I had the privilege of meeting author AND Certified Sommelier Nadine Nettmann at Left Coast Crime earlier this year. After hearing her talk about her debut novel, DECANTING A MURDER, I immediately went to the bookstore and bought it. It didn’t take me long to devour the book, all the while wishing I had several of the lovely wines she mentions. I love how she starts each chapter with a “wine pairing” which adds enjoyment to the book… and a run to Total Wine and More to seek out her suggestions. I met up with Nadine again at the Malice Domestic conference in April (and then again just this last weekend in L.A. at CA Crime Writers Conference) and was excited to find out that she was releasing UNCORKING A LIE in May… which I downloaded to my Kindle just as soon as I possibly could. Congrats are also in order for Nadine – DECANTING A MURDER has been nominated for an Anthony Award!
Click on book to visit Amazon
Click on book to visit Amazon
Back when I was in my twenties, I had the opportunity to live in Napa for a couple of years (bliss!). Nadine definitely captures both the valley and Sonoma settings, bringing them to life and making the reader feel like they are right there with Katie, the protagonist. It’s obvious the author has a passion for wine and the Napa region and she creatively applies that expertise, allowing Katie to use her wine deducing knowledge to unearth clues and figure out the murderer. There are a variety of suspects to keep the reader guessing while intriguing subplots round out the stories. Another interesting aspect is the way the author describes the characters using the characteristics of different wine varietals.
The protagonist, Katie, is struggling with a bad relationship with her father, after she failed to follow in his footsteps and flunked out of the police academy. She also has suffered a failed relationship and finds herself driven to pass the levels of sommelier testing, leaving no time for friends. The author provides some fascinating insight into the rigorous studying and training involved required to pass the exams. In fact, there is a 60% failure rate! It resonated with me when Katie muses that “maybe damage gives us all a little character,” in regards to people and to grapes when developing wine. And I think that is excellent insight into human nature and the author does a beautiful job weaving it into her delightful books. The Sommelier Mystery series whets your palate with a read that has a lovely bouquet and a full-bodied finish!
While the book doesn’t include recipes there is plenty of food mentioned. Katie enjoys some Madeleine cookies in the first book, so I developed a recipe for Lemon Glazed Madeleines. According to Nadine, the best wine to pair with these light, cake-like lemon cookies is bubbly Prosecco. If you don’t imbibe, according to my granddaughter whose favorite flavor is lemon, milk is pretty good too… and I would suggest a hot cup of tea. No matter what beverage you pair with these cookies, they do make for a delectable treat!
Amazon Synsopsis – Decanting a Murder
Katie Stillwell focuses on two things in her life: work and practicing for Sommelier Certification with her blind tasting group. The exam was supposed to be the hardest part of her week, but that was before a body was found at an exclusive Napa Valley winery party.
When all the evidence points to Katie’s best friend, the outspoken and independent Tessa, Katie drops everything to clear Tessa’s name. Using her deductive wine skills, she tries to track down the real killer. But when repeated attempts are made on her life, Katie discovers that everyone’s secrets must be uncovered–including her own.
Amazon Synopsis – Uncorking a Lie
It was the kind of invitation sommelier Katie Stillwell had only dreamed about: a dinner party at the Sonoma mansion of famed wine collector Paul Rafferty to celebrate a rare bottle. Everyone enjoys drinking the $19,000 wine, but Katie realizes it’s not the vintage listed on the label.
When she confides in Mr. Rafferty, he asks her to investigate, and she soon discovers the deception goes beyond money—it includes an accidental death that might just be murder. As Katie falls deeper into the world of counterfeit wine, she learns everything is at stake… even her life.
A huge thank you to Nadine Nettmann for providing a signed copy of DECANTING A MURDER and UNCORKING A LIE! I will pick two winners and award one book to each of them. Contest ends Thursday, June 15, 2017 at 11:59 pm PST and is limited to U.S. residents. Please use the Rafflecopter box located below the recipe to enter. The winner will be announced on this page and on Cinnamon & Sugar’s Facebook page, as well as notified by email (so check your spam folder!)
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 3 eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- Zest of 1 small lemon
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon extract, optional
- 1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons confectioners' sugar
- 2-1/2 to 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Don't preheat the oven since the batter needs to rest in the refrigerator for an hour.
- Melt the butter and allow to come to room temperature while you collect the remaining ingredients.
- In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat together the eggs and granulated sugar until the mixture is very thick and a pale lemon color. This will take about 5 minutes using medium-high speed.
- Mix in the lemon zest and lemon extract if using.
- Remove the bowl from the stand mixer and gently stir in the flour mixture by hand just until moistened.
- Mix in the melted butter and stir just until it's incorporated.
- Allow the batter to chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees (F).
- Spritz the madeleine pan with non-stick cooking spray.
- Spoon approximately 1 tablespoon of batter into the madeleine molds.
- Bake 8 - 11 minutes until the edges are golden brown and the middle of the cake springs back when gently touched.
- Allow to cool in the pan for 2 minutes then remove the madeleines to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once the madeleines are completely cooled, whisk the confectioners' sugar and 2-1/2 tablespoons lemon juice together until completely smooth. If the glaze is too thick, add additional lemon juice as needed until it reaches a brushable consistency.
- Brush each cake with the glaze and allow to set for 30 minutes before serving.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 days.
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I met up with Nadine at California Crime Writers Conference in Los Angeles
I was provided an advanced copy with the hopes I would review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I guess my fail safe is a cabernet, but in the summer I do like the lighter chilled whites too. Would love to see her wine pairings at the beginning of the chapters! And the madelines look lovely!
I’m not a big wine drinker. I enjoy relaxing with a cup of coffee or hot tea.
I’m not a regular drinker more of a taster but if I was to just want a small glass, barefoot muscato from the grocery store suits me just fine. My daughter is the wine expert in our family. She did take a college wine class and was one of the students who *didn’t* think it was all fun and games to be able to drink in class, she paid attention and took it seriously. In our area it’s not much of a marketable skill lol but it’s fun to see her when she’s in her zone and discussing which wine goes with what food etc.
Before my son was born I loved a glass of white wine now and then. Upon his birth and the determination of him being Autistic I realized I needed a clear head to keep up with him so I haven’t drank any kind of alcohol in 29 years. lol! I am open to either of the two books since I haven’t read anything by Nadine Nettman.
Robin, I completely understand the need to keep a clear head with your son.. you are a wonderful mother to be so dedicated to his well being. Bless you!
I am not really a wine drinker. I go for bourbon or rum.
It is rare that I take a tipple. But when I do, I prefer the fruitier wines. However, I frequently use wine in my cooking. The book and the recipe look great! Congrats on the recent release of “Uncorking a Lie”. If drawn I’d like to start with “Decanting a Murder”
I love my unsweet iced tea!
I enjoy an occasional glass of Sangria or Moscato. Either book would be awesome.
They almost look like lemons with their yellow color. Lovely.
I’m not much of a drinker but I do like a glass of Beringers white zin. We do like to visit wineries.
I’m not much of a drinker but the cookies would quickly disappear!
Thanks for the recipe. I like sweet wines and would love to have either book.
I like drinking iced tea in the summer and hot tea in the winter.
Yummy recipe, and this series looks great! Thanks for the chance to win.
I enjoy sweeter wines, especially sangria and moscato. I feel that my older daughter and son-in-law are the wine connoisseurs in the family. This series sounds like an interesting way to learn more about wines, and the Madeleines recipe sounds delicious!
I am a moscato drinker…love the sweet fruity wines…yummy ?
Thank you for this wonderful blog post! I’m thrilled you enjoyed both books and I can’t wait to make these madeleines! Thank you!
You are very welcome, Nadine! It is certainly my pleasure hosting your wonderful books on my blog!
I don’t care for wine, however, margaritas are another story!
I like red wines, and would love to get the recommendations from Decanting a Murder and Uncorking a Lie’s wine pairing suggestions!
Madeleines recipe sounds delicious can’t wait to make a batch. We love wine spend a few days in the Finger lakes wine tasting every year. A book about Wine and Murder, well that’s perfect.
I am severely disabled so drinking has been out for me since i got my disease 25 years ago but i do like a coke with some ice once and while. I am a huge water drinker though and my husband picks out the wine if we have someone over for it just like the beer etc. Thank you so much for offering 2 print books that is so nice of you I would love the chance to read and review on at least 2 places and while i am reading and on the computer i will mention i am reading it! Have a safe cool week!
It looks like a great recipe Kim! I don’t usually have dessert with wine but willing to try it! I do like port and Brie.
