Murder in Siena

Armstrong and Oscar Cozy Mysteries #4

by T.A. Williams

A brand-new cozy crime series set in gorgeous Tuscany... It's murder in paradise!

A lazy weekend in the country…

Dan Armstrong and the new love of his life, Anna, are heading to a hotel deep in the gorgeous Tuscan countryside for a long weekend, looking forward to some time away from the stresses of their day jobs. With the beautiful and historic city of Siena just around the corner, it promises to be relaxing and enjoyable. What could possibly go wrong?

A mutilated body…

But when a mutilated body is discovered in the hotel grounds Dan is called in to help with the investigation. But who or what could have been responsible for such a vicious attack? Was it the work of wild animals, or is there a brutal murderer at large?

A killer who cried wolf?

Dan knows he is dealing with a clever killer – whether two- or four-legged! And as he sets out to solve the case he begins to worry about his own loyal canine companion. Could Oscar be in more danger than any of the other hotel guests or is a murderer trying to cover their tracks?

It's another case for Dan and Oscar to solve!

A gripping new murder mystery series by bestselling author T.A. Williams, perfect for fans of Lee Strauss and Beth Byers.

Praise for T.A. Williams!

"The perfect combination of character, setting and plot, heralding an addictive new cozy mystery series!" Bestselling author Debbie Young

"Watching unassuming detective Dan Armstrong weddle the truth out of folks is great fun. Highly Entertaining read!" Bestselling author Kelly Oliver

Genres: Mystery, Italy, Cozy Mystery, Contemporary, Audiobook, Fiction, Crime

234 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 1, 2023

About the author

Firstly, my name isn't T A. It's Trevor. I write under the androgynous name T A Williams because 65% of books are read by women. In my first book, one of the (female) characters suggests the imbalance is due to the fact that men spend too much time getting drunk and watching football. I couldn't possibly comment. Ask my wife...
I've written all sorts: thrillers, historical novels, short stories and now I'm enjoying myself hugely Cozy Mysteries. I lived and worked in Italy for a number of years, married an Italian, and fell in love with the country. I set almost all my books in Italy and I hope that my love from the country shines through my work.
I‘ve lived all over Europe, but now I live in a little village in sleepy Devon, tucked away in south west England. I love the place. That’s why you’ll find leafy lanes and thatched cottages in most of my books. Oh, yes, and a black Labrador.
I've been writing since I was 14 and that is well over half a century ago. I'm now approaching 1 million books sold worldwide and I find it wonderful that people as far away as India and New Zealand are reading and enjoying my work. Thank you to everybody who reads my stuff.

Reviews

[Srivalli (Semi-Hiatus) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.8 Stars

One Liner: Great setting and food; okayish mystery

Dam Armstrong and Oliver are back in action, this time, with Anna, Dan’s girlfriend, to add to the team. Dan and Anna (with Virgilio and his wife Lina) plan a trip to Tuscany for a weekend after the successful launch of his first book (in the UK). The historic city of Siena promises relaxation and fun. However, a mutilated body is discovered in the hotel gardens, and Dan and Virgilio get involved in the investigation.

With rumors about wolves in the region, Dan realizes that the killer is clever enough to divert the blame (if they are indeed human). This puts Oliver at greater risk, and Dan needs to step in and solve the case before things get out of hand.

The story comes in Dan’s first-person POV.

My Thoughts:

This is the fourth installment in the series and pretty much as enjoyable as the previous ones. Though it works as a standalone, the subplots are integral to the central mystery and will be enhanced if you know the entire backstory. That said, there is enough information to fill the blanks.

The setting is a treat to read (which is the specialty of this series). This time, we explore Siena and the nearby historical structures in Tuscany. The hotel, the ruins, the streets, hills, farms, etc., come alive on the pages. However, it never gets boring or too much.

Food is another highlight of the series. There are many lunch and dinner scenes with the menu listed in detail. Dan enjoys talking about (Italian) food.

The mystery starts well, and despite the endless list of suspects, it’s easy enough to track who is who. Dan’s method of tagging and categorizing suspects simplifies things, even if it doesn’t always sound good. The case drags in the middle and picks up toward the last quarter. However, the solution makes sense (got to pay attention to the bits scattered around). The elements may be convoluted, but the actual mystery is simple.

As always, Oscar is more than Dan’s cute Labrador. He finds clues and helps with the investigation even without meaning to. And Oscar is so adorable that no one can resist his charm!

