In the second installment of the Dash Ramblar mystery series, The Subverted Flower , part-time PI Ramblar finds himself involved in solving the brutal murder of a local business man who became unwittingly entangled with the Mexican Cartel in an unsavory mix of human trafficking, cattle ranching and wine and weed that takes place in Dash’s ordinarily quiet town. The wine industry and the burgeoning cannabis business have collided, setting the scene for murder and intrigue.

Dash Ramblar is brought into the investigation of Kent Kilgour’s untimely murder. It is up to Dash to untangle the web of subterfuge caused by the partners and players

The story takes the reader to San Miguel de Allende in Mexico as Dash tries to unravel the involvement of the Cartel in the untimely death of Kent.

The well developed characters include; Rita Pescarelli, Kent’s partner In Coast Cannabis. She and her husband ,Dante, own Terra Bella Winery. Rita is an attractive and sympathetic protagonist whose double life leads her into murky waters. Other persons of interest include Dash’s girlfriend, Ginger, who has an acerbic wit and charming presence. She reluctantly gets caught up in the investigation but in the end provides valuable insight into the murders.

The investigation follows the investors and others associated with Coast Cannabis-a mixed group of winery owners, an heiress operating a major Equestrian facility, the Mayor, a cartel honcho and Detective FJ Evans, an opera loving cohort and mentor.

The action culminates in Morro Bay. The plot keeps you riveted until the unexpected ending. This page turner is character and plot driven with vivid descriptions of the undulating landscape and the life style of the wine country.