Dan’s former marriage fell apart because of the job – when he was a DCI with the Metropolitan Police, and the long hours made life with him impossible – but, now he’s a private investigator living and working in Italy, he’s finding it every bit as difficult to switch off. And poor Anna – she was hoping a proper break in Portofino would be good for their new relationship, but a missing girl, an overheard conversation and the discovery of a murder victim find her frequently abandoned and left on the quayside when Dan feels compelled to offer his assistance to the beleaguered local police, who are only too pleased to have him on board (in more ways than one).

The murder victim is one of a group staying on one of the luxury yachts – a collection of people from the TV industry, some of them well known, many of them particularly difficult and unlikeable, and all with differing reasons for not being particularly distressed about the loss of one of their own. A second grisly discovery complicates the picture even further – and Dan and Oscar get increasingly involved in making the necessary links, sorting out the suspects, and trying to establish what happened.

As always, every single character is quite wonderfully drawn – and the plot is overflowing with red herrings and false trails, making you convinced you’ve solved it all ahead of them, only to find yourself at another dead end. I enjoyed the insights into the complexities of law enforcement in the area too – different areas of administration and responsibility, frequently tripping over each other. And we also see the darker underbelly of the rich people’s playground – but it takes a while to establish its connection with the investigation.

Oscar, as always, proves invaluable in winning people over, especially enthusiastically if they’re female or carrying food – and while he might not get the chance to throw himself into the onboard pool, he certainly has his moments in the water, as well as being particularly pivotal in concluding the investigation. There are the loveliest touches of humour throughout, from Oscar’s interventions and Dan’s observations – and, of course, the most beautiful setting, so vividly drawn and infused with Italian sunshine, along with plenty of opportunities to taste the local cuisine.

Such an engaging story, so entertaining throughout but with more than enough complexity to the plot to satisfy any crime reader – this was a wonderful addition to this lovely series, and I really couldn’t recommend it more highly. But as for Dan’s relationship with Anna – I do hope she thinks Dan’s worth it and can put up with being sidelined for just a little longer…!

BLOG TOUR REVIEW

Review for 'Murder In Portofino' by T. A. Williams .
Yet another murder mystery from the fantastic story teller T.A.Williams. The storyline had me hooked immediately and I love the way that Dan goes about his detective work and how Oscar is by his side helping him to put people at ease. There was so much going on that it kept me entertained thoroughly throughout with mystery after mystery and clue after clue. It was filled with mystery, laughter, stunning scenes, secrets, murder, clues, music, doggy treats, tension, danger, suspense and so much more!! It is absolutely perfect to read either curled in front of the fire or lying on a beach which not many books can achieve. I never did work out who the killer was and was completely shocked when they were discovered. A great achievement as I am a huge crime fan and tend to work out who did what quite early on. The atmosphere was perfectly suited to the mystery and I loved the stunning settings on the superyacht and in Portofino. TA Williams evocative writing skills made me feel like I had been swept away to Portofino and I was walking along trying to solve the crime and mystery along with Dan and Oscar. I got completely sucked in to the storyline and ended up devouring it in one sitting of several hours so make sure you clear your schedules and get ready to go on a fantastic murder mystery holiday. I enjoyed getting deeper into this series and look forward to meeting Dan and Oscar each and every time I open a new book in this fantastic series. I wont say anymore about that as I don't want to spoil anything for future readers by giving too much away. I also enjoyed how everything weaved together nicely towards the end and there wasn't any loose threads as a pet hate is ending a book with unsolved mysteries. A fantastic addition to this brilliant series which is called 'Murder In Verona' and is available to preorder now ready for its release on the 3rd November!!
Although this is the eighth book in the series I would have had absolutely no problems reading it without the others. Any details or events that have previously happened are mentioned in just the right amount of detail to let a new reader know what has happened and yet not too much to bore a previous reader.

I absolutely loved meeting our main protagonist Dan and of course Oscar in this fantastic addition to this brilliant series. I was fascinated watching the character development from the first book I met them in all the way to this book and I'm looking forward to how Dan started right at the beginning and to continuing to read this series to watch his character continue to grow, especially after reading the first chapter of book one which has me even more intrigued!! Each and every time I pick up one of the books in this series it feels like I am meeting up with old friends again and I love seeing what they are getting up to in each storyline. They are all strong, realistic and leap out of the pages while turning them! I have to admit though that my favourite character just had to be Oscar!! As a huge animal lover myself any books that include animals gets bonus points for me and this one got mega points as Oscar played a main part!! He is such a sweet but mischievous boy and absolutely adorable!! I love how several of the characters personalities changed when they come across him and I must say who can blame them? Oscar can definitely turn a frown upside down! I also enjoyed meeting all the different characters that we meet throughout the book and each of them had their own unique personality and part to play which they played perfectly. They were all well rounded, strong, realistic with their own quirks and personalities. Some of the characters in this storyline were unlikeable but then what fun would it be if we loved all the characters in a book!! There was the perfect amount of characters to keep you guessing who the killer is and I enjoyed trying to work out who was hiding what even though I kept getting it wrong!! I'm looking forward to meeting Dan and Oscar again in previous and future books in this series!!!
Overall a fun and easy to read page turning cosy murder mystery with the perfect amount of crime, history and humour that will keep you turning the pages.

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Dan Armstrong and his devoted canine sidekick Oscar are in need of a holiday - if only to keep Dan’s girlfriend on side. His private detective business has kept him so busy, he’s often neglected spending time with Anna. But a break in Portofino might just do the trick. That is until a body is washed up and Dan may have a clue to who it is. The locals investigating ask Dan to help, and he finds himself once again involved in a murder involving fellow Brits.

I loved the glamorous setting of Portofino, and the gorgeous super-yacht housing the British celebrities. T A Williams chooses the most amazing settings for these mystery stories and I can’t get enough. Once again Dan toils to find the killer in the beautiful Italian sun.

As I become more familiar with Dan and Oscar, I want more of their adventures. The writing is perfectly pitched and allows me to immerse myself in the story. The characters feel real. I can just imagine a filmed version of this story being a big hit.

We are taken to a most exclusive area of Italy today with this cozy crime set mainly in beautiful Portofino. On the way, we visit Lucca and soak up the gorgeous countryside. With many of the possible murder suspects confined to Portofino and in particular to a luxury yacht there, this has the feeling of a closed room mystery and of course, many of the boat's inhabitants have motives and possible secrets. Dan has to negotiate his way between keeping his partner, Anna, happy and following his detective instincts to unravel the mystery. Past experience has taught him that this is a journey he sometimes loses.

You have a varied cast of characters to choose from. Most of them are flamboyant and used to performing- who to trust? Luckily, Oscar is always the best judge of character and has an unerring nose for the truth. He is definitely Dan's secret weapon. This is a great series which lets you into Dan's life as he follows his instincts and ferrets out the truth.

In short: murder at sea

Set in beautiful Portofino, we get a glimpse of how the rich and famous live. For Dan Armstrong, however, simply enjoying holiday with his girlfriend is not on the cards after he overhears a disturbing conversation and then a body is found. His instincts mean he can't just walk away but in offering is assistance, he is putting his new relationship at risk since he has promised his girlfriend quality time away. Will Dan be able to solve the case and will he and Anna still be together if he does?
Another great read which I devoured in two sittings.

Murder in Portofino is a gripping addition to the Armstrong and Oscar series. T.A. Williams masterfully blends cozy mystery elements with the allure of a Mediterranean setting, creating a story that’s both thrilling and charming. Dan’s sharp intellect and Oscar’s endearing presence make for a delightful pairing that fans of the genre will love. While the mystery itself is compelling, it’s the vivid depiction of Portofino and the colorful cast of characters that truly make this book shine.

Overall, Murder in Portofino earns a solid 4 stars. It’s a must-read for fans of cozy mysteries, offering a perfect blend of suspense, humor, and a touch of romance. If you’re looking for an escape to the Italian Riviera with a side of intrigue, this is the book for you.

A highly enjoyable mystery with beautiful scenery, good characters and lots of suspects. Oh, plus the adorable dog. What more do you want? Definitely read this and the rest of the series as I will soon do.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.

Another fabulous novel in a favourite series!

Dan Armstrong's 'retirement' has turned into a very busy time since he opened his private detective agency, so a leisurely trip to Portofino with girlfirend Anna and, of course, labrador Oscar, is a chance to spent some quality time together. However, as these things tend to happen - especially to Dan - a body is found in the water and he soon finds himself helping the police in his unofficial capacity. Well aware that it's eating into his time with Anna, Dan is concerned about the effect on their relationship...
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I love this series! Not only is each novel a mystery, they also strongly feature Oscar who has all the traits of a labrador of which we have two - one also named Oscar. As well as trying to work out who the guilty party is, I smile and giggle throughout especially, I admit, at the antics of Oscar. Such a fabulous series, so enjoyable, and one I have absolutely no hesitation in recommending and giving all five sparkling stars! *****

My thanks to the publisher for my copy via NetGalley; this is - as always - my honest, original and unbiased review.