We also see some extreme reactions to wolves from different people. They range from one end to another, and surprisingly someone with strong options display a balanced perspective. While this is well done, I’m a little disappointed that Reiner’s track doesn’t exactly add to the plot. This hasn’t happened before in the series. I hope it will continue in the next book (there’s a lead, so maybe…).

Now that Dan and Anna are going strong, we see how Chief Inspector Virgilio and his wife handle their marriage. Can Dan help them, given he was in the same position a few years ago?

There is quite a bit of repetition in this copy (ARC). I hope it will be edited out before the release.
To summarize, Murder in Siena is a good continuation of the series and presents a delightful combination of food, virtual sightseeing, mystery, and wolves.

Thank you, NetGalley and Boldwood Books, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.

#NetGalley #MurderinSiena

[Mairita (Marii grāmatplaukts) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Šoreiz ļoti intriģējošs noziegums. Patika arī paralēli risinātie itāļu izmeklētāja privātās dzīves sarežģījumi. Negribu nodžinksot, bet Denam beidzot arī veicas. Jau no paša sērijas sākuma man patīk kā Oskars iekļaujas visos notikumos, nevis vienkārši tiek pieminēts tekstā kā Dena suns. Kā var nojaust, sērijas 4. grāmatā viss labi un patīkami.

[Sammy · Rating 2 out of 5]

This series is just going downhill, which is such a shame as the first book was very enjoyable.

But it's becooming more and more sexist, and half the dialogue and internal dialogue is about how women look. (positively as well as negatively) I can handle some of that, but it's starting to get a bit ridiculous now.

I already have the next book, so hope it improves on that!

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

If You Look Past Our Snow, You Can See Sunny Tuscany in the Distance

Dan Armstrong always meets interesting characters in this mystery series. And Oscar, the young black Lab, gives them a good sniffing.

This time the murders occur in the Siena area, which is what attracted me to the book. I visited that city for an afternoon about 45 years ago, loved it, and spent three decades planning to return. When I did, I found it even more beautiful and captivating..

Within that setting, Dan, Oscar, Dan's intelligent love interest, his pal the Italian police inspector, and his pal's wife, all take a brief holiday at a hotel in the countryside.

There is an academic symposium being held at the hotel, and that is when I started smiling. After the first murder, Dan and his pal dismiss the idea of the motive arising from any professional rivalry or resentment. That was too trivial to cause murder.

I've been to many such conferences that my husband attended and I've seen looks that could kill.

The murders provide a puzzle, but the characters, vineyard covered hillsides, mouth-watering food, and even errant dung beetles provide a welcome diversion from the current winter snow and ice.

[John Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was my wife who found this series and it was her frequent chuckles over it that brought it to my attention.

I too enjoyed the gentle humour, mostly centred on Oscar the black Labrador owned by the other central character here Dan Armstrong retired Chief Inspector from London.

The book starts a while after his retirement, his divorce ,his move to Tuscany where he has become a Private Detective and takes place at the Publishers event for his first book.

Then its back to Italy where he and his new lady friend make up a foursome with his friend, Virgilio, a detective Inspector in the Florence police, and his wife for a long weekend break.

As the title suggests there is a murder and the two men get involved helping the Italian police with the case. There is plenty of Italian food and wine in the story and the Tuscan scenery and architecture gets a good mention too. Oscar's behavior is amusingly described and will ring bells with all dog owners. The death toll mounts and the investigation struggles.

I thought the plot was a bit weak and the ending lacked any suspense or excitment.
However, this easy Italian flavoured cozy read was alright and I will probably follow my wife to the next of the series.

[Wendy(Wendyreadsbooks) Robey · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Murder In Sienna is an enjoyable who-dunnit mystery - fast paced and quick witted the story flows really well. It’s my first read in the Armstrong and Oscar Cozy Mystery series and certainly won’t be the last.
I really liked the professional relationship between Dan and Bruno. Both alike in their attention to detail, they were cool and calm in their work. I enjoyed how the investigation was walked through with us the reader - clues and interviews giving those little bits of information crucial to finding the culprit.
The descriptions of the Italian food and countryside sounded perfect and Anna’s knowledge of the Italian history and culture added a nice touch to the story.

[Katrina Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice read. Not earth shattering, but a nice murder mystery.

Looking forward to the next in the series to see the character development.

[Glenda · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’m not sure why this one is rated so high. It left me breathing a sigh of relief that it was over. It had too many descriptions and then too many characters and sub plots within sub plots. I’ve enjoyed the series up until now but I’m unlikely to continue with T A Williams’ books.

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.

Murder in Siena is the fourth Armstrong and Oscar cozy destination mystery by T.A. Williams. Released 1st August 2023 by Boldwood books, it's 255 pages and is available in audio and ebook formats. (Unclear from publisher's info, but possibly in paperback on demand as well). It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free. The other books in the series are also currently available on KU.

This is a beautifully descriptive and well written destination mystery set in Tuscany. Expat former policeman Dan Armstrong and his trusty canine sidekick Oscar are on a couples' holiday with friends and Dan, Vigilio and Oscar are drawn into a bizarre death at their hotel of an academic at a conference at the same hotel. Dan's ostensibly along to facilitate translations in English for the police and witnesses, but his insights are valuable and he and Vigilio have a good rapport and friendship, and work well with the local official investigation.

The plotting is solid and the dialogue and characterizations are well controlled and believable. The mystery, denouement, and resolution are self contained in this volume, so it works well enough as a standalone, but the writing and mystery are so well planned and executed, that it would make an excellent weekend binge or buddy read. The author is exceptionally good at weaving (seemingly) extraneous information into the text. There's a lot of humor as well. One of the early scenes in the book sees Dan & co encountering two academics bent over a pile of canid poop and having an earnest discussion about it.

It's not derivative at all, but it reminded me in a lot of good ways of Leon's exceptional Brunetti books as well as Walker's lovely Bruno, chief of police books. Fans of those authors will find a lot to enjoy here.

Four and a half stars. Highly recommended. All of the books are exceptionally well written and fun. The author seems to be on a twice a year output schedule at the moment without sacrificing quality or length. Definitely one to watch develop.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

[Pamela Poole · Rating 1 out of 5]

I finished this book only because I recently reviewed Book 3 and noted that I liked it enough to buy Book 4.

The best parts of the story are the more heartwarming ones. Oscar, the detective's Labrador retriever, is charming to everyone, and once again, he helps solve the case. He even prevents a suicide. Armstrong, his owner, has learned a lesson from his divorce and creatively helps his policeman friend work out things with his own wife when she is weary of living the life of a law enforcement officer's spouse. I liked the way this was resolved and the way the spouse became part of solving the case.

This story was much different than the last book. The plot was too long, predictable, and repetitious, and none of the characters was likeable enough for me to care who it was or who would be next. Most lived in such a way as to put themselves in the line of danger or as a murderer. The obvious suspects who remained alive couldn't be the culprits, as the rules of detective mysteries go. While the reason one of the murders was committed and another one attempted was predictable, the situation is more emotionally complicated than it first seems.

Not enough reviewers mention things that would help readers like me decide whether a book is our cup of tea, and I felt I owed a follow-up from the last book in the series to mention the things in this one that I'd like to hear about from reviewers.

I'm among the Christian readers who don't like to read about the sordid personal lives of characters. Yes, it's just fiction, and yes, I'm selective. When you live your faith, it's difficult to connect with and relate to characters and situations that don't share your values, and this story was packed with those! The crime takes place while Armstrong is on vacation, where he's sharing his bed with his girlfriend. But he's not the only one - a symposium of scientists is also being hosted by the hotel, and nearly everyone is cheating on spouses back at home, trading lovers with one another, having same gender affairs, or sleeping with 2 at a time. I know the world is a diverse and strange place, but I can't imagine so many deviant behaviors and bad choices going on among among maybe a dozen-2 dozen attendees. Some characters even say they love their spouses and kids back home and don't want scandal, and that they are only looking for sex.

At one point, a character mentions the things people will do for "love." And in the end, Armstrong and his girlfriend liken this mantra to Oscar the retriever, when they leave him privacy to attend to the same thing with a local she-wolf on a trail in the countryside. Very fitting as an end to this story.

[Anne Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

First, a book signing – yes, Dan’s novel has finally made it to publication – shared with a romance author (hopefully not modelled on anyone we might know…) and a rather pushy children’s author whose path he’s destined to cross again. And then a rather welcome holiday near Siena, together with the irrepressible labrador Oscar, his new lady friend Anna, and his police chief friend Virgilio and his wife Lina.

There’s an environmental conference underway at the same hotel, and it soon turns out that our friends aren’t going to have quite the relaxing escape they’d hoped for – a body is found, apparently gored by wolves (they’d heard howling in the night – and farmers in the area are only too aware of their presence), but it turns out that the perpetrator is only too human. Dan and Virgilio help out the local force with interviewing suspects, gradually narrowing them down from the entire cast attending the conference – but the bloodshed isn’t over, and it becomes increasingly possible that there might be three assassins.

