. His conduct when reunited with his former love seemed so unlike his usual refined persona. He becomes hyper focused on sex and bawdy thoughts commandeer his mind. His mercurial and impatient behavior is brazen sans a diet as the excuse. Cooker just isn’t his usual gentlemanly, well mannered behaved self.
Looking forward to the next in this series with more mystery and less or no sexuality in the narrative with the charming Cooker acting more like the beloved Cooker I adore.
December 1, 2014
I did not enjoy this one as much as I did the previous one. Mainly because of how much Benjamin Cooker changes when he runs into his first love at a little bistro in Cognac. Well, even his attitude before that. He doesn't seem to want to do this job, from the very beginning, before he even met the people involved, and pretty much left everything up to his assistant. That he runs into his old flame unexpectedly is interesting and you learn a lot more about his character, but the fact that she isn't wearing a bra while gardening when he arrives at her home for tea (plus the other times her breasts are mentioned) and the sexual tension is not necessary and turned me off of the character, especially since he's married and lies to his assistant about meeting up with her. This is made worse because he is very moody in this one, without the excuse of a cabbage soup diet. Jealous, rude, cantankerous. This is not the guy I liked in the last book.
There was a lot of sexuality in this one, so much so that it distracted from the mystery and the murder. I felt like the murder was an afterthought, a side story. The story is more about two women using their sexuality and bodies to get what they want, and a jealous married man who behaved badly - even during very important parts, we had to hear about him looking at each woman with sex on his mind.
I did, however, love the descriptions of Cognac and the property held by the Lavoisiers; liked reading of the drama that happens in this family (though I could have done without the subtle - and sometimes not so subtle - rumor that she had an affair with her younger brother and, at the end, lived as husband and wife with her older brother); and found the things that we learned about the making of cognac very interesting.
As with the last book, there are some very tedious sentences i.e. "He took in the scents of pear, apple, kirsch, cherry, strawberry, cranberry, fig, apricot, plum, quince, muscat, lemon, orange, grapefruit, citron, and Mirabelle plums. He wafted fragrances of violent, mint, verbena, fern, moss, anise, fennel, linden, gentian, angelica, tobacco, lavender, and mushroom, along with some spicy aromas, including cinnamon, pepper, clove, ginger, nutmeg, licorice, and saffron."
I liked Pierre - he was interesting and you could really feel how much he liked what he did, liked creating and experimenting with the product. I liked the friendship he began with Virgile, but not the innuendoes that it was more than just a close friendship between two people who were interested in the same kind of work.
Note: I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
There was a lot of sexuality in this one, so much so that it distracted from the mystery and the murder. I felt like the murder was an afterthought, a side story. The story is more about two women using their sexuality and bodies to get what they want, and a jealous married man who behaved badly - even during very important parts, we had to hear about him looking at each woman with sex on his mind.
I did, however, love the descriptions of Cognac and the property held by the Lavoisiers; liked reading of the drama that happens in this family (though I could have done without the subtle - and sometimes not so subtle - rumor that she had an affair with her younger brother and, at the end, lived as husband and wife with her older brother); and found the things that we learned about the making of cognac very interesting.
As with the last book, there are some very tedious sentences i.e. "He took in the scents of pear, apple, kirsch, cherry, strawberry, cranberry, fig, apricot, plum, quince, muscat, lemon, orange, grapefruit, citron, and Mirabelle plums. He wafted fragrances of violent, mint, verbena, fern, moss, anise, fennel, linden, gentian, angelica, tobacco, lavender, and mushroom, along with some spicy aromas, including cinnamon, pepper, clove, ginger, nutmeg, licorice, and saffron."
I liked Pierre - he was interesting and you could really feel how much he liked what he did, liked creating and experimenting with the product. I liked the friendship he began with Virgile, but not the innuendoes that it was more than just a close friendship between two people who were interested in the same kind of work.
Note: I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
March 14, 2018
Book received from Edelweiss. Read for March Mystery Madness.
This is a book in a series of translated mysteries, they do not have to be read in order, I have had no problems keeping up while reading them piecemeal. This book takes place in France where the oenophile and main character of the book is called in by the buyer of a Cognac maker to look over the business. Of course, while he's doing that someone dies and he has to figure out how it's connected. I really enjoy these books, though they're so short they're more like novellas. I believe that they're on KU and if you enjoy cozy mysteries you should give them a try.
This is a book in a series of translated mysteries, they do not have to be read in order, I have had no problems keeping up while reading them piecemeal. This book takes place in France where the oenophile and main character of the book is called in by the buyer of a Cognac maker to look over the business. Of course, while he's doing that someone dies and he has to figure out how it's connected. I really enjoy these books, though they're so short they're more like novellas. I believe that they're on KU and if you enjoy cozy mysteries you should give them a try.
April 11, 2015
There is an easy way to gage if this book is for you; what do you think of this excerpt from the publisher's blog?
"the Winemaker Detective goes to Jarnac, an haut lieu of cognac production. [...] the region of Cognac is divided into six zones—Grande Champagne, Petite Champagne, Borderies, Fins Bois, Bons Bois and Bois ordinaires. A cognac blend made of Grande Champagne cognac and Petite Champagne cognac makes a Fine Champagne cognac. Of course, the drink cognac, as Grande, Petite or Fine a Champagne it may be, has nothing in common with the sparkling wine. Cognac is a brandy, distilled from wines made from specific grapes grown in specific areas of (primarily) the Charente and Charente-Maritime region of France. It goes through two distillations, in an alembic, and is aged in oak. Now you know.
[...] Jean-Pierre tells me that he has a special soft spot for both cognac and armagnac, both of which he usually enjoys with a cigar. As for cognac, he particularly enjoys those made by Delamain."
If you found it boring and could not care less about that kind of stuff - walk away now. This book and series are not for you.
If you found it fascinating, stick around, as the strength of these tales lies in their insights into the wine-making industry and of the picturesque French country side. In both cases the authors manage to paint a detailed picture that transports you right there where the action is unfolding: the sights, the smells, the tastes, the passion.
The Cognac Conspiracies is a stand-alone cosy-mystery which is part of the Winemaker Detective series, which suits itself to be read in one sitting, whilst sitting back and relaxing with a good drink, preferably in the great outdoors.
The language struck me immediately as more continental in its structure and choice of vocabulary, perhaps it does feel a little like a translation at the beginning, but I think that overall the translator did well to retain the original feel of the French language.
The story is well written and developed, its characters vivid, although some are explored better than others; Virgile shone for me and I certainly hope to find out more about him in the other offerings in this series. The plot isn't over complicated, with sudden twists, but it is full of intrigue and deceit, and it kept me turning pages and guessing who'd-done-it till the very end.
A very pleasant and enticing read, with a few epicurean suggestions.
[ARC received via Netgalley]
BooksChatter
"the Winemaker Detective goes to Jarnac, an haut lieu of cognac production. [...] the region of Cognac is divided into six zones—Grande Champagne, Petite Champagne, Borderies, Fins Bois, Bons Bois and Bois ordinaires. A cognac blend made of Grande Champagne cognac and Petite Champagne cognac makes a Fine Champagne cognac. Of course, the drink cognac, as Grande, Petite or Fine a Champagne it may be, has nothing in common with the sparkling wine. Cognac is a brandy, distilled from wines made from specific grapes grown in specific areas of (primarily) the Charente and Charente-Maritime region of France. It goes through two distillations, in an alembic, and is aged in oak. Now you know.
[...] Jean-Pierre tells me that he has a special soft spot for both cognac and armagnac, both of which he usually enjoys with a cigar. As for cognac, he particularly enjoys those made by Delamain."
If you found it boring and could not care less about that kind of stuff - walk away now. This book and series are not for you.
