A raised glass is more than in order this evening as we help celebrate the publication of Seattle writer Peter Lewis' much-awaited debut novel, Dead in the Dregs (Counterpoint). This excellent, smart, whodunit takes readers from the Napa Valley to Côte d'Or, in search of a killer—with some excellent wine-seeking, and wine country lore along the way. As the longtime (now onetime) guiding hand behind Campagne, he is one who would know that way. "Dead in the Dregs is a thrillingly knowledgeable insider's odyssey into the world of fine wines—with the added value of particularly lurid homicides, lots of suspense, and a cast of fascinating and well drawn characters. Peter Lewis, better than anybody, knows what he's talking about here. I hope he writes more—and fast." - Anthony Bourdain. "Dead in the Dregs is a rare and engrossing wonder dealing with the murderous grotesqueries of the wine world worn lightly in an atmosphere of homicide, sex, and food. I don't know anyone who knows more about wine than Peter Lewis, and I include France." - Jim Harrison. Mario Batali and Jonathan Raban also weigh in with praise, as have other early readers. À votre santé.