The author is so good at planting red herrings, while the reader tries (in my case, with little success…) to stay a few steps ahead. The characterisation of the more minor characters is just superb – the list of suspects is substantial, but every individual is so carefully constructed, moving in and out of the frame, their alibis slowly disentangled, the connections between them uncovered. But what most differentiates this series from other cosy mysteries is the engagement with Dan, his humorous take on life – and Oscar’s wonderful interventions – making the narrative so very entertaining. Anna hasn’t been round for long enough for me to decide if she’s right for him – although, as a historian, she’s certainly great to have around on their sight-seeing trips in such a beautiful area. And this time I was really sorry to see a few cracks in Virgilio’s marriage, with uncomfortable echoes of the failure of Dan’s own, the consequence of police work taking over your life – but also their gentle efforts to repair them.

The mystery and its resolution was everything I wanted it to be – and yes, of course I was looking in the wrong direction, as always. The slow progress and gradual unpeeling of the many layers might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it’s something I’ve found I really enjoy, reading this one in a single glorious sitting – punctuated, of course, by the many reasons to smile at Oscar’s antics and constant pursuit of food from every table. And the ending, that had my heart in my mouth at first, is quite brilliant – and leaves Oscar with an unexpected smile on his face too!

I just love this series, and this book was an excellent addition – that wonderfully drawn Tuscan setting, a compelling story, such strong characters, and that perfect thread of humour. I’m looking forward to the next book already – and this is one I’d recommend really highly.

[Lynsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘Murder in Siena’ is the fourth instalment in this cosy crime series and it was such a treat to return to it! Dan and Oscar have become one of my favourite series at the moment and I always look forward to picking them up. Don't worry if you haven't read the previous books as it works well as a standalone whodunit! But I would recommend reading the earlier books as they are just as good as this one!

This outing sees the gang up sticks and go on a short holiday just outside Siena. Dan and Anna are still going strong and they have gone away with Detective Virgilio and his wife Lina. Of course, death has a nasty habit of following them. At the hotel a symposium is taking place with numerous scientists and when one of them is found death Dan and Virgilio are roped in to help out. Whilst, there was the initial idea of it being a wolf attack this is soon disproved for they begin looking into other motives! Will they figure out who the murderer is before they strike again?

It was great to experience another part of Tuscany through the eyes and bellies of Dan and a) it made me want to visit and b) I got very hungry indeed! I always like that there is a bit of history and tourism added into the mix as it means you learn a bit about Tuscany as well! For example I had no idea there was wild wolves still in Italy! This almost had the feel of a big house mystery, quite like the first book in the series as there are a limited number of possible baddies and victims to kill off. I did feel there was a bit of repetition when it came to everyone’s movements and timings and it could have been edited out slightly but then I have a stellar memory!

I really like the dynamics between our core two couples and it was interesting to see Dan noticing the problems he had with his ex-wife starting to creep into the other couple! I look forward to seeing how this plays out further down the series. This was a very enjoyable read and I flew through it in one sitting! I was also having a very bad pain day and this was the perfect medicine as it was engaging and very compelling!

I enjoyed this trip to Tuscany and I can't wait for book five!

[Penelope · Rating 5 out of 5]

MY RATING GUIDE: 5 Stars. I recently discovered this author’s Dan Armstrong series and I am loving it.

1= dnf/What was that?; 2= Nope, not for me; 3= This was okay/cute; 3.5= I enjoyed it; 4= I liked it a lot; 5= I LOVED THIS; was great! (I seldom give 5 Stars).

The MC/Dan Armstrong, soon 57, retired early from his career in law enforcement in an unsuccessful attempt to salvage his marriage which was savaged over the years by his demanding career as a Scotland Yard homicide Chief Inspector. During this time, Armstrong trades London’s busy streets for a slower lifestyle in a quiet village outside Florence, Italy. Over the years with Scotland Yard, Armstrong had established a Tuscany business contact and a love for their food, language and the region. Since leaving London 2yrs ago, Armstrong has purchased a modest 100yr (?) old home, acquired a dog, begun two budding new careers as a private investigator and a published historical mystery author now living in the Tuscan region. A recent relationship with Anna, a historian, began in the previous book & continues in MURDER IN SIENNA.

Dan & Anna are vacationing in Sienna with Dan’s Italian homicide Chief Inspector friend and his wife when a murder disguised as a wolf attack occurs among the hotel guests. One of the guests is killed during the evening, the same evening Armstrong believes he has heard a wolf howling outside his room. An investigation begins, drawing in Armstrong and his inspector friend but before long the death tow begins to rise.

