Murder in the Merlot — Aaron Stander

Autumn has come to Cedar County. It's harvest time. The trees and vines in the orchards and vineyards are heavy with ripening fruit. For the tourists flocking to the tasting rooms of the region's vineyards, the landscapes and seascapes provide an elaborate tapestry of rich colors and textures.

However, there is one discordant note in this pastoral splendor, the crumpled body of an international wine maven has been discovered in a steeply terraced vineyard of merlot grapes. As Sheriff Ray Elkins quickly discovers, the roots of this crime run from the legendary chateaus of Burgundy to the exclusive watering holes of Chinese billionaires.