True Crime & Wine

I’ll admit, I side-eyed the concept at first—true crime and wine pairings? But *True Crime & Wine* won me over by refusing to be gimmicky. Matthews’ cases (a mix of solved and cold files) are selected for their procedural intrigue, not shock value. The standout chapter on a 1990s vineyard murder weaves forensic botany into the investigation so seamlessly you’ll forget you’re learning about pollen analysis. The narrator’s delivery is key here: no dramatic whispers or fake tension, just the steady, slightly weary tone of someone who’s seen the worst of humanity and still finds dark humor in it. It’s like listening to a retired detective hold court at a wine bar—equal parts gripping and oddly comforting. That said, the audiobook isn’t perfect. The transitions between cases and wine tangents can feel abrupt, as if Matthews is still figuring out how deeply to lean into the oenophile angle. And while the narrator’s understated style works for most of the book, a few emotional beats (like victim impact statements) land with a thud—his restraint tips into flatness. Still, these are minor quibbles. What *True Crime & Wine* lacks in polish, it makes up for in authenticity. It’s the only true crime audiobook I’ve heard that might actually pair well with a charcuterie board—provided you don’t mind your brie coming with a side of blood spatter analysis.