Comments ~
This is a fairly new author for me and the 4th title I have purchased as an audiobook so far. I love Simon Mattacks’ performances (also new to me). Simon uses wonderful accents and a narrating style that rises this interesting series to a higher level (with good food, local interests, novel crimes and Oscar - the dog).

I highly recommend the Dan Armstrong mystery series to Cozy mystery readers and those who enjoy British (English, Scottish or Wales) mystery series, Character driven mysteries or Clean mysteries (no profanity, on screen sexuality or graphic violence). For some reason, I find myself thinking of Agatha Christie’s Hercule Poirot series or Ngaio Marsh’s Inspector Roderick Alleyn after I read Dan Armstrong.

[L.S. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m always excited when a new book in the Armstrong & Oscar Cosy Mystery series is released, so there was never any doubt t I’d be up for reviewing this fourth instalment. As expected, the author sells the setting like a seasoned tour guide and not even the fear of a wolf attack would deter me from wanting to visit this beautiful part of Italy. That said, the delegates at the environmental conference who were staying at the same hotel as Dan (on a break with new love Anna, dog Oscar, police friend Virgilio and his wife, Lina) that wolves were unlikely to attack people. So when Dan thinks he hears a wolf howling on their first night there, no-one expected to find a dead body the next morning.
Had Dan really heard a wolf? Were the experts wrong? Well, many of the local farmers think so and they aren’t shy in voicing their concerns. But when the medical examiner rules out a wolf attack, Dan and Virgilio can’t help but look at the hotel’s visitors – primarily the delegates – for their suspects. You see, while they are supposed to be on holiday, neither can curb their interest in the case, both keen to help out where possible, much to Virgilio’s wife’s dismay.
The story closely follows Dan’s thought process as he, aided by Oscar in more ways than one, tries to eliminate some guests from the long list of suspects. However, with dodgy alibis aplenty and so many secret (or not so secret) affairs and dalliances among the delegates, the culprit looks to be hiding easily in plain sight. Well, for a while at least as I worked things out early on, identifying the killer though not their motive long before the end.
If I’m honest, for me, Dan’s thought process is a tad long-winded and drawn out in this book, although the mechanics of solving the case are nicely punctuated by sight-seeing trips which show Anna’s expertise in all its glory, as well as offering up a very believable dilemma for Virgilio and his wife. These extra plot-lines emphasise how much Dan has settled into his life as a PI in Italy and give substance to the relationships he has made there.
A series I’ll never tire of returning to, not just for Oscar’s antics but for the sense of knowing I’m in for an entertaining read.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

🌄Perplexing: so many scientists, so much hidden drama😲

4.5🌟stars
It's great to read a murder mystery set in a place that's dear to my Italian memories and features a four-legged Dr. Watson companion for a modern-day detective. Sherlock had his Watson, private detective Dan Armstrong has his lab Oscar who comes up trumps with clues and evidence just when the humans are stumped! It made for a quick, easy and enjoyable read.

The murder mystery is based around fatal events involving a scientific symposium held at a country hotel in Tuscany, near the historic city of Siena, a major rival to Rome and Florence in medieval times. Dan is vacationing but he and his travel companions swiftly get drawn into the heart of the investigation of a scientist's death in what appears to be a wolf attack on hotel grounds. Turns out a number of the scientists either don't get along or get along too well! The suspense and danger keep building and Dan and the Italian police have plenty of meeting attendees and even some locals who could be involved in the violence as the motive remains elusive.

The big reveal was pretty much a surprise to me and that's the kind of case I like. Plus, Dan and his friends do a bit of exploring and sightseeing in the area that took me back to my own rambles around historic Siena and the surrounding countryside, including the mysterious San Galgano sword in the stone. For me, the Italian setting was a big draw when it came to selecting books from this series but now I am also in it for Dan, Oscar and the unpredictable plots. I love the whole premise of Dan's retirement from the British police and move to Tuscany to start a new phase in his life.

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

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally reviewed for Chick Lit Central (www.chicklitcentral.com)

It’s another five-star experience for the Armstrong and Oscar Cozy Mystery series!

Anyone who has read anything by T.A. Williams is well aware of how the scenery and surroundings become another important character within his novels. I felt like with Murder in Siena, we still get to enjoy the expansive scenery, but with some next-level interesting and unique scenarios. Dan Armstrong is in Tuscany with his girlfriend Anna, intent on enjoying some time away together with good friends and even better food, yet suddenly, Dan finds himself within another murder mystery–this time, the potential culprit being wolves.