First things first, I can't believe this is the eighth book in the series! It feels like just yesterday when this series began. As a devoted fan who has read every installment upon release, I feel a strong connection to Dan and his loyal black Labrador, Oscar.

I was instantly transported to Portofino along with Dan and Anna. The vivid descriptions made me feel like I was right there, investigating the murder with them. Besides the picturesque scenery, the story offers an intriguing glimpse into the TV industry, revealing the personalities of actors, managers, and CEOs both on and off-screen.

I was hooked from start to finish, unable to put the book down. I even stayed up late to read half of it and finished the rest in one sitting the next day. Murder in Portofino is a new favorite installment in this captivating series.

I enjoyed the clever scene setting in his entertaining, cosy mystery. It moves from a music festival in Lucca, where Dan overhears something disturbing, to a weekend on the glamorous Portofino coast, the destination of celebrities and, as it turns out, the infamous. A suspicious death forms a connection in Dan's detective brain, and soon, his holiday is more work than play. I like the combination of holiday fiction with cultural, food and scenic descriptions that evoke your senses and a twisty mystery that is fun to solve. Oscar is lovely and exhibits a few of his detective skills, too. It's an unputdownable and engaging read, the perfect escape on a Summer afternoon.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

Three and a half stars.

Dan Armstrong, his girlfriend Anna, and his dog Oscar have gone to Portofino for a long weekend of sightseeing, walking, Bob Dylan, and gastronomy. Eating dinner at a restaurant after the Bob Dylan concert Dan and Anna's meal is overshadowed by the loud and drunken activities of a large group of people in the private dining room. Imagine Dan's surprise when some of the rowdy crowd turn out to be famous British comedians and TV presenters. Dan also overhears a conversation between two men who seem very unhappy about a third man, with threats of violence being made.

Their mini-break is progressing well, until Dan discovers that one of the rowdy crowd has been murdered. Thinking that the conversation he overheard might be important he explains the discussion to the detective in charge of the case, and promptly gets roped into the investigation, much to Anna's chagrin.

Oh, and Dan has also been roped into investigating the disappearance of a young British woman who has been teaching English as a foreign language, she hasn't answered her phone in days and her parents back in England are frantic with worry, although her older sister just suspects she has lost her charger and has gone off with her latest boyfriend.

A previous gripe was that everything got way too complicated (I think there was one book where one person killed someone, then they were killed by someone else in revenge and so on). Luckily this one was relatively straightforward and although there were numerous suspects there were sufficient doubts to keep you guessing.

Overall, you know where you are with these books. Cosy retired copper and his trusty dog solve mysteries against the backdrop of the gorgeous Italian countryside, with copious luscious descriptions of delicious-sounding food.

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley.

This is the best mystery in this series as there’s a growing suspense, undercurrent tensions, and a group of people who’s new to Dan as he should be on holiday.
The description of the places, and the attention to the details are as good as usual: you could use this mystery as a guide for Lucca, Rapallo and Portofino as I learned something new about these places even if I was there.
Oscar as lovely as usual and I was rooting for Dan and Anna but their relationship is strong and she’s a clever woman.
The mystery is solid, I was surprised by the twists and the liked the solution.
It’s a fast paced and tightly knitted story, a perfect summer read or the perfect book when you want to read a compelling book that will keep you late in the night or turning pages as fast as you can.
Have fun, read it.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to Boldwood Books and Rachel’s Random Resources for this digital copy, all opinions are mine

Dan Armstrong and his trusty sidekick Oscar the black Labrador are back for another case .
Armstrong is a private investigator and has decided to take a break in Portofino with his partner Anna.
Portofino is a playground for the rich and famous and a nearby yacht is hosting a group of infamous media stars .
When one of the party is found dead it looks like Dan’s holiday must be put on hold again.
Can he help the local police find the perpetrator?
An easy to read cosy mystery in a beautiful setting an all round enjoyable read .
Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books.

In this murder mystery story, private investigator Dan and his black lab, Oscar, outsmart local authorities amidst a backdrop of extortion, theft, gun running, and the misdeeds of British TV executives and stars on a luxury yacht. The narrative keeps readers guessing with numerous suspects and complex connections between them and the victims, some of whom aren't even on the yacht.

Dan's investigation is complicated by his desire to work during a vacation with his love interest, Anna, adding personal tension to the story. While the Italian authorities' cooperation with Dan may seem unrealistic, the plot remains engaging, especially with Oscar playing a crucial role.

The series, which travels through Italy, highlights the Tuscan walled city of Lucca and small towns along the Ligurian coast, leaving readers eager for Dan and Oscar's next adventure.

