Murder in an Italian Village by Michael Falco follows a mother and her son opening in Italian inn. Unfortunately, their opening is marred by the discovery of a mysterious stranger who has been murdered and found in one of their rooms.

I was hoping for a great cozy mystery with armchair travel in this book. However, I DNF’d the book at 20% as I neither got a strong sense of place or strong, interesting characters. A stronger, more evocative opening would have helped grab my attention, and inspire me to keep reading.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced review copy.

Newly widowed Bria Bartolucci is planing the opening her guesthouse Bella Bella in beautiful Positano when she discovers a dead man in one of the bedrooms. The guesthouse had been a dream of her late husband Carlo and this unforeseen circumstance throws an obstacle into the opening. Bria and her friend Rosalie decide to solve the murder themselves. The locale was beautifully portrayed but I think there was something lacking in character motivation. Bria was reckless many times and took too many chances. Hopefully in the next few books she will be more cautious and thoughtful.

A glorious, relatable book that covers so much in such a short number of pages and yet everything feels like it was covered perfectly. I really enjoyed this book. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for a review.

This felt like reading a Louise Penny novel set on the Amalfi Coast - with similar strengths and weaknesses. It's light and fun - and the plot shows creativity, but there are many problems with realism and consistency that could frustrate a serious mystery lover.

This was a cozy mystery read with a beautiful setting. I found this book pretty slow without much character development unfortunately. I felt like the B&B, plus the city, was overexplained and a little bit unnecessary. I usually like a more fast pace thriller so this was out of my norm and I didn’t love it. There was some good twists throughout the book but wish there was more drama.

The Amalfi coast, beautiful views, refreshing fragances, carefree birds, a paradise on earth where nothing can go wrong, except for Bria Bartolucci. “A murder in an italian village” introduces us to the new life of the widow Bria Bartolucci in Positano, who discovers unexpectedly a dead man in one of the bedrooms of her bed-and-breakfast, which is a few weeks away from the opening. Alongside her eight-year-old son, Bravo the dog and her friends, Bria is determined to find the murderer.

A murder story filled with grief, friendship, love and determination, “A murder in an italian village” is a delightful view into the depths of a police investigation that everyone will adore.

It’s quite remarkable the love the author has for Italy, you can get infected by it through the sheer amount of italian references that engulf the chapters of the book, as well as the vast descriptions that’ll take you away from wherever you are to place you in the streets of Positano. If you are awestruck by Italy and its culture then this is a must-read for you.

I’m grateful with NetGalley, the author and the publisher for the opportunity of letting me read this before its publication.

Michael Falco kicks off his Bria Bartolucci cozy mystery series with Murder in an Italian Village. Readers who enjoyed Lorenzo Carcaterra’s Nonna Maria mysteries might enjoy this one. Just a warning, though, that there’s quite a number of Italian phrases thrown into this book.

Bria Bartolucci, a widow with an eight-year-old son, Marco, is about to open a bed-and-breakfast in Positano, Italy, on the Amalfi coast. It was her husband Carlo’s dream. When he died six months earlier, she continued the work on the B&B, with the help of a local handyman. Now, she’s ready to open in a week. Well, she’s ready until she returns home from dropping Marco at school, and finds an unknown man dead in one of her bedrooms.

Bria panics and calls her best friend, Rosalie. Only afterwards does she think to call Rosalie’s brother, Luca, the chief of police. He arrives with Nanzi, his second-in-command. It doesn’t take Nanzi long to take Bria’s handyman in for questioning. While she and her mother trust Giovanni Montaverdi, he has a past history with the police. But, what will happen to Carlo’s dream and Bria’s B&B if it’s known as the scene of a murder?

Bria’s mother, Fifetta, is the one who inspires her to investigate the case. She’s sure Bria will uncover who killed him. “You have a sharp mind, good instincts, and an open heart.” While Bria is sure her handyman didn’t kill anyone, she’s worried when her investigation looks like Bria’s wealthy, influential mother-in-law might be involved.

Rosalie and Bria are a little too eager to investigate at times, and their actions don’t always make Luca happy. But, it’s their questions and observations that lead to the solution in this slow-moving, atmospheric mystery.

Falco’s first in the series bogs down at times, between the Italian language and details. Sometimes, it goes off track. But, the characters and setting are appealing, and it could develop into an engaging series.

I enjoyed the setting and there are some good twists and turns in the plot but I found the writing very verbose and many of the descriptions felt like an American writing about Italy which made it hard to believe the main character was actually Italian. If you can suspend the disbelief here then it's a good read and I could see this being a nice cosy mystery series.

