3,5* rounded to 4
I think there's the potential for a good mystery series as I liked the well developed characters and the setting.
I wasn't a fan of the mystery but it kept me guessing
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

Bitter Maremma is a mystery set in beautiful Italy. The descriptions of the area, the food and the customs were well researched. The plot did keep me guessing but I found the main character lacking appeal. Even though she was a feisty woman, she didn't seem to use common sense or make the best choices.

This is an interesting mystery set in Italy with some relevant social commentary throughout. Kept me guessing !

Set in superbly beautiful Tuscany, aptly entitled mystery Bitter Maremma is injected with lovely food, culture and scenery descriptions. As a frequent visitor to Italy, I was happily transported there immediately. The beautiful cover doesn't hurt, either.

Leah and Nick Contarini move to Tuscany on Nick's sabbatical to research an Epiphany celebration, Befanata, in hopes of writing a book. Leah has a history of being in the wrong (right?) places at the wrong time and has a Tuscan adventure, too. She witnesses a murder and must avoid becoming the next victim.

Though I enjoyed the setting and traditions tremendously, the mystery and characters felt a bit disjointed to me and it was challenging to become emotionally invested with the story itself. However, this is the first in a series and the book is short. I appreciate that the sleuth is a fiesty married woman to a man who adores her.

My sincere thank you to Level Best Books and NetGalley for the privilege of reading this arresting book. I look forward to the next to see what happens...and where!