Murder on the Italian Riviera by T.A. Williams

 

"Just you be careful. I wouldn't want this to be some kind of hoax or, even worse, like an attempt to incriminate you in return or even kill you".

Murder on the Italian Riviera by T.A. Williams is an entertaining cozy mystery, with grips and twists until the very end.

This is the 7th book in the Armstrong and Oscar Cozy Mysteries series. It reads as a standalone, but it might help understand the dynamics between the main characters, as well as their back story, if you've read some - or all - of the previous books in the series. (If you haven't discovered this series yet, I suggest you start with the 1st book. You will thank me later.)

Blurb:

A brand-new cozy crime series set in gorgeous Tuscany... It's murder in paradise!

An ex-con...

Private investigator Dan Armstrong is no stranger to working with criminals, but when he's approached for help by Bianca Moretti, he's on high alert. Biance is intelligent and beautiful, and Dan likes her, but he also once sent her to prison...

A suspicious death...

Bianca explains that a guest has been found dead at her father's luxurious and private retreat on the beautiful Italian Riviera. The police are sure the death is accidental, but Bianca is convinced the man's been murdered. Dan's sure he can get to the bottom of things... as long as Bianca is telling him the whole truth.

A very revealing case!

But when Dan arrives at the resort, he's in for a shock. He finds that the place is a naturist retreat, and everybody is walking around stark naked! Dan is determined to discover the truth, but this is going to mean revealing a whole lot more of himself than he expected.

Can Dan sniff out the truth about this case before Oscar's cold wet nose causes havoc?

Dan Armstrong and his loyal sidekick Oscar the labrador are back in action. Dan works as a private detective in Tuscany. He is a retired Met DCI, and also a published author with a bestselling book.

Dan loves Italy and he enjoys his job. "There was no doubt about it, my decision to settle in Tuscany two years ago was one of the best of my life..." 

When Bianca Moretti asks him to look into a death of a British tourist named Jospeh Beck at her father's private retreat, Dan is rather surprised. The last time he met Bianca was back in the UK, when he sent her to prison.

Bianca is a mystery figure. Can Dan trust her motives for approaching him? Is it some kind of a revenge plot to pay back? Why couldn't Bianca find someone else to look into the case of the dead Brit?

The police pronounce it the accidental death, yet Bianca is convinced that Beck has been murdered.

When Dan arrives at the resort on the Italian Riviera, he is in for a big surprise. This is the naturist retreat. To uncover the truth, Dan has to blend in with the guests. But where and how will he carry his notebook and phone?

The retreat welcomes guests from all over Europe. Finding the right information is rather tricky.

"I was feeling curious to know more about the mysterious Joseph Beck. Who had he been: a harmless, trilingual Brit with a penchant for letting it all hang out or somebody altogether less clear-cut?... had his death really been a simple accident or might there have been a more sinister reason behind it?"

This series combines all the winning elements of the genre, a clever mystery, a sympathetic main character, a gentle humour, dramatic and eye-catching locations (a new one in each book), wonderful descriptions of local cuisine, colourful supporting characters and much more.

And Oscar is truly a shining star of each instalment in the series.

I've said it before that there are many cosy mysteries with a token dog/cat/mouse, "helping" with the investigation, but Oscar has become a truly integral part of the series. He has a great personality, and his interactions with Dan and people he meets are a joy to observe.

Murder on the Italian Riviera is an intriguing puzzle with plenty of twists, red herrings and false leads. I've enjoyed all the books in the series, Dan and Oscar have become my friends, and I'm looking forward to each new mystery with great anticipation.

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

Purchase Link - https://mybook.to/italianrivierasocial

Author Bio –

I write under the androgynous name T A Williams because 65% of books are read by women. In my first book one of the (female) characters suggests the imbalance is due to the fact that men spend too much time getting drunk and watching football. I couldn't possibly comment. Ask my wife...

I've written all sorts: thrillers, historical novels, short stories and now I'm enjoying myself hugely writing romance and whodunnits. Romantic comedies are what we all need from time to time. Life isn’t always very fair. It isn’t always a lot of fun, but when it is, we need to embrace it. Murder mystery is all very well, but it needs to put a smile on your face, so that's why I like to inject some humour. I'm having a lot of fun writing the Armstrong and Oscar cozy mystery series set in sunny Italy. They are all standalone books but if you really want to do it properly, start with the first one in the series, Murder in Tuscany. If my books can whisk you away to gorgeous locations, put a smile on your face and maybe give your heartstrings a tug, then I know I’ve done my job.

I‘ve lived all over Europe, but now I live in a little village in sleepy Devon, tucked away in south west England. I love the place. That’s why you’ll find leafy lanes and thatched cottages in many of my books. Oh, yes, and a black Labrador.

