Read Between the Wines Book Club | May Feature
The Route 66 Detective in Missouri by Micki Pierce
There’s something about a noir detective, a long stretch of highway, and a glass of wine that just works. This month’s Read Between the Wines Book Club The Route 66 Detective in Missouri leaned all the way into that vibe, bringing guests into the smoky, suspense-filled world of Route 66… right here in Missouri.
A New Mystery Rolls Down Route 66
Debut author Micki Pierce is bringing a new detective to the scene with the launch of her first novel, introducing readers to private investigator Mac McCarty. Set against the backdrop of Missouri and the legendary Route 66, the story captures the grit and intrigue of classic noir fiction, following McCarty as he navigates a world of quiet towns, hidden motives, and mysteries waiting to be uncovered.
With its 1930s atmosphere and sharp detective voice, the novel offers readers a fresh journey into the timeless tradition of the American private eye.
A hard-boiled detective, a stretch of historic highway, and a brand-new voice in noir fiction.
To celebrate the release, guests gathered for a special launch event featuring a live reading from the book, a conversation with Pierce about the inspiration behind her debut novel, and a chance for readers to meet the author. The evening wrapped with a book signing, officially introducing both Micki Pierce and Mac McCarty to the world of mystery fiction.
What We Drank
Each cocktail was built to match the tone of the book. Dark, sharp, a little dangerous.
Cocktails
- Ozark Moonshine Sour
Moonshine, sorghum molasses syrup, lemon juice, Angostura bitters, fee foam - Springfield Rickey
Gin, lime juice, simple syrup, soda - Meremac Ward 8
Rye whiskey, lemon juice, orange juice, grenadine
Wine Pairing
- Sixth Sense Syrah
If You Liked It | Noir Detective Crime Picks
For anyone who finished the book and immediately wanted more, this list kept the momentum going.
Classic Noir
- The Thin Man — Dashiell Hammett
- The Maltese Falcon — Dashiell Hammett
- Double Indemnity — James M. Cain
- The Big Sleep — Raymond Chandler
Modern & Nordic Crime
- DNA — Yrsa Sigurðardóttir
- The Snowman — Jo Nesbø
- The Hypnotist — Lars Kepler
- I’m Traveling Alone — Samuel Bjørk
- Spring Tide — Cilla Börjlind
Interview with the Author | Micki Pierce
This is your debut novel. What are your next steps as an author?
I woke up one morning several years ago to a fully formed idea for the story. The character of Mac McCarty seemed so real that I wasn’t sure if it was a memory or an idea. I got out of bed and spent the next four hours writing down everything that came into my head. It started with the background for the character and then the ideas started to take him somewhere and the story was born.
What do you hope readers take away from the story?
I hope that readers of the series feel a sense of what life was like for diverse people living in the United States at that time. I have read a lot of books that were written in the mystery genre at that time and I wanted to be as true to the writing style of the era as possible. I hope that readers enjoy learning more about Mac in each book as more of his character is revealed through his adventures. If they stick with me until the third book they’ll even learn his first name.
What inspired you to write this story?
The Route 66 Detective in Missouri is the first thing I have ever written as an adult that wasn’t job-related. I believe that I have already grown as a writer as I have gone through the editing process with the wonderful editors at Sibylline Press and I think that really shows in the second book in the series. I want the opportunity to continue to get more adept at the craft so I can share the American experience circa 1937 in all of the states along the route.
Join us for the next one!
Next up, the book club shifts gears into epic fantasy with Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson.
Different world. Same great crowd. Same excuse to drink something good and talk about a story that sticks with you.
Two nights. Same energy.
Dates: