Due to a sudden, unexpected passing in the family a few years ago and another more recently and my subsequent (mental) health issues stemming from that, I was unable to download this book in time to review it before it was archived as I did not visit this site for several years after the bereavements. This meant I didn't read or venture onto netgalley for years as not only did it remind me of that person as they shared my passion for reading, but I also struggled to maintain interest in anything due to overwhelming depression. I was therefore unable to download this title in time and so I couldn't give a review as it wasn't successfully acquired before it was archived. The second issue that has happened with some of my other books is that I had them downloaded to one particular device and said device is now defunct, so I have no access to those books anymore, sadly.

This means I can't leave an accurate reflection of my feelings towards the book as I am unable to read it now and so I am leaving a message of explanation instead. I am now back to reading and reviewing full time as once considerable time had passed I have found that books have been helping me significantly in terms of my mindset and mental health - this was after having no interest in anything for quite a number of years after the passings. Anything requested and approved will be read and a review written and posted to Amazon (where I am a Hall of Famer & Top Reviewer), Goodreads (where I have several thousand friends and the same amount who follow my reviews) and Waterstones (or Barnes & Noble if the publisher is American based). Thank you for the opportunity and apologies for the inconvenience.

I was excited to read "Murder in Chianti" as a fan of cozy mysteries and Italian settings, but unfortunately, this book fell short of my expectations. The plot was slow-moving and lacked the suspense and intrigue that I look for in a mystery novel.

The characters were also disappointing, as they felt flat and one-dimensional. The protagonist, Nico Doyle, was difficult to relate to, and I found myself getting frustrated with her choices throughout the book. The supporting characters were equally lackluster, and I didn't feel invested in their storylines.

While the descriptions of the Italian countryside and cuisine were lovely, they weren't enough to save the book for me. The writing style was dry and lacked the engaging voice that I look for in a cozy mystery. Overall, "Murder in Chianti" was a disappointment, and I wouldn't recommend it to other mystery fans.

If you love thrillers and travel, this one is for you. The Italian landscape comes to life in this atmospheric novel.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for letting me access an advance copy of this book in exchange for my feedback.

This book is an interesting first for a series. It lays good groundwork for morally (mildly) grey characters. It borders between normal police procedural and a cozy mystery. I will not go into the details of why that is the case, but I do not recommend going into it if you are not fond of police procedurals.


We have a man, Nico Doyle, who is mourning the loss of his wife in a place that he identifies best with her. Amid his regular routine, he finds a dead body and gets embroiled in the investigation about the man. The local law enforcement looks forward to his help while they continue to diligently work the case. There are layers of relationships discussed in the chapters. It handles how people interact with each other. Almost everyone we meet is harbouring a secret. By the end of the book, we know all the salient information. Even with all the jabs the main characters make at each other there is something likeable about most of them.

It is not a fast-paced book with some back and forth to cover all the bases and the earlier mentioned plodding police work. My interest never waned during the read, which is always a bonus. I was not so invested in the ultimate outcome as I was with the relative comfort of all the people in the circle.

⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 4 out of 5.
I received an ARC thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, but the review is entirely based on my own reading experience.

An excellent start for a new mystery series.
I appreciated the great cast of characters, the realistic and vivid descriptions of Tuscany and the solid mystery that kept me guessing.
I can't wait to read the next instalment, highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine.

Murder Mystery In Stunning Location......
Murder mystery in stunning location. When retired detective Nico moves to the beautiful wine region of Chianti his life becomes even more eventful following a gruesome find in local woodland. With a likeable protagonist in Nico, a colourful cast of supporting characters and a simply delightful backdrop this is an entertaining tale, skillfully written with cleverly engineered twists. Cultural aspects are very enjoyable, particularly of the foodie variety. Looking forward to more.

Ex-NYPD cop Nico Doyle is living a quiet life in the small town of Gravigna, Chianti. Having survived a difficult childhood, and having in quick succession lost his wife to cancer and his job, he now just wants to live a peaceful life in the childhood town of his late wife, Rita, and where he helps out at the café owned by Rita's relatives. Unfortunately for him, one morning he hears a shot from the woods and, upon investigating, finds a body. As the local police get involved, and find out about his past, he finds himself being drawn in to the investigation, one which threatens to upend his attempts to start his new life.

This was a thoroughly enjoyable crime novel, full of the usual cast of eccentric characters, many of whom have shady secrets. OK, it started out a little hard-boiled cop, and I feared that the general tone of the book would be the cynical NY ex-cop, but fortunately the setting and the rest of the characters made this go away. OK, Nico is a bit of a walking modern cliché: emotionally troubled, holding a massive sense of loss, just trying to keep his head down. And although I got quickly used to him, there are a lot of echoes of Martin Walker's Bruno here, from the lovingly described food and recipes, to the stray dog whom he adopts and becomes his faithful companion (even helping out by digging up some useful evidence). All it needed was for Nico to jump on a horse for a gallop and we would be all set.... But, once you get past that, this is certainly strong enough to stand on its own and you quickly accept the setting and the people for who they are.

The perfect book to while away a lazy afternoon, ideally with a glass or two of some vino. The setting is luscious, the characters engaging and interesting, and in Nico we have a sympathetic central character. I don't know if there will be more in the series - it certainly is set up for more to come, I think, which would be very welcome. A strongly recommended 4 stars.

(With thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC of this title.)

