Nonna Maria and the Case of the Lost Treasure is book 3 in Lorenzo Carcaterra's Nonna Maria series. I have read the previous books: the Case of the Missing Bride and the Case of the Stolen Necklace. However, I don't think you have to read the previous books as each story is a stand-alone.

I've thought of the series as a cozy mystery previously and in a lot of ways it does read like one. However, this one didn't really have much of a mystery - maybe more a book of suspense but there isn't a lot of tension. There are no dead bodies in this book though there is an assassination attempt. Who is after the captain is revealed pretty early on for the reader so the only suspense there is if the characters will figure it out before it is too late.

You might wonder what assassination has to do with the lost treasure in the title. The lost treasure hunt is a secondary plot. Again there is some mild suspense as Nonna Maria and her friends search old (and dangerous) contraband caves without knowing what they will find. There is a bit of mystery as well, though it isn't the type of mystery where the reader can solve based on clues since we can't actually explore the caves.

It has some hallmarks of a cozy mystery - clean language, little focus on romance (though the captain is engaged), and endearing characters. Often cozy mysteries have a quirky character or two and several of the characters in the book have a few quirks. Nonna Maria only drinks coffee during the day and white wine at night (she drinks nothing else) and she only eats and drinks in her own kitchen. Then there are the characters Pepe the Painter, The Magician (a treasure hunter and former runner of contraband), and the Pirate (another treasure hunter and former runner of contraband). The Pirate is usually drunk, lives on a boat, and only wears a bathing suit, a red bandana, and a sword.

The story is told in 3rd person but sometimes we are more focused on Nonna Maria and in other chapters, it is the captain. It is in one of the captain's chapters that we learn about his takedown of a notorious crime boss. It is during this chapter we learn more about what the carabinieri is. While it is a bit of an info dump it is interesting information so it didn't bother me. What did bother me was when the author broke the 4th wall and compared the carabinieri to "our FBI". It took me out of the story momentarily and I had to work to fully immerse myself in the book again. When I read these books, I'm completely in Italy and to me the narrator is Italian. So the use of "our" was a bit jarring.

If you like a mystery/suspense novel where you are just along for the ride (as opposed to trying to piece the clues together to solve the mystery) with great characters, then this book should definitely be on your summer reading list.

My review will be published at Girl Who Reads on Monday - https://www.girl-who-reads.com/2024/05/nonna-maria-and-case-of-lost-treasure.html

Nonna Maria is approached by a dying man who tells her that an assassin has been sent to Ischia to kill her friend Murino. Also a young woman enlists her help in finding a treasure her grandfather told her about before he passed away. This was a bit darker than the Lost Necklace but still very enjoyable. The more I read about Nonna the more like her. The characters are growing on me and Ischia sounds like a paradise.

Thank you to Netgalley and Random House Ballantine for providing me with a digital copy.

Amateurish, unbelievable, zero suspense. Maybe it's because I didn't read earlier installments in this series? Two stars for the fabulous descriptions of food.

This most recent addition to the Nonna Maria mystery series combines elements of gothic novels, mystery, and suspense. Nonna Maria relies on her large network of friends to help her search for missing treasure, and to prevent the demise of Captain Murino of the military police on the island of Ischia, where she lives. Along the way she encounters mob members, widows, thieves, and pirates, handling them all with her usual calm conpetence. Nonna always offers her best food dishes and wine to those who become involved in helping with her various projects. The fast-moving story includes many twists, turns, and surprises, and also warm occasions with family and friends. This novel is a welcome addition to the Nonna Maria series and can be read as an enjoyable standalone. However, readers should be warned that the novels are addictive, and reading this one will prompt a reader to go back and read the first ones in the series. This novel contains no strong language or physical intimacy, and just enough action to prove interesting. Highly recommended!

I received this novel from the publisher and from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. (Thank you!) The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

twists and turns, mayhem and a wonderful grandmother sleuth to keep you entertained! So many wonderful complex characters and an informative unpredictable story making this a real page turner and a must read!

A captivating addition to the series, showcasing Maria’s wit, resilience, and love for espresso. I eagerly await the next installment.
Many thanks to Random House and to Netgalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

***A big thank you to Random House Publishing Group and NetGalley for providing me with an eARC copy of this book.***

Lorenzo Carcaterra captivates readers once more with the third book in his cozy mystery series. Maria, the main character, remains a richly layered figure. Though many see her as a detective, she humbly considers herself simply someone who helps her loved ones during difficult times.

