Grand Cru Heist (ebook)

Argumento de Grand Cru Heist (ebook)

- Second in a 22-book series - Hit series on French television, in fourth season - A perfect blend of mystery and gastronomy for lovers of France and wine.

?This is definitely a book for those who like the finer things in life (or at least like reading about them). The food and the wine and the cigars makes you want to open a Premier Cru of something lovely, sit back and enjoy a good cigar. The mysteries are secondary to the food and wine, and whilst diverting and entertaining are not the point of the story, so shouldn't be thought about too deeply.? ?Writing about Books

?With poetic lyrics and brilliant rendering of atmosphere, Alaux and Balen have created a mystery series and armchair detective that are as mellow and delightful as a Grand Cru vintage.? ?Mommasez

?Will Benjamin and Virgile discover who committed the two murders? Is the stolen wine tied to Benjamin?s car-jacking or is it just a coincidence that the stolen wine was one of his favorite vintages? You?ll have to read Grand Cru Heist to find out. I enjoyed it and look forward to reading more of this series.? ?Queen of All She Reads

?When the real world is hectic with all that running around it is nice to escape into a holiday with vintage wines.? ?Valli's Book Den

?There is some lyrical writing, and sharp observation. It?s tightly written, moves steadily and always with dignity, like Cooker himself, and is an intriguing mystery.? ?Books are cool

?A story that is so utterly French, focus on the more important elements of the moment, with an eye for appreciating all of the good and minimizing that which does not bring enjoyment. Luxuriant in its wandering, from scenery to scent, taste and texture of food and wine, this is a story that eschews conventional presentation to put the countryside, the feel and taste of France at its center, and leaving the mystery to slowly unfold, almost forgotten in the need to present the next delight for the senses.? ?I am, Indeed Blog

Paris finally returned to its splendor at dusk. The lights from the bateaux-mouches cruise boats caressed the buildings on the Left Bank. The bridges cast wavering shadows on the waters of the Seine. At the corner of the Rue Dauphine, a few patches of half-melted snow, curiously saved despite the passing footsteps, were shining under the streetlights. Benjamin Cooker had felt deprived of light all day. He awaited this miraculous hour, when everything could be reborn in the fleeting glow of night. As he got older, he had less tolerance for the unchanging leaden sky that covered Paris in winter. Everything, from the pallid faces of café servers to the hotel concierges waxy complexion, the bare trees in the Tuileries Gardens, and the homeless camping out on the subway grates, seemed dull and gray. He had loved this city in his happy-go-lucky days, and now he found it suffocating.
Here, even the snow was hoary, dirty, and reduced to mud in a few hours with the constant comings and goings of the city. He missed peaceful Médoc, and he was impatient to return to his home, Grangebelle, the next day. The vineyards would be superb, all white and wrapped in silence. The cold would be dry and refreshing, and the sky nearly royal blue. He would go for a solitary walk along the Gironde just to hear the snow crunch under his boots. Elisabeth got cold easily and would probably remain in front of the fire in the living room, her hands around a steaming cup of tea.
Benjamin Cooker drove slowly, letting his gloves glide over the steering wheel while he whistled along with a Chopin nocturne on the radio. According to the too-ceremonious radio host, it was Opus 19. He was comfortable, settled into the leather seat of his classic Mercedes 280SL. He turned onto Pont des Arts to get to his hotel, which was near the opera house. The red light was taking forever. He lifted the collar of his Loden and turned up the radio. Someone approached the car, flicking his thumb to mimic a lighter. Cooker squinted to get a better look at the mans face. It was hidden under a hood, but he seemed young, despite his stooped, somewhat misshapen form. Cooker shook his head and waved his hands to indicate that he did not smoke.
The light turned green, but Cooker did not have time to accelerate. His car door opened suddenly, as if it had been ripped off, and cold air rushed in.
Take that, rich bastard.
The man pulled out a switchblade. Cooker did not move. Dont panic. Stay calm. Breathe slowly. Think fast. He felt the tip of the knife on his Adams apple and gulped. A second man opened the other door and searched the glove compartment.
Get rid of him, he said, unbuckling Cookers seat belt.
The hooded man hit Cooker twice in the jaw, grabbed him by the tie, and dragged him to the ground. Then he started kicking him in the stomach, head, and ribsTake that, asshole. The taste of blood and thick grit from the pavement burned his lipsYour mothers a bitch. A final glance, a few notes of ChopinEat shit, dirtbag!and screeching tires. Then nothing.

Praise:

"Already turned into a popular television series in France, this book and its successors will whet appetites of fans of both Iron Chef and Murder, She Wrote."
-Booklist (about Treachery in Bordeaux)

I love good mysteries. I love good wine. So imagine my joy at finding a great mystery about wine, and winemaking, and the whole culture of that fascinating world. And then I find its the first of a series. I can see myself enjoying many a bottle of wine while enjoying the adventures of Benjamin Cooker in this terrific new series.
William Martin, New York Times bestselling author of Back Bay and The Lincoln Letter

Rachel Cotterill Book Reviews on Treachery in Bordeaux: An enjoyable, quick read with the potential for developing into a really unique series.
?A fine vintage forged by the pens of two very different varietals. It is best consumed slightly chilled, and never alone. You will be intrigued by its mystery, and surprised by its finish, and it will stay with you for a very long time.?
?Prize-winning, bestselling author Peter May

?A series that is both delectable for connoisseurs of wine and an initiation for those not in the know.?
?Marine de Tilly, Le Figaro

?Benjamin Cooker uses his composure, erudition and intuition to solve heady crimes that take place in the exclusive?and realistic?world of grand cru wines.?
?Jean-Claude Raspiengeas, La Croix0