Our favorite wine buyer and scofflaw, Felix Hart, is at it again. Peter Stafford-Bow’s latest novel, Black Odesa, is about the ever-so-randy Hart; it is Stafford-Bow’s fifth in the series of highly entertaining tomes.
Stafford-Bow explains, “Felix Hart, a handsome and morally flexible wine executive, finds himself arrested, fired from his job and penniless. Tempted by the world of online influencing, he teams up with Katja, a glamorous Russian, and they become social media darlings. Sponsorship deals follow, including a luxury propaganda trip courtesy of the Crimean Tourist Board. As they travel through occupied Ukraine, accompanied by a group of grifting minor politicians, conspiracy theorists and wellness influencers, Felix’s passion for Katja grows. But the world of social media influencing turns out to be a cursed mirror, and Felix soon finds himself in terrifying jeopardy.”
Having just finished the book, reading Stafford-Bow’s description hides the details of an incredibly wild premise, colorful characters, death defying antics, and more. Just like his other books in the series (Firing Blancs, Eastern Promise, Brut Force, and Corkscrew), each was a page turner in their own crazy way and, to be honest, how Felix Hart maintains the slightest bit of decorum in any of these books is beyond me. Wondering why you should read Black Odesa? Here you go…
You like fast-paced thrillers? You love wine? Black Odesa blends both with international intrigue, wit, and a healthy dose of espionage.
Felix Hart is one of the most compelling characters thanks to his dry sense of humor, questionable morals, and endless charm.
Trending with the times, Black Odesa infuses the world of luxury, social media, geopolitics, and fake news with humor and a daily dose of eye rolls.
More than a few scenes in the book are titillating. I will say no more…
Throughout the book, humor is completely irreverent and I was there for it.
Stafford-Bow pokes fun towards social media influencers, the wine industry (especially marketing) and anyone’s shameless aspiration for fame.
Wine is at the core of Black Odesa and Stafford-Bow uses plenty of scenarios to satisfy the yearnings of the most avid oenophile.
But hey, you’re not a wine aficionado? Good for you! You’ll love Black Odesa regardless and may even learn a thing or two (should you choose to do so).
Is anyone tired of reading non-fiction wine books? Black Odesa proves that wine fiction may be a lively alternative with its tempting theme, wicked humor, and relevance to today.
Black Odesa will make you want to read Stafford-Bow’s earlier books in the series and then look forward to the sixth!
You can order your copy of Black Odesa from Peter Stafford-Bow’s website using the link HERE.
Enjoy!
Cheers! Cindy
