Watered Down

Wine blogger turned accidental sleuth Francine Witt arrives at an exclusive wellness retreat in Germany's Black Forest expecting healing waters, luxury spa treatments, and a chance to finally unwind alongside her spirited assistant Rosalind Downing. Instead, a ceremonial tasting of a legendary nineteenth-century wine linked to Pauline von Metternich ends in sudden death. As snow closes in around the lavish spa resort, rivalries begin to surface between historians, aristocrats, influencers, and wine experts. Whispers surrounding the authenticity of the priceless bottle grow louder, and Fran and Ros soon discover that beneath the retreat's tranquil facade lies something far more dangerous-a deadly secret steeped in obsession, reputation, and poisoned luxury. Sensual, witty, and simmering with gothic atmosphere, WATERED DOWN decants Francine Witt's most intoxicating mystery yet. In Baden-Baden, even the purest spring water can carry a bitter aftertaste.