Mortal Zin: A Mystery Novel

by Diane Schaffer

Overview

A crusading attorney’s death. Sabotage at a family winery. Secrets buried in California’s past…

When corporate attorney Noli Cooper visits her godparents’ Santa Cruz Mountain winery, she’s hoping for a few quiet days to consider her future. But the future will have to wait. The body of her childhood mentor, a crusading social justice lawyer and local hero, is discovered in a rocky ocean cove. The sheriff is quick to call it suicide. Noli knows he’s wrong. Teaming up with PI Luz Alvarado, Noli dives into a world where nothing is as it seems.

As threats mount and the winery teeters on the brink of ruin, Noli and Luz must navigate a treacherous landscape of greed, revenge, and long-buried secrets. Their investigation weaves through the rich tapestry of California’s vineyard history, the mystery of zinfandel grapes, and the haunting legacy of the Vietnam War. With a murderer on the loose, predatory neighbors circling, and Noli’s godfather framed for murder, the clock is ticking. Can two fearless women from different worlds unravel the truth before it’s too late?

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781960573933
Publisher:	Sibylline Press
Publication date:	03/04/2025
Series:	A Mortal Zin Mystery , #1
Pages:	412
Product dimensions:	5.32(w) x 8.46(h) x 0.00(d)

About the Author

Diane Schaffer, a Stanford PhD, is a retired professor and longtime resident of Santa Cruz County. Mortal Zin, her first mystery novel, is rooted in her summer work in a Santa Cruz zinfandel winery, where she became fascinated with the unique history of zinfandel, California’s mystery grape. When she’s not writing, she’s hiking, river kayaking, or reading a good mystery novel. She now lives in Ashland, Oregon, with her husband.

Editorial Reviews

An attorney investigates the death of her mentor, leading her into the darkness of his past in Schaffer’s mystery novel. Schaffer creates a vivid world with realistic and understandable characters, especially Noli, who is the heart of this large cast. A satisfying, fast-paced whodunit with two strong female leads.” —Kirkus Reviews

“In the tradition of Robicheaux and Clete and Spenser and Hawk—but female—two unstoppable women—a hard-edged PI and a high-powered attorney—partner up to find out who killed the beloved Fitz. Through twists and turns, beaches, vineyards and coastal redwoods, historical layers and modern changes is Santa Cruz, the story’s setting, described in such engaging detail that, for this alone, Mortal Zin stands as a notable debut by Diane Schaeffer.” —Robin Somers, author of Eleven Stolen Horses and Beet Fields 

“On her first day home for a visit, Noli Cooper learns her friend and childhood mentor has been found dead on a nearby beach. Suicide? Or murder? Solving this mystery is only the tip of the iceberg in this captivating story, which weaves wine history and war history as danger increases for Noli and the people she loves. In the same way Louise Penny's mysteries leave readers craving a fresh croissant or a cup of hot chocolate, Mortal Zin will make you want to settle in for an uninterrupted read with a glass of zinfandel and your own private charcuterie.” —Kate Woodworth, author of Little Great Island

From the Publisher