A novel, a history, and a bottle of wine

The novel “A Carnivore’s Inquiry” is an acceptable mystery with a dirty, violent bent. The twsit ending isn’t one I saw coming, but should have.

“The Great Mortality,” a history of the black plague, occasionally repeats itself– but then, the plague repeated itself several times. The book is readable and informative, while providing macabre entertainment and a reminder than none of my troubles are really all that bad.

“Veritas” 2003 Claret, Monticello Vineyards: Like many high-end Virginia wines, this is quite good, but probably not an excellent value. Not aggressive or tannic, but much deeper and more complex than I’m used to. It was better after being left out for half an hour while I packed.