BOOK EXCELLENCE AWARD WINNER, MYSTERY
B.R.A.G. MEDALLION HONOREE, HISTORICAL FICTION
Multi-billionaire banker and philanthropist, Ekram M. Almasi, has just been murdered...
And there’s only one person who can uncover the mystery behind this international banking scandal:
Louise Moscow.
Able to handle a high-powered speedboat, an ex-lover, and a ginger-haired villain with equal ease, this international spy embarks on a journey that will take her to Monte Carlo, Paris, and Burgundy.
The amazing scenario, however, cannot hide a complicated and awful truth.
On her journey, Louise struggles against uncooperative witnesses, a mysterious vine disease, a gun-wielding monk, and a secret society.
Even though local investigators seem to have found the ideal culprit for the murder, the case is not as open-and-shut as it might seem...
What readers are saying about Pinot Noir:
★★★★★ - “A high concept "noir" adventure that goes down like a fine wine. Pinot Noir is one of the best thrillers I have read in recent times.” ~ Astrid Iustulin, Readers’ Favorite
★★★★★ - “What a great sequel to Foliage! Highly recommend this addictive thriller and be sure to have a yummy glass of red wine nearby!" ~ Nelle L'Amour, New York Times Bestselling Author
★★★★★ - "A great, modern thriller by Lorraine Evanoff. The writing crackles with a smart, sexy, intelligent energy and Louise Moscow is a credible, gutsy, fabulous heroine." ~ Dominic Piper, International Bestselling Author
Assessment:
Plot: While the book has been categorized as an international banking mystery/thriller, it is as much about foreign travel, wine culture in France, and a sex trafficking group that kills young girls. About halfway through the novel, the focus seems to be more on the solving of the sex trafficking ring, especially in Burgundy, France where Karen (Louise) has settled for a few weeks and eventually buys a home. The history and customs of France and of the wine industry detailed here are fascinating, but the two threads of the banking scandal and the trafficking ring don't seem quite tightly enough connected.
Prose/Style: Evanoff has provided readers with an exciting and intriguing tale. Especially enjoyable are the history and legends provided about wine and ancient cults in France.
Originality: This plot and these characters feel original, especially the international banking segments and the extensive portions of legends and lore of rural France. The author has first-hand experience, having lived in France, and has done extensive research in many historic and wine areas.
Character Development: Louise/Karen is a complex woman who loves travel, intrigue, a few eligible men, and drinking champagne. She teaches yoga and drives fast; she loves the fast-paced lifestyle and using her investigative skills. As a protagonist, she is quite easy to visualize and is extremely gutsy. The other characters are quite well executed as supporting cast members, as well.
Date Submitted: April 01, 2020
★★★★★ - “A high concept "noir" adventure that goes down like a fine wine. Pinot Noir is one of the best thrillers I have read in recent times.”
★★★★★ - “What a great sequel to Foliage! Highly recommend this addictive thriller and be sure to have a yummy glass of red wine nearby!"
★★★★★ - "Lorraine Evanoff is able to spin a complex tale of international finance - as she did in FOLIAGE - and make it feel like classic mystery storytelling."
★★★★★ - Merveilleuse! A thrilling read.
Three years ago, after reading FOLIAGE, I ended my review saying I was looking forward to the next adventure. And it's finally here! Another Louise Moscow mystery/thriller. As in the first book, Ms. Evanoff has created a complex female protagonist who is intelligent, spiritual, romantic, and tenacious as she navigates several plot threads to solve several mysteries that dovetail into each other. And once again, the author blends factual history with fiction that feels so authentic and believable that I found myself referring to the footnotes to try and figure out what was real or made up. Fun! I love novels that expertly juggle in-depth authentic descriptions of places and history with plot points that keep you turning the page. Bravissima! Or rather, merveilleuse!
Announcing the recent award for Pinot Noir: An International
Banking Spy Thriller (A Louise Moscow Novel Book 2), the latest novel by Lorraine Evanoff.
The B.R.A.G. (Book Readers Appreciation Group) Medallion, recognizes the “James Bondian flair” of protagonist and beguiling financial sleuth Louise Moscow.
Ms. Evanoff commented, "The B.R.A.G. Medallion is a whole new award for me!”
The book has already received stellar reviews from industry leaders. “A high concept noir adventure that goes down like a fine wine. Pinot Noir is one of the best thrillers I have read in recent times,” wrote Astrif Iustulin of Readers’ Favorite.
Announcing the recent award for Pinot Noir: An International
Banking Spy Thriller (A Louise Moscow Novel Book 2), the latest novel by Lorraine Evanoff.
Winner in the Mystery Category, Book Excellence Awards recognizes Pinot Noir for “high quality writing, design and market appeal.”
Ms. Evanoff commented, “The Book Excellence Awards honored my first novel, Foliage: An International Banking Spy Thriller (A Louise Moscow Novel Book 1), as a FINALIST in Historical Fiction, and I’m privileged that now Pinot Noir is a WINNER in
the Mystery category!”
Evanoff’s award-winning Louise Moscow mysteries are high concept noir thrillers inspired by real-life banking scandals. In Pinot Noir, multi-billionaire and philanthropist Ekram M. Almasi has just been murdered, and there’s only one person who can
uncover the mystery behind this international banking scandal…Louise Moscow. Even though local investigators appear to have found the ideal culprit for the murder, the case is not as open-and-shut as it might seem.
“My books are heavily researched, so I do all the legwork connecting the dots of real-life scandals to give a better understanding of the world today. My depictions of true international events are seen through the eyes of a sexy female sleuth. Readers are always amazed at the facts behind my fiction. But it’s worth all the effort to bring these stories to life and not let the truth die in the dark,” Evanoff said.
The book has already received stellar reviews from industry leaders. “A high concept noir adventure that goes down like a fine wine. Pinot Noir is one of the best thrillers I have read in recent times,” wrote Astrif Iustulin of Readers’ Favorite.
