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She Left No Note
Can we really know the ones we love? An intriguing tale of mystery and self-discovery set among the seductive beauty of Lake Iseo in Italy.
Duncan is devastated by the mysterious death of his brilliant and beloved wife Caterina. When he returns to her family villa on the tranquil shores of Lake Iseo, where they first met, he is assailed with doubts about the woman he idealized for so long.
Duncan is helped by his inquisitive and enterprising agent, Emma, and the arrival of his troubled 24-year-old grandson, Mark. Together, they delve into Caterina's past and uncover a web of secrets, at the same time beguiled by the cuisine, picturesque landscape and tranquil lifestyle of the farm above the villa.
But can Duncan trust the taciturn Gioro and good-natured Monica, or are his new friends deceiving him?
Will he succeed in discovering the truth, coming to terms with the past and forging a path for the future?
Duncan is devastated by the mysterious death of his brilliant and beloved wife Caterina. When he returns to her family villa on the tranquil shores of Lake Iseo, where they first met, he is assailed with doubts about the woman he idealized for so long.
Duncan is helped by his inquisitive and enterprising agent, Emma, and the arrival of his troubled 24-year-old grandson, Mark. Together, they delve into Caterina's past and uncover a web of secrets, at the same time beguiled by the cuisine, picturesque landscape and tranquil lifestyle of the farm above the villa.
But can Duncan trust the taciturn Gioro and good-natured Monica, or are his new friends deceiving him?
Will he succeed in discovering the truth, coming to terms with the past and forging a path for the future?
332 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 11, 2023
6 people are currently reading
18 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
May 7, 2023
Caterina's family is struggling after her suicide, especially her husband Duncan, of 40 years. Although Duncan and Caterina met in Lake Iseo, Italy, and their first child was born at the family villa, Caterina always told Duncan that she never wanted to return. Needing to escape the poignant memories of their life in England, Duncan decides to go to the villa as someone in the family needs to view the property first-hand, although the decision will probably be made to sell.
The story is told in dual POVs by Duncan and grandson Mark, that share not only the past and present of the family but also the differences in emotions in grieving a family member. A secret held tight for 40 years by one family member inevitably changed lives almost beyond comprehension when the web is unraveled, the past revealed.
Everyone was caught in the web of the secret, and in their grief, seeking peace, a journey to Italy opens hearts to the comfort of daily life in the small town of Lake Iseo. The mystery of the secret is page-turning, and the delight of the atmospheric writing brings vivid images of the landscape and awakens the armchair traveler's dreams and senses to sit down at each meal to enjoy the fellowship, food and drinks—a very fulfilling beginning to a new series.
I didn't want the story to end. I wanted to stay in Lake Iseo. However, now that I departed with the last turn of the page, I urge you, without restraint, to add this novel to your tbr.
I was lucky to receive an Advance Reader’s Edition of this title as an Early Reviewer from LibraryThing. The opinions expressed in the review are my own.
The story is told in dual POVs by Duncan and grandson Mark, that share not only the past and present of the family but also the differences in emotions in grieving a family member. A secret held tight for 40 years by one family member inevitably changed lives almost beyond comprehension when the web is unraveled, the past revealed.
Everyone was caught in the web of the secret, and in their grief, seeking peace, a journey to Italy opens hearts to the comfort of daily life in the small town of Lake Iseo. The mystery of the secret is page-turning, and the delight of the atmospheric writing brings vivid images of the landscape and awakens the armchair traveler's dreams and senses to sit down at each meal to enjoy the fellowship, food and drinks—a very fulfilling beginning to a new series.
I didn't want the story to end. I wanted to stay in Lake Iseo. However, now that I departed with the last turn of the page, I urge you, without restraint, to add this novel to your tbr.
I was lucky to receive an Advance Reader’s Edition of this title as an Early Reviewer from LibraryThing. The opinions expressed in the review are my own.
November 20, 2023
Thoroughly enjoyable
This is a lovely, light read set in a beautiful location with engaging characters and the requisite (but not overdone) descriptions of yummy food.
This is a lovely, light read set in a beautiful location with engaging characters and the requisite (but not overdone) descriptions of yummy food.
June 20, 2023
Duncan lived with his wife, Caterina (a controlling and abusive woman to everyone in her path,) so used to her tyranny, he didn’t notice.
When she apparently killed herself, Duncan longed to know the reason. Was he to blame?
Duncan went to Italy to sell their villa and, free of her myriad and senseless rules, decided not to sell. He knew she would have been livid. The mystery of why she went to Italy yearly yields the answer. Free of her tyranny, Duncan finds a new life of happiness and friends.
Although the characters were sympathetic and the writing was good, I had a problem with the gradual introduction of the characters. For example, the author introduced Nadine pages before we discover she is his daughter. I found it confusing. Maybe “my daughter, Nadine ...”
Though still readable, the action stalls further along in the book, but picks up later.
When she apparently killed herself, Duncan longed to know the reason. Was he to blame?
Duncan went to Italy to sell their villa and, free of her myriad and senseless rules, decided not to sell. He knew she would have been livid. The mystery of why she went to Italy yearly yields the answer. Free of her tyranny, Duncan finds a new life of happiness and friends.
Although the characters were sympathetic and the writing was good, I had a problem with the gradual introduction of the characters. For example, the author introduced Nadine pages before we discover she is his daughter. I found it confusing. Maybe “my daughter, Nadine ...”
Though still readable, the action stalls further along in the book, but picks up later.
April 7, 2024
This is a really lovely and unique novel which I absolutely couldn't put down. It's a slow-burn read but it really wraps you round and holds you into the story, which I loved. It's a tale about family discoveries, heartbreak and healing, and the characters are excellent. I particularly loved Duncan, Emma and Mark, who are the three main people. The Italian setting is superb and I absolutely loved the descriptions of the food and the environment, both of which make this an incredibly rich and compelling book. Highly recommended.
July 3, 2024
Good story for my book in Italy! Tried to find a story taking place near my families small village in Northern Italy and this did the job. Can’t wait to read Pt 2
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews