"I was retired and the task of maintaining law and order was someone else's problem. Not mine. That chapter if my life had finished and, however much I might secretly regret no longer being involved with the thrill of the chase and pitting my wits against the criminal fraternity, I knew I had to be realistic. What was done was done, and I was now an ex-detective and I should remember that".
Murder in Tuscany by T.A. Williams is an enjoyable and engaging cozy mystery, set in Tuscany.
This is book 1 in a brand new Armstrong and Oscar cozy crime series.
Newly retired DCI Dan Armstrong arrives to an old villa, nestled in the Tuscan hills, to take part in a writing course. This two-weeks-long course has been a retirement gift from his colleagues. Supposedly they didn't check the small print when they bought the gift. Erotica is the main theme of the course.
Armstrong's daughter tries to persuade him to enjoy the retreat, thinking of it as a free holiday in a place he always wanted to visit. On his arrival, Dan confesses that he doesn't write erotica. He is half-way through writing a historical mystery set in Italy. At crossroads in his personal life, he has to re-assess his priorities and decide what to do with the near future.
Villa Volpone is a home of the famed crime writer Jonah Moore. Jonah loves to pontificate about rewards of penning a bestseller. He also loves his drink too much.
Dan is an acute observer of people. He instinctively gathers information about the group attending the course as well as its organisers and house staff. Once a detective, always a detective. "The more I got to hear about Jonah, the more I began to think that the man's illustrious career was probably every bit as much of an invention as the plots of his books".
As Dan muses to himself, "Our illustrious leader appeared to be a less than perfect husband and a bit too full of himself - and red wine - for my taste".
It doesn't take long to notice that the family dynamics is unhealthy, to say the least. "As family groups went, this one wasn't exactly as serene as it could have been - the word "dysfunctional" came to mind". The relationship between Jonah, his wife Maria and sister Millicent is strained and volatile.
Some of the course participants might not be all they appear to be. Dan's investigative curiosity is piqued, and he is resolved to keep a close eye on all his companions over the next two weeks.
A few days into the course, and a macabre murder is committed. Jonah Moore is found stabbed with a dagger. Not just any old dagger. A ceremonial Silver Dagger, an award which Jonah is mighty proud of.
There are eleven possible suspects, including Jonah's family, villa staff and course participants.
"Has he made enemies? Had he been threatened? If so, by whom? One thing was for sure: a lot of investigation needed to be done into the background of Jonah Moore and those around him".
As a former DCI of the Met, Dan finds the lure of the puzzle totally irresistible. When an Italian Commissario Virgilio Pisano begins the investigation, he asks Dan for his insights. It becomes clear quite quickly that everyone at Villa Volpone has secrets and skeletons in the closet.
Dan is happy to help. "I might be retired, and I might be in a different car belonging to a foreign police force, but this was what I knew and where I belonged..." Officially he is not the member of the investigation team. He is a free agent, and as such, could involve himself as much ot as little as he liked in the investigation.
Will the murderer be apprehended before they strike again?
There is a colourful spectrum of supporting characters, some rather eccentric, including a marvellous butler, who looks like Count Dracula minus the cape. And there is a lovable Oscar, a boisterous Labrador who enjoys long walks with Dan. No spoilers, but he would prove to be more crucial to the plot than a token dog character in most cozy mysteries.
This is the second book by the author that I have read, and I am impressed by his comprehensive gastronomic knowledge. The descriptions of food are absolutely mouth-watering, and give an insight in the intricacies of the regional food of Tuscany.
Murder in Tuscany boasts an atmospheric scene-setting, and compelling characterisation. It's twisty, page-turning, playful at times, and wholly satisfying.
A delectable, intricately plotted piece of escapism. Mystery and suspence are peppered with humour, and plot twists.
This review is part of the blog tour.
Many thanks to T.A. Williams, NetGalley and Rachel's Random Resources for my copy of the book!
Purchase Link: https://amzn.to/3Pnw7q3
Author Bio –
T A Williams is the author of over twenty bestselling romances for HQ and Canelo and is now turning his hand to cosy crime, set in his beloved Italy, for Boldwood. The series will introduce us to retired DCI Armstrong and his labrador Oscar and the first book, entitled Murder in Tuscany, will be published in October 2022. Trevor lives in Devon with his Italian wife.
Social Media Links –
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TrevorWilliamsBooks
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TAWilliamsBooks
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