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Serafina Florio #3
Death in Bagheria
Death started it. Madness moved it. Love ended it.
A baroness poisoned. Dark secrets. And one woman determined to uncover the truth.
March 1870. Serafina Florio investigates the suspicious death of a baroness and uncovers a dangerous plot to destroy the heirs to a large fortune. The adventure leads her to a palatial villa on Sicily's gold coast where she pursues the truth despite demands at home, haunting peril, and a heady romance.
Will love prevail? Can she keep her family together? Will she have enough time to catch the killers before they destroy her?
Meet Serafina Florio, a woman determined to uncover the truth against all odds.
Serafina Florio is a widow and midwife-turned-sleuth living in nineteenth-century Sicily where she supports seven children and catches killers against insurmountable odds.
DEATH IN BAGHERIA is the third book in the Serafina Florio mystery series.
Other books in this series:
Death of a Serpent
No More Brothers
A baroness poisoned. Dark secrets. And one woman determined to uncover the truth.
March 1870. Serafina Florio investigates the suspicious death of a baroness and uncovers a dangerous plot to destroy the heirs to a large fortune. The adventure leads her to a palatial villa on Sicily's gold coast where she pursues the truth despite demands at home, haunting peril, and a heady romance.
Will love prevail? Can she keep her family together? Will she have enough time to catch the killers before they destroy her?
Meet Serafina Florio, a woman determined to uncover the truth against all odds.
Serafina Florio is a widow and midwife-turned-sleuth living in nineteenth-century Sicily where she supports seven children and catches killers against insurmountable odds.
DEATH IN BAGHERIA is the third book in the Serafina Florio mystery series.
Other books in this series:
Death of a Serpent
No More Brothers
322 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 6, 2012
30 people are currently reading
507 people want to read
About the author
Susan Russo Anderson
16 books166 followersSusan Russo Anderson is a writer, a mother, a member of Sisters in Crime, a graduate of Marquette University. She's taught language arts and creative writing, worked for a publisher, an airline, an opera company. Like Faulkner's Dilsey, she's seen the best and the worst, the first and the last. Through it all, and to understand it somewhat, she writes.
TOO QUIET IN BROOKLYN, the first in the Fina Fitzgibbons Brooklyn mystery series published December 2013. The second book in the series, MISSING BRANDY, published September 2014, and WHISKEY'S GONE completes a trilogy. The working title of the fourth is DEAD IN BROOKLYN.
TOO QUIET IN BROOKLYN, the first in the Fina Fitzgibbons Brooklyn mystery series published December 2013. The second book in the series, MISSING BRANDY, published September 2014, and WHISKEY'S GONE completes a trilogy. The working title of the fourth is DEAD IN BROOKLYN.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
March 8, 2013
Historical mysteries don’t often land on my reading list, but the complex plot of Death in Bagheria intrigued me and rightly so. The strong characters, detailed settings, and emotional dialogue transported me to a different time and place—1870 in Sicily, to be exact—and held my attention to the end. Eloquent writing moves the story forward at a steady pace while offering visual treats along the way: “…his face like the chiseled stroke of a master sculptor, dark hair tightly curled in the back…”
The author creates a realistic ambiance at every turn and fills it with memorable characters, like Serafina, a fearless and tenacious protagonist who is hired to seek out a killer. Poignant scenes depicting Serafina’s life with her family and her secret love affair with Loffredo add realism to the storyline and further develop the characters.
The plot offers unexpected twists and turns, and suspense builds as Serafina runs into dangerous confrontations while digging up clues. But nothing deters our persistent heroine, and the mystery is skillfully wrapped up in the last pages, making this book an enjoyable read!
The author creates a realistic ambiance at every turn and fills it with memorable characters, like Serafina, a fearless and tenacious protagonist who is hired to seek out a killer. Poignant scenes depicting Serafina’s life with her family and her secret love affair with Loffredo add realism to the storyline and further develop the characters.
The plot offers unexpected twists and turns, and suspense builds as Serafina runs into dangerous confrontations while digging up clues. But nothing deters our persistent heroine, and the mystery is skillfully wrapped up in the last pages, making this book an enjoyable read!
March 31, 2013
My 66-year-old father, David, and I read this at the same time and have combined our reviews.
David and I found the book captivating. Serafina is a good character and well written. Though Death In Bagheria (A Serafina Florio Mystery) is the third novel in the series, the story easily held up as an introduction to the character and the world in which she lives. Serafina is clearly a character the authors knows well and is able to write without the awkwardness that can often accompany a first novel as an author develops the character. David was inspired to read the rest of the series so stay tuned with his thoughts as to if the character grew or was strong from the start.