That’s where the unique scenarios come into play. I don’t think I’ve ever read a murder mystery where the whodunnit might be wolves! Is nature to blame, or has someone cleverly attempted to make it look as though nature is to blame? I like the methodical techniques and logical steps Dan takes when trying to get to the bottom of things. Everything is laid out to perfection, with a long list of potential murderers and possible victims who might be next in line, with many of them experts in their respective fields. Some believe that it is possible that wolves could have caused such carnage damage, yet others believe it is far-fetched and near impossible. With various testimonies, the reader is continually kept in the dark right along with Dan. It made for a heightened mystery experience.

Oscar is everyone’s favorite. He often comes to Dan’s aid when Dan least expects it, uncovering potential clues, or saving him from potential death. He really is the best partner. I appreciated the relationship between Dan and Anna, too. She was a nice addition to Dan’s entourage. The intrigue, the drama, the scenery and characters made Murder in Siena an enjoyable experience!

[Dux [My week is Booked] · Rating 1 out of 5]

We all know this series for me has been enjoyable yet not amazing audiobooks. And that was fine for me.
This one wasn’t along the same trajectory… I kept having to forgive it for things like: the main character waxing on about his attraction to someone who wasn’t his girlfriend who he was CURRENTLY ON VACATION WITH. Reminding himself to keep his eyes on this other woman’s face and not to stray below.
But then there were the multiple body comments. Referring to one female character as “dumpy” multiple times. Reacting in shock when finding out this female character ever dated another character because how could someone find the female character attractive?
Only to at the end *spoilers coming without names mentioned* find out that this “dumpy” female character is pregnant so there’s a reason why she’s gained “so much weight”…. No. Nope. Ew.

This book just makes me not want to read another in this series at all.

Oh, can’t forget to mention the hotel they’re staying at with the mystery that has like 20 guests from all over the world who are scientists. But really they’re all sleeping together?! But multiple of them are married with kids… everyone was fine with open relationships (ok maybe it’s that kind of conference…) but no. It’s not. It’s a science conference. That somehow has extreme overlap into swingers/open relationships…
It just wasn’t written in a way that could get me to buy into this being a reality…


Also the last scene in the book between Oscar and a wolf was another absolute no for me.

[loopyloulaura · Rating 3 out of 5]

Retired police officer Dan Armstrong is on hand when a man is killed. At first, it seems that wolves were responsible but forensics prove that a human killer is to blame. Dan is assisted by his own four legged pal Oscar the labrador but can they catch the killer...?
Murder in Siena is the 4th book to feature Dan and Oscar but the first that I have read. There are mentions of previous cases which I presume featured in earlier books.
Dan is woken by a wolf howling to the moon and then a body is discovered. But the murder was definitely a result of human actions. There is a complex web of relationships for Dan and the police to unpick to determine the motive and therefore the culprit. I did find it a little complicated but then life and love are both complicated!
The book is described as a cosy mystery which surprised me as I thought it was more of a detective novel initially. There isn't a lot of graphic forensic detail about the body and the inclusion of Oscar as an almost equal partner in the case definitely softens the tone.
There are lots of twists as the investigation progresses. Dan needs to balance his professional interest alongside his friendship, relationship and holiday plans. I enjoyed the setting and there are lots of mentions of food so don't read on an empty stomach! I also liked the recurring wolf motif that threads through the book.
Murder in Siena is a twisty murder mystery.

[Lynda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This latest book, Book 4 in the Armstrong and Oscar Cosy Mystery Series, finds retired Inspector Dan Armstrong on holiday in Siena with his girlfriend Anna, labrador Oscar and best friends Inspector Virgilio and his wife Lina. I’ve read all the series so far and it’s always a lovely break between my more gritty read. The authors writing is very engaging with descriptions of the lovely scenery, historical facts and even lovelier food you can imagine yourself there walking Oscar along the promenade!

They are staying at an hotel which is also holding an environmental conference but it isn’t long before one of the conference attendees is found dead. Initially it looks like they have been attacked by wolves who live in the woods nearby. However, it quickly becomes apparent that human(s) are responsible. Investigations reveal secrets which attendees have been withholding and another death of one of the main suspects further complicates matters.

This case is a bit more complex than some of the earlier cases with a bit more to get your teeth into. Some good misdirection keeps the suspense high in this enjoyable and fun cosy murder mystery thriller.

