I previously read and enjoyed To Die in Tuscany which is a later entry in the series that features Rick Montoya. In Cold Tuscan Stone, readers meet Rick for the first time. He is from New Mexico, has an Italian mother and has moved to Italy where he works as a translator.

In this novel, an old friend of Rick’s, affectionately nicknamed Beppo, asks for Rick’s help in investigating what seem to be nefarious doings in the sale of Etruscan artifacts. Rick is asked to pose as a buyer and to infiltrate several sources of antiques to help with the case.

What I learned from the prior novel is that where Rick goes, murder follows, along with good food that is lovingly described, wine, and attractive women. What more could a reader want?

As noted above, this book offers an interesting plot, a wonderful setting and a likeable protagonist. Readers who enjoy the Brunetti and/or Montelbano series will likely enjoy the Montoya books as well. There are seven of these in all.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for this title. All opinions are my own.

I love this series and this is an excellent addition.
I love the realistic descriptions of Italy, the well thought and likable characters, the solid mystery that kept me guessing.
It's highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

Cold Tuscan Stone was originally released in 2013 as the first book in the Rick Montoya series and has now been re-issued with an introduction by David Wagner, the author. Montoya was the son of a diplomat who was assigned to Italy. The family may have returned to New Mexico, but his love for Italy has brought him back to Rome to become an interpreter. When he runs into Beppo, a friend from his school years, his friend has a request. He now works for the ministry of Culture, investigating the disappearance of antiquities. His plan is to have Montoya pose as a buyer for an American gallery. He is given the names of three dealers to contact in Volterra where he might suggest that he is looking for “genuine” artifacts. While the Volterra police will be aware of his assignment, investigating the illegal trade poses a number of dangers and Montoya is only beginning his investigation when the murder of a contact takes place.

David Wagner not only presents a solid mystery, but also an homage to the beauty and foods of Italy. As Montoya travels through Tuscany and the narrow streets of Volterra, Wagner’s descriptions make it easy to visualize the beauty of the countryside and the walls of the old city. Traveling along with Montoya will have you looking for the remaining books in the series to lose yourself in the beauty of Italy. I would like to thank NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for providing this book for my review.

Rick Montoya has relocated from New Mexico to Rome where he is happily involved in his translating business. All is well until an old friend, now a member of the Italian government’s Art Squad, asks Rick to take part in an undercover operation in the Tuscan city of Volterra. It is suspected there is a team of forgers operating within the city walls.

David Wagner’s first book in the Rick Montoya Italian Mystery series is a delight. Rich in Italian history, culture, and food, it is also an entertaining story. The mystery is well-conceived and there are a variety of characters. One of the things I enjoyed most was the feeling of being immersed in all things Italian – food, history, culture, architecture… I always enjoy a book a bit more when I learn something new as well. Now, Volterra is on my list of must-visit places in Italy while I look forward to more adventures with Rick Montoya.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a copy of this book for review.

So happy to see this reissued! Rick Montoya is new to Rome where he plans to do translations but he quickly finds himself caught up in an investigation of stolen art and, wait for it, murder! It's a fun read that blends local color and crime. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.