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

Book Synopsis

The sea, sunshine, and sleuthing have given Bria Bartolucci a new lease on life since her husband's passing, and her southern Italian B and B is running as smoothly as her love life. But, just like the Amalfi Coast, some relationships can be rocky--and some can be downright deadly . . .

After solving a couple of murders, Bria is now known in the village as the "Italian Miss Marple," which could cause problems in her budding romance with the local police chief. But for now, all of Positano is abuzz with the homecoming of a star now that Carlotta Incantaro, a famous opera diva, is coming out of retirement to make one last public appearance.

Not all the locals are happy about Carlotta's return and Bria soon begins to hear stories about the singer's petty past. She destroyed one woman's music career and tried to sabotage her rival's chances in a beauty pageant. With Carlotta staying at her bed-and-breakfast, Bria learns firsthand just how high-maintenance and demanding the woman can be. Even though Carlotta's loyal pianist tries his best to smooth things over by blaming her nerves on her daughter's upcoming wedding to a former soccer player, Bria senses something is terribly wrong.

And once again, Bria's right. Carlotta's swan song is just the beginning of the drama--after the performance, a dead body is found in the piazza. Bria is quickly drawn into a tragedy worthy of any opera, uncovering a family's darkest secrets and deadly passions . . .

Review Quotes

"Falco matches his lush descriptions of the glittering Italian coast with top-shelf fair-play sleuthing. Armchair detectives and armchair travelers: rejoice." --Publishers Weekly on Murder in an Italian Café

"Readers looking for an Italian escape will love Murder in an Italian Café. From the descriptions of the landscape, to the people Bria encounters, everything pulls readers in. The use of the Italian language further immerses readers and I loved learning more phrases. Bria is such a wonderful protagonist that readers cannot help but be drawn into her life and cheer on her success with both her personal life as well as finding a killer...I have deeply enjoyed both of the Bria Bartolucci books, and love being given a little mental vacation to Positano. Michael Falco really does capture the feeling of being inside an Italian village." --Carla Schantz, Aunt Agatha's Bookshop on Murder in an Italian Café

"A clever mystery." --Kings River Life Magazine on Murder in an Italian Café

"A promising debut highlights the pleasures of the sunny Amalfi coast." --Kirkus Review on Murder in an Italian Village

"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 on Murder in an Italian Village

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

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

"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 on Murder in an Italian Village

"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 on 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. 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 on Murder in an Italian Village

"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." --Kings River Life on Murder in an Italian Village

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