When he discovers a body in the woods near his Tuscan home, ex NYPD detective Nico Doyle finds himself helping the Carabinieri investigate the murder. But as it becomes clear that the victim had connections with his late wife’s family, he finds himself torn between justice and family loyalty.

A good tale, set in the beautiful Chianti hills region of Italy, with much attention given to the wine making business for which the area is famous. Nico is a strong character, who’s conscience is troubled by the fear of the only family he has left being implicated in the crime. Old Elvira is funny, with her complaints and comments lacing the more serious drama of the story. My favourite character, though, has to be one-wag (or Rocco) the dog! The descriptions of his actions and expressions just bring him alive.

There were many twists and turns in the story. Just when you think you’ve worked out who and why, something else comes along and changes things again. Very enjoyable book.

Oh I hated coming to the end of this glorious book! A hymn of praise to Italy, her warmth, humour, dolce vita , food, wine and love. It had a unique charm in it's loving portrayal of the inhabitants of this Chianti region, where Nico returns to his dead wife's family and roots , to mourn and be nearer her. The easy going life around wine making, restaurants and tourism, is shattered when a body is found by OneWag, a delightful stray dog who has chosen to adopt Nico. OneWag, so named because he never bestows more than one wag if his proud tail, no matter how pleased he is. Knowing Nico' s background as a homicide detective, the local , charming and wise policeman in charge of the case, Salvatore, enlists his help. The investigation turns up a violent episode in the past and Nico fears it could be too close to home and in danger if bringing pain to those he loves most. I don't want to issue any spoilers as this well crafted book gradually unpeels the layers which reveal the story not just of the murder victim but of each of the inhabitants' s stories. I don't think I've ever fell in love with a book and it's characters as much as I have with these....I found myself wanting to jump on a plane to Italy to immerse myself in all things Italian. Grazie mile per
un libro meraviglioso. É stata una gioia leggere. Ancora per favore!

I would like to thank Netgalley and Allison & Busby for an advance copy of Murder in Chianti, a stand-alone set in the Tuscan village of Gravigna.

Widower Nico Doyle has moved from New York to his deceased wife’s hometown of Gravigna where he spends time with his wife’s niece and her family and generally settling in to the relaxed rural lifestyle. What he doesn’t expect is to find a dead body with its face shot off in the local woods. Enlisted to help with the investigation by the local Carabinieri Maresciallo Salvatore Perillo he uncovers more of Gravigna’s secrets than he wanted to as the it comes close to home.

I thoroughly enjoyed Murder in Chianti which is a gentle but absorbing tale of secrets and life in a small community. The emphasis is on Nico Doyle and his reactions to what they uncover but Perello and his assistant Daniele have prominent voices as the official face of the investigation. The switches in voice give the reader a more rounded view of events rather than offering a distraction.

The vibe in the novel is very much an Italian version of Martin Walker’s Bruno, Chief of Police with the strong sense of community and friendship, the cooking and recipes and the self sufficiency of growing your own food although the natives do not seem quite as cunning. It is warm despite the subject matter. The plot itself offers a few surprises but is generally quite low key, with Nico’s stress over all the revelations taking a more prominent role as the novel progresses. Nevertheless, I found it quietly compulsive and the perpetrator a real surprise.

Nico Doyle is, I think, a character the author could build a series around. He’s lonely and grieving but is taking tentative steps back to a new life. He finds solace in cooking and working in his niece-in-law’s restaurant and is starting to make friends. The reader could pity him but would be better off admiring his efforts.

Murder in Chianti is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.

Received an ARC from Netgalley in return for an honest review.

Great find - this is the sort of series I love to discover. great characters and a fabulous location. I want to be there.!!

I think the writer's inside knowledge of Italy and its culture, along with a well-executed storyline - make for the perfect read. I look forward to more of this series.

"Murder in Chianti" is a great start to a new mystery series set in Tuscany. Retired NYC homicide detective Nico Doyle has recently moved to Gravigna, her late wife's childhood village, trying to rebuild his life with her italian family. After he discovers a body in the woods near his house, he soon finds himself pulled into the investigation by Maresciallo dei Carabinieri Salvatore Perillo and Brigadiere Daniele Donato (those two were such a great pair!)

I came into this novel expecting just another murder mystery, but found a story with such a wonderful cast of characters I already feel like I knew them from years ago. I loved the sense of community and how all of them were willing to help Nico in his new life. You know comfort food? Well, I would describe this group of italians as comfort people.

And talking about food, this book should come with a warning not to read while hungry or on a diet. So many delicious food descriptions my mouth was watering all throughout!

The mystery itself was interesting enough and gives enough red herrings to keep you changing your mind about the killer's identity.

Nice story in a gorgeous setting with a wonderful cast of characters and some fantastic descriptions of the italian countryside and food that has left me wanting to go back to Gravigna soon.

Thanks to Netgalley and Allison & Busby for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I think this is going to be a new favourite novel series. Set in the wine soaked region of Chianti with various dodgy neighbours, remote yet dangerous, outsiders v inhabitants and a very interesting and retired police officer and team. How the retired detective gets a dog is one of the highlights early on. And his hame! I will leave that for you to discover.

The finding of a body causes chaos as you might imagine and much of this novel is about that investigation. The nature of the crime and this rural village really adds to the spice of the whole thing. It reminded me of Martin Walker;s Chief of police series or similar but this one had a really unique flavour to it (and no it wasn't the chianti)

This is a gentle winding story and one I really enjoyed. More please!