Bottled Up

A Francine Witt Mystery

By: Steve Exeter

Narrated by: Ella Whitehead

Francine Witt is back: armed with a travelogue, a wry charm, and a habit of finding murder where the rosé flows freely.

What begins as a biography project about a disgraced Egyptologist quickly spirals into something far stranger: a sealed bottle marked with an ancient glyph, whispers of Empress Joséphine Bonaparte's secret rituals, and a trail of memory-infused wine—possibly connected to the eccentric Masonic collector Daniel Iffla—that stretches from Amarna to Bordeaux. When her new assistant Rosalind Downing becomes mysteriously connected to the ritual itself, Francine finds herself racing to decode a legacy someone is killing to protect.

As glyphs emerge, bottles are opened, and a long-buried Brotherhood awakens, Francine must face a terrifying question: what if remembering the past isn't enough, and the only way to survive is to contain it?

BOTTLED UP uncorks another sparkling blend of feminist sleuthing, historical conspiracy, and Da Vinci Code-style suspense, with Francine once again proving that secrets age best when bottled, and sometimes explode when opened!

©2025 Steve Exeter (P)2025 Steve Exeter

Ideal for unwinding

A comfortable audiobook, it doesn't seek to surprise with darkness, but with wit, and has pleasant settings. The story comes to a satisfying conclusion. Ella Whitehead narrates with lightness and elegance, perfect for effortless listening.

Secrets, Symbols, and a Voice Worth Listening To

Listening to Bottled Up – A Francine Witt Mystery felt less like consuming a story and more like being invited along on a clever, wine-soaked investigation where history, humor, and danger are poured in just the right proportions. From the opening chapters, I was drawn into Francine Witt’s world—not just by the mystery itself, but by her voice, her curiosity, and her unmistakable intelligence. This is a story that rewards attentive listening: symbols, rituals, forgotten histories, and personal secrets slowly uncork themselves, and the journey is as enjoyable as the destination. Steve Exeter’s writing balances intrigue with warmth, allowing the darker elements to exist without overwhelming the sense of wit and humanity that runs through the book.

Francine Witt is a standout protagonist—sharp, observant, and refreshingly grounded. She’s not a caricature detective; she feels real, thoughtful, and emotionally present. Her dynamic with Rosalind adds depth. The mystery itself is well paced, relying more on atmosphere, character, and intellect than shock value, which made it perfect for immersive listening rather than passive background noise.

Ella Whitehead’s narration elevates the audiobook into something truly special. Her performance is light, elegant, and perfectly controlled—she knows exactly when to emphasize emotion and when to step back and let the story breathe. Francine’s personality shines through with a natural charm, and each character is distinct without feeling exaggerated. Whitehead’s steady rhythm and warm tone make this an audiobook you can listen to for long stretches without fatigue, and her delivery enhances both the humor and the suspense.

Overall, Bottled Up is a smart, atmospheric, and deeply enjoyable audiobook—comforting yet clever, playful yet meaningful. It’s the kind of mystery that pairs perfectly with a quiet evening, a long walk, or, fittingly, a good glass of wine. I finished it genuinely looking forward to spending more time with Francine Witt in future installments.

Investigation with humor

Francine is friendly and observant, moving among suspects with charm and cunning. The mystery is well paced. Ella Whitehead knows when to emphasize and when to hold back, creating a narrative that is very easy to follow.

Bottled mystery

The story relies more on characters and atmosphere than violence, something I really enjoyed. Ella Whitehead brings Francine to life with a carefree freshness that makes for very enjoyable listening.

Crime over drinks

The story blends classic mystery with light humor and well-described tourist settings. Ella Whitehead narrates with elegant irony, giving each character their own personality without exaggeration.