If you found it fascinating, stick around, as the strength of these tales lies in their insights into the wine-making industry and of the picturesque French country side. In both cases the authors manage to paint a detailed picture that transports you right there where the action is unfolding: the sights, the smells, the tastes, the passion.
The Cognac Conspiracies is a stand-alone cosy-mystery which is part of the Winemaker Detective series, which suits itself to be read in one sitting, whilst sitting back and relaxing with a good drink, preferably in the great outdoors.
The language struck me immediately as more continental in its structure and choice of vocabulary, perhaps it does feel a little like a translation at the beginning, but I think that overall the translator did well to retain the original feel of the French language.
The story is well written and developed, its characters vivid, although some are explored better than others; Virgile shone for me and I certainly hope to find out more about him in the other offerings in this series. The plot isn't over complicated, with sudden twists, but it is full of intrigue and deceit, and it kept me turning pages and guessing who'd-done-it till the very end.
A very pleasant and enticing read, with a few epicurean suggestions.
[ARC received via Netgalley]
BooksChatter
November 8, 2014
Disclaimer: ARC via Netgalley.
The charm of the Wine Taster Detective Series is the setting. The mysteries aren’t that hard to figure out. The characters are well and good, but lack the memorable quality of say Miss Marple.
And that gives the impression that the series is bad, but it isn’t.
It’s that setting. It’s the feeling of the French.
This entry finds Benjamin Hooker and his very present assistant Virgile working to untangle the finances of France’s premier cognac producer, a company that faces a possible takeover by the Chinese after one brother sells his shares.
Of course, there is more about cognac than numbers and the whole audit thing goes out the window when a dead body pops (okay, its more floats) up.
This is after, Cooker reconnects with a love from his college days and frets about his latest edition of his wine book, (mentioning American wines in depth, it seems, is a no-no).
Virgile gets a little more space to roam and rove here, and in fact, comes into more of a character in his own right than simply in the shadow of his teacher and boss. It is his work that largely brings the mystery to light, though in terms of plotting this doesn’t entirely make sense. It is as if there is a jump but we are missing the launching step.
The women characters in the story are weak, and Cooker’s wife, though a presence is not present. This weakens the book slightly, mostly because the president of the cognac company starts out as such a promising character but then, like Cooker’s former love, she comes too close to being simply a slate or mirror to what the men want her to be, as does Cooker’s former girlfriend.
But the setting, the description, the beauty of it all. It is the detailed description that attracts and holds the reader. In the deceptively simple description of a rose garden, the writing duo transports the reader to it. The sound, the smell, the wind, and the rain – the reader feels them. The taste of the rich Cognac travels to the reader via the eyes, but one can swear it is the mouth.
If you want a French mystery without the drama and heartache that goes with so many modern mysteries, then this series is a must. It is a cozy mystery without being too cute, a wonderful touch of realism and a stunning setting.
The charm of the Wine Taster Detective Series is the setting. The mysteries aren’t that hard to figure out. The characters are well and good, but lack the memorable quality of say Miss Marple.
And that gives the impression that the series is bad, but it isn’t.
It’s that setting. It’s the feeling of the French.
This entry finds Benjamin Hooker and his very present assistant Virgile working to untangle the finances of France’s premier cognac producer, a company that faces a possible takeover by the Chinese after one brother sells his shares.
Of course, there is more about cognac than numbers and the whole audit thing goes out the window when a dead body pops (okay, its more floats) up.
This is after, Cooker reconnects with a love from his college days and frets about his latest edition of his wine book, (mentioning American wines in depth, it seems, is a no-no).
Virgile gets a little more space to roam and rove here, and in fact, comes into more of a character in his own right than simply in the shadow of his teacher and boss. It is his work that largely brings the mystery to light, though in terms of plotting this doesn’t entirely make sense. It is as if there is a jump but we are missing the launching step.
The women characters in the story are weak, and Cooker’s wife, though a presence is not present. This weakens the book slightly, mostly because the president of the cognac company starts out as such a promising character but then, like Cooker’s former love, she comes too close to being simply a slate or mirror to what the men want her to be, as does Cooker’s former girlfriend.
But the setting, the description, the beauty of it all. It is the detailed description that attracts and holds the reader. In the deceptively simple description of a rose garden, the writing duo transports the reader to it. The sound, the smell, the wind, and the rain – the reader feels them. The taste of the rich Cognac travels to the reader via the eyes, but one can swear it is the mouth.
If you want a French mystery without the drama and heartache that goes with so many modern mysteries, then this series is a must. It is a cozy mystery without being too cute, a wonderful touch of realism and a stunning setting.
February 25, 2015
Fifth in the Winemaker Detective Mysteries series and revolving around a wine taster and his assistant.
This ARC was provided by NetGalley and Le French Book in exchange for an honest review.
My Take
It didn't make any sense when I read it, so why do Alaux/Balen even bring up "auditing the books" when this isn't what Cooker will be doing? That or explain how looking at the books will further the purpose for which the Chinese have hired him.
I'm coming to realize that French writers don't do show, which surprises me. I've always thought the French were all about the emotions. The fragrance, the taste, the love, and instead, it's all about the tell. In this respect Alaux/Balen do provide lots of detail. And the writing still has a juvenile feel and is so heavy-handed. I don't know if it's the original writing or the translation. I do wish they kept in more French phrases and words to retain the flavor of being a book about the French.
I loved the sound of Pierre's "sacristy" and his greenhouse. The nose that man had for scent, fragrance…the idea of living in a greenhouse…sigh… That eau-de-vie library also sounds lovely.
This sister-brother pair are such children! I do not like them. After being so hostile, why is Pierre suddenly so friendly with Virgile? I suspect we're supposed to infer that Pierre is gay, and it's an excellent example of Alaux/Balen's heavyhanded vagueness. They do like to make a reader work.
Okay, yeah, it's a nice touch that Benjamin plans to resign this commission, but I don't understand why. There are vague insinuations that the job is unsavory, but Alaux/Balen don't provide reasons that make me believe it. It's written therefore it is.
Oh, please, why would people believe that Charles-Henri would come to the funeral, especially if Marie-France has no idea how to contact him? I don't believe that the Church or the police or the family would wait around for weeks before having the funeral. Nor would Virgile and Benjamin hang around the winery for weeks. And it certainly sounds as if the funeral takes place within the week. So how would anyone expect someone to find out about the funeral and get there in time?
Mmmm, how appropriate. Being felt up by a Lavoisier under a sign that states "Cognac Lavoisier: Of course you deserve it."
A perpetual question that has lingered in my mind through the three Winemaker Detective mysteries I've read is how Benjamin is a winemaker. In every story, he is touted as a wine taster. A judge of fine wine who writes a highly respected guide. For the first time, I'm now reading that Benjamin is "asking" a fellow guest at Marie-France's dinner party about his background, that the man has obviously read the Cooker guide on wine, tasted Benjamin's wines… What wines does Benjamin make?
This story bugs me. Alaux/Balen jump all over the place and don't lead up to anything. I have no idea where they get their ideas from. There are so few clues to go on and what there may be are vague. Then there's the, gasp, melodrama. Okay, I've tried. I'm giving up on the Winemaker Detective. It never gets any better than this.
The Story
Marie-France is too beautiful to be restrained by one lover, and she indulges wherever it can do her company the most good, for their father's death did not do the company any favors.
Now the Chinese investors are wanting to change the company's direction, to advertise, and they've hired Benjamin Cooker to audit the books.
The Characters
Benjamin Cooker writes a highly respected wine guide, the Cooker Guide, through his company Cooker & Company of Bordeaux. Elisabeth is his wife, and they have a daughter, Margaux. Bacchus is the name of his dog. Virgile Lanssien is his assistant. Carla is the most recent woman in Virgile's life. Jacqueline Delmas is Benjamin's secretary. Alexandrine de la Palussière works in the lab.
