Ripe for Murder

Cypress Cove Mystery #2

by Carlene O'Neil

From the author of One Foot in the Grape—a new full-bodied Cypress Cove mystery that is certain to delight, even if one wine lover is about to expire…

Penny Lively loves running her family’s winery, but to keep business growing, she needs to find a way to attract more guests. When she’s approached to invest in a new train line through wine country, Penny and her intoxicating winery manager, Connor, hightail it to a lavish resort to hear the details. Unfortunately, her neighbor’s daughter, Chantal, is also there, swirling up trouble by flirting with the married investors—and with Connor too.

When one of the investors’ wives is murdered, Chantal, who was seen fighting with the woman, is the prime suspect. Chantal may be a sour grape, but she’s no killer. So Penny, who’s become a sleuthing connoisseur, starts sniffing out the real suspect—and discovers that her fellow potential investors have been savoring more than their share of deadly secrets...

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Cozy

304 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published March 4, 2016

About the author

Carlene O’Neil grew up in the heart of Northern California Wine Country and is accredited by the Wine and Spirits Education Trust. A former television writer, she currently makes her home outside Los Angeles, where she can be found sailing in the Santa Monica Bay or doing research for her next novel.

Clearly, any novel set in wine country requires extensive research. One Foot in the Grape  is her debut novel, coming out in spring 2015 from Berkley Prime Crime. Visit her online at Facebook, Twitter and Google+

Reviews

[Tina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Perfect for any wine connoisseur, just not for me

Joyeux Winery is a family run winery that is run by Penny Lively. She needs to think of something fast if she wants to keep business booming so she decides to think about investing in a new train line that will run along her winery and her neighbor's and distant relative, Antonia's winery and many others.

Connor manages Joyeux Winery and there's a unrequited love between Penny and Connor. Penny is not to eager to share her love for him but he joins her on a trip to a posh resort and spa for a overnight tripe to find out more about the train line that will also be a shoe in to bring in more tourists to the wineries.

Penny is not to pleased that Antonia's Daughter, Chantal who stole one of Penny's boyfriends in high school is making a mockery of herself and throwing herself all over married investors and she also has the hots for Connor but she does have a great eye for the business of her own mother's winery.

Chantal becomes the number one suspect when a passenger of the train who just happens to be a investors wife is murdered. Chantal needs for Penny to read between the wine's when she agrees to investigate to find the real murderer and she discovered that one of the investors has a taste for more than the wine, they have a taste for blood.

I'm all in favor of the unrequited romance between Penny and Connor, I have had a few of them in my lifetime which I related too. Ripe for murder had no shortage of tension and thrills and no shortage of a possible murderer. That being said, I found the story line lacking and not as action packed as I would have liked. There were one too many investors for me to keep track of and not very interesting besides the killer and not very engaging. Penny and Antonia's friendship and work ethic shined though out the whole story and it would make a perfect read for any wine connoisseur and mystery fan.

[Robyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Penny Lively runs Joyeux Winery that she inherited from her aunt. Connor used to run the winery with Penny's aunt and now he runs it with Penny. Penny is asked to look into investing in a train line that runs through wine country hoping to bring more business to her winery. Penny and Connor, along with her neighbor Antonia who has a very large and successful winery and her daughter Chantal, take a trip to listen to what the train line has to offer. Penny and Chantal have had some problems with each other in the past, but her presence won't deter Penny from enjoying her trip. Several other potential investors are invited as well, and they all meet, spend time on the train, and stay at the local hotel. When one of the potential investor's wives meets her untimely death, Chantal is accused of being the murderer. Even though they have a rocky relationship, Penny knows deep down Chantal did not commit the murder. With the help of Connor and Antonia, who wants her daughter's name cleared, Penny seeks to find the real culprit. This is a wonderful book that kept me on the edge of my seat. I highly recommend this series. I received an ARC of this book in exchange of a fair and honest review.