Some of the characters seemed to rely on rote but most were seemingly very well thought out and developed. Serafina has a complex relationship with many of the characters and yet there wasn’t a feeling of repetition between them. They were all very uniquely strained and delicately balanced in a way that made all simply more interesting to read.
Death In Bagheria (A Serafina Florio Mystery) has a very specific feel of place and time. Often with historical fiction you can take the story out of it’s setting and just change the date and the feel of the story hasn’t changed. Not so with this novel. I don’t know if Russo has deeply researched the time period in Sicily as I’m not familiar with that era of history in the era but there’s a true feel to the way she’s written the location as a second main character. Like the great Canadian detective show, “Murdoch Mysteries” (set at the turn of the 20th century), the feel of the novel is very period piece in a way that I loved but David found as a spice to the real prize – the mystery.
The mystery was complex and the writing style intense. Anderson pulls few punches. Serafina is not a perfect person and not a perfect detective but she’s in there tenaciously working hard. She is mother to seven children and in no way a perfect parent. She’s widowed and still young and looking for romance and finds it with an old flame. David found the romance aspect of the novel needless but truly enjoyed the mystery. I found that the romance added flair to the mystery, as did the very real nature of Serafina and her time in her longing for companionship.
This is a great read for mystery fans. David was inspired to read the series from the start and is currently reading the first Serafina Florio mystery. I don’t know when I’ll have time but would also love to read them straight through and experience a little vacation in Sicily.
David and I found the book captivating. Serafina is a good character and well written. Though Death In Bagheria (A Serafina Florio Mystery) is the third novel in the series, the story easily held up as an introduction to the character and the world in which she lives. Serafina is clearly a character the authors knows well and is able to write without the awkwardness that can often accompany a first novel as an author develops the character. David was inspired to read the rest of the series so stay tuned with his thoughts as to if the character grew or was strong from the start.
Some of the characters seemed to rely on rote but most were seemingly very well thought out and developed. Serafina has a complex relationship with many of the characters and yet there wasn’t a feeling of repetition between them. They were all very uniquely strained and delicately balanced in a way that made all simply more interesting to read.
Death In Bagheria (A Serafina Florio Mystery) has a very specific feel of place and time. Often with historical fiction you can take the story out of it’s setting and just change the date and the feel of the story hasn’t changed. Not so with this novel. I don’t know if Russo has deeply researched the time period in Sicily as I’m not familiar with that era of history in the era but there’s a true feel to the way she’s written the location as a second main character. Like the great Canadian detective show, “Murdoch Mysteries” (set at the turn of the 20th century), the feel of the novel is very period piece in a way that I loved but David found as a spice to the real prize – the mystery.
The mystery was complex and the writing style intense. Anderson pulls few punches. Serafina is not a perfect person and not a perfect detective but she’s in there tenaciously working hard. She is mother to seven children and in no way a perfect parent. She’s widowed and still young and looking for romance and finds it with an old flame. David found the romance aspect of the novel needless but truly enjoyed the mystery. I found that the romance added flair to the mystery, as did the very real nature of Serafina and her time in her longing for companionship.
This is a great read for mystery fans. David was inspired to read the series from the start and is currently reading the first Serafina Florio mystery. I don’t know when I’ll have time but would also love to read them straight through and experience a little vacation in Sicily.
March 7, 2013
Susan Russo Anderson has developed a historical mystery set in Sicily in 1870 that is filled with suspense with memorable characters that are multi-dimensional and engaging. As you navigate the gold coast of Sicily you will see the beautiful backdrop for this story and become totally captivated.
Serafina is hired to find the killer of Sister Genoveffa’s mother, the baroness, who she suspects was murdered eighteen months earlier. She believes that her mother’s journals would provide information pointing to the murderer and presents one to Serafina with the knowledge that there are many more at Villa Caterina. Serafina travels with her friend Rosa and her daughter Renata to recover the journals and get any information she can from the staff at the Villa as well as the Count. They encounter obstacles on their trip that will only begin to multiply as they reach their destination and begin to unlock the mystery.
The plot is complex and presented in a way that will keep you absorbed in the story. The clues to solving the mystery are subtle and intense. As Serafina comes closer to the truth she will find herself as well as those around her in danger.
The character of Serafina Florio midwife, mother of seven and a widow is a strong, self-determined, loyal and extremely capable woman who is devoted to her children and friends. She is a character that will pull you into the story as she leaves no stone unturned to discover the truth. I find that the emotional connection she has with her children, Rosa and her lover Loffredo are written with great depth of feeling and portray the true heart of this story.
All of the characters in this story lend a tremendous amount of drama and realism. They are well defined and their background and stories are woven together in a way that lends to the intrigue and feeling of the story.
