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Her Final Toast: Small town. Big heart. Fatal indulgence.
One dead critic. One innocent man. And twenty-eight hours to uncork the truth.
When caustic wine reviewer Trixie Thorne drops dead at Erie Bluff’s inaugural wine festival, police pin the blame on George Fenn, a gentle, socially awkward mushroom expert with a grudge — and the wrong fungi. It’s a tidy case, too tidy for the locals who know him best.
As the police rush to close the file, Piper Merriwether, a guarded civilian crime analyst new to town, joins forces with her aunt and a young constable to ask the questions no one else will. Together, they have just over a day to dig past gossip, vineyard rivalries, and long-buried secrets before George is remanded — and broken by the system.
Between small-town politics, vintage grudges, and a few truths better left corked, Erie Bluff’s unlikely alliance discovers that justice and friendship can take root in the unlikeliest soil.
The first in the heart-warming Eh! Team Mysteries.
When caustic wine reviewer Trixie Thorne drops dead at Erie Bluff’s inaugural wine festival, police pin the blame on George Fenn, a gentle, socially awkward mushroom expert with a grudge — and the wrong fungi. It’s a tidy case, too tidy for the locals who know him best.
As the police rush to close the file, Piper Merriwether, a guarded civilian crime analyst new to town, joins forces with her aunt and a young constable to ask the questions no one else will. Together, they have just over a day to dig past gossip, vineyard rivalries, and long-buried secrets before George is remanded — and broken by the system.
Between small-town politics, vintage grudges, and a few truths better left corked, Erie Bluff’s unlikely alliance discovers that justice and friendship can take root in the unlikeliest soil.
The first in the heart-warming Eh! Team Mysteries.
376 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 25, 2025
1 person is currently reading
5 people want to read
About the author
Marcy Lane
5 books9 followersMarcy Lane is a late-blooming author who writes about people who don’t have tidy answers — only grit, heart, and the occasional stubborn streak. Her novels blend emotional depth with a touch of wry humour, always rooted in distinctly Canadian landscapes.
She grew up as an army brat in Canada, the UK, and Germany, which left her with a fascination for human nature and the small communities we build wherever we land. Her debut, A Mercy of Widows, was shaped by her own experience losing two life partners to cancer and has been praised for its compassion and honesty.
Her first mystery, Her Final Toast, introduces Erie Bluff — a lakeside Ontario town held together by gossip, grudges, and an inconvenient number of secrets. It’s the kind of place where everybody knows your business, even if you don’t.
Marcy realized she was truly an author at the launch of her second book — publishing one might have been a fluke, but two made it a passion. She now writes stories that leave readers with a sense of hope, optimism, and quiet contentment.
She lives in southwestern Ontario with her two opinionated dogs, Bug and Lucy, who remain deeply suspicious of schedules and deadlines.
To stay in touch and receive bonus stories, extras, and news, visit: https://marcylane.com
She grew up as an army brat in Canada, the UK, and Germany, which left her with a fascination for human nature and the small communities we build wherever we land. Her debut, A Mercy of Widows, was shaped by her own experience losing two life partners to cancer and has been praised for its compassion and honesty.
Her first mystery, Her Final Toast, introduces Erie Bluff — a lakeside Ontario town held together by gossip, grudges, and an inconvenient number of secrets. It’s the kind of place where everybody knows your business, even if you don’t.
Marcy realized she was truly an author at the launch of her second book — publishing one might have been a fluke, but two made it a passion. She now writes stories that leave readers with a sense of hope, optimism, and quiet contentment.
She lives in southwestern Ontario with her two opinionated dogs, Bug and Lucy, who remain deeply suspicious of schedules and deadlines.
To stay in touch and receive bonus stories, extras, and news, visit: https://marcylane.com
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
November 27, 2025
The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
EDITORIAL REVIEW
25th November 2025
TITLE: Her Final Toast
AUTHOR: Marcy Lane
Star Rating: 5
“A cosy murder/mystery packed full of twists, turns – and suspense..” The Wishing Shelf
REVIEW
I very much enjoyed this murder/mystery from the pen of talented author, Marcy Lane. In many ways, she’s a writer who’s not in a rush, the murder happening well into the story after many of the characters have been introduced. We get to meet Piper, the protagonist, with her ‘toolkit of analytical skills’, her aunt, who’s a vital character in the story – and, of course, the victim, Trixie, a wine lover, a ‘keeper of gossip’ and a woman who seems (at the outset) determined to kill her own dog! This is a story of small-town politics, gossip, rivalry, and a little wine (my favorite part!).