[Rosalind Bryden · Rating 4 out of 5]

I realise that every time I review a book by TA Williams, I probably write that cozy mysteries are not really my thing. And yet I just love this series. I don't even usually like series of books, as I prefer to meet new characters and new styles and yet I am more than happy to spend a few more hours with Dan Armstrong and his dog, Oscar.

In this mystery, Dan finds himself on a short holiday with his new partner, Anna, and his friend Vigilio and his wife. Anna is a delightful addition to the stories as her detailed knowledge of Italian history and art add a lovely touch to the books. A death occurs near to their hotel and the suspects are academics attending a conference in the hotel. As ever, the characters are wonderfully described and Oscar the black Labrador adds his unique charm to the story (although I'm not sure how the poor dog keeps going with his terrible diet of food filched from people' plates!)

I listened to the Audible recording of this book (narrated wonderfully by Simon Mattacks). Mattacks brings across the humour of these books perfectly. These books are good, gentle fun, well-paced with a good mystery woven in. Definitely worth a read.

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dan and Oscar and Dan's girlfriend Anna, a medieval history professor, are taking a long weekend at a country hotel near Siena. Between taking Oscar for walks, visiting small villages in this Chianti region of Tuscany and eating lots of fabulous meals, Dan finds himself helping the local police detective with translation as he tries to solve the murder of a visiting scientist. The hotel is hosting a symposium of scientists working on climate change issues ranging from microbiologists to wolf experts. The first night Dan and Anna are in residence, a Greek scientist is killed by a murderer who tries to make the crime look like a wolf attack. As there are indeed wolf packs in the surrounding hills, the ruse almost works until Oscar finds the murder weapon on the hotel grounds. Then another scientist dies. Is each murder a different killer? Dan tries his enjoy his time with Anna and also does his best to help the police with all of his retired murder squad investigator expertise. Another wonderful adventure in another part of Tuscany. Oscar is still the most energetic and mischievous Labrador buddy in print.

[Janet Farnham · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have been enjoying this series but I have to say that this one let me down a bit. First, the constant repetition of speculation was tedious and felt like filler. So often a series loses steam and I suspect it is because of pressure on successful authors to get new works out quickly before they are ready. One thing in this book that greatly disturbed me (and a bit of a spoiler alert here) was the reaction Virgilio had after Dan talked with a suspect who happened to be beautiful. In front of Dan's girlfriend, Anna, he said he hoped that was business and not pleasure. What a horrible thing to say and SO out of character for this Italian inspector who has been such a great friend and gentleman. It was so jarring that I wondered how this could slip past an editor. I'm hoping that the next book is better. And to that end, I'd just like to note that readers like me become drawn into the characters as if they are real people. To have them altered from sweet to awful is enough for some of us to say goodbye.

[Pam Robertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the fourth in the series, Dan Armstrong finds himself on a break in Siena. Set in self-contained hotel, you have the perfect setting for a locked room murder story. The suspects are many and there are plenty of red herrings. With a full and varied cast of characters, Dan Armstrong has his work cut out to sort out the clues. As murder follows murder, you are right there alongside him, trying to work out 'whodunnit'.

Accompanied by some familiar faces, including his gorgeous black labrador, Oscar, Dan finds himself thinking back over the sacrifices he made for his career in his personal life. He is determined to try to stop his friends ending up with the damage to their marriage which he ended up with. I thoroughly enjoyed this read, especially with the setting and the wolves who were out and about nearby. As a holiday read, this would be the perfect escape.

In short: murder, mayhem and wolves...
Thanks to the publisher for a copy of the book

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dan Armstrong retired after 30 years in the Murder Squad where his "pals" gave him the "gift" of a writers' retreat in Tuscany. Since then, he has become divorced, settled in to stay, made friends with some men in the local Polizia, adopted a Black Lab (Oscar), written a mystery that's recently been published, and made the acquaintance of a bilingual professor who seems to understand that you can take the man out of The Job but you can't take The Job out of the man.
Dan, Oscar, Anna, their friend from the Florence police and his wife are in Siena on holiday when shenanigans among the scientists turn murderous and the first one is staged to appear as if it was done by wolves. Because of their bilingual abilities and history of working well together the local inspector asks them to help with this preponderance of English speakers. And so it begins! Another great story in series interpreted by voice actor Simon Mattacks!

[Jane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Murder in Siena is the fourth book in an entertaining series by T.A. Williams. This time, retired police office, Dan Armstrong, and his constant canine companion, Oscar, are in Siena for a long weekend with Dan’s girlfriend, Anna. They are looking forward to a stress-free vacation with good food and sightseeing. Instead, they run head-long into a murder. Or is it an accident? Time will tell.

