Blood on Vines Reviews
“Readers who enjoy a more traditional crime novel will love Eskedahl’s debut set in the halcyon environs of Matakana wine country…But what elevates Blood On Vines are the multi-dimensional and relatable characters, something she worked hard to achieve… As the shocking events unfolds …Eskedahl expertly ramps up the tension to an action-packed finale”
— Greg Fleming-New Zealand Herald Canvas Magazine
“Madeleine Eskedahl has written an atmospheric crime novel, with just the right combination of well-drawn characters to care for and increasing suspense to keep the readers turning the pages.”
— Millwater Magazine
“This isn’t evil for the sake of evil [Eskedahl knows] the motivation…for it to really get under your skin”
— Lynn Freeman, RNZ, Standing Room Only
“I couldn’t put it down…The second sentence gets you in in the Prologue, that’s how gripping the novel is
— Catherine Scullin Kapiti Beach Interview
Capturing the scenic beauty of the Matakana wine country, Blood on Vines is a page-turning, thrilling read.
— NZ Booklovers
Blood On Vines, the thrilling new crime novel set right here in Matakana has hit shelves, and it’s a gripping read
— The Matakana App
“Eskedahl has a tight grasp on writing a crime thriller, emphasized by an obvious understanding of pacing, and a strong sense of place. This is an author to watch!”
— Chronicles of Crime, your mystery bookshop (Canada)
“Madeleine’s willingness to wade into murky territory makes this an assured and exciting read”.
— Sharon Stephenson-Book Editor Woman Magazine
“This novel hooked me in right from the beginning and didn’t let go. The author weaves a wonderful tale full of hints and promises enough to have you wracking your brains as to who and, more importantly, why. It’s something you’re still working on right until the very end, the sign of a great crime novel. The vineyards and the Matakana area are beautifully drawn allowing the reader to see them as clearly as the characters themselves. And what characters they are. Individual, occasionally quirky and, in some cases, downright evil. I thoroughly recommend Blood on Vines.”
— Andrene Low, Author of DietVale and The That Seventies Series
"Blood On Vines is a deliciously criminal story set within the lush Matakana wine region of New Zealand. Infused with full-bodied characters and crime, the author has artfully woven a whodunnit thriller amongst the grapevines blanketing the Matakana valley. Authors so often neglect to include family life, but Blood On Vines has captured these in all their glory, which adds to the shock value when the plot twists, and then twists again. There is no guessing the ending of this one."
— Kirsten McKenzie, author of The Forger and the Thief