Disclaimer: ARC via Netgalley
I have to say that this is the first Winemaker Detective book that I have disliked. Undoubtedly, it is because I read it during an American election cycle that, in part, has to do with characterization and portrayal of women. Perhaps if I had read it at a different time, I would feel differently.
The writing hasn’t suffered in terms of characterization. Benjamin, Virgile, and Elisabeth are as always. One of the best parts of the book is Benjamin and Elisabeth’s visit to a restaurant/tea room. The problem isn’t even the mystery per se, it is the sub-plot that is paired with the mystery.
The mystery concerns the death and possible rape of a young women. To the attentive reader, the big reveal is hardly surprising and, to a female reader, can come across as slightly troubling considering that the behavior of one of the supporting male characters. It also comes across as a variation of women shouldn’t play with the boys. This is something that almost seems out of character for the series. Paired with the subplot involving Benjamin’s father, one is left with a book with plenty of male characters who most defend themselves from women. Normally, this wouldn’t be that big of a deal, but considering how few female characters there are (two with detailed speaking roles, and two who effect the plot by absence) compared to the male characters (six with detailed speaking roles).
However, my reaction to this could simply be because of timing. I read the book while watching one presidential candidate admit to sexually assaulting and implying that his opponent doesn’t have a perky ass. My tolerance is low at now and even the charm of Benjamin doesn’t do much to help