[Daniele · Rating 3 out of 5]

Penny Lively has inherited Joyeux Winery from her aunt, and she is settling nicely into a routine as proprietor. When she is approached about an investment opportunity that would bring a train line right to her doorstep, she and her winery manager Connor accept the invitation to a resort to hear the sales pitch. Her distant relative Antonia Martinelli, who owns the adjacent successful winery, agrees to go too. Unfortunately, Antonia brings along her daughter Chantal, Penny’s nemesis of sorts who has her sights set on Connor. The group of other potential investors is a varied lot, but they all seem to get along well until potential investor’s wife Tara is found dead on the train tracks. Was it an accident or was she pushed? Chantal quickly becomes the prime suspect, but as much as Penny does not like Chantal, she knows she is no murderer. Stuck at the resort until the local police release them to go home, Penny investigates in an attempt to find the real killer. She must be asking all the right questions because soon another investor dies, and it looks like Penny might have been the intended victim.

Ripe for Murder, the second installment in the Cypress Cove Mystery series, is a fun romp through the California wine country. It is full of fine descriptions of the lovely area and has a compelling mystery that kept me turning the pages without a break. Penny is a likable, flawed protagonist, and is she ever nosy. But she gets the job done, albeit clumsily at times. Antonia is also a well developed, strong character, and I like her very much. Chantal and the victim Tara are delightfully unlikeable and over the top. I really did not feel sorry that Tara met an unseemly end. The suspects are diverse with an equally wide range of motives. I would have been satisfied with any one of them as the killer, but the final reveal was a nice twist. The touch of romance was just enough.

I liked Ripe for Murder and recommend it to fans of cozies featuring strong, endearing heroines.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. This did not influence my opinions.

[K.A. Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ripe for Murder by Carlene O’Neil is the second book in the series “A Cypress Cove Mystery”, but the first one I’ve read. I definitely have some catching up to do and will be eagerly awaiting for the third installment!

While Cypress Cove is set in Monterey County wine country, Penny and her Joyeux Winery manager, Conner, travel to Napa Valley to find out more information and meet potential investors for a wine train which could run on her property. Accompanying them is her neighbor and distant relative, Antonia Martinelli. Unfortunately for Penny, Antonia’s daughter, Chantal tags along….with whom Penny does not get along with at all. When a murder takes place and Chantal is the lead suspect, Penny puts her personal feelings aside to find the real killer.

I loved the descriptive settings the author provided for the wine country. I had the pleasure of living in Napa for a couple of years and could envision where the story takes place. It was wonderful to revisit the area through Carlene O’Neil’s book. The characters of the book were well developed and I didn’t feel lost having not read the first book. Penny has her personal doubts and fears about running the winery and about getting involved in the murder. However, knowing what the right thing to do spurs her into action and keeps her going until she finds the answers. The supporting characters, Antonia and Conner, provide stability and I love the hint of romance that could take place between Conner and Penny. The ending unfolded with surprises…the author kept me guessing the entire book and kept me turning pages long into the night.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Mark Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Penny and Antonia have been invited up to Napa County to look at a wine train. The owner is thinking about creating one and wants to use some of their land for the track. The trip on the train turns deadly when one of the investor’s wives is murdered, and the only logical suspect is Antonia’s daughter. Penny might not like Chantal, but she knows Chantal isn’t a killer. Can she prove it?

While I enjoyed the first in this series, I liked this one even better. The book does a great job of setting up the new characters, and once we got to know them, we were off and running with a mystery. The plot was fantastic, and I had missed the clues until they were pointed out at the end. The returning characters are strong, and I enjoyed spending time with them again as well. Pour yourself a glass of wine, pick up this book, and enjoy.

NOTE: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.

[Doward Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

California wine country and murder! With the prospect of investing in the expansion of a train line to bring more visitors to her winery, Penny Lively finds herself enmeshed in what appears to be a murder! Penny, her manager Connor and Antonia who owns the neighboring winery are attending the investors meeting. A weekend at a luxurious spa, visits to neighboring wineries and riding on the train end with a horrible accident or is it? Cat fights between Antonia's vixen of a daughter Chantal and the accident/murder victim has the sheriff keeping everybody while he investigates. A delightful and diverse cast of characters and suspects will keep you guessing until the end. The murder plot is as twisted as grape vines can get but the food, wine and scenery make for a wonderful adventure. A fun and engrossing series to be enjoyed by all.

I received this book thru a giveaway by the author/publisher. This is my honest opinion and fair review.

[April Schilling · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book. It is the second in the series but it was the first one of the series that I had read and it was easy to understand who everyone was without having read the first book.

I like Penny, I think she is a well written character. She has a mind of her own and even though she is enamored with Connor, she doesn't let that get in the way of her business. Antonia reminded me of that one family member that everyone has. You love them cause they are family but boy can they get on your nerves quick hehe!

I wasn't quite sure who the murderer was until the end. I had some suspicions early on but, I wasn't 100% sure. I enjoy that in a mystery, where you may think you know who did it but, it's still vague enough that you're not sure and have to keep reading to find out.

I received an ARC for free for my honest opinion.

[Celia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ripe for Murder is a wonderful story. It is the second book in the Cypress Cove Mysteries, but can easily stand alone (the first book is One Foot in the Grape). The characters are well-developed, from a determined Penny, to the handsome Connor and the sultry Chantal. I especially enjoyed the growing relationship between Penny and her distant relative, octogenarian Antonia Martinelli, as well as the information on California wine country and its vineyards and wine tastings. The story had me guessing until the very end, and I highly recommend this book, which like some wines, ends with a wonderful strong note.

I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for a fair and truthful review.

[Kim Reads (Read Your Writes Book Reviews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Penny Lively, the winery owner sleuth is back in Ripe for Murder. The second book in Carlene O’Neil’s Cypress Cove Mystery series is a standalone read. Prepare yourself to set back and discover the ins and outs of wine tasting and solve a murder or two.

Joyeux Winery (Penny and her Winery Manager Connor) and Martinelli Vineyards (owner Antonia and her daughter Chantal) have been invited to head to Napa and meet with representatives of a train tour company to invest in the line running through Monterey County and their properties. While the other potential investors prove to be real characters, things seem to be going smoothly. In classic Chantal form, she starts to flirt with anyone who has an XY chromosome. Of course, her activities make Penny see redder than the Pinot noir she produces. Chantal’s actions ultimately lead to an altercation with the wife of one of the investors. When Penny discovers the body of the wife, it’s a slam dunk case for the police who are making Chantal their prime suspect.

While Penny has never been a friend or fan of Chantal, she can’t let her go down for a murder she knows she didn’t commit. So with the help of Antonia, the two team up to catch a killer. I have to admit that I can't imagine risking my life to prove someone I didn't like and who didn't like me didn't commit murder. Especially, when they seemed to not be concerned with being accused and doesn’t change anything they do or even try to clear their own name.

Ripe for Murder is the tale of what happens when money, greed, jealousy, and opportunity converge. While the story was enjoyable and the mystery kept me guessing, I’m disappointed the romance I’ve been waiting for hasn't come to fruition. Penny is a strong-willed, hard-headed woman. She really likes Connor but something is holding her back. It doesn’t seem to be a secret to anyone else how Connor feels about Penny, yet she seems to be blind to his actions. I think Connor is just waiting for Penny to acknowledge how she feels about him. The waiting for this romance is killing me!! Here’s to finding out what other adventures Penny finds herself in, and that she and Connor finally discover how sweet it is to share a bottle of wine together.

**Received a copy from Penguin Berkley Prime Crime for an honest and unbiased opinion.**

[Valerie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I found the characters realistic and likable, though a few seemed a bit over the top as far as the exaggeration of their personalities. The plot was well done and the level of suspense was just right. I had no idea who was responsible for the murders until it was revealed in the end.

While many of the characters were realistic, Tara and Chantal are a little too over the top for me. I know that they were supposed to be in order for the reader to really not like them, but the exaggerations in their characters seemed a little too much for my taste. It balanced out since the other characters were so realistic and believable.

Connor and Penny definitely have some chemistry between them and I'm looking forward to reading more in the series to see if either of them act on it.

The descriptions of the settings were adequate; not overly detailed but described enough so that you'd have some idea in your head of what it would look like and where they were. A tad more detail wouldn't have hurt, but the lack thereof didn't detract from the story line.

All in all it was definitely an enjoyable book and not only do I look forward to more books in the series, I'd also gladly recommend this book to anyone enjoying cozy mysteries set with food/drink and/or vineyards.

*** I received a free ARC of this book in exchange for my fair and honest review. My review was not in anyway influenced by this. All of my conclusions and opinions are my own.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book from the author in exchange for a honest review. This book was a glorious mixture of wine valleys, a train, and a hotel. I had so much fun picturing the scenery and locations the author was describing. It was enjoyable to learn about wine and the wine industry. The characters are human, with flaws. The dynamics in some of the relationships between the characters is quite entertaining. This author has a vintage 'who done it' style. I didn't guess who did do it until the end. I highly recommend this book. It is the 2nd book in a series, and, while I now want to get the 1st one, I didn't feel like I needed to read them in order.

[LORI CASWELL · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dollycas’s Thoughts

The author takes a new approach for this second book in the series following One Foot in the Grape. She gives us a version of a locked room mystery, on a moving train.

Penny Lively and her neighbor and fellow winery owner, Antonia Martinelli have been asked to invest some land into a project that would have a train traveling through wine country and right pass their vineyards. They along with Chantal, Antonia’s daughter, and Connor, Penny’s winery manager, travel to Monterey County to meet with other investors and get more details about the plan. Penny cringes at the idea of Chantal accompanying them on the trip. It’s not enough that she blatantly flirts with Connor, but she will probably flirt with any man she meets. The pairs decide to travel separately but when they arrive they are forced to spend time together and just as expected Chantal causes trouble almost immediately – A Knock Down Fight – with an investor’s wife. O.K. maybe it was totally her fault but not long after the train leaves the station, it comes to a screeching halt and that investor’s wife is found dead. You guessed it, Chantal, is suspect numero uno. While Penny may not like Chantal she knows Chantal didn’t kill this woman. With Antonia’s gentle shove Penny starts her own little investigation. Someone on that train is a murderer and she needs to figure out who before her caboose it cooked.

This mystery was ripe for the picking and a pure pleasure to read. We leave Cypress Cove behind and arrive at the spectacular Silverado Mission Inn and Spa where we meet the other investors. They are quite a bunch. Bill, the chief engineer for the line, a car dealer and his wife, Big Dave and Tara, from Tennessee, and Jim and Kim from Chicago, in California for the first time. Later we meet Vance Dupont, Big Dave son, Olympio Berninni, owner of one of the local vineyards and a friend of Antonia, and Barb and Seth, who work for both the train line and Berninni. A wonderful mix of personalities and all but Olympio were on the train at the time of the murder along with our group from Cypress Cove.

My favorite character this time was Antonia. I liked the way her relationship with Penny has grown, but Penny still has the secret from the first story. I wonder if she will ever be able to tell Antonia what she knows.

This story moves along at a nice pace as the characters travel the area on train and on foot. In addition to the spa we visit the Berninni Winery. It is much bigger than Antonia’s or Penny’s winery and built in an extraordinary way.

Every chance Penny gets she is asking questions and trying to put the clues together. The story was perfectly plotted because I didn’t have a clue whodunit until the final reveal. The twists and turns along the way were so good. I loved the risk Penny took to bring the case to a conclusion.

After reading this I wish I could really visit the places in this book. I would check in to the Silverado Mission Inn and Spa and probably never leave, I would have to be rich of course, :) and be friends with all the vineyard owners.

Pour yourself a glass of wine and enjoy your trip to the California wine country.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A second glass of murder
Carlene O’Neil presents the second in her Cypress Cove Mystery series , and it does not disappoint. There is a wonderful synopsis of this storyline presented above, so I won’t spend a lot of time rehashing the storyline here. The railroad trip through northern California wine country, the old world charm of the resort, and the remarkable world of wineries, all combine to create a wonderful setting for the story. And, Carlene O’Neil’s descriptive writing brings it all into focus for the reader.
The characters that the reader met in the first book, On Foot in the Grove, are back. Penny Lively, who runs the family’s Joyeux Winery, and her winery manager, Connor Lavigne, the imperious Antonia Martinelli and her irritating daughter Chantal, are further developed throughout the tale. Each is an intriguing character, but they form a unique ensemble that you as a reader really enjoy. Rail employees Seth and Barb bring their spice to the mix. Add in the other potential investors in the railroad line: the very likeable used car salesman, Big Dave, and his obnoxious wife, Tara, railroad lover from Chicago, Jim, and his wife, Kim, and others , and you have the nucleus of a good murder cast.
The mystery is very well developed. There are numerous red herrings, and the resolution of the “who done it” is surprising. I read the first book in the series, but it would not be required for full enjoyment of this installment in the series. This book can stand alone quite well. I read this during a Midwestern winter, and it was a wonderful escape to the California coast. I believe that wine lovers, and cozy mystery lovers will also find this to be an entertaining read.
In all transparency, I won the opportunity to receive a copy of the book for review from a Facebook group for culinary cozy mystery fans. This did not influence my opinion, and I believe I have provided a fair and honest review.

[Vicki Spires · Rating 4 out of 5]

Author Carlene O'Neil returns to California wine country with Ripe for Murder, book 2 in the Cypress Cove Mystery series (after 2015's One Foot in the Grape). This book was my first experience reading Ms. O'Neil's work, and I enjoyed it a great deal. The story has a nice pace, the mystery elements were tight and the characters were by and large very believable. The main character, Penny, is very likable and very human - a normal, flawed person doing her best to navigate her business and personal relationships. Conner and Antonia are also very strong, positive characters. My first impression of a couple of the other central characters was that they were a little over the top with their unpleasant behavior/remarks. Upon further consideration though I must admit that I have certainly met a few rare (thank goodness) individuals who managed to be pretty over the top in real life. I suppose we all have.

I was a bit concerned about having not read the first book in the series but found that the author did a great job of presenting the characters in a manner that allows this book to stand well on its own. I enjoyed the descriptions of the settings in wine country, and even appreciated the little glimpses into the world of wine production. I will definitely be going back to read the first book very soon.

Overall I would certainly recommend this book to any lover of cozy mysteries, and I look forward to reading more from Carlene O'Neil.

**I received a complimentary advanced review copy of this book in exchange for my honest assessment. This in no way influenced my review/opinions. I do not personally know the author or anyone else associated with the production of this work.

[LittleRead · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a cozy mystery loving, wine country stomping oenophile, this book is on the right track for me! (couldn’t help myself)

Penny Lively owns Joyeux Winery in Monterey Count and it’s right next door to her cousin Antonia’s winery. In an effort to boost business and generate more foot traffic, Penny and Antonia are invited to attend a weekend in Napa to
discuss the potential of extending a train line into Monterey and their backyards. Penny and Antonia are joined by Joyeux’s winery manager, Connor, and Antonia’s daughter, Chantal, for the trip and what a trip it turns out to be.

While enjoying a trip on the Napa line to gain the full experience of all the train has to offer passengers, murder ensues and Chantal looks to be the primary suspect. While Penny and Chantal aren’t close, Penny won’t stand by and watch her frienemy cousin go down for a crime she didn’t commit.

Wine and sleuthing ensue as Penny works to find out who committed the murder before her cousin is arrested for a murder she knows Chantal did not commit!

This book had me doing something I don’t often do…enjoying a glass of wine as I savored both the story and the grapes. I found myself setting a slower pace and enjoying the story rather than consuming it in a day. This is not because the story didn’t capture me. Quite the contrary. The author transported me to Napa and I always move at a slower pace, relaxing and enjoying myself when I am in wine country. Well done Carlene O’Neil! Well done!

This is a series that I will be savoring and enjoying as it develops over time.

I received an ARC of this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Melissa Lowrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is the second one in the Cypress Cove Mystery series, but was the first one that I have read. When starting the book I found the characters and background well-described and didn’t feel like I was missing part of the story starting out.

Penny Lively is the owner of her family winery that she inherited from her Aunt. She is looking to build the family business and is approached to invest in a new train tour through the wine country that will bring more tourists to visit her winery. She agrees to go on a tour of this new venture, along with her winery manager (who she has strong feelings for), her neighbor Antonia who runs a very successful winery and Antonia’s daughter Chantal who, at times, has been Penny’s nemesis.
Things are rolling smoothly down the tracks until a murder takes place on the train and Chantal is the prime suspect. Although Chantal is not Penny’s favorite person-the past history between these two is well described in the book-Penny knows that Chantal would not be capable of murder and sets out to find who the killer is. Secrets are uncovered along the way, and Penny puts herself in peril.

This is a well-written book, although I personally would have liked some additional descriptions of the wine country itself as seen from the train. I found the character interactions to be enjoyable and there was enough suspense throughout the book to keep you guessing. I’m looking forward to going back and reading the first book in the series.

[Pearl · Rating 3 out of 5]

*I received an ARC through a Facebook giveaway in exchange for a fair and honest review.*

Ripe for Murder, the 2nd book in Carlene O'Neil's Cypress Cove Mystery series, finds our leading lady Penny Lively on a "road' trip, exploring a wine country train line with winery manager Connor, neighboring vineyard owner Antonia, and Antonia's daughter, the flirtatious Chantal. Other investors are considering putting money forward to expand the line, and when one of the investor's wives ends up dead, the expedition turns sour. Who is the killer--Chantal, who fought with the victim? Vance, the play-boy stepson with a grudge? Seth, the angry bartender? Penny soon finds herself asking questions in an effort to clear Chantal and unmask the truth.

Overall, this is a standard cozy with a curious, truth-seeking protagonist who may like her romantic counterpart but constantly mixes signals. There is minimal location development--we as readers are constantly told how beautiful everything is as Penny takes photographs, but there's not a real full sense of description. The action is lively in places (especially the fight between Chantal and Tara, the victim); the final reveal, however, falls a bit flat.

The series does have promise, if the author would flesh out the characters a bit more, give the audience a fuller sense of setting, and not attempt to circumvent expectations with a non-murder.

[Fred · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ripe for Murder is the second book in the A Cypress Cove Mystery series. A great follow-up to One Foot In The Grape.

Penny, Connor, her winery manager, her neighbor Antonia and Chantal her daughter are off to Napa Valley to look into possibly investing in railroad that will bring wine country tourist to their wineries. At the first winery they stop at, Chantal gets into a heated argument with another possible investor, Tara. Shortly after taking off for the next winery on the tour, someone pulls the emergency cord and Penny and Connor go to try and learn what happened, when they realize that Chantal is missing. As they try to enter the caboose, they find the entrance blocked. When they do get in they find Chantal unconscious on the floor, with a cut to the head. When Penny looks down the track, she can see what appears to be Tara's lifeless body. Based on the fight they had earlier, Chantal becomes the prime suspect. Penny knows that Chantal has been a thorn in her side, but doesn't feel that she is a murderer and proceeds to look to see who might have wanted Tara to go to the great winery in the sky.

Another wonderful visit with Penny, Connor and Chantal and the beautiful wine country of California.

Looking forward to the next visit with Penny and Connor at the Joyeux Winery.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in Carlene o'Neil's Cypress Cove series. Penny Lively is enjoying a trip on a Napa Valley wine train to see if she should invest in a similar venture back home in Monterey County when one of the potential investors turns up murdered. Penny's arch-rival,Chantal, is the main suspect, so Penny feels compelled to investigate.

I loved the setting of the novel. The vintage train and the Napa Valley scenery were described in exquisite detail. I really felt like I was on the journey with them. Then characters from the first book were also developed further. They have distinct personalities and feel like they're stepping off the pages. The relationship between Penny and fellow winery owner Antonia Martinelli is really growing and forming the backbone of the series. It is so nice to see a senior citizen character portrayed in such a strong and positive light. I'm looking forward to more adventures with those two. The only aspect of the book I didn't particularly care for was that I pretty much figured out "whodunit"before the final reveal. That is only a minor problem for me. Overall I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Kristine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, it's the second book in the series and it has me anxious to read the first. Penny needs to draw more attention to her winery to keep it growing. Penny and her winery manager, Connor go to a resort to hear about investing in a train that would go through wine country. Unfortunately her neighbor's daughter, Chantal is also at the resort stirring the pot of trouble she seems to always bring by flirting with all the men.

Chantal is seen fighting with one of the investor's wives, who later turns up dead. Chantal becomes the prime suspect. Penny knows that even though Chantal may not be the sweetest of grapes, she wouldn't murder anyone. Penny sets out to find out who really commited crime.

This book quickly grabbed my attention and kept me reading, I had to know what was going to happen next. I was kept guessing as to who the murderer really was, I enjoy books when I can't figure it out to easy. I haven't read the first book in this series and I was able to follow along with no trouble. This book has made me anxious to read the first, I'm looking forward to it. I can't wait to read what happens next!

I received a copy of this manuscript from the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Lin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second in the series, “A Cypress Cove Mystery”. This was the first of this series that I have read. I found this book to be very intriguing, easy to read and fast paced. The characters were well defined and the build-up to the ending was great.

What to do with land not being used by grapes for wine? You and your neighbor; who happens to be family, are given an opportunity to add a twist to your wineries. Penelope Lively owns Joyeux Winery in Cypress Cove, which is on the central California coast, and Antonia Martinelli of the Martinelli Winery owns the neighboring winery. They agree to meet at a resort for the weekend to discuss a possible venture. The idea of a train running by their wineries and dropping off tourists has so many possibilities. While taking a train ride with some other possible investors, a murder occurs and Antonia’s daughter is speculated to be the murderer. Penelope and Antonia become involved to assist local police; although the police don’t want their help. Who, What, Where and How will this adventure turn out?