Murder in an Italian Village is the first book in this new cozy mystery series set in Positano, Italy. Newly widowed Bria Bartolucci is busy getting her B&B ready for its grand opening. As usual, she walks her young son to school but when she returns home, she discovers a dead man in one of her guest rooms. When suspicion falls on her employee, Bria and her best friend Rosalie decide to do some sleuthing to find the real killer. This book has a smart spunky main character in Bria, who is surrounded by a loving family and good friends. I have never been to Italy and enjoyed the way the writer vividly described the beautiful city of Positano. There are plenty of suspects, lots of red herrings, a little romance, and a cute dog, I was surprised by who the killer turned out to be. Thank you to both the publisher and netgalley for providing me with this ARC to read and review. I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading the next book in this highly entertaining series.

"Murder In An Italian Village" by Michael Falco offers readers a cozy mystery set in the enchanting Positano, Italy. The story revolves around Bria, a widowed B&B owner who stumbles upon a body in one of her bedrooms just before the grand opening of her establishment. With the support of her best friend Rosalie and sister Lorenza, Bria embarks on a mission to clear her B&B's reputation and unveil the truth behind the murder.

The book's setting in Positano is undoubtedly its strongest aspect. Falco beautifully captures the charm and allure of this picturesque Italian village, immersing readers in its atmosphere and making them yearn to explore its winding streets and breathtaking views. The descriptions of the Amalfi Coast evoke a sense of wanderlust and provide a delightful backdrop for the unfolding mystery.

The dynamic between Bria, Rosalie, and Lorenza adds depth and humor to the story. Their camaraderie and unwavering support for one another create an enjoyable dynamic that keeps readers engaged. The characters are relatable and their interactions bring warmth to the narrative.

The plot is intriguing, with the murder at Bella Bella B&B serving as the central mystery. The initial discovery of the body generates immediate intrigue, and the subsequent investigation unveils a scandal that permeates the village. The pacing is generally well-maintained, with enough twists and turns to keep readers guessing.

However, the book falls short in a few areas. The character development, particularly for the protagonist, Bria, feels somewhat lacking. While her grief and determination are evident, there is room for more exploration of her emotions and growth throughout the story. Additionally, some secondary characters could have been better fleshed out to enhance the overall depth of the narrative.

The resolution of the mystery, though satisfying, feels slightly rushed. The climax is exciting and provides closure, but a more gradual and detailed unraveling of the clues would have added to the suspense and engagement of the readers.

"Murder In An Italian Village" offers a promising start to a cozy mystery series set in a captivating location. The vivid portrayal of Positano, the engaging relationships between the characters, and the intriguing plot make for an enjoyable read. While the book could benefit from further character development and a more nuanced resolution, it lays a solid foundation for future installments in the series.

When I requested this book from Netgalley I was mainly attracted by the fact that it was set in Positano, a wonderful place on the Amalfi coast. Although I had not previously read anything of this writer and didn't know what to expect I was not disappointed.
Bria is a widow who is trying to open her own Bed and Breakfast in the lovely village of Positano. Her plans threaten to be thwarted when one day, after she returns from delivering her son at his school, she discovers a dead man in one of the bedrooms. Bria soon discovers her aptitude for sleuthing and together with her best friend Rosalie she starts investigating who the victim was, why he was killed and of-course whodunnit.
After a couple of plot twists all becomes clear in this delightful cosy mystery.
I loved the vivid descriptions of Positano and the Amalfi coast, the quirky personages that populate the book and the developing love-angles. Not very complicated but just a delightful read. Looking forward to the next episode..

I want to thank Netgalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Bria is getting ready to fulfill a lifelong dream of hers and her late husband of opening a bed and breakfast. Shortly before opening day she finds a dead body in one of her guest rooms. Bria sets out to solve the mystery at an attempt to save the reputation of her bed and breakfast.

This is a cozy murder mystery. I enjoyed the setting of Positano and all of the Italian culture that was included in the book. There were a lot of Italian words and phrases used which I can appreciate, but it did make it hard at times to follow what was being said. The characters were likable and I enjoyed their personalities. Overall a very nice cozy mystery read.

Thanks to Netgalley and Kensington Books, Kensington Cozies for a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I don't read a lot of cozies or see many set in Italy, but this was fun and included an entertaining plot and characters. I have to keep an eye out for more from this author.

I really appreciate the free copy for review!!

Italian widow Bria wants to fulfill her late husband’s wish by opening Bella Bella, a bed and breakfast in Positano, but the opening is delayed due to a murder that takes place on the premises. In this cozy mystery, we follow our amateur detective throughout the Amalfi coast to attempt to solve the murder and save her business’s reputation.

