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A Case for the Winemaker
(Ainsley McGregor #1)
by
The closer she gets to the truth, the more she finds herself drowning in trouble
It’s an exciting time in Sweet River, Texas, and the whole town is talking. Maybe, a little too much. Former English professor Ainsley McGregor has gambled everything on her new business: Bless Your Art, an artisan market where local artists sell their wares and teach classes.
The bright, wh ...more
It’s an exciting time in Sweet River, Texas, and the whole town is talking. Maybe, a little too much. Former English professor Ainsley McGregor has gambled everything on her new business: Bless Your Art, an artisan market where local artists sell their wares and teach classes.
The bright, wh ...more
Kindle Edition, 177 pages
Published
January 21st 2020
by Tule Publishing
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Start your review of A Case for the Winemaker (Ainsley McGregor #1)
This is the first book in a new series by author Candace Havens. She is a new to me author, but it won't be the last thing I read by her. I found this book to be an easy, enjoyable read. It has a good plot and the story moves along at a good pace. The characters are well written and very likable. There is plenty of room for the author to continue to develop and grow all of the characters and relationships. Ainsely is a fun protagonist, and I think readers will find her very likable. She is surro
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In the late 2000’s, (doesn’t that sound so long ago), I read the two books in Candace Havens’ Caruthers Sisters series, The Demon King and I and Dragons Prefer Blondes. I was disappointed when more didn’t come out. So when I saw that Havens had a new cozy mystery series, I knew I wanted to read it.
First off, George Clooney, her Great Dane, steals the show. The way he talks, grunts, and knows what people are saying is so true to that breed.
And I love that the whole town is down to help with th ...more
First off, George Clooney, her Great Dane, steals the show. The way he talks, grunts, and knows what people are saying is so true to that breed.
And I love that the whole town is down to help with th ...more
I really enjoyed the start of this series. This book was a fun, quick, easy read. I liked Ainsley and the other characters and look forward to getting to know them better. The small town setting was cute. The mystery did keep me guessing and the ending was exciting. George was adorable and deserves extra t-r-e-a-t-s for all his hard work.
This is a short cozy mystery. I did enjoy it. I enjoyed the relationship between Kathleen, the protagonist, and her Great Dane George Clooney. I just wish it had been a full length. I would love to have delved deeper into the characters and town. I was interested enough to read the next book in the series.
This delightful cozy mystery - the first from Havens - had me saying "just one more chapter" until I reached the satisfying end. A Case for the Winemaker checked all the boxes - enough clues and red herrings to have me going back and forth on the killer, charming possibilities of romance (the hot fire chief or Idris Elba look-alike coroner. Oh my!), fun quirky characters you want to spend time with, and hints of English professor/market bazaar owner Ainsley McGregor's backstory that are sure to
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Ainsley is getting things ready to open her new store called Bless our Art. She decides to walk her Great dane called George Clooney in the park behind her store. While they are on their walk George starts barking and they find a dead body.
Her brother is the Sheriff and all the evidence leads towards their best friend Michael. So he gets arrested and Ainsley sets out to prove his innocence because Michael is her best friends Fiance and they don't think he would have murdered anyone.
A really good ...more
Her brother is the Sheriff and all the evidence leads towards their best friend Michael. So he gets arrested and Ainsley sets out to prove his innocence because Michael is her best friends Fiance and they don't think he would have murdered anyone.
A really good ...more
This new series features Ainsley McGregor who recently moved to small town Texas to open a new art business. With small towns come big secrets and with big secrets comes gossip. LOTS of gossip! I loved all the characters, including the secondary characters, everyone had a part, a connection, and was necessary for this cozy mystery! I look forward to the next book in this series!
I wrote this book and I'm so grateful to all of you for posting reviews. I didn't know about the village solves a mystery aspect. I was afraid it might be too different. But you all have shown me that I need to trust my gut. I figured she'd need help since it's her first time to do this sort of thing. Thank you. :)
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I just finished reading an advanced copy of Candace Havens’ first Cozy Mystery, A Case for the Winemaker. I’m a longtime reader fan of Ms. Havens, and she did not let me down with this venture into a new-to-her genre. In all honesty, I’m very finicky when it comes to Cozies, and I can say I truly loved this book.
I was completely drawn in to this story set in Sweet River, TX. Ainsley McGregor moved back to Texas and renovated an old building – complete with gargoyles – into a big year-round marke ...more
I was completely drawn in to this story set in Sweet River, TX. Ainsley McGregor moved back to Texas and renovated an old building – complete with gargoyles – into a big year-round marke ...more
I loved reading A Case for the Winemaker by Candace Havens book one in her Ainsley McGregor mystery series. Ainsley McGregor, a former, and now part-time, English professor, followed her dream and opened an artisan market in Sweet River, Texas. The market, “Bless Your Art”, would be a central location for local artists to sell their merchandise and teach classes, as well as hopefully bring tourists to the town. This space was filled to the rafters with colorful art, yarn, jewelry, pet treats, je
...more
Reviewed at Keeper Bookshelf
A Case for the Winemaker begins The Ainsley McGregor Series, a Cozy Mystery that kept me intrigued and searching for clues (along with the rest of this cast of characters) from beginning to end.
I love a good Cozy Mystery (and this is definitely one of those) but add in an adorable, smart Great Dane named George Clooney, the possibility of a romantic relationship developing over the course of the series (if they can get past the forbidden “bro” factor), a small-town f ...more
A Case for the Winemaker begins The Ainsley McGregor Series, a Cozy Mystery that kept me intrigued and searching for clues (along with the rest of this cast of characters) from beginning to end.
I love a good Cozy Mystery (and this is definitely one of those) but add in an adorable, smart Great Dane named George Clooney, the possibility of a romantic relationship developing over the course of the series (if they can get past the forbidden “bro” factor), a small-town f ...more
Ainsley McGregor leaves behind tenure and two muggings when she returns home from Chicago to her small home town of Sweet River in the first book of a new series. Ms. Havens does a great job of balancing the need to build a foundation for her characters while not overwhelming the mystery story with them. I enjoyed reading this quick and easy cozy with lots of characters who seem to care about each other, especially Ainsley's brother and her best friend. Of course he is the chief of police and do
...more
A Case for the Winemaker is the first book of Candace Haven’s that I’ve read and it was a very enjoyable cozy mystery!! Ainsley McGregor has just moved to Sweet River, Texas after inheriting her grandmother’s farmhouse and opens a new business, Bless Your Art, an indoor market for local artisans. She and her dog, George Clooney (what a great name!), find a dead body right off the bat and this starts Ainsley’s quest to find the real murderer when one of her best friends is accused and thrown in j
...more
This is the first of this author's books that I've read, and I'm really glad to see it's the first in a new series! I thought it looked adorable, and I wasn't disappointed. I love the setting (a quaint little town in Texas), and the protagonist's (Ainsley's) venture into entrepreneurship with the launch of a town artisan market. I can definitely see how this premise could spark ideas for future plot lines! I thought the inclusion of her Great Dane, George Clooney, was particularly cute, and love
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A new to me author published by Tule Publishing. This has hints of romance but it is really a mystery book which is a nice departure from a publisher I know better for romance authors.
Ainsley MacGregor is a recovering academic who has moved to a small town in Texas after an incident in Chicago. Her brother is the sheriff in the town so it isn't as if she has no one there she knows. Ainsley has decided on a complete career change and has purchased an old building and turned it into a huge craft e ...more
Ainsley MacGregor is a recovering academic who has moved to a small town in Texas after an incident in Chicago. Her brother is the sheriff in the town so it isn't as if she has no one there she knows. Ainsley has decided on a complete career change and has purchased an old building and turned it into a huge craft e ...more
Jan 19, 2020
Coffee Chapters and Chill
rated it
it was amazing
Shelves:
finished-arc,
cozy-series-favorites
There are only a handful of cozy series that are a total hit out of the park for me. I’ve only been reading this genre a few years and can be sort of picky. This book checked all my cozy requirement boxes.
While I normally gravitate towards charming New England settings, I’ve become a huge fan of Sweet River, Texas where the story takes place. If only it were a real place and I could move there. The main character Ainsley, along with her friends, are definitely people I would want to hang out wit ...more
While I normally gravitate towards charming New England settings, I’ve become a huge fan of Sweet River, Texas where the story takes place. If only it were a real place and I could move there. The main character Ainsley, along with her friends, are definitely people I would want to hang out wit ...more
4-4.5 stars
This is a new cozy mystery series and is definitely a new favorite that I will be following. Ainsley McGregor is following her dreams and opening a gallery and market in her new Texas hometown. However, the night before her opening she stumped across a body while walking her adorable Great Dane. She's a smart and savy sleuth who had been through a lot of rough times, but is determined to keep her friend from doing time for the murder he did not commit, not matter the danger to hers ...more
This is a new cozy mystery series and is definitely a new favorite that I will be following. Ainsley McGregor is following her dreams and opening a gallery and market in her new Texas hometown. However, the night before her opening she stumped across a body while walking her adorable Great Dane. She's a smart and savy sleuth who had been through a lot of rough times, but is determined to keep her friend from doing time for the murder he did not commit, not matter the danger to hers ...more
A Case For The Winemaker is the first book in Candace Haven's new Ainsley McGregor cozy mystery series. This was a first read for me by from this author , but definitely will not be my last, I am looking forward to reading the rest of her work.
I enjoyed this book, i thought it was well written , entertaining and easy to follow. The characters are believable and likable, one of my favorite characters in this book was George Clooney, I love a good animal character!! I particularly enjoyed the sens ...more
I enjoyed this book, i thought it was well written , entertaining and easy to follow. The characters are believable and likable, one of my favorite characters in this book was George Clooney, I love a good animal character!! I particularly enjoyed the sens ...more
I loved every minute of this well-written whodunit from new-to-me author Candace Havens that had me totally involved in all that was happening from beginning to end. I felt an instant connection to Ainsley McGregor who opens Bless Your Art, an artisan market in the quaint little town of Sweet River, Texas and enjoyed her dynamic with the lovable cast of characters, especially her Great Dane George Clooney, her brother Greg (the sheriff) and his best friends, Jake (fire chief) and Kane (coroner a
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A Case For The Winemaker, by Candace Havers, is a lovely light cosy mystery set in Sweet River, Texas. I couldn’t help but love star of the show Ainsley McGregor, owner of Bless Your Art, a newly established bazaar hosting numerous small arts, craft and food stalls among other things. I loved the sense of community this book engenders. Ainelsy’s Great Dane George Clooney is also central to the story and when a dog features strongly I am immediately immersed. I loved the way the busybody network
...more
A fun start to a new series. I want a group of friends like Ainsley, not to mention a dog like George. Ms. Havens writing style is very easy to read and she is fast paced enough that you will find yourself quickly engrossed in the story and might even find yourself finishing the book faster than you thought. I really enjoyed the pace and her characters. With as many characters that we are introduced to in this book, the potential for more story lines and interaction. With Ainsly as the focal poi ...more
Jan 22, 2020
Lovely Loveday
added it
A Case for the Winemaker is the first book in the Ainsley McGregor series by Candace Havens. A lovely fast-paced mystery that will have you turning the pages unsure what will happen next. Havens pulls you in from the beginning and holds your attention until the surprising end. The characters are well-written and easy to relate to with intriguing backstories. A Case for the Winemaker is a captivating mystery that is sure to leave you wanting more!
Not only is this a new author for me but it is also a genre that I haven't read a great deal of and I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed it. There was no angst or major drama It just flowed along and the characters and setting where the making of the story
I am not going to rehash the story line you can read that in the blurb what I will say is that George Clooney almost in fact probably does steal the show. I am also looking forward to a future romance that may or may not brew for Ainsley ...more
I am not going to rehash the story line you can read that in the blurb what I will say is that George Clooney almost in fact probably does steal the show. I am also looking forward to a future romance that may or may not brew for Ainsley ...more
OMG, this is an amazing mystery! Well written and one of those books you do not want to put down! I am looking forward to book two in March.