An awesome read!!!!

[Cathy Serada · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ripe for Murder From the author of One Foot in the Grape, a new full-bodied Cypress Cove mystery that is certain to delight, even if one wine lover is about to expire. I loved this book and it was the first of this series that I have personally read. Now I want to read the previous books as well. The setting is breathtaking and the cast of characters are stellar. There are many twists and turns in this mystery and I found myself not being able to put it down until I reached the end. The story involves a train through the Napa Valley wine country, it was like riding a mystery train and trying to solve the murder that takes place on it. I loved the interactions between Penny, Antonia, and her daughter, Chantal. Ms. O'Neil made these people come alive to the point where one feels they know them personally and you do not want to leave them behind the pages of this book.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Book!
This is a great book; this is the second book in the Cypress Cove Mystery series by Carlene O’Neil. Penny Lively loves running her family’s winery, but is always looking for ways to keep the business growing. When she is approached to invest in a new train line through wine country, her and her intoxicating winery manager Conner, can’t wait to hear the details. When her neighbor’s daughter, Chantal comes to the meeting she starts trouble by flirting with the investors. When one of the investors’ wives is murdered, Chantal becomes a prime suspect. Penny puts her sleuthing skills to the test to find out what really happened. If you are looking for a great mystery that will keep you guessing until the end then you need to read this book. I can’t wait until the next book in this series comes out.

[Jeanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ripe for Murder is the 2nd book in A Cypress Cove Mystery Series by Carlene O'Neil.

Most of this book takes place in a different location than the first book, so it would be easy to read this without having read the first book.

The characters on the train were very colorful and made it a fun trip for the reader. Some of the characters seemed a little over the top, but I have run into people like that, so it wasn’t so hard to believe.

I’ve been to that area of wine country and Carlene O’Neil did a great job of describing it. I’m ready to go back.

I highly recommend this book and I’m looking forward to the next installment.

I received this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Danielle Maroon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was chosen to review Ripe for Murder by Carlene O'Neil. This is the first book in the series that I have read but I still really enjoyed reading the book. It kept me sitting on the edge of my seat until the end of the book. I love Penny’s knack for helping solve the investigation. I am not a big wine drinker and do not know hardly anything about wines. I like how Carlene talks about the wine as id the reader will have the basic knowledge of wine and did not leave me feeling confused. This book is a great cozy mystery that I enjoyed cuddling up on the couch with. I can't wait to read more books by Carlene.

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book. It is the second in the series but one doesn't need to read the first in the series to understand who is who and what the relationships are.

Penny definitely has a mind of her own. I like that. Connor is trying to keep her safe but she works hard to get the police chief to look at someone else for the murder, rather than her friend Antonia's daughter.

Something suspicious happened early on that made me look at one person for the murder but I couldn't quite connect all the dots. Good job on keeping it mysterious!

I received an ARC for free for my honest opinion.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book. It's the first one I've read in this series and it was very enjoyable. Set in California wine country, it was very interesting learning about the industry and the rivalry between the different locations. The mystery was very good and I really enjoyed the characters. Penny's neighbor is a hoot and her manager is hot! Definitely worth reading!
I was gifted with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Pamela Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really good read set in California' wine country hooking me immediately with a great mystery, colorful suspects, and interesting twists and turns that kept me guessing. I really like Penny and her interaction with the other characters, especially Antonia, Connor and George. I even learned some interesting facts about wine. This is a perfect book for all cozy readers.

I received a complimentary ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Jacqueline Vick · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed these characters. With several suspects, all with excellent motives, the mystery kept me guessing until the end. This is the type of book I read to relax. The setting is an exclusive spa, the main character, Penny Lively, has a good sense of humor, and the book is "flinch-free fiction", which means I didn't have to hold my breath for an offensive string of swear words or an explicit sexual or violent scene. I'll definitely read this author again.

[Patrizia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Questa serie si conferma una delle migliori. Anche stavolta non ho assolutamente capito chi potesse essere il colpevole e la soluzione del mistero è stata una completa sorpresa, per niente banale. Il cast di personaggi si conferma di prima qualità e la lettura scorre via, molto piacevolmente.
Consigliato a chi volesse avvicinarsi al genere cozy mystery.