The mystery and suspense combined with the depth of personal relationships successfully pull you into the story and let you become emotionally invested. I highly recommend this book to all readers seeking a genuine mystery/thriller all while experiencing the stunning historical surroundings of Sicily.
Serafina is hired to find the killer of Sister Genoveffa’s mother, the baroness, who she suspects was murdered eighteen months earlier. She believes that her mother’s journals would provide information pointing to the murderer and presents one to Serafina with the knowledge that there are many more at Villa Caterina. Serafina travels with her friend Rosa and her daughter Renata to recover the journals and get any information she can from the staff at the Villa as well as the Count. They encounter obstacles on their trip that will only begin to multiply as they reach their destination and begin to unlock the mystery.
The plot is complex and presented in a way that will keep you absorbed in the story. The clues to solving the mystery are subtle and intense. As Serafina comes closer to the truth she will find herself as well as those around her in danger.
The character of Serafina Florio midwife, mother of seven and a widow is a strong, self-determined, loyal and extremely capable woman who is devoted to her children and friends. She is a character that will pull you into the story as she leaves no stone unturned to discover the truth. I find that the emotional connection she has with her children, Rosa and her lover Loffredo are written with great depth of feeling and portray the true heart of this story.
All of the characters in this story lend a tremendous amount of drama and realism. They are well defined and their background and stories are woven together in a way that lends to the intrigue and feeling of the story.
The mystery and suspense combined with the depth of personal relationships successfully pull you into the story and let you become emotionally invested. I highly recommend this book to all readers seeking a genuine mystery/thriller all while experiencing the stunning historical surroundings of Sicily.
February 14, 2013
Synopsis: A baroness is poisoned in Sicily, circa 1870. The victim's daughter, Sister Genoveffa, hiress Serafina to find the killer, and Serafina travels to Sicily's gold coast to see what's up. Battling perils and enemies determined to thwart her investigation, Serafina looks behind every curtain and knocks on every door. Aware of her children's desire for her to give it up, and the distraction of a re-percolating romance with Loffredo, count of Oltramari, she uncovers danger for the baroness's heirs. The reader has to figure out if Serafina will solve the mystery before the bad guys pitch her off a roof.
Susan Russo Anderson is no beginner, she has several novels to her credit and a strong voice with great personality. This story harkens back to the full-bodied historical mystery-romances of great writers like Eleanor Hibbert who peppered the book stores with this genre, writing as Jean Plaidy, Victoria Holt, Philippa Carr, and other pen names. I truly like the sense of time and place that comes, not from clumsy info dumping, but from a neat and rhythmic progression of events along with solid character development.
There's a lot of action, well written and adeptly paced:
"Umbrello, who had been looking on from above, sprung from the stoop, his body arcing slightly as if he were diving into the sea, and butted the French woman in the small of her back. She fell forward, her pistol flying, scutting across the stones of the drive. In a sweeping motion, the madam retrieved the gun and aimed it at the baron."
I took issue with the use of "sprung" when the verb conjugation should be "sprang" for simple past, but I enjoyed the exotic, classic handling of the action which arcs up and down in a wild ride.
Here's the difference between Anderson's book and so many other low-priced digitals. The formatting is carefully done, the story well told, the mechanics far better than average, and the read a pleasure. Recommended if you love romance, adventure, strong femal leads, and exotic settings full of history. Nicely done.
Susan Russo Anderson is no beginner, she has several novels to her credit and a strong voice with great personality. This story harkens back to the full-bodied historical mystery-romances of great writers like Eleanor Hibbert who peppered the book stores with this genre, writing as Jean Plaidy, Victoria Holt, Philippa Carr, and other pen names. I truly like the sense of time and place that comes, not from clumsy info dumping, but from a neat and rhythmic progression of events along with solid character development.
There's a lot of action, well written and adeptly paced:
"Umbrello, who had been looking on from above, sprung from the stoop, his body arcing slightly as if he were diving into the sea, and butted the French woman in the small of her back. She fell forward, her pistol flying, scutting across the stones of the drive. In a sweeping motion, the madam retrieved the gun and aimed it at the baron."
I took issue with the use of "sprung" when the verb conjugation should be "sprang" for simple past, but I enjoyed the exotic, classic handling of the action which arcs up and down in a wild ride.
Here's the difference between Anderson's book and so many other low-priced digitals. The formatting is carefully done, the story well told, the mechanics far better than average, and the read a pleasure. Recommended if you love romance, adventure, strong femal leads, and exotic settings full of history. Nicely done.