I enjoyed the use of Italian phrases throughout and the descriptions of the Amalfi coast and Italian fashion. However, stylistically I found the writing to be verbose.

Many thanks to Kensington Publishing and Net Galley for the advanced reader copy of “Murder in an Italian Village” set to be released September 26, 2023. If you’re looking for a new cozy mystery series, this is a light-hearted who-done-it.

Rich with descriptions, characters, and mystery.

Excellent character development. Every character contributed in some way to the mystery and the solution in a very subtle manner. Bria, the protagonist, is a strong, loving woman who I liked instantly. You can tell the author really loved his characters and wanted them to shine. He succeeded.

A smart plot, with crafty clues spread throughout the story. I loved how the author did a homage to the queen of crafty mysteries, Agatha Christie, by having all the players come together for Bria to shrewdly finger the murderer. The descriptions of Positano were beautifully described. I enjoyed the spattering of Italian throughout the story (Side Note: the author included a list of meanings to those words in the back of the book).

With great writing and style, the author pulls the reader into the story and keeps your attention throughout the entire book. A great addition into the world of cozy mysteries. I can’t wait to see what the author has in store for us with the next book in the series.

My review is voluntary and all comments and opinions are my own.

What a slow book. I slogged through, not sure why. Italian phrases thrown in here & there (which my mind did translate thanks to high school Italian). I can't pinpoint why I felt the book was disjointed. I'm sure others will have enjoyed it (have not read any other reviews), so read for yourself & see how you feel! Who "did it" was revealed towards the very end. Thanks to Kensington Books & NetGalley for the ARC in return for an honest review

Murder in an Italian Village by Michael Falco introduces the reader to the Amalfi Coast of Italy and a widowed mother trying to open her B&B. When a dead body is discovered in one of her bedrooms, she has to prove she isn't responsible for the murder. This is a very descriptive book on the region and fun characters abound.

Bria's husband bought a Bed and Breakfast just before he was killed in a plane crash. Wanting to keep his dream alive, Bria moves on with renovations and plans to open the B&B. Much to her surprise she finds a dead man in one of the bedrooms. Now it's up to her to solve the murder.

This book moved a little slower than I like and the flow was hard for me. It felt overly descriptive for my taste and I was ready to move on to the next thing. Some chapters ended abruptly and made me feel like I had missed something.

No sex
No swearing
No graphic violence

Thank you to Netgalley for allowing me to read and review this book.

loved the vivid and picturesque description of Positano, Italy. I loved the character of Bria. So after the death of her husband Carlo. Bria is determined to make their dream a reality. But before the opening of her Bella Bella ( B&B) on Amalfi coast, something unusual happens and she finds a dead man on her guest room’s bed. Now Bria is in such a dilemma, if she will call the police, it will affect her B&B reputation. If not, what will she do of the dead body? So she calls her best friend Rosalie and they take Lucas help. But will she wait and watch the professional team to find out the killer or she will dig deep into it and find out the identity of a man who has been murdered and find his murderer? It was twisted and intriguing. I loved the characters and cosy mystery. I would definitely love to read more of the author works. The writing was descriptive and enchanting.

What a delightful book! This is the first book in what will be a runaway series, no doubt! I was
transported to lovely Positano, Italy, in so many ways, Lots of Italian words & phrases are used
and it was fun trying to pronounce them along the journey. The scenes are so well set with everything
from the food to the yachts in the harbor and, of course the delicious sounding drinks.
What you might not expect is the murders…and who the murderers turn out to be, but we cannot
talk about that!
Instead, the shops, the food, the wonderful young widow who returns home with her young son
to bring to fruition the dream she and her husband had before he died. There is a full complement
of characters who make Bria nearly crazy, and one she might eventually fall in love with - I have no idea …
This is going to be a series, which makes me pretty sure that the opening of Bella Bella, the new B&B
in town, is going to have a few more stops and starts and perhaps the very handsome Chief of Police
will have to return, along with both Bria’s Mother and family and of course, her Mother in Law, Imperia,
her beloved Marco’s mom, who is, on a good day, a challenge.
This story has made murder fun, and when the Innkeeper, her bestie and her family are all playing
Investigator, it’s simply hilarious.
I am anxiously awaiting the next book! (The series is: A Bria Bertolucci Mystery)
.I think this book (and subsequent series): would be fun for
fans of the Stephanie Plum series (Janet Evanovich). I will recommend it to all of my girlfriends for
a light summer story.. My thanks to Kensington Cozies (kindle edition) and NetGalley, for this free download
for which I am leaving this honest review