Murder in an Italian Village - Michael Falco

 Murder in an Italian Village - Michael Falco

Publication Date: September 26, 2023

She read

Bria and Carlo moved to Positano to open a B and B.  When Carlo is killed in a plane crash, Bria is left alone with her young son, Marco and dog, Bravo, to realize the dream.  Just before the grand opening, Bria discovers a dead body in one of the bedrooms.  Although the local police, led by the handsome Luca are handling the case, Bria takes it upon herself to run her own investigation which puts her intimidating, wealthy mother-in-law under suspicion. 

I enjoy cozy mysteries set in Italy.  Instead of the UK version where you have tea and biscuits, here you have really good coffee and treats like biscotti along with colorful, charming, and amusing characters.  Falco captured well the beauty of the Amalfi coast as well as the local society and culture.  I liked the use of Italian phrases.  Some were translated within the story, as well as a dictionary provided at the end of the book. The writing a  bit slow and wordy at times, yet it was a good beginning of what is to be a new series.  I look forward to the next one.

Since I chose this book based on its setting, just a personal note…..Falco adds some after thoughts about the beauty of the Amalfi coast and what he says is true.  Long after a visit there, it will remain with you.  We spent two weeks in nearby Atrani once in an apartment with a balcony that jutted out over the sea.  That trip and the allure of the area will be with me forever.  I loved going back for a visit via this book.  

Thanks to #netgalley and #KensingtonBooks and #KensingtonCozies for the ARC.