This book skillfully weaves together two cases. In the first, Rita, the granddaughter of one of Maria’s old friends, seeks her assistance in deciphering a map left by her late grandfather. The second case involves Captain Paolo Murino, who faces an assassin seeking vengeance for an old feud from Naples.

Maria’s character is depicted with a wonderful mix of charm, patience, and a vast network of friends and connections. Her intuitive and nurturing nature adds significant depth to her portrayal. Captain Murino’s character development is also notable, as he increasingly depends on Maria and her network in addition to his own expertise. The supporting characters are well-crafted and memorable, making readers curious about who will return in future books.

From the outset, the story engages with its relatable and likable characters. This book isn’t a fast-paced thriller but rather a leisurely read to be enjoyed slowly. It vividly brings the island of Ischia to life with rich descriptions of its people, scenery, and customs. Though the mysteries may be somewhat predictable, the writing is smooth and the world-building is superb. Carcaterra excels at delving into the characters’ inner thoughts and interactions, offering a deep exploration of local culture, cuisine, and the ways in which elders teach life lessons to children.

The narrative adeptly blends themes of love, survival, family, and friendship, making it a compelling read. It’s a heartwarming and delightful cozy mystery that celebrates community and friendship. Carcaterra’s engaging writing style draws readers in, leaving them eagerly awaiting the next book in the series.

I love, love, love, Nonna Maria. I wished I had had her in my life when I was growing up. She loves, helping her friends and has a lot of friends who help her. I can’t wait to see what Nonna Maria gets involved in next.


I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley. This is my honest and voluntary review.

3.5 stars

In this third book in the Nonna Maria series, the shrewd Italian grandmother has two goals: to foil an assassination and to help a young woman find the treasure left by her grandfather. The book works fine as a standalone.

*****

Nonna Maria, who lives on the beautiful Italian island of Ischia, is in her seventies, walks with a slight limp, keeps her thick white hair in a bun, likes espresso coffee and white wine, loves to cook, and dines only at her own table - near a photo of her deceased husband Gabriel. Nonna Maria is always happy to help her friends, who include most of the locals on Ischia.

Nonna Maria's friend, carabinieri Captain Paolo Murino, has been living and working on Ischia for five years. Murino is happy on the island, where he performs his carabinieri duties and spends time with the love of his life, his fiancée Loretta D'Angelo.

Unfortunately, trouble has now followed Murino to Ischia. Eight years ago, when Murino was a cop in northern Italy, he took down the most dangerous criminal in Florence, mob leader Guido Ostino. Ostino has been stewing in prison ever since, planning revenge. Now Ostino has sent assassins to murder Murino.

Through an acquaintance form Naples, Nonna Maria learns of the threat to Murino and informs the carabinieri captain. Murino responds, 'Nonna Maria, you are my friend but I am asking, pleading to let me handle this on my own. The last thing I want to see happen is to have anyone bring harm to you because of me.' Nonna Maria won't hear it and insists she and other friends will help Murino. These include il Presidente - a former thug who's become Nonna Maria's friend and protector; and the Mourners - a group of women who work in the shadows.

So the battle is on: Ostino's criminal gang vs. Murino and his friends on Ischia.

Meanwhile, Nonna Marie gets a visit from a young woman named Rita whose grandfather recently died. Shortly before he passed, Rita's grandfather told her about a treasure he'd hidden in Ischia's caves. It's well known that Ischia's caverns have been used for centuries, to store wine, grain, and flour; and by black marketeers, to hide cigarettes, whiskey, wine, and money.

Rita's grandfather gave her a fragile old map, with lines and markings depicting the location of his treasure. Ischia's caves are VERY dangerous however, with maze-like tunnels and traps in the entrances and walls. Nonna Maria agrees to help Rita find the treasure, and enlists the assistance of three friends familiar with the caverns: the Pirate, the Magician, and Pepe the Painter.

The Pirate, who rides around on a motorboat, is a wiry barefoot old man who always wears a red Speedo; the Magician is a tall muscular man (and talented thief); and Pepe the Painter has been drawing Ischia's castle - which has secret openings into the caves - for decades. Nonna Maria and her friends need to find the treasure ASAP, because news of Grandfather's secret has spread through Italy, and treasure seekers - both crooks and hobby hunters - are on their way to Ischia.