Sheila Scott is an Englishwoman and an expat who has been living in a water mill she remodeled, Samson's Mill, in the Cognac area for the past ten years. She's also an old girlfriend of Benjamin's from their first year together at art school. Styron is her deceased lover, a writer, and she's now living on the royalties from his work. Nathan is Sheila and Styron's son. He works as a model as he auditions for roles in theater.
Marie-France Lavoisier is somewhat nuts with her belief that the moon is keeping her young. Of course, she is a beautiful woman, so she may have good reason for her belief. During the day, she is the head of Lavoisier Cognacs based at their home, Château Floyras, and one of the last aristocracies of Cognac. Her younger brother, Little Pierre, is the nose for the company. Jolliet is a lawyer who has been in charge of the estate since her brother's death. Justine is the maid.
Antoine de Gaulejat is an envoy for the prime minister. Maurice Fauret de Solmilhac is a mischievous braggart with an interest in Marie-France. Hmmm, Sheila has some inside knowledge about the guy.
Maria is the Château Yeuse sommelière.
Claude-Henri is the older brother, and he sold his share of the company to some Chinese investors. Shiyi Cheng is a Lavoisier Cognacs board member concerned about his group's investment. Guo Liang is the last man with whom Claude-Henri dealt.
The Cover and Title
The cover is the browns of a wooden table and barrel upon stacked barrel of cognac lining the walls on either side. An archway of stone frames a large snifter of a golden brandy sloshing up and over one side of the glass.
The title is too true for there are too many Cognac Conspiracies, plots, and schemes.
This ARC was provided by NetGalley and Le French Book in exchange for an honest review.
My Take
It didn't make any sense when I read it, so why do Alaux/Balen even bring up "auditing the books" when this isn't what Cooker will be doing? That or explain how looking at the books will further the purpose for which the Chinese have hired him.
I'm coming to realize that French writers don't do show, which surprises me. I've always thought the French were all about the emotions. The fragrance, the taste, the love, and instead, it's all about the tell. In this respect Alaux/Balen do provide lots of detail. And the writing still has a juvenile feel and is so heavy-handed. I don't know if it's the original writing or the translation. I do wish they kept in more French phrases and words to retain the flavor of being a book about the French.
I loved the sound of Pierre's "sacristy" and his greenhouse. The nose that man had for scent, fragrance…the idea of living in a greenhouse…sigh… That eau-de-vie library also sounds lovely.
This sister-brother pair are such children! I do not like them. After being so hostile, why is Pierre suddenly so friendly with Virgile? I suspect we're supposed to infer that Pierre is gay, and it's an excellent example of Alaux/Balen's heavyhanded vagueness. They do like to make a reader work.
Okay, yeah, it's a nice touch that Benjamin plans to resign this commission, but I don't understand why. There are vague insinuations that the job is unsavory, but Alaux/Balen don't provide reasons that make me believe it. It's written therefore it is.
Oh, please, why would people believe that Charles-Henri would come to the funeral, especially if Marie-France has no idea how to contact him? I don't believe that the Church or the police or the family would wait around for weeks before having the funeral. Nor would Virgile and Benjamin hang around the winery for weeks. And it certainly sounds as if the funeral takes place within the week. So how would anyone expect someone to find out about the funeral and get there in time?
Mmmm, how appropriate. Being felt up by a Lavoisier under a sign that states "Cognac Lavoisier: Of course you deserve it."
A perpetual question that has lingered in my mind through the three Winemaker Detective mysteries I've read is how Benjamin is a winemaker. In every story, he is touted as a wine taster. A judge of fine wine who writes a highly respected guide. For the first time, I'm now reading that Benjamin is "asking" a fellow guest at Marie-France's dinner party about his background, that the man has obviously read the Cooker guide on wine, tasted Benjamin's wines… What wines does Benjamin make?
This story bugs me. Alaux/Balen jump all over the place and don't lead up to anything. I have no idea where they get their ideas from. There are so few clues to go on and what there may be are vague. Then there's the, gasp, melodrama. Okay, I've tried. I'm giving up on the Winemaker Detective. It never gets any better than this.
The Story
Marie-France is too beautiful to be restrained by one lover, and she indulges wherever it can do her company the most good, for their father's death did not do the company any favors.
Now the Chinese investors are wanting to change the company's direction, to advertise, and they've hired Benjamin Cooker to audit the books.
The Characters
Benjamin Cooker writes a highly respected wine guide, the Cooker Guide, through his company Cooker & Company of Bordeaux. Elisabeth is his wife, and they have a daughter, Margaux. Bacchus is the name of his dog. Virgile Lanssien is his assistant. Carla is the most recent woman in Virgile's life. Jacqueline Delmas is Benjamin's secretary. Alexandrine de la Palussière works in the lab.
Sheila Scott is an Englishwoman and an expat who has been living in a water mill she remodeled, Samson's Mill, in the Cognac area for the past ten years. She's also an old girlfriend of Benjamin's from their first year together at art school. Styron is her deceased lover, a writer, and she's now living on the royalties from his work. Nathan is Sheila and Styron's son. He works as a model as he auditions for roles in theater.
Marie-France Lavoisier is somewhat nuts with her belief that the moon is keeping her young. Of course, she is a beautiful woman, so she may have good reason for her belief. During the day, she is the head of Lavoisier Cognacs based at their home, Château Floyras, and one of the last aristocracies of Cognac. Her younger brother, Little Pierre, is the nose for the company. Jolliet is a lawyer who has been in charge of the estate since her brother's death. Justine is the maid.
Antoine de Gaulejat is an envoy for the prime minister. Maurice Fauret de Solmilhac is a mischievous braggart with an interest in Marie-France. Hmmm, Sheila has some inside knowledge about the guy.
Maria is the Château Yeuse sommelière.
Claude-Henri is the older brother, and he sold his share of the company to some Chinese investors. Shiyi Cheng is a Lavoisier Cognacs board member concerned about his group's investment. Guo Liang is the last man with whom Claude-Henri dealt.
The Cover and Title
The cover is the browns of a wooden table and barrel upon stacked barrel of cognac lining the walls on either side. An archway of stone frames a large snifter of a golden brandy sloshing up and over one side of the glass.
The title is too true for there are too many Cognac Conspiracies, plots, and schemes.
February 27, 2023
For those readers who like me maybe struggled with the beginning of this series, I'd suggest to start with book #4 as I feel the stories got a bit more entertaining and easier to follow. Like its predecessors this one also takes us the beautiful french countryside but this time we get to experience the world of cognac making with the backdrop of murder. I think what made me enjoy this one a bit more than previous books was the fact that Benjamin Cooker's assistant Virgile gets to shine here. This one is for fans of cozy mysteries in beautiful settings.
A big thank you to NetGalley and Le French Book for gifting me an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
A big thank you to NetGalley and Le French Book for gifting me an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
June 9, 2019
If you like wine or just want to learn more whilst enjoy a cosy mystery set in France, then these books are for you. They are easy to read, there is no overt violence, the descriptions of the scenery make the story come to life; and there is a great personal interaction between Benjamin and his protegee, Virgile. The stories are not overly long, and the pace is constant, all being riveting to the end.
November 4, 2014
At the time this story was written in 2004, the wine industry like most of the world was sliding into a major recession. Hardest hit among the wine regions in France was the Province of Armagnac. The Lavoisier Vineyard had been the premier producer for over one hundred years. Cognac is a type of brandy made from distilled white grapes that are aged for at least two years in oak barrels, then blended with other flavoring (such as herbs or fruit juice) to give each a distinct flavor.
When their father died, he left one-third of the voting stock to each of his three children. But like many siblings they had their differences and the oldest (Claude-Henri) eventually sold his stake to a Chinese Consortium and moved to Canada. With the drop in sales the Chinese hire Benjamin Cooker and his assistant Virgile to look at the Chateau to see where it could be made more cost effective. The two siblings who are running the Chateau (Marie-France and Pierre) are worried about losing control.
