This is the first Lorenzo Carcaterra book I have read, but it will not be the last. I love Nonna Maria and her home in Ishia. And I enjoyed every moment of reading this book. Next up, the first Nonna Maria book.

Nonna Maria is somewhat of a matriarch to all of the residents on the Island of Ischia off the coast of Naples, Italy. If there is a mystery to be solved, she’s your woman. She has no formal training in criminology but what she does have is a keen sense of observation and ability to read between the lines. A friend to all, she is the person islanders go to for help, whether it’s advice or something more substantial like help solving a crime. In this case, Nonna Maria is in search of answers to two questions: Did the hotel maid, Loretta, steal a valuable necklace from a guest? And who is the woman lying dead along the side of the road but more importantly, who killed her? This is a fun quick read with engaging characters. It is written in such a way the reader is immersed in Italian culture and language, even as they read the English words. Recommended read for fans who enjoy mysteries without all the blood, gore, and foul language prevalent in much of modern fiction. Thanks to Netgalley an the publisher for giving me an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I want a Nonna Maria in my life! This is book two in a new series by Lorenzo Carcaterra. I have not read book one but if you are like me and new to this author and series you will find that the book stands alone well. From page one I was hooked. Lorenzo Carcaterra's writing style transports you to this Italian island and the characters are so well-written that you want to meet them off the written page. I also love his not-too-long chapters. I read a lot between doing other things and I like finishing a chapter before having to put my story down.
Let me tell you a bit about Nonna Maria and why I think we would all benefit from having someone like her in our lives. Nonna Maria is in her 70s, a widow with a large family and friends. To say she is well-connected in my opinion is an understatement. This woman has connections not only on her island Ischai but throughout Italy and possibly farther. I am sure that the FBI or CIA would be jealous. She is also very loyal to her family, but her family consists of more than just bloodlines. In this book the mystery has two storylines, One is her goddaughter accused of stealing a necklace. Number two is a dead body found at the side of the road. Nonna Maria works her magic and these two mysteries and more are solved.
At the end of the story, there is a little cliffhanger, which I hope is a lead into the next in this wonderful series.
Thank you Netgalley, Bantam, and Lorenzo Carcaterra for the ARC. I enjoyed this book very much and will be looking for the first in the series. This is my honest review.

This was such an enjoyable book to read on a Sunday. I read it in a day. It’s easy to read and very enjoyable. I very much liked all the characters. Nonna Maria is very shrewd and insightful. The imagery was spectacular. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced free copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

This is the first Nonna Maria novel I have read. I’m so grateful to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group, for granting my request to read this ARC. The book is so engaging, with wonderfully colorful characters and especially Nonna Maria! The writing is thoughtful, well narrated and with an added bonus of the idyllic descriptions of the island of Ischia. Not to mention, some of the mouth watering meals prepared by Nonna Maria. She is an amateur sleuth, a very wise woman, with a heart of gold as long as you are not her enemy. I hope to be granted the next book in the Nonna Maria series written by Lorenzo Carcaterra. All opinions are my own. #NonnaMariaAndTheCaseOfTheStolenNecklace, #NetGalley, # RandomHousePublishingGroup.,

This was a nice change of pace to have a cozy mystery set on the Italian island, Ischia. The locale is idyllic, with a close-knit community, plus seasonal tourists. Nonna Maria almost magically cooks up a storm for her friends and family while solving mysteries in a very low-key way. She seems to subsist on espresso and wine. She may be a little “too good to be true” for me. I enjoyed the unusual characters and setting, and it was a very fast read. The way it was written, there wasn’t a lot of suspense about who committed the crimes, but it was more about the techniques Nonna Maria used to prove what happened. This was my first book by the author, and I think it was fine to read as a standalone, although it ends with a cliffhanger for the next case. Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for letting me preview this book.

A wonderful cozy mystery set not in an English village but on the Italian island of Ischia. Nonna Maria has spent her life on the island and her love of the island and close connection to many of the residents shines through her days. Nonna Maria and the Case of the Stolen Necklace is the second book in the series and proves Lorenzo Carcaterra can write books just plain fun to read. I look forward to reading along as Nonna Maria continues to solve mysteries.

Take a deep dive into Italian culture, food, wine and secrets with Nonna Maria who seems to subsist on espresso and wine alone. She has lifelong friends, lifelong secrets and many "favors" she an call upon when needed. Not a part of the carbinieri, Nonna Maria always seems to be in the right place to help track down the truth behind the crime. Here she tracks down not only a stolen necklace but also the murderer of a childhood friend. Knowing when to ask questions and when to simply listen, Nonna Maria shrewdly places the blame for the crime exactly where it should land in her charming "simple old lady" demeanor. A fast read with plenty of engaging local characters, you'll want to have an espresso and some biscotti handy before you settle in to read! Three cheers for Nonna Maria!

Nonna Maria, is not only charming, but a life-long resident of Ischia, an island off the coast of Naples, Italy where she is well-know and trusted by the locals. They often seek her advice or to settle a family disagreement. She has a keen sense of right and wrong and does not hesitate to jump right in when a situation warrants her involvement. She often takes things into her own hands, especially when something is on the wrong side of the law. She carries her big, black tote bag everywhere she goes that often has entire meals she has prepared, in it. She generously gives the food to those she suspects need a good meal, or a little more meat on their bones. Her drinks of choice are strong expresso, that she brews at home herself and white wine.
Nonna Maria’s Goddaughter, Loretta, who is on the cleaning crew at the Grand Hotel Excelsior on the island is wrongly accused by a wealthy hotel guest of stealing a valuable necklace that has gone missing. As a result, Loretta has been relieved of her job. Nonna Maria is determined to discover the truth of what she believes to be a false accusation and to restore Loretta’s employment at the hotel.
Federico Castagna, is returning at night from his sister’s house on a winding road in total dark when his car bumped into something. There was no damage to his car, however, the next day, in the same area, an unidentified woman was found dead. Fearful he might have killed her; he goes to his dear and trusted friend, Nonna Maria for advice. The unidentified woman died from strangulation, which is a relief to Federico. Nona Maria suspects, however, who the mystery woman is and even who killed her.
This is a delightful, intriguing story as Nonna Maria sets out to discover the truth about these two unfortunate situations. The characters are well developed and very relatable, and often I paused to laugh out loud before I turned the next page.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher, Random House for the complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

“Nonna Maria and the Case of the Stolen Necklace” by Lorenzo Carcaterra is the second in a mystery series. This book can be read as a stand-alone, so no need to read the first book to understand the players. I found this book to be a quick read with a rather interesting set of mysteries - who stole a necklace and who killed a stranger to the island? I think, for me, what I really enjoyed was the short chapters and how quickly and fluidly the book flowed. I did figure out who did what to both cases, but that didn’t take away from my enjoyment of this book. I loved the descriptions of the island, the characters, and the food. Nonna Maria is a fun character and I enjoyed being introduced to her, her friends, and her family. Overall, this was a fun and enjoyable book.

I really enjoyed this new Lorenzo Carcaterra novel. I was swept right up in this wonderland of mystery and intrigue. And such a lovely taste of island life. The characters were great and kept me totally invested in the story.
Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book

Second in a series (“Nonna Maria and the Case of the Missing Bride” was published in 2022), author Carcaterra brings back the elderly know-it-all widow and Italian Miss Marple/Dear Abby, Nonna Maria.

And what an enjoyable tale! Nonna Maria is a superwoman of sorts, but she’s powered by multiple cups/glasses of strong expresso/white wine a day, a long memory, her acute powers of observation, and a true sense of fairness and family ties. She’s in her element on the narrow streets of Ischia, the small Neapolitan island and tourist destination of 65,000. The book is as much a beautiful travelog about the isle as it is a testament to a strong determined woman.

In this novel, at the Grand Hotel Excelsior, Italian tourist Arianna Conte is accusing a maid, Loretta, Nonna Maria’s goddaughter, of stealing an heirloom necklace. Near the same time an unknown woman’ body was abandoned on the road and a young acquaintance of Nonna Maria’s fears he may have struck the victim with his car in the dark. Her involvement: “What I have always tried to do,” Nonna Maria said. “Help my friends when they need me.”

This is a quick and easy read — something to be enjoyed on a summer day. I loved Nonna Maria and I must go read her previous adventure. She needs many more future ones (starting with the clues in the last chapter)! 5 stars for this delightful cozy mystery.