Nonna Maria is fearless, and though one might expect her to watch the action from a distance, Nonna Maria does no such thing. She goes right along to help Captain Murino escape the assassins, and to ensure Rita gets her treasure.

The story is accentuated by descriptions of the sights, sounds, and history of Ischia, along with mentions of tempting Italian delicacies. Nonna Maria loves to prepare food for her friends and relatives, and these goodies include veal cutlets with arugula; marinated artichokes; eggplant parmigiana paninis; tomatoes and red onion salad; pasta with grilled chicken; and more.

I enjoyed the book and recommended it to fans of cozy mysteries in exotic settings.

Thanks to Netgalley, Lorenzo Carcaterra, and Ballantine for a copy of the book.

I had a brain fart when I first read the blurb for Nonna Maria and the Case of the Lost Treasure (side note: for your sanity and to keep this review somewhat short, I will be using NM as an abbreviation). I quickly read the blurb and assumed that it was a middle-grade mystery. Please don’t ask me why because I don’t have an answer. My best answer is that my kids were asking me questions or fighting (more likely the latter), and I didn’t fully pay attention to the blurb. Anyway, I accepted, and I am glad that I did. NM was a good read.

NM is the third book in the Nonna Maria series. You can read it as a standalone, but as I always do, I recommend reading the first two books first. That way, you get a better understanding of the characters and their relationships.

I have a new location to add to my list of places to go. NM is set on the island of Ischia. I did a quick Google search, and oh boy, do I want to go there. The watercolor is fantastic, and I couldn’t get over how the beaches looked in the pictures. Plus, there is the castle (which does make an appearance in this book).

NM has two main storylines. One storyline centers around Nonna Maria, Captain Murino, and the assassin working for an outside mob boss. The other storyline centers around Nonna Maria, the map her deceased friend left his granddaughter, and the search for that. Each storyline was exciting and well-written. When the author merges them at the end of the book, it is almost seamless.

The storyline that centers around Nonna Maria, Captain Murino, and the assassin is interesting. The author goes back to years earlier when Captain Murino was part of an operation to bring down the mob in Florence. I got confused and had to reread the first couple of paragraphs to figure out what was happening. But that didn’t last long, and it was the only time in the book that it happened, so I let it slide. I wasn’t a big fan of Nonna Maria being put in the middle and used almost as bait. But it did lead to an exciting ending to that storyline.

The storyline that centers on Nonna Maria, the map, and the search for the treasure was also exciting. I did get a crash course on the island’s history and how the caves were used. The author also introduced two colorful characters, the Pirate and the Magician, and an American treasure hunter and his assistant. I couldn’t get enough of this storyline and was eager to see if the treasure was uncovered. Of course, there were hijinks (which Nonna Maria was left out of) that led to a race for that group to find the granddaughter’s treasure. Those hijinks were amped up to almost a fever pitch when this group figured out where the treasure was. The end of this storyline was interesting because it didn’t end. It was left up in the air and gave me a feeling that these characters and at least some of this storyline will appear in another book.

I liked Nonna Maria. She had eyes and ears everywhere and often got news faster than Captain Murino. She didn’t let her age slow her down. I also got a laugh that she only drank expresso and wine. But, most of all, I liked the devotion she had and that she inspired in other people.

The end of NM was interesting. While the two mysteries were solved, enough was left open on both to make me wonder if any of these storylines/characters would be reintroduced in another book.

Many thanks to Random House Publishing Group – Ballantine, Bantam, NetGalley, and Lorenzo Carcaterra for allowing me to read and review this ARC of Nonna Maria and the Case of the Lost Treasure. All opinions stated in this review are mine.

Nonna Maria would do anything to help her friends, and that includes the captain of the national police force whose life is threatened by an unknown assailant. A young woman also enlists Nonna Maria’s help, seeking a potential treasure hidden for decades by her grandfather. New characters are introduced and old characters are given more depth in this third installment in the series. However, the island of Ischia was really given a chance to shine as new locations were explored and their history discussed. Nonna Maria and the Lost Treasure is a cute, cozy story, and I enjoyed my most recent (literary) visit to Italy.

This is an atmospheric mystery that takes place on the intriguing island of Ischia. It's third in a series, second one I read. I chose it specifically because of the island.

