Murder in an Italian Café - (A Bria Bartolucci Mystery) by Michael Falco (Hardcover)

About the Book

"Though she still misses her late husband, Carlo, Bria couldn't be happier that their dream bed and breakfast, Bella Bella, is humming along nicely. Of course, even on the stunning Amalfi Coast, things seldom run smoothly. Like Bria's mother and mother-in-law dueling over a suitable communion site for Bria's eight-year-old son Marco. Bria's also juggling the demands of the famous Chef Lugo, his producer, Massimo, and Pippa, a member of the production crew who is staying at Bella Bella for a nice, long-term stay... Until Lugo mysteriously dies on-camera, a victim of apparent murder. But finding out who wanted him gone is no stroll on the beach. Bria soon learns that Chef Lugo's multi-media empire is at a make-or-break tipping point, and Lugo himself had racked up any number of enemies--financial, professional... and very personal. Now to save her friend's caf from a ruined reputation, Bria must delve into the glittering surface of false alibis, pretty lies, and not-so-glamourous hidden identities to catch a murderer determined to serve up another victim."--

Book Synopsis

With her new B&B in the gorgeous Italian village of Positano proving a success, young widow Bria Bartolucci is enjoying her new life in paradise. But when a celebrity chef filming nearby suddenly dies, Bria has her hands full with a most unsavory murder . . .

Though she still misses her late husband, Carlo, Bria couldn't be happier that their dream bed and breakfast, Bella Bella, is humming along nicely. Of course, even on the stunning Amalfi Coast, things seldom run smoothly. Like Bria's mother and mother-in-law dueling over a suitable communion site for Bria's eight-year-old son Marco. Bria's also juggling the demands of the famous Chef Lugo, his producer, Massimo, and Pippa, a member of the production crew who is staying at Bella Bella for a nice, long-term stay . . .

Until Lugo mysteriously dies on-camera, a victim of apparent murder. But finding out who wanted him gone is no stroll on the beach. Bria soon learns that Chef Lugo's multi-media empire is at a make-or-break tipping point, and Lugo himself had racked up any number of enemies--financial, professional . . . and very personal. Now to save her friend's café from a ruined reputation, Bria must delve into the glittering surface of false alibis, pretty lies, and not-so-glamourous hidden identities to catch a murderer determined to serve up another victim . . .

Review Quotes

Praise for Murder in an Italian Village

"A promising debut highlights the pleasures of the sunny Amalfi coast." --Kirkus

"Plot twists, the lovingly described Amalfi Coast setting, Italian-culture frame, and fully realized characters--including the smart, determined Bria coming to terms with her widowhood--make this first in a series a satisfying cozy mystery." --Booklist

"The characters and setting are appealing. Fans of Lorenzo Carcaterra's "Nonna Maria" mysteries might want to try this atmospheric cozy." --Library Journal

"Armchair travelers might get by on the passages about Italy's sights and smells." --Publishers Weekly

"Murder in an Italian Village combines a smart and fiercely independent heroine possessing strong family values with a murder that takes place a little too close to home. Thanks to the spectacularly visually descriptive narrative, this is a delightful portrayal of Italian village life along with a hint of romance. Readers will soon find themselves longing to live in Positano Italy--dead bodies and all." --Lauren Elliott, USA Today bestselling author of Dedication to Murder

"Falco's beautifully written, atmospheric, and cleverly plotted mystery will have you longing for a visit to Italy's Amalfi Coast." --Darci Hannah, author of Murder at the Pumpkin Pageant

"There's so much to love in this series' premier. For starters, there's the huge and hilarious cast of characters, each so unique--from clothes to personality--that there's no chance of confusion. Add to that a series of capers that place Bria and her BFF, Rosalie, in increasingly risky situations. And Falco's peppering of the book with Italian--don't worry, you'll be able to figure it out--goes far to give it a feeling of authenticity. Finally, we go beyond the tourists and learn more about the unique and beguiling town that is Positano." --firstCLUE

"I highly recommend this book for anyone with a love of Italy and Italian culture. Murder in an Italian Village perfectly captures the close knit community feel of an Italian town, from everyone knowing everything about everyone to the dedicated Catholic presence. Also, for Italian enthusiasts, there are many Italian phrases and words peppered throughout the book to help submerge readers into Michael Falco's world. I love the Italian language, so I was delighted to see so many phrases used to increase the authenticity of the locals. However, for those who do not have any Italian background they can still enjoy the language use thanks to a quick reference guide Michael Falco included in the back of the book. Careful, reading Murder in an Italian Village might just have you looking to the Amalfi coast and Postiano for a possible future vacation." --Carla Schantz, Aunt Agatha's Bookshop

"The plot twists and turns as new evidence and motives come to light, and I didn't figure out whodunnit until Bria gathers everyone together and points the finger in a Perry Mason moment. If you enjoy arm-chair travel, family drama, and solving puzzles, I recommend this book. Great start to a new series!" --Kings River Life

About the Author

Michael Falco is a graduate of New York University and has studied at Playwrights Horizons and Gotham Writers Workshop. He currently lives in Secaucus, NJ, where he is working on the next Bria Bartolucci Mystery.