Blood for Wine: A Cal Claxton Oregon Mystery

In Easley’s fine fifth mystery featuring Portland, Ore., lawyer Cal Claxton (after 2016’s Not Dead Enough), Cal is shocked to learn that vintner Jim Kavanaugh, a friend and neighbor, is the prime (and only) suspect in the brutal murder of Jim’s estranged wife, Lori. Cal agrees to represent Jim until the two know whether the case is solid enough for trial. With scant evidence and even less cooperation from the local constabulary, Cal decides to look into the murder. When another body turns up, with a time of death very close to Lori’s, he’s convinced it’s related. As Cal delves into Jim and Lori’s troubled marriage, he stumbles onto other community secrets—including a blackmail scheme—all tied to the area’s booming wine business. Meanwhile, senseless acts of violence that hit too close to home upend Cal’s personal life—but only serve to strengthen his resolve. Oenophiles and aspiring vintners will enjoy the wine lore in this well-wrought tale of love and betrayal. [em](May) [/em]