The main character Nona Maria is central to two mysteries going on at the same time in this novel, one is around a buried treasure and the other about an assassin gunning for Nona Maria’s best friend.
The characters were fun, Nona Maria is one-of-a-kind, and the descriptions of the island enjoyable--not nearly enough of those! It's an easy and uncomplicated read, with an emphasis on community, just what I want late at night.

3.5 stars

This was my first book of the Nonna Maria series that I had the privilege of reading. I found it to be a charming cozy mystery that was surprisingly tightly written and fast-paced. Although the character of Nonna Maria was more of a side character than a main contributor of the action, I liked how her presence and friendship with the other characters that featured more heavily acted like an axis of a wheel. As a foodie, I thoroughly appreciated sll the food and wine descriptions and it made me want to add the island of Ischia to my list of places I'd like to one day visit.

Perfect read for older mystery fans who like clean, fun thrillers with charming characters of a more advanced age.

Thank you to NetGalley, Bantam, and Lorenzo Carcaterra for an advanced reader's copy in exchange for an honest review.

Enjoyable read set on Ischia Island in Italy. I did not realize this was a series but I was able to follow along without having read the first two. The things I liked most about this book was the setting, the food and the charming characters. Nonna Marie is at the center of two mysteries and helps to bring closure to those involved. She uses her charm, smarts, history and connections to help with this. Captain Murino is an intriguing character who I would like to hear more about! He gave up the city life to settle in Ischia having solved important cases in the cities.

Without going into lengthy detail the author show us the island, the customs, the food and the slower pace of life. While doing this we get quite an adventure featuring sea caves and a castle. I plan to pick up the other novels in this series. Thank you Netgalley for the chance to review this book.

The Italian island of Ischia has its’ share of mysteries and Nonna Maria is always there to help when her friends are involved. Captain Paolo Murino came to Ischia as the head of the carabinieri. He fell in love with the island, his fiancée Loretta and Nonna Maria, who considers him one of her family. Now his life is in danger. As a young officer in Florence, he took down a mob boss and went after the members of the organization. Now a group of assassins have arrived on the island. Murino begs Nonna Maria not to put herself in danger and let him handle it, but she has her own resources and insists on helping. A second story line involves the death of one of her friends. Before his death he passed a map to his granddaughter Rita. Somewhere in the caves beneath the island is a treasure that he wants her to find. There is no one better to help her than the Pirate, a former smuggler. He and his old partner the Magician used the caves to hide contraband, so they are enlisted to help. It does not take long for word to spread to treasure hunters, forcing them to move quickly.

Lorenzo Carcaterra fills his story with colorful characters. Beside the Pirate and the Magician, there is Pepe the painter and Shaw, the treasure hunter. Nonna Maria is always equipped with her black bag, usually containing food and a bottle or two of wine. She lives on espresso with a shot and several pieces of chocolate melted in it. It is an insult to offer her water. She leases a part of her home to Il Presidente, a former criminal who finds himself working to protect the carabinieri. He has become like a son to her and is there to protect Nonna as she helps others. While the assassins seem inept, there is someone else on the island who has gained Murino’s trust and presents a true danger. An annual festival provides cover for both the treasure seekers and an assassination attempt, with Nonna Maria in the center of everything. This is a story filled with mystery, family, love and lots of good food and wine that will delight cozy myster readers. Hopefully, Nonna Maria will be returning with another cup of espresso and more mysteries in the future. I would like to thank NetGalley and Random House - Ballantine for providing this book.

“‘Never lose that fear, Captain,’ she said. ‘It’s what helps keep us alive. In many ways, it is better to be afraid than to have courage.’…’And what is it you fear, Nonna Maria?’ he asked. ‘A day without coffee and a night without wine,’ Nonna Maria said.” AMEN!

This is book 3 in the Nonna Maria series and I will read every one that is written. Nonna has got to be one of my favorite characters ever written. She reminds me so wholeheartedly of my late mother in law who cooked like her hands were touched by angels and was just the quintessential Italian woman. Nonna Maria holds a special place in my heart.

I just love how all of these stories showcase the Italian culture in its truest and best form, focusing on loyalty, FOOD, espresso, and family. This series simply has my heart. The mysteries in the books are just an added bonus.