Thank you to Random House, Ballantine/Bantam and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review!

Literary Pet Peeve Checklist:
Green Eyes (only 2% of the real world, yet it seems like 90% of all fictional females): MAYBE The Strega has eyes the color of “Greek olives” which could be deep purple like Kalamata olives or pale green like Halkidiki olives.
Horticultural Faux Pas (plants out of season or growing zones, like daffodils in autumn or bougainvillea in Alaska): NO Nonna Maria is a non-gardener: “I dislike jewelry and flowers in equal measure.”

Nonna Maria is one of the most engaging characters I have been introduced to in many years. The author has created a vibrant personality that has the perfect combination of head, heart, and street savvy.

I love following her through the streets of her village and her encounters with her many friends. Perhaps the most enjoyable feature of the books for me is, not the mystery, but wondering what sensational culinary treats she is going to serve up for her friends ( it is her “ currency” to elicit confidences). I wish I was on her distribution list. . . Even if it was just for a thermos of her super-strong espresso.

This was my second encounter with Nonna Maria, and I hope there will be many more in the future.

The latest Nonna Maria novel (this reader hopes there will be many more) again takes place on the small Italian island of Ischia where life is simple and everyone knows everyone else - except during the summer when thousands of vacationers invade. Nonna Maria is an elderly widow who is highly respected and is the “go to” person when there is a problem with one of the island residents and she often works along with the carabiners (local police). She is determined to find the missing necklace to clear her goddaughter and to uncover the details in connection with a woman’s body found on the road one night. She has the assistance of her wide circle of friends and her extended family.

The writing is excellent and returns the reader to a time when life was simple and uncomplicated. This reader was indeed nostalgic for the serenity and simplicity of life in a small village — especially after visiting several small towns while vacationing in Italy as one of the dreaded tourists.

I would like to thank NetGalley and Bantam Books and, of course, Lorenzo Caracterra for the opportunities to read and review this very entertaining and enjoyable book.

This book was sent to me electronically by Netgalley for review. Amateur sleuth or real detective…this main character is realistic and curious. The story moves quickly. This whodunit is a fun read.

Thank you to Bantam Books and NetGalley for the advanced reader copy of one of my most anticipated books of 2023!♡♡ It would be a disservice to call this a cozy mystery, as it is so much more rich than a light read. Nonna Maria, the elderly protagonist, has lived her whole life in Ischia, a small island off the coast of Italy. In this, her second outing, the past comes back to haunt Nonna when an old friend of hers is found dead by the side of the road. As usual in her stories, there is never just one investigation..the other storyline--just as interesting and compelling--follows her goddaughter being accused of theft, something Nonna is 100% sure did not happen. I love the lush descriptions of the seaside town, as well as all the memorable characters that pop up to assist Nonna as she tries to get to the bottom of evil goings on. Already wishing and hoping for her next adventure!♡♡♡ Highly recommend.

Shades of White Lotus.......Italian style with murder and mayhem.

The Grand Hotel Excelsior stands as a stately beacon to the tourists who flock to Ischia, an island off the Naples coast. The hotel is renowned for its colorful umbrella tables and lounge chairs that beckon its inhabitants to relax and enjoy the panoramic view in the warm sunshine of July. And its famous busy kitchen sends waves of delicious aromas ripe for a chef's kiss.

But the welcoming vibes are electrified when a well-dressed female guest demands to see the hotel manager, Antonio. Arianna Conte accuses one of the maids, Loretta, of stealing her highly vaued necklace. The woman is beside herself and the police are called.

Captain Paolo Murino is alarmed that such a thing would be happening here at this well-respected hotel. Arianna is adamant and refuses to believe otherwise. Loretta is sent home under house arrest until the necklace shows up or the evidence proves the accusation to be true.

To add to the captain's stress is a serving of the deadly kind. A woman's body is found by a fruit peddler early one morning. No one recognizes the woman as a local and the island's hotels are not missing any occupants. Was she the victim of a hit-and-run? Just who is this woman?

Enter Nonna Maria one of Ischia's most endearing citizens. She is a woman in her 70's who is always called upon for her helpful advice. Nonna Maria has a network of friends, family, and contacts that would put the CIA to shame. Nothing transpires on Ischia without her knowing names, dates, and shoe sizes. Nonna Maria has often worked with the police on cases in the past. This time will be no different.

