How to Read the Sommelier Mystery Series
For readers looking to dive into the Sommelier Mystery series by certified sommelier Nadine Nettmann, the reading order is straightforward. The series follows a linear narrative that traces both the professional development and personal life of protagonist Katie Stillwell. Because characters develop, relationships progress, and Katie’s career moves through the rigorous sommelier certification stages, it is highly recommended to read these books in publication order, which matches the chronological order of the universe.
Sommelier Mystery Books in Order
Below is the complete list of Sommelier Mystery books in their recommended reading order:
- Decanting a Murder (2016)
- Uncorking a Lie (2017)
- Pairing a Deception (2018)
What to Know Before You Start
Nadine Nettmann's series stands out in the cozy mystery genre due to its high level of authentic detail. Nettmann is a Certified Sommelier through the Court of Master Sommeliers, and she weaves her real-world knowledge of wine tasting, counterfeiting, and industry politics directly into the plots. Here are a few unique elements of the series:
- Chapter Wine Pairings: Every single chapter in the trilogy is paired with a specific wine that matches the tone, suspense, or setting of that chapter. Nettmann provides tasting notes and selections that range from sparkling aperitifs to deep, complex reds, giving readers a fun way to engage with the text.
- Sommelier Exams: The series structure mirrors Katie Stillwell's professional progression. Over the course of the trilogy, she prepares for her Advanced Sommelier exam, allowing readers to learn about the intense studying, blind tastings, and theory required for this prestigious title.
- Vibrant California Settings: Each book takes place in a different, iconic California wine region. The locations shift from the high-profile estates of Napa Valley to the historic cellars of Sonoma, and finally to the coastal energy of Santa Barbara.
Detailed Book-by-Book Breakdown
1. Decanting a Murder (2016)
The series begins in Napa Valley with Decanting a Murder. Katie Stillwell is attending an exclusive winery party when a guest is found dead, and her close friend Tessa becomes the prime suspect. To clear Tessa's name, Katie must put her highly trained sensory palate to the test, decoding clues that only a wine expert could spot. This debut novel was nominated for the Agatha, Anthony, and Lefty awards for Best First Novel.
2. Uncorking a Lie (2017)
In the second book, Uncorking a Lie, the setting moves to Sonoma. Katie is hired by a wealthy collector to evaluate his high-end wine cellar. When a rare 1975 Château Clair Bleu turns out to be a young counterfeit, and the collector's assistant is found dead in the cellar, Katie is pulled into the dangerous underbelly of high-stakes wine fraud. This installment was nominated for both the Anthony Award for Best Paperback Original and the Mary Higgins Clark Award.
3. Pairing a Deception (2018)
The trilogy concludes in Santa Barbara with Pairing a Deception. Looking for a break from her intense Advanced Sommelier exam studies, Katie attends a food and wine festival with her detective boyfriend. The peace is short-lived when a young woman is murdered outside the hotel room of a Master Sommelier who also happens to be one of Katie's upcoming examiners. Katie must solve the mystery before her exam—and her life—are ruined.