Thanks for the free audiobook @PRHAudio #PRHAudioPartner and to Netgalley, Random House, and the author for the ARC

Accomplished and imaginative mystery author Lorenzo Carcaterra's Nonna Maria and the Case of the Lost Treasure serves multiple purposes for dedicated mystery readers or lovers of exotic locals. The featured character, Nonna Maria, is a widowed grandmother who knows everyone and everything about the lush Italian island of Ischia.
The head of the Carabinieri hears that gangsters are en route to kill him as revenge for jailing their peers. Meanwhile, Nonna's friend asks Nonna to track down a supposed treasure, according to a map given to the friend's granddaughter. Despite solid warnings from Nonna's friends and family and the head of the Caribineri, Nonna persists as the plot develops, and readers are drawn into another captivating Nonna Maria adventure.

What a fun and charming mystery set on the lush and warm island of Ischia just off the coast of Naples, Italy.

Given the tight-knit community on Ischia, nothing goes unseen and everyone looks after one another. When strangers are in their midst, beyond the usual day-tripping tourists, the locals are quietly watching. This watchfulness is particularly keen when nefarious strangers have one of the locals in their sites. Meanwhile, the granddaughter of a notorious jewel thief, whose memory is filled with fantastical stories shared by her now-deceased grandfather, discovers a map among his things. Could this be a map to his quarry? Rumors have been floating about among the treasure hunters for years about the famous Paolino Iacone's hoard. But none has yet found it. Can Rita attain her legacy before the treasure hunter's seize it for themselves? Can carabinieri Captain Murino capture the nefarious strangers before anyone gets hurt or worse?

Mr. Carcaterra has done a wonderful job of creating a beautiful setting for this series. One hears the cry of seagulls and the crashing waves on the rocks; one smells the tang of the ocean and the enticing aromas of fabulous cuisine cooked by the magical hands of local women for those whom they love; and one sees the looming castle built into the cliff high above the port. The writing is rich and the characters well developed. The interaction among the characters and affection exuded among the locals is palpable. The tension builds gradually to a spectacular climax and and then gently eases leaving the reader with a warmth for the local characters, a satisfied feeling, and a desire to book their next trip to the Amalfi Coast.

I am grateful to Bantam Books for having provided a complimentary uncorrected proof of this book through NetGalley. Their generosity, however, has not influenced this review - the words of which are mine alone.


Publisher:‎ Bantam Books
Publication Date: ‎ May 7, 2024
No. of pages: ‎ 288
ISBN-13:‎ 978-0593499214

Nonna Maria and the Case of the Lost Treasure by Lorenzo Carcaterra is the final book in the Nonna Maria series it was so good. If you like stories with an assassin with a decades old grudge, a map handed down with a family secret, a hidden treasure in Ischia’s secret cavern then you will love this book.

This story takes place on the island of Ischia which is in the gulf of Naples, Italy. Nonna Maria is a widowed grandmother who has lived her entire life in Ischia. Nonna Maria always finds herself in a mystery and being a part of solving them.

The world-building is amazing and being that it takes place in Italy adds to the appeal of the book. The characters main and side were written so well. There was not a part of the book that didn’t keep me hooked. I love the way Lorenzo describes the island, the way he incorporates Ischia’s history, foods, cultures, and the traditions into the story is amazing. I enjoyed the mysteries and the fact that there was not just one but two. I want Nonna Maria as my Nonna!! I cannot wait to go back and was the first two books. I enjoyed this unputdownable page turning book!! Thank you to Random House and NetGalley for giving me this ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts and opinions.

While part of a series, this novel can be a stand alone . Nonna Maria, a superlative amateur sleuth based on Carcaterra's grandmother,is known for her magnificent meals and her desire to honor her late husband. She continues to wear mourning clothes and dines alone with his portrait.
In an interview from 2022, Carcaterra said "Ischia is as much a character in the novel as Nonna Maria" (Book Q&A's with Deborah Kalb May 3 2022). The description of the settings are so cinematic, this reader could smile in recognition while looking at photos of the island.

The plot shines as well, primary and secondary characters from the previous books reappear. This time it is Captain Murino is featured. We learn more of his background, and why he is targeted by hit man of unusual skill. Murino is wise enough to seek counsel with our nonna. While this cat and mouse game unfolds, another adventure has brought treasure hunters, and old partners in crime to the tunnels and sea caves of Ischia. The story builds carefully leading to a twisting satisfying climax.

Full disclosure" I received this ARC from Netgalley and Bantam in exchange for an unbiased review. Thank you for this opportunity.