“I like putting readers on the edge of their seats on page one,” she said. “Those are the types of novels I enjoy reading, so I gave my readers a shocking first page and short, fast-paced chapters to keep the action moving.”

The story follows the disappearance of Zoey Scargrove, a seventeen-year-old high school junior. who was last seen leaving a morning lacrosse practice. Her sister, Stella, seems to know more than she is willing to share. When the FBI digs into old lies and new evidence, the Scargrove family must face the startling truth about what happened the day Zoey vanished.

“The plot is atmospheric, emotional, and twist-driven,” D’Agostino said. “The story sets the beauty of grape country against the grief and rising panic that grip the Scargrove family as they desperately search for their missing daughter.”

D’Agostino’s storyline for “Tangled Vines” was inspired by a 2024 trip to central New York. “On a very cold winter day, my husband and I toured the Finger Lakes Boating Museum in Hammondsport. Between that and visiting the Dr. Konstantin Frank and Keuka Spring wineries, I jotted down ideas for the story on the drive home. That’s where it all began.”

Pictured is the cover of “Tangled Vines,” a gripping mystery set on Keuka Lake in the heart of Finger Lakes wine country.

The author is no stranger to the Finger Lakes region. “I began my teaching career in Canandaigua and have family in Penn Yan, so creating the fictional town of Sassafras – home of the Sassafras Stallions – felt natural.”

This is D’Agostino’s second mystery novel. “It’s really a perfect book for wine lovers, libraries, book clubs, or anyone who likes curling up with a good book.”

Tangled Vines is currently available on Amazon via Iron Pelican Publications.

For those interested in scheduling an in-person author visit, a writing workshop, or a virtual Q&A with the author, email ironpelicanpublications@gmail.com or sign up for her mailing list at www.ironpelicanpublications.com.