Vengeance in the Vines: Rylie Sunderland Mysteries Book 2

Secrets can be deadly. When the owner of a local bar is found dead in his home after eating at her best friend’s husband’s restaurant, veterinarian Rylie Sunderland is determined to uncover the truth to save her friend.

This twist-filled cozy mystery is perfect for fans of Lucy Connelly, Sue Minix, and Victoria Gilbert.

Rylie’s thrilled when she gets a long-term locum veterinarian job in the beautiful Napa Valley wine country where her best friend Sophie lives, and she’s looking forward to enjoying the area and spending time with Sophie and Sophie’s husband, Lucien.

That is until the owner of a local bar is found dead in his home after having eaten at Lucien’s restaurant during the Chamber of Commerce awards dinner.

Evidence piles up against Lucien, but Rylie is certain he’s innocent. She feels compelled to do whatever she can to help clear Lucien of suspicion.

When Rylie meets Alex, the handsome son of the man who died after eating in Lucien’s restaurant, they can’t deny their attraction to each other. And they’re both motivated to find out who killed Alex’s father. Alex believes Lucien’s innocent. And he has some ideas of his own as to who may have had motive to kill his father.

Rylie goes to the detective in charge of the case with each new piece of information she finds that she thinks could be relevant to the murder investigation. But the detective seems laser focused on the mounting evidence against Lucien and doesn’t seem swayed by any of the information Rylie brings him.

The pressure increases as Rylie’s best friend Sophie struggles to deal with the stress of the investigation involving her husband. Will the secrets of the past prevent the truth from being revealed?

Here’s what readers are saying:

"Rachele Baker skillfully blends a compelling murder mystery with richly drawn characters and the charm of the Napa Valley setting. The vivid descriptions of the area, the delectable food details, and the realistic dynamics between the characters make the story come alive. While the mounting evidence against Lucien adds a sense of urgency, the revelations about hidden secrets and past grievances keep readers guessing until the end."

"The book balances suspense with heart, making it a perfect pick for those who enjoy small-town mysteries with a side of personal drama and budding romance."

"Vengeance in the Vines by Rachele Baker is an engaging and suspenseful cozy mystery set in the picturesque Napa Valley wine country. I highly recommend it to cozy mystery enthusiasts looking for an engaging, well-paced read with twists that will keep them guessing."

"When a murder occurs and her friend’s husband is the primary suspect, Riley becomes involved to try to save him. She is on the case with red herrings and clues abounding as she closes in on the rightful suspect. The sleuth was well crafted to conclusion. I enjoy the characters, the location, and the delightful dog. Well done to the author. I look forward to the next in series."

Vengeance in the Vines is the second book in the Rylie Sunderland cozy mystery series featuring Rylie, a 32-year-old female veterinarian, and her loving golden retriever Bella.

You’ll find an eclectic mix of characters in the charming real-life small town of St. Helena, California, in the beautiful Napa Valley wine country, a hint of romance for Rylie, a golden retriever with plenty of personality, and a mystery that will keep you guessing until the end. If you love intriguing cozy mysteries full of twists and turns, you’ll love this series.

Each book in the series may be read as a stand-alone, but they’re more enjoyable when read in order.

Rachele Baker is a veterinarian and mystery author. She lives in northern California close to Lake Tahoe and the Napa Valley wine country where the Rylie Sunderland Mysteries take place. She drew on her many years of experience as a practicing veterinarian to develop the main character for this series, Rylie, who is also a veterinarian. Rachele's golden retriever Savanna was the inspiration for Rylie's golden retriever Bella. In her free time, Rachele enjoys exploring northern California wine country, Lake Tahoe, and areas along the California coast like Mendocino, Monterey, and Big Sur. Some of her favorite things include freshly brewed coffee in the morning, walks in nature, and, of course, golden retrievers. Sign up for Rachele's Cozy Chat monthly e-newsletter on her website (rachelebaker.com) to get info about her books, photos from her adventures, news for book lovers, and the opportunity to participate in fun contests and giveaways. You can connect with Rachele online on Facebook, Instagram, X, BookBub, and Goodreads.