Killer Vintage by Eric D. Sanchez

 

 Killer Vintage: A West Texas Wine Thriller by Eric D. Sanchez. Brown Books Publishing Group, 2025. Adult mystery.

Set in 1994, this debut novel tells a story of wine making, drug dealing, young love, and shady dealings on the Mexican border and into West Texas. Young Texas Tech student Bud Garza has just taken a job at the plush Lubbock area winery South Plains Cellars. He has no idea that his decision will lead him into such danger. Can he survive and even help catch the bad guys?

Mr. Sanchez knows the territory well. So many road intersections and streets are described and mentioned that readers may feel they can use a real map and plot the action! While there are women characters, the major players are all male. From good old boys to the stereotypic villains, Sanchez realistically describes the process of making wine, the fraternity closeness of the male students, and the daring actions of the DEA agents, police, and others who risk their lives to save others. Open up a cold Dr. Pepper and enjoy a West Texas you probably never thought about!