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Killer Vintage: A West Texas Wine Thriller

$17.99

Across the Endless High Plains of Texas, Not All Wine Is Made the Same.

For young lifeguard Bud Garza, the summer of 1994 in Lubbock had its perks. Even with his college studies, there was plenty of time leftover for beer, sports, and bar trivia with his Sigma fraternity buddies, not to mention the nonstop beautiful babes under the West Texas sun. The problem is, Bud has a thirsty mind—and empty pockets—so when offered the chance for a raise and to gain some real expertise as a tour guide at the local South Plains Cellars winery, he doesn’t think twice.

Yet as timing would have it, Bud’s career shift will coincide with the disappearance of El Paso DEA Senior Special Agent Traegar Jackson, whose tracking of a suspicious Freightliner tanker truck across West Texas drew him close—but not close enough—to the doorsteps of South Plains Cellars. When fellow agent Brian Harris is put on the case to find Jackson, his and Bud’s paths fortuitously cross, and Bud is recruited to do his own reconnaissance, only to discover a much darker secret within the walls of the winery. 

As Bud gradually discovers the truth about what’s really happening at South Plains Cellars, he must put his wits—and his photographic memory—to the test. But he can’t do it alone, and he’s up against the biggest, baddest criminals both West Texas and Mexico have to offer.

Across the Endless High Plains of Texas, Not All Wine Is Made the Same.

For young lifeguard Bud Garza, the summer of 1994 in Lubbock had its perks. Even with his college studies, there was plenty of time leftover for beer, sports, and bar trivia with his Sigma fraternity buddies, not to mention the nonstop beautiful babes under the West Texas sun. The problem is, Bud has a thirsty mind—and empty pockets—so when offered the chance for a raise and to gain some real expertise as a tour guide at the local South Plains Cellars winery, he doesn’t think twice.

Yet as timing would have it, Bud’s career shift will coincide with the disappearance of El Paso DEA Senior Special Agent Traegar Jackson, whose tracking of a suspicious Freightliner tanker truck across West Texas drew him close—but not close enough—to the doorsteps of South Plains Cellars. When fellow agent Brian Harris is put on the case to find Jackson, his and Bud’s paths fortuitously cross, and Bud is recruited to do his own reconnaissance, only to discover a much darker secret within the walls of the winery. 

As Bud gradually discovers the truth about what’s really happening at South Plains Cellars, he must put his wits—and his photographic memory—to the test. But he can’t do it alone, and he’s up against the biggest, baddest criminals both West Texas and Mexico have to offer.

SPECS

  • Imprint: Brown Books Publishing Group

  • BISAC: Fiction / Thrillers / Suspense

  • Format: Trade paperback

  • Page Count: 392

  • Publication Date: Aug 19, 2025

  • ISBN-13: 9781612547275

  • Dimensions: 6” x 9”

  • US List Price: $17.99

  • Carton Qty: 20

AUTHOR BIO

Born in Fort Worth, Texas, Eric D. Sanchez is a fifth-generation Texan and happily married to his wife, Stacey. He’s the proud father of his above-average children, Braxton and Charlotte. His family resides in Prosper, Texas.

Eric’s career in the wine business started over thirty-two years ago when he became a tour guide and “cellar rat” at two wineries in West Texas while in graduate school at Texas Tech University. Upon graduation, Eric worked with several wine suppliers in sales and has since spent the majority of his career working with a major alcohol beverage wholesaler in Texas and the United States. This is his first book.

PRAISE

“Eric Sanchez perfectly blends the sun-soaked vineyards in West Texas, grounding the suspense with character coincidences that feel strikingly real in this murder mystery story that’s as intoxicating as a golden glass of Chardonnay. Killer Vintage is taut, sun-drenched murder mystery with twists, tannins, and where Texas-sized secrets run deep and murder ferments just beneath the surface. A bold and intoxicating read.” —Jennifer Engel, Chief Commercial & Strategy Officer, Banfi Wines

“Eric’s passion for the wine industry is exemplified in his knowledge of the wine process, including the human element of a connection to Mother Earth and sharing with his customers … His sense of humor combined with the suspense surrounding his storytelling of Killer Vintage puts a smile on one’s face and intrigue in your heart. This book is a treasure, and I really relate to the writing. Bravo, Eric!” —Leon Cikota, Vice President Supplier of Business Development Wine,  Republic National Distributing Company

“Killer Vintage is a total vibe — sharp, moody, and dripping with old-school cool. Eric Sanchez channels Dashiell Hammett with a modern swagger, crafting a noir that’s equal parts grit and glam. Think trench coats, tough guys, and twisty plots, but with a fresh pour. It’s a killer read in every sense, and a slick new entry into the American noir canon.” —Marian Leitner-Waldman, Founder of Archer Roose Wines; 2025 Wine Industry Advisor Most Inspiring Person in Wine