These adventures with Dan and Oscar keep getting better and better. Entertaining and fun, T.A.Williams has established a brilliant series of mysteries in the beautiful Italian countryside.
The descriptions of the Portofino sunshine are so vivid, I could just imagine myself sitting down for a light lunch with Dan and Anna in the shade.
The twists and turns of the mystery are really entertaining, and I was totally engrossed with the story and learning about the characters.
As in previous stories it doesn’t take Dan too long to get drawn back into solving a crime. The relationships Dan is able to form with the local law enforcement are easier in this book, but that doesn’t detract from the investigation at all, and him and Oscar certainly have their work cut out for them this time.

Another delightful read from T A Williams. The beautiful Italian setting is so strong it is a character in its own right, which makes this book a perfect holiday read. I really love how the relationship between Dan and his girlfriend is developing, and Oscar is a star! This series of murder mysteries is going from strength to strength, I hope there are many more to come.

The 8th instalment of Armstrong and Oscar cosy crime thrillers featuring ex DCI but now PI Dan Armstrong and his beautiful black lab Oscar. This time he is treating girl friend Anna to a crime free weekend in Portofino. But this is Dan and very quickly and to Anna’s consternation he is asked to hunt for a missing girl. As always this works well as a stand-alone but it’s good to read the series in order to follow the main characters personal lives.

Briefly, before you know it Dan and Oscar are knee deep in a gun smuggling gang, a group of celebrity TV stars and executives on their extremely smart and very expensive yacht and of course a body in the water! Working with the local police Dan spends the few days exploring the town, helping the police and of course making sure Oscar is suitably fed and watered. That dog loves fillet steak!

I love how the author is gradually taking us around the beautiful country of Italy, this time the Ligurian Coast, it’s like a mini travelogue and it’s certainly made me want to visit some of these places. Its great that the gorgeous Oscar has a starring role this time. A fun book with some great twists and turns and the killer is well hidden until the reveal. A very entertaining and amusing read.

4.5 ⭐️

Unpredictable, great setting👍

4.5🌟 stars
Dan the private investigator and his black lab companion once again out detective the local authorities in this murder mystery that brings in extortion, theft, gun running and generally bad behavior by British tv execs and stars on a luxury yacht. I certainly could not guess the killer; the author kept me guessing with all of the animosity, back biting and threads connecting the victims to the many suspects, some not even on the yacht. I liked the unpredictability offered by a sizeable slate of suspects and I also thought it was clever how author T.A. Williams tied elements of a local missing person case to the murder investigation.

Dan's personal life brings just a touch of a conundrum that he has to cross his fingers to negotiate, what with him wanting to jump in work mode in the midst of his vacation with his love interest Anna. It adds some tension and a realistic edge as he tries to find an acceptable balance.

I won't say I find it extremely realistic that the Italian authorities give Dan so much access to their investigation and suspects, but it's a good mystery plot otherwise. And Dan's dog Oscar gets a key role (as well as more than his share of treats) as they zero in on the killer.

I really enjoy this series that moves throughout Italy and, here, highlights the Tuscan walled city of Lucca and several small towns along the Italian Ligurian coast. Can't wait to see where Dan and Oscar's sleuthing take them next.

Thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.

This is a new instalment in the series, and although I haven’t read previous novels, I felt I received enough of a back story so I could enjoy this book. It follows retired police detective, now private investigator, Dan Armstrong and his trusty four legged sidekick, Oscar. Whilst on holiday in Portofino, they unwittingly become embroiled in a murder case and use all their experience to help the local police solve the case. It’s warm and witty and set against a Mediterranean backdrop. I enjoyed this novel and would rate it 3.5 stars. Thank you to NetGalley, Boldwood Books and the author for the chance to review.

With every book in this series I grow to love PI Dan Armstrong and his faithful canine companion Oscar a bit more! I like that each is a standalone mystery, but that the personal aspects, such as the relationship between Armstrong and girlfriend Anna, continue from the previous book. In the latest installment, the couple goes to Portofino for a long weekend. Anna is still encouraging Armstrong to take time off and not ignore her when a dead body washes ashore. Of course, Armstrong suspects that he knows who it is and contacts the police. Anna once again tries to be a good sport, and Dan wrestles with his commitment to Anna and his strong desire to help solve this case. As in the previous books, there is marvelous scenery (I’ve never been to Portofino but feel like I have after reading this book), and amazing food and drink to describe. Dan Armstrong is a likeable and competent protagonist, and the supporting cast is excellent (both regulars in the series and the new friends he meets in every book). I see that the next book is set in Verona and I cannot wait for it! Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the ARC and the opportunity to provide an honest review.