Four years ago, Petty’s body was found, scarecrow style, in a vineyard in the South of France, dressed in the ceremonial robes of a wine society that promotes the regional wine of Gaillac.  No one misses Petty much, many vintners hated him, his daughter was estranged from him and his ex-wives, as so often happens, had nothing good to say about him.  Still, Macleod is determined to solve every case in the book, and thus rents a vineyard cottage and attempts to recreate Petty’s last tour. 

Macleod also must decipher a code that Petty used in his reviews pre-publication, in an attempt to keep them a secret until the last second.  He is certain there must be a clue to the murder contained in them, but before he makes any headway, a second body turns up. Short of the fact that both bodies were soaked in wine, Macleod can’t connect the two murders.  Macleod has many suspects, from Petty’s family to local winemakers to the society members.

 Once again, Macleod is joined by his young research assistant Nicole who is very enamored of her mentor.  Nicole has a very good analytical mind and is able (with the help of Macleod’s infamous whiteboard) to help keep track of all the pieces of the investigation.  Girlfriend Charlotte and recently reacquainted daughter Sophie are also around to keep Macleod on the straight and narrow, especially since Petty’s daughter Michelle makes at overtures toward Macleod.  The action is good, the mystery is thoughtful and has overtones of recently popular stories focusing on codes and secret societies.  Macleod is a thoroughly enjoyable, if sometimes absent minded professor and Nicole a good foil, always willing to keep Macleod on track.  Plenty of winemaking information and lore adds local color and atmosphere making The Critic a sure to please mystery for everyone.  

--Jennifer Monahan Winberry