Murder in Chianti by T.A. Williams

 

"As my four-legged friend and I walked up the hill between the never-ending succession of cypress trees lining the track, I breathed deeply and reflected on how my life had changed so radically in less than a year".

Murder in Chianti by T. A. Williams is an entertaining cosy mystery set in Tuscany. This is book 2 in Armstrong and Oscar cosy mysteries series. This book reads as a standalone, but you will understand the dynamics between the protagonists better, if you've read the first book. 

Dan Armstrong and his sidekick Oscar the labrador are back in action.

Dan has settled in Tuscany after his retirement and divorce. He is considering himseld a budding writer, though the life of sleuthing proves too irresistible for him. 

His new best friend, Virgilio Pisano, is a police inspector in Florence, who values Dan's past experience as the DCI of Scotland Yard and his wise counsel.

This time Dan is asked his expert opinion on the latest murder in the area, that of a millionaire magnate Rex Hunter who has been found dead next to the eighth hole of the golf course of his Acquarosa Country Club, an establishment for people with deep pockets.

"Although the official line was that when he was dealing with English speakers he called me in as an interpreter, we both knew that I quite enjoyed keeping my investigative hand in, and he appreciated my help".

Hunter is known among the locals as a wealthy and successful businessman from Australia who has settled in Italy. He also appears to be a person who has many enemies. 

A loathsome womaniser, Hunter is despised by many, from his close family to wider circles, staff and business partners.

"The next step would be to establish motive for the killing; being a sex pest and not having many friends wasn't going to cut it".

Dan is wondering about the terms of Hunter's will, and who would inherit his huge estate. There is a very young widow, seemingly prostrate with grief; his son and daughter. Hunter's relationship with his children is strained and totally askew. 

Money "can be a powerful motive for murder".

As the police investigation develops further, it becomes clear that the list of people who disliked Hunter is getting longer and longer. He was a ruthless boss, and an obnoxious business person who enjoyed the power money gave him. As a family man, he was a failure too. 

On top of the investigation, Dan has to deal with his ex-wife having an emotional wobble, then there is an upcoming Montevolpone fair with a best-looking pet show. Despite his better judgment, Dan is roped into entering Oscar in the competition. You can bet it's going to be a riot.

Dan's future prospects are also uncertain. As much as he wants to be a writer, the call of the detective work is overwhelming. Is there a future for him as a private detective? or will his creative side win over? 

The murderer has being smart in covering up their tracks. Will Dan and Oscar duo succeed in discovering the truth and solving the murder?

Murder on the golf course will prove to be a very puzzling case indeed for Dan and Oscar.

Murder in Chianti is a delightful cosy mystery, with a stunning backdrop of the Tuscan countryside and plethora of memorable supporting characters, drawn vividly with a few master strokes. 

As with the previous book in the series, you will revel in the descriptions of the beautiful Tuscan landscapes and the most delectable food. Dog lovers will be smitten with the sweet, albeit rather uncontrolled Oscar. 

There is the third book to come, and I can't wait to read the next instalment in the enjoyable series.

This post is part of the blog tour for Murder in Chianti. 

Many thanks to T.A. Williams, Boldwood Books and Rachel's Random Resources for my e-copy of the book!

Purchase Link - https://amzn.to/3sOnfkv

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 –  

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