I enjoy this series a lot and this book was no exception. The plot is well-conceived, the dialogue crisp, the descriptions of the Italy’s Tuscan region are well-done, and the characters are interesting. With some personal issues added for good measure, the story seems realistic and it easily kept my attention. It is most definitely a police procedural, so at times the pace was a little slower that I would have liked. But, nevertheless, Murder in Siena is a good book and well-worth reading. NetGalley provided an advance copy.

[Scilla · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dan goes to London for the publication of his new book. Anna is now living with Dan. They go to Sienna with Dan's local policeman Virgilio and his wife Lena, and are staying in a hotel at which there is a science conference. Dan wakes in the middle of the night to a wolf howling. The next morning they discover that one of the male scientists who had several female girl friends is found dead. At first it is presumed he was killed by a wolf, but the police soon find that the wolf definitely didn't kill him. The two police help to interview those at the conference.

Soon after a bus trip to Sienna, one of the scientists wasn't on the bus home. The police came to tell them that the missing man was at first thought to have been a suicide from a tall cliff, but the next day they found that the man was dead before he landed on the rooftop. And then in the hotel dining room, a woman is found dead of poisoning. Can they solve all the murders before everyone needs to go home?

[Luis Nuñez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book #5 in this fun and funny series has me totally hooked on the adventures of PI Dan Armstrong and his faithful companion Oscar, the Labrador Retriever.

Dan's life in Tuscany has drastically improved now that he retired as a police detective back in London. He has been able to put his ex wife behind him, has acquired a most loyal companion in Oscar, plus he now has a new girlfriend, Anna. He is also delighted to help his friend Virgilio, the local police detective while chasing criminals.

A quick weekend getaway to relax in Siena turns sinister when someone gets killed...was it a 2 or a 4 legged killer? Wolves are being suspected, but Dan and Virgilio get to the bottom of the mystery as another person gets killed...

The ending revelations of contrived relationships leading to whodunnit is satisfying, and after tense moments, all is alright in Dan's world again.

This series is addictive, and I would recommend starting with book #1 Murder in Tuscany.

[Elaine - Splashes Into Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great story that keeps you guessing,
A mystery that has clues and ideas meshing
Leading you one way - and then another-
Until, near the end, the truth you discover.

An enthralling read with characters who
Are believable, relatable, all the way through.
A story with mouthwatering, delicious food, too,
And historical sights brought in to view.

This is Armstrong and Oscar book four,
When off with friends they go to tour.
A Tuscan weekend away with friends
Should be relaxing but how will it end?

With wolves, porcupines and prickly folk as well,
Scientists, intrigue and secrets to tell.
Another fascinating read by this author who
Writes brilliant books I love to read and review!

For my complementary copy of this book, I say thank you,
As I share with you this, my honest review.

[Jane Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dan's first book signing takes place in London, where he meets two fellow authors; back in Italy, he and Anna take a break in the Tuscan countryside and Siena. The setting and context of this story are fascinating and add authenticity and depth to the mystery. When there is a death, it's unclear whether it is an animal attack. Dan is drawn into the investigation with his Italian detective friend, whose wife is less than happy about the disruption to their holiday. Many potential suspects are unpleasant with unsavoury secrets, and Dan takes a while to find the culprit. The Tuscan ambience is plentiful, as its locational details make this a perfect escapist read. The police investigation is complex, and the abundant twists, set against the excellent characterisation and mix of humour and poignancy, make this an engaging story.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

[Alison · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dan Armstrong and his girlfriend are having a long weekend break with Dan's friend Virgilio and his wife. However, their romantic break is ruined when one of the delegates at an international environmental conference being held in the same hotel is found dead in the hotel grounds. Initially it looks as though the death could have been caused by wild wolves that roam the local countryside, but the medical examiner soon discovers that the wounds were caused by a broken bottle. Our victim was quite the Lothario and it seems that he has been very friendly with more than one of the delegates, at this conference and in previous years. He was also overheard having an altercation with one of the other delegates about plagiarism - could either of these be a motive?

Dan and Virgilio are roped in by local police to help with interviewing the delegates, many of whom have flown into Italy for the conference which was being held in English, but trouble could be brewing between Virgilio and his long-suffering wife.

Then there's a second murder, and a third. But the clues are pointing in multiple directions.

Without being too spoilery, I thought the explanation for the murders was a bit torturous, but I enjoyed this nonetheless.

Read on my Kindle Unlimited subscription.