I've been writing since I was 14 and that is well over half a century ago. However, underneath this bald, wrinkly exterior, there beats the heart of a youngster. My wife is convinced I will never grow up. I hope she's right.

Social Media Links –  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TrevorWilliamsBooks/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TAWilliamsBooks

Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/TAWilliamsNews  

Murder in Tuscany by T. A. Williams

 

"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

The Mystery of Montague House by Emma Davies

"Only that it has something of a reputation locally. The former owner mysteriously vanished years ago and has never been found, depsite an extensive police enquiry... I know Montague House because of its historical significance, but most folk know it as the place where strange lights are seen at night, where things move around even though no one lives here, that kind of thing".

It so happened, that I was reading The Mystery of Montague House by Emma Davies during one the the most anxious episodes of our lives. My elder son has tested positive for the dreaded virus, and I believe I've had it too, though it was asymptomaic for me. I was totally flattened, and could only just about get up to make a cup of tea and then plop myself down back in bed. Christmas time would have been totally miserable, if not for books and kindness of friends who kept sending messages of support and leaving gifts outside the front door.

Don't get me wrong, I do enjoy Noir and gritty crime stories, but at times I feel I need a break from gore and violence in books. Cozy (or cosy) mysteries satisfy my taste for crime fiction, without making me feel too alarmed or leaving sleepless after finishing a book. I love the locations like quaint villages, manor houses or castles, a choice of amateur or accidental detectives, and a good portion of gentle humour. If there's a four-legged friend introduced into the story, it's even better. 

The Mystery of Montague House (out on 14 January) is a classic cozy mystery, with a paranormal twist. And an adorable canine protagonist - a basset hound called Hamish. 

Back in November I took part in the cover reveal for this book (you can read about the author and see the cover at The Mystery of Montague House post), and was happy to receive an advance copy of the mystery. 

Andie Summer is a Finder of Things. She has an innate ability to "read" the ground, looking for clues. She is not your standard paranormal/psychic detective, she is quite pragmatic, almost playing down her own abilities. Yet she can see and sense things which can only be described as supernatural. 

Police is well aware of her talents, in fact, "most of her work came via established contacts on the police force". 

One day Andie's approached by the mysterious Mr Mayfair, who wants to hire her to investigate the possibility of the hidden treasure at Montague House, "a rather large country property that sits in the small village of Much Marden, not far from Hereford".. As Mr Mayfair discloses in confidence, "It isn't actually me who wishes to engage you, but rather a client of mine. A client from the governmnet legal department." Andie feels there's something fishy about her new employer, but she is down on her last few tins of baked beans, and the case sounds promising.

The last owner of the house Frank Maynard died, leaving no heirs - all his estate has to be examined and disposed of. His father Peter Maynard, a famous physicist and a deeply private man, disappeared many years ago. "He was an old man, admittedly, but despite a thorough police investigation, neither he, nor his body, was ever found". 

The house has been preserved by Frank like a museum - "everything exactly as it was when his father was alive. Almost as if he expected him to come home".

On arrival to Montague House, Andie meets Clodagh Wynter. She seems an opposite of spontaneous Andie - rather uptight, formal and on edge. She knows of the manor house's reputation, but doesn't seem to be bothered by the rumours of ghostly shenanigans. She prides herself at being good at her job, valuying and cataloguing the contents of the house, hoping to find a priceless painting or rare manuscript. 

She does not believe in ghosts. But when strange happenings start to manifest themselves in the house, it is clear that someone or something is not happy with Clodagh and Andie's presence in the house. 

The ladies are alarmed and terrified. Rather than leave the property, Andie makes up her mind, "...now I'm angry. And when I get angry, my bloody-minded streak kicks in, so I'm going to be like a dog with a bone until I find out how this happened. And why... First we have to acknowledge why we're both here - which is to find some sort of "treasure" that local rumour has it is somewhere in or around the house. Then we also have to acknowledge that if someone is trying to scare us, a reasonable assumption would be that we're not the only ones looking for it... we have to do two things - find the treasure and this other party".

Montague House is the perfect setting for the classic mystery game like Cluedo. There are plenty of rooms to roam about, grand stairs, inner courtyard and hidden tunnels. 

Clodagh and Andie have to pool together their detective skills to solve the mystery of the house. They will need all their intelligence and imagination, plus lots of chocolate biscuits and bacon sandwiches to work out the puzzle of Montague House.

They are assisted in their search by sweet Hamish. He's more of a psychological support rather than a defender. "And the dog of course, let's not forget about the dog, who, as far as Clodagh could see, was going to be of no use at all unless they wanted something drooled all over."