When Pierre, who is the primary blender for the Chateau is found murdered it looks like the chance for his sister to hold onto the family vineyard is all but a fait-accompli. The two remaining siblings will each inherit half of Pierre’s stock, and the sale of Claude-Henri’s windfall will give the Chinese fifty percent control. At this point Benjamin decides to withdraw from his contract with the Chinese and try to solve Pierre’s murder.
The thorn in all of this is that Benjamin’s first love (from thirty years ago) is living on a property, growing prize roses, very near to the Lavoisier Chateau. Also, Virgile may be getting to close to the client, Marie-France, and their intimacy may cloud his judgment as to who killed Pierre.
In true Winemaker fashion, it is written as a TV script after all, everything is wrapped up in a neat bundle at the end. The bad guys go to jail, the Chateau is saved and Benjamin and Virgile drive off into the sunset. Fade to Black.
Zeb Kantrowitz zworstblog.blogspot.com
When their father died, he left one-third of the voting stock to each of his three children. But like many siblings they had their differences and the oldest (Claude-Henri) eventually sold his stake to a Chinese Consortium and moved to Canada. With the drop in sales the Chinese hire Benjamin Cooker and his assistant Virgile to look at the Chateau to see where it could be made more cost effective. The two siblings who are running the Chateau (Marie-France and Pierre) are worried about losing control.
When Pierre, who is the primary blender for the Chateau is found murdered it looks like the chance for his sister to hold onto the family vineyard is all but a fait-accompli. The two remaining siblings will each inherit half of Pierre’s stock, and the sale of Claude-Henri’s windfall will give the Chinese fifty percent control. At this point Benjamin decides to withdraw from his contract with the Chinese and try to solve Pierre’s murder.
The thorn in all of this is that Benjamin’s first love (from thirty years ago) is living on a property, growing prize roses, very near to the Lavoisier Chateau. Also, Virgile may be getting to close to the client, Marie-France, and their intimacy may cloud his judgment as to who killed Pierre.
In true Winemaker fashion, it is written as a TV script after all, everything is wrapped up in a neat bundle at the end. The bad guys go to jail, the Chateau is saved and Benjamin and Virgile drive off into the sunset. Fade to Black.
Zeb Kantrowitz zworstblog.blogspot.com
August 27, 2015
'Cognac Conspiracies' is the fifth book in the Winemaker Detective Mysteries, and probably the first one I didn't thoroughly enjoy. I felt like characters I'd come to know were not acting like they had in previous books.
This time around Benjamin Cooker is sent to audit the books of a famous distiller of cognac for sale to a foreign investor. Near the estate Benjamin runs into an old flame who is widowed with a son. Virgile is especially flirtatious and irresistible to the local population. A drowning changes things and Virgile and Benjamin find themselves in the midst of trying to find out if it was a murder, a suicide, or an accident. Of course, this is a mystery series, so it's the former, but who could it be?
This one was just strange to me. The mystery gets resolved seemingly by accident. Benjamin and Virgile seem less interested in those events that personal life things. Some of those storylines felt long. Let's not get me started on the weird family that owns the Cognac estate. Perhaps these events are based on fact, or this is just one that didn't translate as well culturally, but it just all felt a bit off to me. I'm certainly looking forward to the next one in the series, and I hope this one was just an oddity in an otherwise decent mystery series.
I received a review copy of this ebook from Le French Book and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.
This time around Benjamin Cooker is sent to audit the books of a famous distiller of cognac for sale to a foreign investor. Near the estate Benjamin runs into an old flame who is widowed with a son. Virgile is especially flirtatious and irresistible to the local population. A drowning changes things and Virgile and Benjamin find themselves in the midst of trying to find out if it was a murder, a suicide, or an accident. Of course, this is a mystery series, so it's the former, but who could it be?
This one was just strange to me. The mystery gets resolved seemingly by accident. Benjamin and Virgile seem less interested in those events that personal life things. Some of those storylines felt long. Let's not get me started on the weird family that owns the Cognac estate. Perhaps these events are based on fact, or this is just one that didn't translate as well culturally, but it just all felt a bit off to me. I'm certainly looking forward to the next one in the series, and I hope this one was just an oddity in an otherwise decent mystery series.
I received a review copy of this ebook from Le French Book and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.
March 9, 2015
I have enjoyed each and every one of the stories in this series. The characters are always interesting and the mysteries compelling. There are always tidbits of information about wines to be gleaned from the stories without getting too weighed down in minutiae.
Benjamin Cooker is back but instead of being welcomed by the vintners, the owners of Lavoisier look at him with hostility as he is employed by the Chinese buyers of a part interest in a family owned (until then) cognac business. Three siblings inherited the concern upon the death of their father. One son sells his interest to the Chinese and it is apparent, they want more share but want to have Benjamin check the books before proceeding. He arrives in Cognac as an unwelcome guest to the two remaining siblings but chances upon a lost love of his youth who is very happy to see him. The remaining brother dies mysteriously and the intrigue goes into high gear as his sister tries desperately to hold control. Benjamin is unhappy with his assignment and resigns but not before he and his assistant are pulled into the machinations and the dark secrets that the murder brings to light.
Before it is over, Benjamin is on the side of the angels again and despite some disenchantment, the story does have a satisfying ending, albeit not happy.
As I mentioned before, I do like this series. This one may have been the one I liked the least but I would still recommend it and look forward to the next story.
Benjamin Cooker is back but instead of being welcomed by the vintners, the owners of Lavoisier look at him with hostility as he is employed by the Chinese buyers of a part interest in a family owned (until then) cognac business. Three siblings inherited the concern upon the death of their father. One son sells his interest to the Chinese and it is apparent, they want more share but want to have Benjamin check the books before proceeding. He arrives in Cognac as an unwelcome guest to the two remaining siblings but chances upon a lost love of his youth who is very happy to see him. The remaining brother dies mysteriously and the intrigue goes into high gear as his sister tries desperately to hold control. Benjamin is unhappy with his assignment and resigns but not before he and his assistant are pulled into the machinations and the dark secrets that the murder brings to light.
Before it is over, Benjamin is on the side of the angels again and despite some disenchantment, the story does have a satisfying ending, albeit not happy.
As I mentioned before, I do like this series. This one may have been the one I liked the least but I would still recommend it and look forward to the next story.
July 3, 2015
I'm a fan of this French cozy series that always keeps a background theme of fine wine and cigars, with a dash of French cuisine and vintage cars. This time the mystery isn't quite so cozy and I think this is my favourite in the Benjamin Cooker series so far! A devilish mystery with some dirty little secrets which, admittedly, weren't hard for this reader to guess but were wickedly fun to see popping up in Cooker's dignified world. Cooker's character has been pretty much defined by this fifth entry into the series. The books don't need to be read in any certain order for the sake of the plot as they are episodic but to appreciate Cooker and his assistant Nathan as human beings then reading them in published order will enlighten one as to their characters and why they behave in certain ways. For example, much is made of Benjamin's Catholicity in previous books, is only briefly mentioned in this one, but is most pivotal in his behaviour when an old flame is thrust upon him. Loved this entry and looking forward to the next book and enjoying a Cognac aperitif later on this evening.
February 21, 2015
This book was translated great and I really liked the French flair to the characters. The setting was great, who doesn't love a mystery in an old estate? I was waiting for the characters to be locked in the wine cellar! With a huge buyout looming over head the stakes are bigger than ever. Who will succeed? This book also has money disappearing and first loves reacquainted. Will their love survive? Will they? I really liked this book. It was short, but definitely kept me hooked! I am giving this book a 4/5. I was given a copy to review, however all opinions are my own.
October 30, 2025
Real Rating: 3.5* of five
The Publisher Says: The heirs to one of the oldest Cognac estates in France face a hostile takeover by foreign investors. Renowned wine expert Benjamin Cooker is called in to audit the books.
In what he thought was a sleepy provincial town, he is stonewalled, crosses paths with his first love, and stands up to high-level state officials keen on controlling the buyout. Meanwhile, irresistible Virgile mingles with the local population until a drowning changes the stakes.
I RECEIVED A DRC FROM THE PUBLISHER VIA EDELWEISS+. THANK YOU.
My Review: Oh the horror! the horror! Benjamin's latest edition of his guide to wines is required to go in depth about...can he even think it!...American "wines"!
Snob.
Well, it *is* a very French series and they *are* very protective of their cultural heritage....
Virgile makes more of a splash in this entry into the series. It's odd, too, because while Benjamin drives the revelations, it's Virgile we see most of (and some of the folks of Cognac seem to want to see a lot more still). The series has multiple women as characters though it largely underuses them (slightly disappointingly it's more in the service of men than the plot, if you see what I mean, this time out). Virgile is, I hope, going to come to the fore a bit more.
Cognac, many US readers might learn for the first time, is a real place. It is so charmingly evoked in this short read that it feels more like the main character than any mere human. Benjamin is, as I guess should not shock a savvy reader, a man of Appetites and refined tastes...he reconnects with a long-ago love in this story who really seems to get him very exciteable. So to speak. It's why Virgile takes more attention, I suppose, since otherwise Elisabeth (Mme Cooker) might have problems.
I'm still barely on the good side of the list-use bubble, though sorely tried by: "He took in the scents of pear, apple, kirsch, cherry, strawberry, cranberry, fig, apricot, plum, quince, muscat, lemon, orange, grapefruit, citron, and Mirabelle plums. He wafted fragrances of violent, mint, verbena, fern, moss, anise, fennel, linden, gentian, angelica, tobacco, lavender, and mushroom, along with some spicy aromas, including cinnamon, pepper, clove, ginger, nutmeg, licorice, and saffron."
Family ties, no matter how...um...close they may be are not proof against greed and a desire to punish those you love for not being perfect. As a reason for murder, that's as old as Cain and Abel, as intense as Chinatown , and as uncomfortable as possible. Very much not my favorite read in the series.
The Publisher Says: The heirs to one of the oldest Cognac estates in France face a hostile takeover by foreign investors. Renowned wine expert Benjamin Cooker is called in to audit the books.
In what he thought was a sleepy provincial town, he is stonewalled, crosses paths with his first love, and stands up to high-level state officials keen on controlling the buyout. Meanwhile, irresistible Virgile mingles with the local population until a drowning changes the stakes.
I RECEIVED A DRC FROM THE PUBLISHER VIA EDELWEISS+. THANK YOU.
My Review: Oh the horror! the horror! Benjamin's latest edition of his guide to wines is required to go in depth about...can he even think it!...American "wines"!
Snob.
Well, it *is* a very French series and they *are* very protective of their cultural heritage....
Virgile makes more of a splash in this entry into the series. It's odd, too, because while Benjamin drives the revelations, it's Virgile we see most of (and some of the folks of Cognac seem to want to see a lot more still). The series has multiple women as characters though it largely underuses them (slightly disappointingly it's more in the service of men than the plot, if you see what I mean, this time out). Virgile is, I hope, going to come to the fore a bit more.
Cognac, many US readers might learn for the first time, is a real place. It is so charmingly evoked in this short read that it feels more like the main character than any mere human. Benjamin is, as I guess should not shock a savvy reader, a man of Appetites and refined tastes...he reconnects with a long-ago love in this story who really seems to get him very exciteable. So to speak. It's why Virgile takes more attention, I suppose, since otherwise Elisabeth (Mme Cooker) might have problems.
I'm still barely on the good side of the list-use bubble, though sorely tried by: "He took in the scents of pear, apple, kirsch, cherry, strawberry, cranberry, fig, apricot, plum, quince, muscat, lemon, orange, grapefruit, citron, and Mirabelle plums. He wafted fragrances of violent, mint, verbena, fern, moss, anise, fennel, linden, gentian, angelica, tobacco, lavender, and mushroom, along with some spicy aromas, including cinnamon, pepper, clove, ginger, nutmeg, licorice, and saffron."
Family ties, no matter how...um...close they may be are not proof against greed and a desire to punish those you love for not being perfect. As a reason for murder, that's as old as Cain and Abel, as intense as Chinatown , and as uncomfortable as possible. Very much not my favorite read in the series.
March 24, 2019
This review originally published in Looking For a Good Book. Rated 2.0 of 5
One of the oldest Cognac estates in all of France is potentially facing a hostile take-over by foreigners. The renowned wine expert, Benjamin Cooker, is brought in to look over the books but he discovers much more than a hostile take-over when he is met with constant stalling and state officials, as well as running into his first love. A drowning sets the community on edge and Cooker and his first love investigate.
I will admit that I put off reading this book because I really haven't been able to get into this series. The concept of mysteries and vineyards really appealed to me even though when I first requested this book I hadn't had much experience reading mysteries. And while I've developed my palette for mysteries, just like certain wines, this doesn't taste good to me.
The story seems to revolve around Cooker's first love (now a widow with a child) more than it does the take-over aspect. This might be okay if I felt that the two different plots connected better but I was frankly bored with what was happening and really just wanted the book to end.
I also felt like the resolution to the mystery was a lucky accident. Certainly these things happen, but in a book series it would be nice to have a little more detective work result in the discovery.
I think that some of my personal disinterest in this series is cultural, not having read much French literature and understanding what might be a French method of story-telling. And some of it could be the translation not capturing the energy of the characters in a manner that would draw me in. It also falls into the 'cozy' mystery genre, which I've found I generally don't care for. Whatever the answer, this just doesn't appeal.
Looking for a good book? Cognac Conspiracies by Jean-Pierre Alaux and Noël Balen is as calm and relaxing as an evening sipping cognac ... but that's not what most of us are looking for in a mystery.
I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, through Edelweiss, in exchange for an honest review.
One of the oldest Cognac estates in all of France is potentially facing a hostile take-over by foreigners. The renowned wine expert, Benjamin Cooker, is brought in to look over the books but he discovers much more than a hostile take-over when he is met with constant stalling and state officials, as well as running into his first love. A drowning sets the community on edge and Cooker and his first love investigate.
I will admit that I put off reading this book because I really haven't been able to get into this series. The concept of mysteries and vineyards really appealed to me even though when I first requested this book I hadn't had much experience reading mysteries. And while I've developed my palette for mysteries, just like certain wines, this doesn't taste good to me.
The story seems to revolve around Cooker's first love (now a widow with a child) more than it does the take-over aspect. This might be okay if I felt that the two different plots connected better but I was frankly bored with what was happening and really just wanted the book to end.
I also felt like the resolution to the mystery was a lucky accident. Certainly these things happen, but in a book series it would be nice to have a little more detective work result in the discovery.
I think that some of my personal disinterest in this series is cultural, not having read much French literature and understanding what might be a French method of story-telling. And some of it could be the translation not capturing the energy of the characters in a manner that would draw me in. It also falls into the 'cozy' mystery genre, which I've found I generally don't care for. Whatever the answer, this just doesn't appeal.
Looking for a good book? Cognac Conspiracies by Jean-Pierre Alaux and Noël Balen is as calm and relaxing as an evening sipping cognac ... but that's not what most of us are looking for in a mystery.
I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, through Edelweiss, in exchange for an honest review.
February 8, 2018
(Fiction, Mystery, French, Translated [by Sally Pane], Series)
This is the fifth installment in the Winemaker Detective series featuring (fictional) renowned wine expert Benjamin Cooker, set in France. The heirs to one of the oldest Cognac estates in France call in Cooker when they face a hostile takeover by foreign investors.
There is a passable mystery, but the appeal of the series is the wine and the setting, and would be particularly interesting to oenophiles, or Francophiles with an interest in wine-making.
I suspect that each entry in this series stands well alone.
I received a complimentary ecopy of Cognac Conspiracies from the publisher. This did not affect my review.
3 stars
This is the fifth installment in the Winemaker Detective series featuring (fictional) renowned wine expert Benjamin Cooker, set in France. The heirs to one of the oldest Cognac estates in France call in Cooker when they face a hostile takeover by foreign investors.
There is a passable mystery, but the appeal of the series is the wine and the setting, and would be particularly interesting to oenophiles, or Francophiles with an interest in wine-making.
I suspect that each entry in this series stands well alone.
I received a complimentary ecopy of Cognac Conspiracies from the publisher. This did not affect my review.
3 stars
September 2, 2023
This book was not as good as the previous ones in the series. They aren’t the most sophisticated books anyway, but I’ve enjoyed them At times the writing in this book felt like just a string of adjectives. And the story was just not great. I had to read some portions twice to make sense out of them. I will give the next one a try though. Hopefully this was just a blip in the series.
February 18, 2019
As a mystery, it was pitiful.
Want to read
April 14, 2021Note: I received a digital review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
March 18, 2017
Review to come
February 8, 2015
Last month I read a really fun mystery that is outside of my element, but something about the words “France” and “Cognac” drew me in and made me curious! I always love a good foreign mystery. I hadn’t realized at first that it was a series, with the others featuring wine in their mysteries, or even that it’s a popular TV mystery series abroad! However, I can see how this would make a great French TV series, full of dramatic flair and a likable wine expert turned amateur detective named Benjamin Cooker and his side-kick, handsome and astute Virgile. Cognac Conspiracies is book five in what looks to be a twenty-part mystery series based on the television show.
It’s a pretty slim book, compared to novels that I generally read, so it doesn’t go too far in-depth with various outside plots, but rather, takes the reader on an interesting meandering ruse through the business world and history of cognac. During the reading, the mystery seeps slowly in, and though short on pages, it still had time for multiple twists and turns that kept me guessing. It did visualize as a television episode to me, which I loved. Some of the back story, as on TV, featured relations or issues in Cooker’s own life. As an American, I loved getting my fix for foreign TV through this book.
There is a good balance between character development, plot, and mystery, as well as dining with cognac, but from what I’ve heard of the other mysteries, I think there was a little less dining on delectable foods in this novel, but it did feature a few areas, so no worries!
The novel made up for this with its wonderful description of cognac, especially the various types of cognac and how they are made with herbs and flowers. I was pleasantly surprised by this practice, which reminded me of fragrance-making, and I could almost smell the various types of brandy and feel the liquor melt on my tongue; the details opened my senses. Cognac certainly held its own for me against the other wines featured in previous mysteries, as I am sure it does in its wine-making region as well, which was the area featured in this novel.
The authors really focused on grand descriptions of the river and village and countryside that were very lovely, as well as their character development of the supporting cast. They were smart, sly, conflicted, and quite often scandalous, which of course, make for good TV murder mysteries and follow through with the books as well. Anyone could have “who-done-it” and we feel suspicious of them all. There is an air of intrigue, deceit, and suspense that makes you anxious to the turn the pages.
This novel is an entertaining petite paperback, or a quick electronic read, and is just perfect for when you have a few hours during a train or airplane ride in which you wish to escape reality. Or maybe you need a free evening at home by the fireplace, glass in hand, in which to escape to the French countryside? I know I can’t wait to get my hands on the rest of this series!
It’s a pretty slim book, compared to novels that I generally read, so it doesn’t go too far in-depth with various outside plots, but rather, takes the reader on an interesting meandering ruse through the business world and history of cognac. During the reading, the mystery seeps slowly in, and though short on pages, it still had time for multiple twists and turns that kept me guessing. It did visualize as a television episode to me, which I loved. Some of the back story, as on TV, featured relations or issues in Cooker’s own life. As an American, I loved getting my fix for foreign TV through this book.
There is a good balance between character development, plot, and mystery, as well as dining with cognac, but from what I’ve heard of the other mysteries, I think there was a little less dining on delectable foods in this novel, but it did feature a few areas, so no worries!
The novel made up for this with its wonderful description of cognac, especially the various types of cognac and how they are made with herbs and flowers. I was pleasantly surprised by this practice, which reminded me of fragrance-making, and I could almost smell the various types of brandy and feel the liquor melt on my tongue; the details opened my senses. Cognac certainly held its own for me against the other wines featured in previous mysteries, as I am sure it does in its wine-making region as well, which was the area featured in this novel.
The authors really focused on grand descriptions of the river and village and countryside that were very lovely, as well as their character development of the supporting cast. They were smart, sly, conflicted, and quite often scandalous, which of course, make for good TV murder mysteries and follow through with the books as well. Anyone could have “who-done-it” and we feel suspicious of them all. There is an air of intrigue, deceit, and suspense that makes you anxious to the turn the pages.
This novel is an entertaining petite paperback, or a quick electronic read, and is just perfect for when you have a few hours during a train or airplane ride in which you wish to escape reality. Or maybe you need a free evening at home by the fireplace, glass in hand, in which to escape to the French countryside? I know I can’t wait to get my hands on the rest of this series!
January 17, 2015
It’s spring, and Benjamin Cooker, wine critic extraordinaire, and his, usually trusty, occasionally wayward, assistant, Virgile Lanssien, are off to Charente, home of the historic and politically sensitive region of Cognac. The Chinese (merde!) are trying to buy one of the oldest and most prestigious of Cognac houses, Lavoisier.
Cognac Conspiracies, the fifth in the Winemaker Detective Series, by journalist and cookbook author Jean-Pierre Alaux and musician and author, Noël Balen, is a delightful, frequently tongue-in-cheek excursion through the mysteries and politics of cognac production with a sprinkling of murder and other unpleasantnesses thrown-in to spice the mix. As well as potentially dastardly interlopers, this latest includes a murder and several interfamily intrigues.
This time Benjamin has been hired by a Chinese company to investigate the finances of the prestigious Cognac firm it is trying to buy. At the same time the French Ministry of Culture is incensed at the possible loss of this cultural icon to the Chinese. Benjamin and Virgile must travel to Jarnac on the River Charente to investigate first-hand. It is inescapable. One grieves for them. There they meet the luxurious Marie Lavoisier and her eccentric brother ‘Little’ Pierre, one of the foremost Cognac noses in the business.
After this first meeting, Benjamin is left feeling conflicted about the assignment, and so goes to have lunch in nearby Cognac. There, on the restaurant terrace he encounters Sheila Scott, a lost love from his time in London. She has a few secrets of her own.
Left behind to become better acquainted with Pierre, Virgile soon falls under his spell. After Pierre is discovered drowned, Marie takes the young assistant under her wing, causing the naïve Virgile to suffer a loss of professional detachment. With the pot sufficiently loaded, the chase, as Sherlock would say, is on.
Published by Anne Trager’s, delicious imprint, Le French Book, this series is one of several translations from French into English of popular modern French novels and novellas. At barely 100 pages, this is an easy and quick read. For me, it enlivened an otherwise leaden bus ride to Tallinn for a meeting. While the plots are straightforward, and the language unchallenging, in very good translations by Sally Pane, the details are accurate and frequently very perspicacious on the issues affecting France today. Totally recommend 4****.
Cognac Conspiracies, the fifth in the Winemaker Detective Series, by journalist and cookbook author Jean-Pierre Alaux and musician and author, Noël Balen, is a delightful, frequently tongue-in-cheek excursion through the mysteries and politics of cognac production with a sprinkling of murder and other unpleasantnesses thrown-in to spice the mix. As well as potentially dastardly interlopers, this latest includes a murder and several interfamily intrigues.
This time Benjamin has been hired by a Chinese company to investigate the finances of the prestigious Cognac firm it is trying to buy. At the same time the French Ministry of Culture is incensed at the possible loss of this cultural icon to the Chinese. Benjamin and Virgile must travel to Jarnac on the River Charente to investigate first-hand. It is inescapable. One grieves for them. There they meet the luxurious Marie Lavoisier and her eccentric brother ‘Little’ Pierre, one of the foremost Cognac noses in the business.
After this first meeting, Benjamin is left feeling conflicted about the assignment, and so goes to have lunch in nearby Cognac. There, on the restaurant terrace he encounters Sheila Scott, a lost love from his time in London. She has a few secrets of her own.
Left behind to become better acquainted with Pierre, Virgile soon falls under his spell. After Pierre is discovered drowned, Marie takes the young assistant under her wing, causing the naïve Virgile to suffer a loss of professional detachment. With the pot sufficiently loaded, the chase, as Sherlock would say, is on.
Published by Anne Trager’s, delicious imprint, Le French Book, this series is one of several translations from French into English of popular modern French novels and novellas. At barely 100 pages, this is an easy and quick read. For me, it enlivened an otherwise leaden bus ride to Tallinn for a meeting. While the plots are straightforward, and the language unchallenging, in very good translations by Sally Pane, the details are accurate and frequently very perspicacious on the issues affecting France today. Totally recommend 4****.
February 18, 2015
Returning again to yet another story with famous wine expert Benjamin Cooker, this time to aid in battling a hostile takeover of a famed French Cognac estate by foreign investors. I’ve read several of these mysteries and am always impressed by both the wine-related information and the solidly described French countryside, history and traditions that surround the wine business.
Most of the charm in this series, for me, is in the food, wine and descriptions of place and traditions: the mysteries aren’t all that complex, but do move the story forward and give readers something to solve. Perfectly well-suited for a quiet retreat into France and its environs, and who wouldn’t love to escape to France for a few hours?
In this book, the winemakers of France are experiencing effects from the worldwide economic slowdown; and the region of Armagnac which hosts several Cognac producers is hard hit. The Lavoisier Vineyard is a family established producer, the three siblings who inherited the vineyard each received an equal share, and are at odds about the vineyards future. With one sibling selling his share to a consortium, the two remaining siblings Marie-France and Pierre are struggling to maintain control.
Cooker is hired to look at the books by the Chinese, and while he’s investigating, Pierre turns up dead. From here, the tension for Marie-France increases as her brother’s death will leave her as the minority partner in the Vineyard, and possibly in danger as well.
Neatly inserting past connections and new flirtations, subtle nods to family drama, and all wrapped up neatly with a solution that is logical and feels possible. The food and wine descriptions, and Cooker’s knowledge of both are beautifully integrated within the story. These are lovely little afternoon treks through France, giving readers plenty of information, imagery and entertainment.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Most of the charm in this series, for me, is in the food, wine and descriptions of place and traditions: the mysteries aren’t all that complex, but do move the story forward and give readers something to solve. Perfectly well-suited for a quiet retreat into France and its environs, and who wouldn’t love to escape to France for a few hours?
In this book, the winemakers of France are experiencing effects from the worldwide economic slowdown; and the region of Armagnac which hosts several Cognac producers is hard hit. The Lavoisier Vineyard is a family established producer, the three siblings who inherited the vineyard each received an equal share, and are at odds about the vineyards future. With one sibling selling his share to a consortium, the two remaining siblings Marie-France and Pierre are struggling to maintain control.
Cooker is hired to look at the books by the Chinese, and while he’s investigating, Pierre turns up dead. From here, the tension for Marie-France increases as her brother’s death will leave her as the minority partner in the Vineyard, and possibly in danger as well.
Neatly inserting past connections and new flirtations, subtle nods to family drama, and all wrapped up neatly with a solution that is logical and feels possible. The food and wine descriptions, and Cooker’s knowledge of both are beautifully integrated within the story. These are lovely little afternoon treks through France, giving readers plenty of information, imagery and entertainment.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
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June 5, 2016From eidelweiss
The fifth in the series, and Benjamin is finding himself in uncharted territory and he's not entirely comfortable. One of the oldest Cognac producers (the Lavoisier Chateau) has found itself with a minority shareholder in the form of the Chinese. Benjamin has been hired to do an audit of the winemaking capability to allow the Chinese to bring the business into the modern world. They have not appreciated the history of the French Winemakers and that modernity takes a long time to trickle through. Not only is Benjamin getting nowhere with Marie-France (the primary one of the three siblings who own the business), but he is also having quite meetings in churchyards from the French Government and getting pressure to scupper the deal.
Meanwhile there is an undercurrent of secrets, rumours and sexuality within the family, and Virgile, Benjamin's assistant, is bearing the brunt of it. Where Benjamin makes no headway with the Little Pierre, the younger brother, Pierre takes a fancy to Virgile, and things are progressing well until Pierre is found drowned one morning.
Having left Virgile to see what he can find out, Benjamin is having lunch when he meets his first love, a British woman who has been living in France for over 10 years. His happy marriage with Elizabeth is no deterrent to Shelia, who repeatedly comes onto Benjamin – he declines the offer, and realises over the next few days that she is another person with secrets, including a son (Nathan) that is never mentioned in any of their conversations.
In the end the threads are pulled together in a rather more satisfying way than some of the previous books in the series and the book feels a little more rounded. This is technically a Benjamin Crocker book, but Virgile is finding out much more than Benjamin is now, and is central to finding out what's going on.
The fifth in the series, and Benjamin is finding himself in uncharted territory and he's not entirely comfortable. One of the oldest Cognac producers (the Lavoisier Chateau) has found itself with a minority shareholder in the form of the Chinese. Benjamin has been hired to do an audit of the winemaking capability to allow the Chinese to bring the business into the modern world. They have not appreciated the history of the French Winemakers and that modernity takes a long time to trickle through. Not only is Benjamin getting nowhere with Marie-France (the primary one of the three siblings who own the business), but he is also having quite meetings in churchyards from the French Government and getting pressure to scupper the deal.
Meanwhile there is an undercurrent of secrets, rumours and sexuality within the family, and Virgile, Benjamin's assistant, is bearing the brunt of it. Where Benjamin makes no headway with the Little Pierre, the younger brother, Pierre takes a fancy to Virgile, and things are progressing well until Pierre is found drowned one morning.
Having left Virgile to see what he can find out, Benjamin is having lunch when he meets his first love, a British woman who has been living in France for over 10 years. His happy marriage with Elizabeth is no deterrent to Shelia, who repeatedly comes onto Benjamin – he declines the offer, and realises over the next few days that she is another person with secrets, including a son (Nathan) that is never mentioned in any of their conversations.
In the end the threads are pulled together in a rather more satisfying way than some of the previous books in the series and the book feels a little more rounded. This is technically a Benjamin Crocker book, but Virgile is finding out much more than Benjamin is now, and is central to finding out what's going on.
April 12, 2015
I received this book free from the publisher, through NetGalley. I thank them for their generousity. In exchange, I was simply asked to write an honest review, and post it. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising"]
( I am writing this review April 12,2015. This book was set to drop in February. Sometimes, publishers allow ARC reviews to be posted on book sites. Please know that when I write this review I am writing as if the review will go LIVE the day I post it on GoodReads, and,in fact, if that is not the case, it will be posted as soon as I am allowed.)
This is my third visit to the series, and I become more and more pleased with the stories each time. The translations are spot on, the details exquistly written. My only problem is that they are so short!
Benjamin Cooker and his daunting assistant Virgile have been hired to review the "books" of a well known vitner in the Cognac region after the "silent Asian partner" decides not to be so silent anymore. His shabby treatment by Marie-France and her brother Pierre make Cooker indignant enough to withdraw from the job after he runs across an ex-lover living in the area, who'd like to "rekindle" what they had in University, even though Benjamin is married! And when he doesn't bite...there is always Virgile.....
Who actually takes an active role in this investigation, bless his heart. He's not the milquetoast Cooker believes him to be...he has a saavy intelligence that hides behind his quiet demeanor, and his attention to detail is what find the "who" in this whodunnit.
( I am writing this review April 12,2015. This book was set to drop in February. Sometimes, publishers allow ARC reviews to be posted on book sites. Please know that when I write this review I am writing as if the review will go LIVE the day I post it on GoodReads, and,in fact, if that is not the case, it will be posted as soon as I am allowed.)
This is my third visit to the series, and I become more and more pleased with the stories each time. The translations are spot on, the details exquistly written. My only problem is that they are so short!
Benjamin Cooker and his daunting assistant Virgile have been hired to review the "books" of a well known vitner in the Cognac region after the "silent Asian partner" decides not to be so silent anymore. His shabby treatment by Marie-France and her brother Pierre make Cooker indignant enough to withdraw from the job after he runs across an ex-lover living in the area, who'd like to "rekindle" what they had in University, even though Benjamin is married! And when he doesn't bite...there is always Virgile.....
Who actually takes an active role in this investigation, bless his heart. He's not the milquetoast Cooker believes him to be...he has a saavy intelligence that hides behind his quiet demeanor, and his attention to detail is what find the "who" in this whodunnit.
April 3, 2015
This good fun title is an immersive experience as sounds and scents accompany us on a guided tour of the town of Cognac and through a heritage brandy maker's premises.
Virgile and Cooker are assessing a brandy maker for a Chinese firm which now owns a third share. The trio of Lavoisier siblings who inherited the traditional producer have been riven by the sale of that share. The two remaining live somewhat more closely than is comfortable, while the carefree one who sold has gone off to see the world. Cooker finds artisan methods, casks and mould centuries old, all of which meets with his approval as it produces wonderful golden Lavoisier brandy. But this is not good enough in the modern world and he is increasingly concerned about the intentions of the Asians.
A death on the premises interrupts Cooker's palling around with an old flame and Virgile's efforts to be the most seductive man in France. As ever we see some fine dining and French cottage meals (snails and nettles) while the disgusting stench of cigars follows the men, who at least are cutting back on the drunken driving.
This book contains two strong female characters, which is not always the case, and wonderfully rich setting descriptions, all bundled into novella length. Just right for any crime fan who is interested in how wine and brandy are made. If you have not read the series, each one looks at a different aspect from contamination of vats to the history of regions in France.
Virgile and Cooker are assessing a brandy maker for a Chinese firm which now owns a third share. The trio of Lavoisier siblings who inherited the traditional producer have been riven by the sale of that share. The two remaining live somewhat more closely than is comfortable, while the carefree one who sold has gone off to see the world. Cooker finds artisan methods, casks and mould centuries old, all of which meets with his approval as it produces wonderful golden Lavoisier brandy. But this is not good enough in the modern world and he is increasingly concerned about the intentions of the Asians.
A death on the premises interrupts Cooker's palling around with an old flame and Virgile's efforts to be the most seductive man in France. As ever we see some fine dining and French cottage meals (snails and nettles) while the disgusting stench of cigars follows the men, who at least are cutting back on the drunken driving.
This book contains two strong female characters, which is not always the case, and wonderfully rich setting descriptions, all bundled into novella length. Just right for any crime fan who is interested in how wine and brandy are made. If you have not read the series, each one looks at a different aspect from contamination of vats to the history of regions in France.
March 1, 2016
The story begins with a body found in a wine barrel and then jumps back three months. Guillaume Perithiard hires Benjamin Coker to assess a winery for a possible purchase. Benjamin sees potential and recommends the buy. He wants to make Beaujolais Nouveau, the best variety of Beaujolais.
Laurent Quillebaud dies in a hunting accident. After his death, it becomes known he had AIDS. This leaves some to question if it was an accident, murder or suicide.
Perithiard believes Benjamin would be available at his disposal, which is far from the case. Benjamin then finds an estate agent, Annabelle Malisset, for him. Being a beautiful woman is a bonus. Perithiard hires her on the spot. Perithiard’s affair with Solene Chavannes, cools off but it is too last, his wife, Berangere, found out about it and begins making demands.
Things get interesting when someone begins vandalizing the estate. It is anyone’s guess who is behind it. Everyone begins to point a finger. There are so many people guilty of something but who is the murderer and why?
This is the ninth book in the Winemaker Detective book series. Each book in the series spotlights a different type of wine. I recommend this book to anyone interested in cozy mysteries, wine or French regions.
Laurent Quillebaud dies in a hunting accident. After his death, it becomes known he had AIDS. This leaves some to question if it was an accident, murder or suicide.
Perithiard believes Benjamin would be available at his disposal, which is far from the case. Benjamin then finds an estate agent, Annabelle Malisset, for him. Being a beautiful woman is a bonus. Perithiard hires her on the spot. Perithiard’s affair with Solene Chavannes, cools off but it is too last, his wife, Berangere, found out about it and begins making demands.
Things get interesting when someone begins vandalizing the estate. It is anyone’s guess who is behind it. Everyone begins to point a finger. There are so many people guilty of something but who is the murderer and why?
This is the ninth book in the Winemaker Detective book series. Each book in the series spotlights a different type of wine. I recommend this book to anyone interested in cozy mysteries, wine or French regions.
March 5, 2015
Received via Netgalley for my review.
As the title implies, the story is about Cognac, it's subtleties, nuances, flavors and aroma's. Pertaining to the creation, inheritance and international involvement of a particular brand and proprietors, the Lavoisier family. Benjamin is asked to examine the health of the company.
Break out the cigars. Kick back with your spirit of choice and imagine your sitting in a fine wood paneled room with old leather chairs. You've entered the exclusive club for the rich and privileged. An old flame, intrigue, murder, sexual tension and innuendo (no graphic details, it's left to the imagination), macho ego rears it's ugly head, rivalry, family, friendship, the love and pride of what you do, secrets and implications, jealousies, corporate greed and national pride.
Some of the context both blatant and alluding to the sibling relationships were moments of "Eww" for me. I hope this isn't the beginning of a downward spiral in subject matter in future books.
As the title implies, the story is about Cognac, it's subtleties, nuances, flavors and aroma's. Pertaining to the creation, inheritance and international involvement of a particular brand and proprietors, the Lavoisier family. Benjamin is asked to examine the health of the company.
Break out the cigars. Kick back with your spirit of choice and imagine your sitting in a fine wood paneled room with old leather chairs. You've entered the exclusive club for the rich and privileged. An old flame, intrigue, murder, sexual tension and innuendo (no graphic details, it's left to the imagination), macho ego rears it's ugly head, rivalry, family, friendship, the love and pride of what you do, secrets and implications, jealousies, corporate greed and national pride.
Some of the context both blatant and alluding to the sibling relationships were moments of "Eww" for me. I hope this isn't the beginning of a downward spiral in subject matter in future books.
February 1, 2015
This is the first book in this series that I have read and I did enjoy it. I was able to read this without reading the previous books but now I want to go back and read the rest of them. One of the things I enjoyed reading in this book is the history of Cognac and the making of it. I thought the characters were interesting and like getting to know them. The story kept me going and I was not able to solve the mystery until the end which for me makes a good mystery. The author also did a good job of describing the setting so you felt as if you are a part of the story. I wish I could see the tv series that the book is from as I think it would be a nice show to watch. If you are a fan of mysteries or books set in France then I recommend this book to you.
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