This novel reads beautifully as a standalone, but treat yourself to the first book in this series as well. Lorenzo Carcaterra has a unique way of bringing his characters to life on the page with snappy dialogue and with the ring of Nonna Maria's deep analytical skills. There is humor strategically placed here and there as well as the sharp tug of human frailty. This all conjures up the White Lotus with its well-heeled individuals......but with the common folk leaving deep footprints alongside them.

I received a copy of this book through NetGalley for an honest review. My thanks to Random House and to Lorenzo Carcaterra for the opportunity.

This is second of the Nonna Maria series I’ve read. You don’t need to read the first to enjoy this new mystery featuring a wise native resident of a picturesque Italian island. The author’s familiarity with the area gave me wanderlust. He also gives parallel views of both the locals and touristy perspectives.
On the small island of Ischia dark secrets threaten idyllic island life. Nonna Maria is an elderly widow, mother, grandmother and friend to most in her wide network. Many seek her advice and guidance. She’s a woman after my own heart, only drinking strong coffee or wine, who needs water? She cooks mouth-watering cuisine and seems to feed the entire neighborhood. Her network includes everyone from a clergy, mobster, physician, baroness and witch. She will need help from them all as crime surfaces.
There’s an unknown victim left for dead beside the road. Nonna feels compelled to assist in identifying her. Her friend, Captain Murino, a Carabinieri officer, isn’t native to Ischia. He trusts her input. Her goddaughter has been falsely accused of the theft of a priceless heirloom by an elaborate con woman’s scheme. Nonna must use all her years of observation to get her goddaughter out of trouble. Nonna is also piecing together past secrets to obtain justice for the murdered woman.
The story is easy to follow, atmospheric utopia, and Nonna is a character I instantly connected with. I just knew she could help uncover all the secrets, lies and evil resulting in the loss of life. I can hardly wait to see what she does and who she’ll help next!
Thanks so much to NetGalley for the digital advance reader copy of “Nonna Maria and the Case of the Stolen Necklace” by Lorenzo Carcaterra, publisher Penguin Random House, Ballantine, Bantam Books. Publication date May 1, 2023. These are all my own honest personal thoughts and opinions given voluntarily without compensation.

Nonna Maria stole my heart in Lorenzo Carcaterra's Nonna Maria and the Case of the Missing Bride, and after reading the latest installment in this new series, I'm even more enamored with her than I was before.

In Nonna Maria and the Case of the Missing Necklace, we are able to reconnect with some of our favorite characters, from tough guy turned sweetheart Il Presidente to Nonna's beloved doctor - and nephew- to the police captain who relies on Nonna Maria's insight to solve the most difficult cases. We also meet some new scoundrels: there is a conniving hotel guest who accuses Nonna Maria's goddaughter of stealing her expensive necklace and her had-it-up-to-here accomplice. There is also the matter of the unknown woman who is found murdered on the side of the road, and Nonna Maria is determined to find out not only her identity but who caused her untimely and violent death.

I love that this story ended with the promise of another case on Nonna Maria's plate because I'm already anticipating her next adventure.

There is no better friend to have than Nonna Maria.”
You just sit yourself down, open the pages and find yourself immersed in the stories and everyday lives of her “beloved Ischia”.
She is loyal to her town, her family, her lifelong friends and neighbors, always ready to advocate for them when there is need or trouble.
An unknown woman to the village has been found dead on a roadside, a family member is involved, and Nonna Maria sets out to protect her goddaughter.
There are two colliding storylines, the past and the future, the innocent and the guilty, and side stories that bring into focus class distinction and the cultural mores of the island.
As Nona Maria says: “We have both lived long enough to know the world can be a dark place, Gennaro, even on an island as beautiful as Ischia,”
However, secrets kept always carry their story and Nona Maria knows her people: vignettes paint the lives of many of its citizens adding layers of bravery, loss, memory, endurance, truth, and always love.
Author Lorenza Carcaterra is adept at the poetic prose that portrays the island of Ischia, its history, culture and inhabitants so well.
Open a travel site to Ischia, and be captivated by its beauty. Hope for a cup of Nonna Maria’s special coffee.