May 21, 2013
"Death In Bagheria" is the third book in the captivating Serafina Florio series by Susan Russo Andersen. Set in a financially troubled 1870's Italy with businesses closing resulting in large numbers of families immigrating to the New World, Serafina (Fina) Florio is commissioned by Sister Genoveffa to investigate her mother's suspicious death. Needing the money to support her family of seven and intrigued by the mystery surrounding the death of the baroness she readily takes on the assignment. With her friend,Rosa, the shrewd and witty former brothel owner, her innocent daughter Renata, an aspiring pastry chef, Fina travels to a palatial villa in Bagheria where she uncovers dark secrets, a murder, and illegal opium shipments.
Like Sherlock Holmes Seraphina has been gifted with keen observation and reasoning skills which she uses when clues are few, and a murderer threatens not only the Baron's household but her own life.
In this story the passionate affair between Fina and Dr. Loffredo heats up as he's drawn into the investigation, but the question, although unspoken, remains; how long will their love last.
This murder-mystery is riveting with its cast of realistic, colorful and conniving characters, and its blend of secrecy, deceit, betrayal, friendship and love. It's s book worth reading. I highly recommend it and can't wait for the next in the series.
Like Sherlock Holmes Seraphina has been gifted with keen observation and reasoning skills which she uses when clues are few, and a murderer threatens not only the Baron's household but her own life.
In this story the passionate affair between Fina and Dr. Loffredo heats up as he's drawn into the investigation, but the question, although unspoken, remains; how long will their love last.
This murder-mystery is riveting with its cast of realistic, colorful and conniving characters, and its blend of secrecy, deceit, betrayal, friendship and love. It's s book worth reading. I highly recommend it and can't wait for the next in the series.
August 26, 2016
I have not yet read the first books in the Serafina series but this volume easily stands-alone. There are enough casual references to prior events to make the relationships between the main characters plain. And interesting characters they are. Serafina makes an excellent sleuth as she has connections in both the middle class and the aristocracy. Much of the plot hinges on the upstairs/downstairs interactions of a large villa. I know little of Sicily in the 1870's but the detail Susan Russo Anderson provides makes the scenery and culture come alive. The plot kept me guessing until almost the end, too. Definitely a book to immerse oneself in. I've already gotten the first two books and plan to continue following the series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in order to review it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in order to review it.
May 26, 2014
I loved this book.
Serafina is a woman who while she is not birthing children she is playing detective and a damn good one.
In this book she is hired by a lady who believes that her mother was poisoned and would like Serafina to discover who did it. The story is very intriguing and I did not put it down once.
The author did an amazing job in introducing a large amount of characters without confusing you.
I am looking forward to reading more of her books.
P. S Every time I pick up a book that belongs to a series I always question if it would be okay to skip the first one. In this case it is, this book is the third of the series and the first I have read. I was not confused at all.
Serafina is a woman who while she is not birthing children she is playing detective and a damn good one.
In this book she is hired by a lady who believes that her mother was poisoned and would like Serafina to discover who did it. The story is very intriguing and I did not put it down once.
The author did an amazing job in introducing a large amount of characters without confusing you.
I am looking forward to reading more of her books.
P. S Every time I pick up a book that belongs to a series I always question if it would be okay to skip the first one. In this case it is, this book is the third of the series and the first I have read. I was not confused at all.
May 10, 2013
I'm hooked on this series. Fabulous characterizations, atmosphere, and suspense. Page-turners, all. Very much looking forward to the release of the next in this compelling series!
April 25, 2015
I love a good mystery !
February 3, 2018
This is the first of this series that I read and I really enjoyed it. A very well written historical mystery with a multi-faceted female lead character. Although Serafina's life is limited in many ways by the male dominated society, she still manages to carve out an interesting life of midwifery and helping the local police investigate crime. I certainly will check out other books in the series.
December 16, 2019
Interesting story. Starts with someone deciding that a death was really a murder even though there is nothing suspicious about the event. The plot develops over hours rather than days so the story keeps moving - perhaps too fast to believe that the murder could be solved so quickly.
May 2, 2021
Great book!
These books keep getting better! This one didn’t have as much history in it as the others, but it was well written and very paced. I always love hearing about royalty and how they live.
This is turning out to be a great series!
These books keep getting better! This one didn’t have as much history in it as the others, but it was well written and very paced. I always love hearing about royalty and how they live.
This is turning out to be a great series!
June 29, 2015
My First Experience With Serifina
I really enjoyed this book. A mystery reminding me of Victoria Holt with a little of Mary Stewart mixed in. Fast-moving reading; I will be back for more.
I really enjoyed this book. A mystery reminding me of Victoria Holt with a little of Mary Stewart mixed in. Fast-moving reading; I will be back for more.
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March 6, 2016Great Read
Susan Russo Anderson has captured my attention again. I can't wait to see what Serafina and Rosa get up to next!
Susan Russo Anderson has captured my attention again. I can't wait to see what Serafina and Rosa get up to next!
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews