Step into the intoxicating world of the Sommelier Mystery series, where a sip of wine pairs perfectly with a twist of murder! Crafted by certified sommelier Nadine Nettmann, this cozy mystery series follows Katie Stillwell, a sharp-witted sommelier in California’s wine country, as she uncorks secrets and solves crimes. With its blend of suspense, wine expertise, and charming settings, Sommelier Mystery is a delightful escape for mystery lovers and wine enthusiasts alike.
Unlike typical cozy mysteries, this series weaves in Nettmann’s real-world knowledge, making each page a masterclass in wine culture wrapped in a thrilling whodunit. Ready to pour yourself into Katie’s adventures? Let’s explore how this unique series came to life and why it’s a must-read.
How Sommelier Mystery Began
Nadine Nettmann, a Certified Sommelier through the Court of Master Sommeliers, drew inspiration from her passion for wine and storytelling. Her journey began in 2010 at a wine festival in Hawaii, where a spontaneous tasting moment sparked her desire to dive deeper into wine’s stories. Combining her expertise with her love for writing—honed over a decade of persistence and 421 agent queries—Nettmann launched the Sommelier Mystery series in 2016 with Decanting a Murder. Set in Napa Valley, the series reflects her travels across global wine regions, from Chile to France, and her knack for crafting engaging mysteries.
The Heart of Sommelier Mystery
The series kicks off with Decanting a Murder (2016), where Katie Stillwell attends a Napa Valley winery party that turns deadly. When her friend Tessa becomes the prime suspect, Katie uses her deductive wine-tasting skills to track the real killer, dodging danger along the way. The second book, Uncorking a Lie (2017), takes Katie to a Sonoma mansion, where a counterfeit wine and a murder at a dinner party pull her into a web of deception. Pairing a Deception (2018), the third installment, sees Katie at a Santa Barbara wine festival, unraveling a killer’s scheme amid festive chaos.
Each book pairs chapters with specific wines, reflecting the narrative’s mood—a sparkling aperitif for openings, a brooding Primitivo for suspects. Themes of friendship, ambition, and uncovering hidden truths shine through, set against vivid backdrops of California’s sunlit vineyards. Nettmann’s breezy prose and well-plotted twists make the series both educational and addictive, appealing to readers who love a cozy mystery with a sophisticated twist.
Why Sommelier Mystery Resonates
The Sommelier Mystery series has carved a niche in the cozy mystery genre by blending wine education with gripping storytelling. Fans praise Katie’s relatable charm and Nettmann’s authentic voice, earning nominations for prestigious awards like the Agatha, Anthony, and Lefty. Its influence extends to wine enthusiasts, who appreciate the series’ vivid settings and practical wine knowledge, making it a cultural bridge between mystery and gastronomy. Though a compact trilogy, its fresh premise keeps readers coming back for more.
- Publication Years: 2016–2018
- Number of Books: 3
- Awards: Nominated for Agatha, Anthony, Lefty, and Mary Higgins Clark Awards
- Setting: California wine country (Napa, Sonoma, Santa Barbara)
Grab Decanting a Murder and dive into the Sommelier Mystery’s world of wine-soaked suspense! Whether you’re a cozy mystery fan or a wine lover, Katie Stillwell’s adventures promise a tantalizing blend of thrills and flavors.