Audiobook Review: Aged for Murder by Fiona Grace

Aged for Murder
Author: Fiona Grace
Narrator: Quinn Francis
Series: A Tuscan Vineyard Cozy Mystery (Book 1)
Publication: Fiona Grace (July 8, 2020)
Length: 6 hours and 34 minutes

Description: Aged for Murder is the debut novel in a charming new cozy mystery series by number one best-selling author Fiona Grace, author of Murder in the Manor, a number one best seller.

When Olivia Glass, 34, concocts an ad for a cheap wine that propels her advertising company to the top, she is ashamed by her own work, yet offered the promotion she’s dreamed of.

Olivia, at a crossroads, realizes this is not the life she signed up for. Worse, when Olivia discovers her long-time boyfriend, about to propose, has been cheating on her, she realizes it’s time for a major life change.

Olivia has always dreamed of moving to Tuscany, living a simple life, and starting her own vineyard. When her long-time friend messages her about a Tuscan cottage available, Olivia can’t help wonder: Is it fate?

Hilarious, packed with travel, food, wine, twists and turns, romance, and her newfound animal friend and centering around a baffling small-town murder that Olivia must solve, Aged for Murder is an engaging cozy that will keep you laughing late into the night.

My Thoughts: AGED FOR MURDER was an interesting cozy mystery. Ad executive Olivia Glass is dissatisfied with her life. She has developed a very successful ad campaign for a wine that she doesn't believe in and doesn't enjoy. The way the wine is produced goes against her belief that wine should be made in vineyards with committed winemakers. When her boss offers her more work for the same company, she abruptly quits her job.

That evening she's supposed to be on a date with her long-time live-in lover when he decides to break up with her. And she learns that he has been having an affair with his personal assistant which is the final bad thing on a day filled with them. 

However, one good thing does happen. A long-time friend invites her to share a villa with her in Tuscany for a couple of weeks. Counting on her final paycheck and a substantial bonus for the hated ad campaign, Olivia catches the next available flight. 

She has always dreamed of having her own boutique vineyard in Tuscany despite the fact that her sole knowledge of winemaking consists of liking to drink it and knowing which sorts she likes. When she learns that her boss has no intention of paying her what he owes her, Olivia is in a tough spot. 

Luckily, a nearby vineyard is looking for a sommelier and Olivia applies. She impresses the owner with her enthusiasm, but the head sommelier is less impressed and, in fact, does everything to sabotage her. When he is found dead - bashed in the head with a wine bottle, Olivia is a prime suspect who needs to clear her name if she ever wants her dreams to come true.

I had some major problems with Olivia's character. She seems to vacillate between being air-headed and being amazingly perceptive. She seems to go off into wild daydreams at really inappropriate times. She often seemed to have misplaced priorities. I did like the way one of the local goats seemed to adopt her and follow her around leaving Olivia to fantasize about being a goat whisperer or goat trainer if the winemaking gig doesn't work out. 

I bought the Kindle and added the audiobook February 5, 2021. You can buy your copy here.