Albicaulis Books
Albicaulis Books was created to publish my series of mystery novels set in the High Sierra and featuring Forest Service Ranger Dan Courtwright.
The first book in the series, Danger: Falling Rocks, was published by Val de Grace books in Napa. Subsequent books are now being published directly by Albicaulis Books. The eighth in the series, Running Downhill was released in early 2025.
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A new series set in the Napa Valley and featuring young newspaper editor Alex Stone starts in 2026 with: A Murderous Vintage.
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Praise for Paul Wagner's Mystery Novels:
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"Danger: Falling Rocks" gives us a vibrant feel of the high Sierra, a charming new mystery hero, and an engaging, fast-moving mystery written with energy and a nice touch of wit. Paul Wagner's love of the outdoors and his experience hiking and camping takes readers right into the mountains. The zippy writing keeps the story moving along the Sierra trails, through the lineup of interesting, quirky characters, and down the winding mystery path until the satisfying end. It's a great summer read, whether or not you can find your way into the wilderness."
Rick Kushman, best-selling NY Times author and co-host of Bottle Talk from Cap Radio in Sacramento
"This is an enjoyable read and reflects a lifestyle that not many people are blessed to lead. As a practitioner of this way of life and a pursuer of wilderness settings, this reading has my seal of approval."
Chip Morrill, ex-US Forest Service Wilderness Ranger and White Water Guide
"Clever and captivating. Wagner pulls readers along on a trail through the mountains, keenly observing a world in which the greatest threat, of course, is humans... An excellent excursion for armchair mountaineers."
Sasha Paulsen, The Napa Register
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And for "A Murderous Vintage"
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"Paul Wagner is not only one of the great wine educators and wine storytellers in the world, now he is telling his stories in his new mystery novels. Can't put the book down!!"
Brian Murphy, President, Wine Cruise Club, Expedia Cruise Ship Centers
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Harvest time in Napa Valley: When a winemaker who has made his share of enemies is discovered floating in a tank of new Pinot Noir, the bike-riding owner, publisher, editor, and reporter of the small but scrappy Rutherford Record sets out to discover the truth. His quest uncovers a secret that not only wrecks his favorite mode of transportation but catapults his livelihood -- and his life -- into dire peril.
Many people are inspired to write about Napa Valley, but few know it and the world of wine as Paul Wagner does. His insight underscores every passage of his lively page-turner, filled with engaging characters, baffling riddles and a great deal of fun. Oh, yes, and there is wine.
Sasha Paulsan, Napa Journalist and author
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Paul Wagner shows that he knows Napa Valley, the world of wine and how to tell a good, fun story. A Murderous Vintage is a pleasure for both wine and mystery lovers. It grabs readers quickly because of the intriguing mystery, the quirky characters and because it transports you to Napa and wine country. It's a vacation with a mystery, you just need your own glass of wine.<br> -- Rick Kushman, NY Times bestselling author