How to Read Ellen Crosby's Books
Ellen Crosby has written two main mystery series: the Wine Country Mysteries and the Sophie Medina Mysteries, plus one standalone political thriller. Because both series feature long-term character development, relationship progression, and ongoing subplots alongside their self-contained mysteries, reading them in publication order is highly recommended for the best experience.
The Wine Country Mysteries
This is Crosby's signature series, following Lucie Montgomery, who inherits her family's struggling vineyard in Atoka, Virginia. Lucie manages the challenges of running a winery while getting entangled in murder investigations that frequently connect to Virginia's rich history, including the Revolutionary War, the Civil War, and Prohibition. The regional winemaking details are authentic, drawn from Crosby's own research with local Virginia vintners.
Wine Country Mysteries Publication Order
For the Wine Country Mysteries, the chronological order matches the publication sequence. Here is the recommended reading order:
- The Merlot Murders (2006) – The series opener, introducing Lucie as she returns to Virginia to investigate her father's suspicious death.
- The Chardonnay Charade (2007) – Lucie uncovers historical secrets and political scandal after a prominent neighbor dies.
- The Bordeaux Betrayal (2008) – A mystery involving counterfeit wine and a centuries-old historical secret.
- The Riesling Retribution (2009) – Lucie searches for a missing girl and a historic trove of gold.
- The Viognier Vendetta (2010) – Also published in paperback under the title The Vintage Vendetta. Lucie faces a deadly threat connected to a local historic estate.
- The Sauvignon Secret (2011) – A cold case from the Revolutionary War era resurfaces when a body is found in a cave.
- The Champagne Conspiracy (2016) – A high-stakes plot involving a presidential election and historic Treasury bonds.
- The Vineyard Victims (2017) – Lucie investigates the death of a childhood friend and former lover.
- Harvest of Secrets (2018) – Lucie finds the body of an aristocrat on her property, tied to historic secrets.
- The Angels' Share (2019) – Lucie investigates the murder of a legendary winemaker and a rare bottle of wine.
- The French Paradox (2021) – Lucie handles a historic treasure hunt tied to Thomas Jefferson and French history.
- Bitter Roots (2022) – Lucie unmasks a murderer while dealing with a vineyard turf war.
- Deeds Left Undone (2025) – A mystery focused on the dark history of a nearby historic church and cemetery.
- A Cultivated Death (Scheduled for November 2026) – The fourteenth installment in Lucie Montgomery's adventures.
The Sophie Medina Mysteries
Switching gears from the cozy vineyards of Virginia, this series introduces Sophie Medina, an international photojournalist. Sophie is drawn into high-stakes espionage, government secrets, and danger that spans from Washington, D.C. to Moscow, starting with the disappearance of her husband, a CIA covert operative.
Sophie Medina Publication Order
- Multiple Exposure (2013) – Sophie returns to Washington, D.C. and stumbles into a conspiracy involving stolen religious art and international intrigue.
- Ghost Image (2015) – A mystery involving the search for an invaluable ancient Roman coin.
- Blow Up (2023) – Sophie investigates the death of a controversial environmentalist and philanthropist friend.
- Dodge and Burn (2024) – Sophie is caught in a web of secrets surrounding a missing photographer and Russian oligarchs.
Standalone Novels
Before launching her main series, Crosby wrote a standalone thriller based on her experiences living in Moscow during the Gorbachev era.
- Moscow Nights (2000 UK / 2016 US) – A suspenseful thriller following a young American woman in Moscow during the transition of the late Soviet Union.
Practical Reader Advice
Where Should I Start?
If you prefer cozy, atmospheric mysteries with a heavy focus on history and regional settings, start with The Merlot Murders. If you prefer faster-paced political intrigue, international locations, and journalistic investigation, start with Multiple Exposure.
Can the Books Be Read as Standalones?
Yes. Each book in both the Wine Country Mysteries and Sophie Medina series features a fully resolved mystery, meaning you won't be left with a cliffhanger regarding the main crime. However, the relationships, personal growth, and overarching subplots (such as Sophie's search for her husband or Lucie's family struggles) develop continuously. You will get the most enjoyment by starting from the beginning of each series.
What to Know Before You Start
Crosby's background as an economist and reporter shines through in both of her series. Her plots are deeply researched, blending real history (like Thomas Jefferson's historic wines or Soviet-era history) with modern-day crime. The Wine Country series has a cozy mystery tone, but it maintains a realistic edge, dealing with serious themes of family legacies, business struggles, and historical injustices. The Sophie Medina series leans closer to classic political thrillers, while maintaining a strong, relatable female lead at the center.