I enjoyed this cosy mystery; the first adventure of the most unlikely detective duo has a great potential for a new series. I loved the description of the manor house, with its wonderful library and hidden passageways. 

It is entertaining, light-hearted, and if the books with gruesome murders are not your cuppa tea, then cosies/cozies like The Mystery of Montague House will allow you to escape from the rather anxiety-ridden reality. 

Buckle up, and read into the early hours in one sitting! 

Many thanks to Emma Davies for my e-copy of the book!

Who Killed Patrick by Syl Waters #BlogTour

Uneasy, that's how I feel. It seems like in the last twenty-four hours my stable life has become unstable. What I thought I knew, I don't. My life feels stripped bare of the assumptions I've made. Now I feel I need to question everything, everyone. I don't know who to trust, what to believe, who's lying, pretending to be something they're not.

Who Killed Patrick? by Syl Waters is the first book in a Mr Bob Murder Mystery. It features the most unusual detective duo - Tarah and Mr Bob. What's so unusual about them, you might ask. Well, Mr Bob is a guinea pig.

We first encounter Tarah, bored with her life and annoyed with her job. She hates being stuck in the office, working for a wage which barely covers the cost of living. She tells herself, "I don't want this anymore. I want something else. I want a life. I want to feel like I'm alive."
On the spur of the moment, she books a one-way ticket to Fuerteventura. And thus her new adventures begin.
She is offered a job, dealing with tourists in the complex of apartments, and she takes on this job with a great enthusiasm. Tarah is happy in her new job, "I'm not sure how or where the days slip by, but effortlessly one sunrise leads to another sunset and another day closes... Life is bliss".

Tarah also has got a new companion. It's a fluffy, tortoiseshell guinea pig called Liliana. Only Liliana is not a she, but a he, and thus the guinea pig becomes known as Mr Bob.

The life of bliss ends abruptly, when one of their guests dies. Patrick's death isn't a straight-forward heart attack, as everyone has presumed at first. The holiday complex is under threat, as the unknown source posts a vicious gossip on the website. Jorge's Place is turning into a potential crime site and that is negatively affecting the reputation.

At the same time Tarah discovers that her guinea pig has a talent for sniffing out trouble. Apparently he has the sixth sense and is able to suspect foul play.

With the help from Mr Bob and Diego the plumber, Tarah turns into a modern-age Miss Marple, conducting an investigation of her own and collecting the clues.

"Solving who killed Patrick is about everyone and our existence here on our lazy, contented, sleeping dinosaur of a perfect isle. I don't know how I'm going to do it, but I have to prove what happened to Patrick. The future of our beautiful, happy home depends on it".

Will they be able to solve the crime before it's too late?

If you're looking for a thrilling, exciting summer read, this is the book for you.

There is a whole pleiad of secondary characters, from the local vet who talks to animals in a coochie-coochie coo way that makes you shake your head in disbelief, to a local Lothario who serves the tables in the Italian café.
The guests are a random bunch, including among the others, two businessmen, Patrick and Mick, with their partners, Pauline and Tamika. Patrick and Mick are hoping to do the biggest deal of their career.
Tamika is an influencer, whose Insta channel is property porn. She is a caricature, but portrayed not without a fair amount of observation. Her Insta account is something I would avoid like a plague, but she has thousands of followers, and considers herself a big star.

The pool of suspects is very narrow, and it's not hard to figure out the motive for the murder and who's done it. You will also feel sorry for Patrick, who appears to be very likable.

The plot is very much a cozy mystery, without gore and forensic investigation.

This post is part of the blog tour for Who Killed Patrick?
Many thanks to Syl Waters, Eleftheria and Rachel's Random Resources for my copy of the book!

Purchase Links

UK –https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B08BJ4RPTS/

US -  https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08BJ4RPTS/


Sign up to Syl Waters newsletter receive a free copy of The Little Book Of Curiously Fascinating Facts about Guinea Pigs - http://www.sylwaters.com/

Author Bio –

Most people know crazy cat ladies are a ‘thing’, but I’m a proud crazy guinea pig lady! I love fun in the sun and plenty of cocktails. My happy place is flip flops. I write stories to keep me company - my characters ensure I’m never lonely and always smiling (when I’m not tearing my hair out!)

Social Media Links –

www.sylwaters.com

Twitter: @waters_syl
Insta: @mrbob.guineapig 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/syl.waters.54


I'm ending my post with a lovely photo of two cute guinea pigs, courtesy of Sarah from MumofThreeWorld blog (check out her post Introducing Henry the guinea pig to find out more).
I regularly read Sarah's blog, and her guinea pigs feature prominently in the weekly photo posts.