Chardonnay
We have a fairly new local winery, called the Purple Toad, that produces the most awesome wines. Black and Bruised is my favorite which is a fruity combo of blueberries and blackberries…yummy!!
I never knew counterfeit wine was a thing! I think I met Nadine at a conference where her first book debuted. Bouchercon, maybe? Congratulations!
I would love to read BOTH books but if I had to choose one over the other it would have to be DECANTING A MURDER only because how can you not love a friend helping get her best friend out of a pickle! 🙂
I like a fine glass of wine with friends but most times it’s citrus green tea in summer and spiced cider in winter that I grab for.
Another amazing recipe that I must try in the near future!
I’m not a wine drinker but I do love margaritas!!! I enjoy trying different ones…so far the prickly pear margarita is my favorite! I would be happy to win either book.
I don’t drink a lot of wine, so I don’t have a favorite. I usually drink Pepsi or poweraid. I would love to win Decanting A Murder. Thank you for the chance.
I love to have a glass of wine now and again…Cabernet with my steak, Pinot Grecio with my salads, Chardonnay with my pasta, and Sangria for fun! I would love to win book 1 “Decanting a Murder.” This is all so much fun.
I like Sangria , both the red and white varieties.
Moscato is my favorite, I like coffee drinks too.
I really enjoy a good Moscato or Riesling. Love the recipe for Madeleine, can’t wait to try them.
White or red sangria for me….especially in the summer
Looking forward to reading the books. I recently bought a Madeleine pan. Can’t wait to try the recipe.
I rarely drink but I can’t pass up a glass of Moscato at Olive Garden. I like coffee and Dr Pepper at home. Homemade lemonade is awesome in the summertime. I’m interested in either book. I love your blog!
Mostly any red wine cabernet sauvignon
I love a red blend or a nice rosé. I love cookies AND wine. Thanks for the contest!
I don’t drink wine but I sure do love a good cup of mango iced tea to relax with! Tasty! I’m not against wine, I’ve just never acquired a taste for it. I’d love to win the first book, Decanting a Murder, since I always love to start at the beginning. 🙂
Burgundy or Rosé when I drink wine and depending on the meal….but I tend to lean toward Tea more and more. Thank you for the contest. Marilyn ewatvess@yahoo.com
I drink mostly unsweetened iced tea. There is a wine called Black and Blue from a local winery that I enjoy occasionally.
My hub LOOOOOVES lemon, so I’m gonna try these later this summer. YUMMO!!!
I prefer a white wine. A good Riesling is my favorite, but a Mosel is good also. Right now hubby & I enjoy an occasional glass of Barefoot Riesling.
This recipe looks devine. I’ll be whipping these up with lemons from the tree in my backyard soon. As for wine, I wish I knew more about it. I like a sweet rose or white but haven’t found a particular favorite yet.
My favorite beverage to relax with is a cup of tea. I especially like it with a good book to read!
I enjoy Woodbridge’s White Zinfandel with all foods (that’s how uneducated I am about wines) and I enjoy Sangria just for fun and to relax.
The madeleines sounds really good. I like a variety of wines. I also like Kahlua and cream. I think I would like Decanting a Murder. Thank you for the chance.
I love wine and mysteries so these books sound very interesting. mbquilts4(at)aol(dot)com..
I love a Rose wine. Love the recipe, Thanks for your generosity.
I love to drink Diet Pepsi.
I confess I could drink champagne all the time, all day long! LOL Thanks for another great recipe & giveaway!
I agree with you, Doward! Champagne is my favorite drink too. And, “they say” it’s supposed to be good for helping prevent Alzheimer’s disease… win, win!
Cabernet
Gotta love wine themes!!!
When I was growing up in the country, my father loved to make wine out of the wild and homegrown fruits and berries. He made raspberry, blackberry, strawberry, chokecherry, and rhubarb wines from our land. So, as a result, I developed a taste for sweet wines. My favorite of late is a blackberry merlot – inexpensive, fruity, sweet, and delicious!
What an amazing way to grow up and all those fruit varietal wines sound delicious!
Paisano.
I’m not a wine person. Hot tea helps me relax.
Sangria, because you can make it anytime of year with seasonal fruits and wines.
Love lemon desserts and so I tend to enjoy Reisling which go pretty well with those especially. But any semi to sweet white works great for mist occasions or foods.
Thrilled with the wonderful news from both of you ladies. Amazing. Thank you.