
Death by Noir
Uncork the most irresistible crime novel of 2026
$30.81
- Paperback
352 pages
- Release Date
16 June 2026
Summary
‘An outstanding cosy crime debut. Death by Noir is the sparkling start to a corking new series!’ JANICE HALLETT, bestselling author of The Killer Question
‘Uncork this sparkling delight and quaff deep. With high notes of comedy, suspense and fruity characterisation Olly Smith’s debut is instantly addictive’ BEN ELTON
‘Olly Smith brings his legendary nose to detecting dark and troubling notes in the vinous twittens of Lewes’
RICHARD COLES, author of
Book Details
| ISBN-13: | 9781399829854 |
|---|---|
| ISBN-10: | 1399829858 |
| Author: | Olly Smith |
| Publisher: | John Murray Press |
| Imprint: | Baskerville |
| Format: | Paperback |
| Number of Pages: | 352 |
| Release Date: | 16 June 2026 |
| Weight: | 430g |
| Dimensions: | 232mm x 152mm x 30mm |
| Series: | The Bottle Bank Mysteries |
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What They're Saying
Critics Review
Olly Smith brings his legendary nose to detecting dark and troubling notes in the vinous twittens of Lewes. I loved his crime debut so much I bought a case of Sussex Seyval Blanc to celebrate it. * Richard Coles, author of Murder Before Evensong *
Death by Noir is cosy crime at its finest: vintage storytelling with a modern twist. I loved it. Olly Smith’s rich cast of unforgettable characters, sumptuous setting and pacey plotting ensures this series has legs - and I’m here for the top-up! – Charlotte Philby, author of * Dirty Money *
Uncork this sparkling delight and quaff deep. With high notes of comedy, suspense and fruity characterisation Olly Smith’s debut is instantly addictive – Ben Elton
Olly has created the perfect lead character in brilliant Barclay Flint - with all his own characteristic warmth and unparalleled knowledge for the finer things in life! – Matt Tebbutt
Olly Smith’s passion for wine, East Sussex and grisly murder shine through in this delightfully full-bodied crime story! A charming cast of eccentric characters and a setting that springs to life from the page are complemented by a uniqueness that makes this an outstanding cosy crime debut. Death by Noir is the sparkling start to a corking new series! – Janice Hallett, bestselling author of * The Killer Question *
What a wonderful debut from Olly Smith. Set against the rolling hills of Lewes, Sussex, the story sparkles with sharp humour, all the while carrying delicious undertones of darkness. Barclay Flint is a brilliantly drawn, vibrant character - an unforgettable new detective with flair and wit. I can’t wait to spend more time with him and the rest of the Bottle Bank wine shop crew and see what mysteries await them – Mel Pennant, author of * A Murder for Miss Hortense *
Pop open something special and settle in for a page turner - loved it. * Dermot O’Leary *
I actually want to drink this book. It’s as delicious and fun as a naughty glass of Red Burgundy. Loved it! – Tom Gilbey
As rich and thrilling as a great Bordeaux, with prose that sparkles like vintage Champagne – Tom Parker-Bowles
Olly’s peerless descriptions of wine, using wonderfully surprising, colourful concoctions of unexpected word combinations, have been entertaining and illuminating Saturday Kitchen viewers for 20 years! So, it’s no surprise he’s used these skills to craft deliciously intoxicating fiction! He’s cleverly invented an eclectic cast of endearing characters and created an environment for them to grow, in what will be an addictive series. I have no doubt it will be a success. From the first sip this book is deliciously intoxicating…and like a great wine, after one glass it will be hard for you not to finish the bottle! – Amanda Ross, CEO and co-founder of Cactus Studios
Delicious, delightful and tantalising! Olly Smith has of course created a brilliantly refreshing tome! Practically perfect in every way! TRULY scrumptious! Bravo! – Andi Oliver
A murder mystery with proper flavour, and rather moreish. * Alex James *
Barclay Flint, owner of The Bottle Bank wine shop, is truly a wine connoisseur. Think of him as the wand guy in Harry Potter and his skill in matching bottles to owners, and you’re on the money … although this is a debut, it feels very assured [with] clever writing * Belfast Telegraph *
About The Author
Olly Smith
Olly Smith is the UK’s best-loved wine expert, with 19 years’ presenting wine on BBC One’s Saturday Kitchen. With a background in screenwriting, Olly has written about wine as the wine columnist for the Daily Mail and the Mail on Sunday and has six award-winning Glass House wine bars across P&O Cruises fleet. He has won numerous awards in the wine and screenwriting industries. Olly has appeared on primetime shows including House of Games, Celebrity Mastermind and The Wheel and is a familiar voice across BBC Radio.
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