In exchange for my opinion I received an ARC of this book.
“I highly recommend it!”
In exchange for my opinion I received an ARC of this book.
“I highly recommend it!”
I voluntarily read this advanced reader's copy for a honest opinion.
A great start to a new series. A Case for the Winemakers by Candace Havens.
Book one in the Ainsley McGregor series.
It pulled me in from the first chapter with it's great storyline.
A cozy mystery at its best.
Likable characters (and dog).
Great dialogue.
Can't wait to read more in this series and more by this author. ...more
A great start to a new series. A Case for the Winemakers by Candace Havens.
Book one in the Ainsley McGregor series.
It pulled me in from the first chapter with it's great storyline.
A cozy mystery at its best.
Likable characters (and dog).
Great dialogue.
Can't wait to read more in this series and more by this author. ...more
In a small town, people come together to help each other, even if it's solving a murder.
All Ainsley McGregor wanted to do was start her life over in the small town so Sweet River, Texas, and open her new art gallery. But when a murder takes place, and her friend Michael is arrested, Ainsley and a group of her friends work together to find the killer. Will the killer be found before someone else becomes a victim?
This was a fun mystery. I liked all of the characters and I had a hard time figuring ...more
All Ainsley McGregor wanted to do was start her life over in the small town so Sweet River, Texas, and open her new art gallery. But when a murder takes place, and her friend Michael is arrested, Ainsley and a group of her friends work together to find the killer. Will the killer be found before someone else becomes a victim?
This was a fun mystery. I liked all of the characters and I had a hard time figuring ...more
I am a big cozy fan so I was excited to learn about Candace’s new series & eagerly read it when requested. I enjoyed the town setting, especially George Clooney (oh yes! You read that right!), plus all the fun characters she hand crafted to twist & turn us through this fun story. Thanks to Tule & Ms. Havens - great series & I cannot wait to read any others they may publish.
Dec 29, 2019
Debra M.
added it
Ms.Havens is a new author to me,one I will be reading more of in the near future. I really liked the townsfolk in Sweet River,Texas especially Ainsley and her brother the sheriff.I honestly didn't want this book to end,I love reading cozy mysteries and this was quite the gem, I can't wait for book 2 in this new series.
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I had the pleasure to meet Candace at a book convention and was offered the opportunity to read an arc of her new cozy mystery book. I have to say I am not much of a cozy mystery type of person (I have only read maybe one or two others) but I was intrigued as she relayed the story’s description to me and thought I would give it a shot. I am really happy I did! This book was a fun, delight to read; I truly enjoyed it.
The cast of characters are wonderful, including Ainsley’s Great Dane named Geor ...more
The cast of characters are wonderful, including Ainsley’s Great Dane named Geor ...more
A Case for the Winemaker by Candace Havens
The closer she gets to the truth, the more she finds herself drowning in trouble
It’s an exciting time in Sweet River, Texas, and the whole town is talking. Maybe, a little too much. Former English professor Ainsley McGregor has gambled everything on her new business: Bless Your Art, an artisan market where local artists sell their wares and teach classes.
The bright, white space is filled to the brim with colorful art, yarn, jewelry, pet treats, antiques ...more
The closer she gets to the truth, the more she finds herself drowning in trouble
It’s an exciting time in Sweet River, Texas, and the whole town is talking. Maybe, a little too much. Former English professor Ainsley McGregor has gambled everything on her new business: Bless Your Art, an artisan market where local artists sell their wares and teach classes.
The bright, white space is filled to the brim with colorful art, yarn, jewelry, pet treats, antiques ...more
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Bestselling author Candace Havens has published more than 25 books. Her novels have received nominations for the RITA's, Holt Medallion, Write Touch Reader Awards and National Readers Choice Awards. She is a Barbara Wilson Award winner. She is the author of the biography “Joss Whedon: The Genius Behind Buffy” and a contributor to several anthologies. She is also one of the nation's leading enterta
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