There’s a lot to enjoy here, folks, particularly if you are a fan of TV shows like Midsomer Murders and Bergerac, or you enjoyed the The House in the Woods by Mark Dawson or Margaret Yorke’s wonderful Dead in the Morning. Why? Well, firstly, the character work in Uncorked Murder is excellent, the author doing a superb job of developing all them, even the minor characters. Secondly, the author works competently with dialogue using it not only to develop the characters, but also the plot. And, thirdly, the author (simply put) is a good writer, who knows the importance of suspense and how to keep the reader gripped and turning the page till the very end.
So, if you enjoy a smartly plotted, cosy murder/mystery filled with complex characters, lots of red herrings, and populated by a smart, female protagonist who’s fun to root for, this book is for you. And even if ‘murder’ is not for you, I think most older readers, particularly if they live in a village or small town, will recognise many of the characters. All in all, a FAB read!
A ‘Wishing Shelf’ Book Review
www.thewsa.co.uk
EDITORIAL REVIEW
25th November 2025
TITLE: Her Final Toast
AUTHOR: Marcy Lane
Star Rating: 5
“A cosy murder/mystery packed full of twists, turns – and suspense..” The Wishing Shelf
REVIEW
I very much enjoyed this murder/mystery from the pen of talented author, Marcy Lane. In many ways, she’s a writer who’s not in a rush, the murder happening well into the story after many of the characters have been introduced. We get to meet Piper, the protagonist, with her ‘toolkit of analytical skills’, her aunt, who’s a vital character in the story – and, of course, the victim, Trixie, a wine lover, a ‘keeper of gossip’ and a woman who seems (at the outset) determined to kill her own dog! This is a story of small-town politics, gossip, rivalry, and a little wine (my favorite part!).
There’s a lot to enjoy here, folks, particularly if you are a fan of TV shows like Midsomer Murders and Bergerac, or you enjoyed the The House in the Woods by Mark Dawson or Margaret Yorke’s wonderful Dead in the Morning. Why? Well, firstly, the character work in Uncorked Murder is excellent, the author doing a superb job of developing all them, even the minor characters. Secondly, the author works competently with dialogue using it not only to develop the characters, but also the plot. And, thirdly, the author (simply put) is a good writer, who knows the importance of suspense and how to keep the reader gripped and turning the page till the very end.
So, if you enjoy a smartly plotted, cosy murder/mystery filled with complex characters, lots of red herrings, and populated by a smart, female protagonist who’s fun to root for, this book is for you. And even if ‘murder’ is not for you, I think most older readers, particularly if they live in a village or small town, will recognise many of the characters. All in all, a FAB read!
A ‘Wishing Shelf’ Book Review
www.thewsa.co.uk
November 25, 2025
Uncorked Murder is a captivating and richly detailed mystery that masterfully blends small-town charm with a suspenseful whodunnit. Marcy Lane’s vivid portrayal of Erie Bluff and its inhabitants causes the setting to come alive—complete with local gossip, the rhythm of daily life, and the intricate dynamics of a close-knit community. The characters, from the determined Dottie and the thoughtful Piper to the complex Trixie Thorne, are deeply human and relatable, each wrestling with their own sense of justice and belonging.
Lane intricately wove the plot, balancing moments of quiet reflection with intense, edge-of-your-seat suspense. The inclusion of unique elements such as George’s mushroom display and the wine festival adds layers of authenticity and local flavor that enhance the story’s depth. I found the nuanced exploration of themes like trust, loyalty, and the somewhat-suffocating nature of small-town life especially compelling.
Lane’s writing is both elegant and accessible, inviting readers to savor every detail while keeping the mystery’s momentum brisk and engaging. The supporting cast, including the insightful animal characters like Mac the K-9, add warmth and complexity that enrich the narrative.
Overall, Uncorked Murder is a thoroughly enjoyable read that will appeal to fans of cozy mysteries and character-driven stories alike. It’s a compelling journey through secrets, community, and the pursuit of truth that I highly recommend. Five stars!
Lane intricately wove the plot, balancing moments of quiet reflection with intense, edge-of-your-seat suspense. The inclusion of unique elements such as George’s mushroom display and the wine festival adds layers of authenticity and local flavor that enhance the story’s depth. I found the nuanced exploration of themes like trust, loyalty, and the somewhat-suffocating nature of small-town life especially compelling.
Lane’s writing is both elegant and accessible, inviting readers to savor every detail while keeping the mystery’s momentum brisk and engaging. The supporting cast, including the insightful animal characters like Mac the K-9, add warmth and complexity that enrich the narrative.
Overall, Uncorked Murder is a thoroughly enjoyable read that will appeal to fans of cozy mysteries and character-driven stories alike. It’s a compelling journey through secrets, community, and the pursuit of truth that I highly recommend. Five stars!
November 21, 2025
I adored this book for so many reasons.
First, I’m a sucker for small-town mysteries, and this one captured that atmosphere perfectly—gossip, charm, and just enough tension to keep you leaning in.
I also loved how each chapter opened like a mini wine-tasting. And the town map? It brought Erie Bluff to life in the sweetest way.
But the real magic is in the characters—especially the beautifully written autistic character who adds so much heart to the story.
Thank you for the ARC—this was such a joy to read. You need to pick this one up!
First, I’m a sucker for small-town mysteries, and this one captured that atmosphere perfectly—gossip, charm, and just enough tension to keep you leaning in.
I also loved how each chapter opened like a mini wine-tasting. And the town map? It brought Erie Bluff to life in the sweetest way.
But the real magic is in the characters—especially the beautifully written autistic character who adds so much heart to the story.
Thank you for the ARC—this was such a joy to read. You need to pick this one up!
December 8, 2025
Cheers to Marcy Lane and Book #1 in her Eh! Team Mystery Series!
Cozy up for a fun read set in a small fictional Canadian town with quirky characters (including the pets!), an inaugural wine festival and ... murder. Can civilian crime analyst Piper Merriwether dig past gossip, vineyard rivalries, and long-buried secrets to uncork the truth and keep an innocent man from going down for a crime he didn’t commit?
I enjoyed this book's great sense of place and crisp, wry humor. Distinctly Canadian. If you haven't already done so, give Lane a try!
Cozy up for a fun read set in a small fictional Canadian town with quirky characters (including the pets!), an inaugural wine festival and ... murder. Can civilian crime analyst Piper Merriwether dig past gossip, vineyard rivalries, and long-buried secrets to uncork the truth and keep an innocent man from going down for a crime he didn’t commit?
I enjoyed this book's great sense of place and crisp, wry humor. Distinctly Canadian. If you haven't already done so, give Lane a try!
December 16, 2025
I just finished reading ‘Her Final Toast’ and I found the characters intriguing, it was a fun book to read in general. It wasn’t predictable at all and taking place in Essex County wine 🍷 country, paired well with a ‘who done it’ murder mystery! I picked the book up and connected immediately! I loved the cellar notes at the beginning of each chapter, a clever touch. Looking forward to Marcy Lane’s next book
November 27, 2025
Her Final Toast is a delightful book for fans of cozy mystery. After only a few pages I felt as if I were having breakfast at the Mystic Leaf cafe in Erie Bluff. There are plenty of adorable dogs in this book (who wouldn’t love this), and the characters in this charming town are described with great sensitivity. I received this book as an ARC, and I enjoyed reading it.
November 29, 2025
This was a great cozy mystery with a super ensemble cast of characters. Page-turning prose, lots of intrigue of clue-gathering, and plenty of character backstory to keep this series going strong. The cherry on top for this first book were the clever "cellar notes" at the beginning of each chapter. I'm looking forward to the next books in this series!
January 2, 2026
An accomplished cozy mystery, a red herring, and an entertaining small town mystery. What more is needed in a wonderful read? Well done!
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews