The Roman Riddle

Dora and Rex 1920s Mysteries #5

by Lynn Morrison

In the Eternal City, Dora and Rex are in a race against time to uncover the truth, with the future of an old friend at stake.

Rome, 1923. Rex and Dora's holiday comes to an abrupt end when they receive an urgent message from Rome. The Carabinieri have accused the British ambassador of murder.

A witness puts the ambassador at the scene and the evidence points to his guilt. But he assures the couple he is innocent. If the Carabinieri are allowed to proceed with their accusations, this simple case will become an international incident.

Rex and Dora face their most difficult puzzle yet. First, they have to uncover the real identity of the victim. Only then can they determine who had the motive to kill.

But in the Eternal City, the past and present are intertwined. Old flames return, past grudges re-emerge, and regrets bring consequences. Before the case ends, they'll have to answer a riddle. What is more important -- solving the case or saving the life of a friend?

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Historical, Historical Mystery, Historical Fiction, Crime

238 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 30, 2024

About the author

Lynn Morrison lives in Oxford, England along with her husband, two daughters and two cats. Originally from the US, she has also lived in Italy, France and the Netherlands. It’s no surprise then that she loves to travel, with a never-ending wishlist of destinations to visit. She is as passionate about reading as she is writing, and can almost always be found with a book in hand. You can find out more about her on her website LynnMorrisonWriter.com.

You can chat with her directly in her Facebook group - Lynn Morrison’s Not a Book Club - where she talks about books, life and anything else that crosses her mind.

Reviews

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always an exciting mystery in store!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book in an incredible series doesn't disappoint! We now see the inclusion of more characters ~ staff, friends, and family members~ all with various and previously undisclosed talents and this allows for a broader range in adventures! Grandmama is priceless and Clarks' vibrant outgoing personality is a perfect foil for Rex's intensity. Through the character of Nonna Matilda, the reader is given a glimpse of the scope of Lord Audley's network. Dora, at one point, says they're an unstoppable team and rightly so!

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

It doesn’t take long for the action to start in this fab instalment in Dora and Rex’s adventures. What starts out as a relatively low-key assignment come holiday for them in Italy soon transpires into a dash across the country to Rome, where intrigue abounds around the murder of a lady who isn’t who or what she appears to be - and neither are some of the other characters/suspects in the drama! The plot thickens as it ties into a previous mission of Dora’s from a few years earlier, which, unusually for Dora, at the time did not have a satisfactory conclusion. I love how Dora and Rex have grown together, both as a romantic couple and a working couple. And I also love how Rex has now fully embraced his role and place at Dora’s side in their investigations together. Wonderful rich descriptions of the places visited, scenery and clothing worn. As always, great writing that make it so easy to feel like you’re actually there with them. So good to see more of the team too, especially Inga and Harris. Characters from history are seamlessly woven into the book as well - it feels like we’re actually meeting them too! I also love the authors notes post story, explaining how she chose the locations and characters for this brilliant addition to the series. Loved it all 😁💖 Oh and we get a tease for the next book too 🤨 so looking forward to that!

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again Dora and Rex are called upon to use their skills to find a murderer. While on a mission in Italy for Lord Audrey, the couple are asked to investigate a death in Rome. The ambassador has been accused of killing a young woman. Is he guilty, or is he being framed? Does this death have anything to do with a previous investigation carried out by Dora, 3 years earlier?

The intrepid duo investigate with the help of their loyal friends and companions. Once more Lord Clark is central to events, pitching in with valuable assistance. We also meet Rex’s sister, Caledonia, for the first time. There is also another young woman who is quite intriguing, and I wonder if she will appear in future adventures.

It is impossible not to love Dora and Rex and to get caught totally caught up in their adventures.

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful adventure with Dora and Rex and their friends and some family. The group is in Rome and are called on to find out who killed someone outside the British Embassy. Dora has had some previous experience with the ambassador several years ago and that comes into play again. Wonderful to watch Clark’s growth in the adventures. Rex’s grandmother is on hand to help the group. They are such great characters and I’m glad their parts shine. We get to meet Rex’s sister and hope to see her again in the future. Another great adventure with plenty of twists and misdirection. Great supporting characters and an exceptional tour of Rome.

[Anne Kavcic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oo, good one - again! I was caught up in the tale from the first chapter, and wanted to read it all in one sitting. Great writing, and I love the characters, who gain in depth with every book as they also gain experience in spying. New talents pop up in the other people as well! In this book, the Roman atmosphere is well described - again, just like you were following along in a movie or hovering nearby. There's a tricky ending as well! Don't miss this series! The first book or two would be valuable to introduce the characters, though. - I received a review copy and freely leave this honest review.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

No rest for the wicked, they say but in order to achieve that, the innocent have to be at work as well to stop the wicked! Italy was meant to be a holiday but when the British ambassador is accused of murder, Rex and Dora are requested to help out. The mystery, however, is why would the ambassador murder a lowly piano turner? Someone who he hadn't even met? Was the killer cunning enough to frame the poor guy?

As always, the series is riveting. What an exciting read; clever, well written as usual with an unexpected twist. 5 stars!!

[Rosalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dora and Rex are back, in Rome now with all of their sidekicks including Lord Clark. He turns out to be especially useful since the British ambassador is accused of murder and desperately calls on acquaintance Dora for help. As a member of the House of Lords, Clark is the most senior Briton in Italy and so is qualified to take over while the ambassador is "indisposed". Of course the investigation turns up loose ends galore which are eventually solved with a culprit who's unique in my mystery reading. No spoilers here - read it yourself to find who actually did it.

[Starfire · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another very readable instalment in the Dora & Rex mysteries - this time, the dynamic duo and friends are off to 1920s Rome to clear the name of the British Ambassador.

A few unfortunate editing issues in this one, but overall, it had all the things I've enjoyed about previous instalments, plus a new character - Rex's sister, Caledonia - that I'm looking forward to getting to know better in future books.

I'm glad these books are on KU - I probably wouldn't buy them, but I do enjoy them enough to keep reading them there as long as Ms Morrison keeps writing them.

[Paraphrodite · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

Rex, Dora and their entourage are in Italy when the UK Ambassador in Rome is accused of murder. So naturally their boss asked them to investigate. Things were further complicated when Rex learned that his grandmother is also in Rome with his younger sister whom he hasn't seen for a long time.

This one does have a bit more of a travelogue feel to it because it's set in Rome. We also have another character being introduced and I'm guessing Prudence is going to become part of the team in the upcoming books?

[Peggy Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an intriguing story. I especially liked them being in Italy and seeing the sights through their eyes. As always, they are on assignment with a little help from a friend who is along for the ride. He has no idea of Dora and Rex's real reason for being there or what they really do for a living. Much wondering who is the spy selling secretes and wolho really is the killer. Read to find out and sit back and enjoy the ride and get to know some new characters.

[Fred Masek · Rating 5 out of 5]

The books in this series keep getting better and better. An unusual storyline but with misdirections, twists and turns, and suspects.The characters are delightful especially a new one, Nonna Matilta (who I hope we see again). In addition you even learn a little history; the easy way by seeing Rome through the eyes of Dora.
Don’t let the phrase historical novel turn you off. This is a book you won’t want to put down until finished. I heartily recommend this book

[Doreen Farrar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Expanding their range

Dora and Rex, along with their team, travel to Italy a few years after WWII to see the political situation as Mussolini is coming to power. While there, they're asked by Lord Audley to investigate a murder near the British Embassy in Rome. While there, they meet even more interesting people and have even more adventures. I really enjoyed the story and can't wait to read the next book. Highly recommended!

[Mary Kyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like the history of Dora. She went from landed gentry daughter to doing her part in WWI, serving as a nurse and more. The war is over but she is in Italy during the rise of Musselini. Ms Morrison created compelling characters and combines a mystery with international intrigue with a touch of romance. Always looking for the next book when I've read the last. PS, I highly recommend reading these in order.

[Daria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dora and Rex and their assorted friends and helpers search out a murderer and a spy or two in Rome. Good pacing and interesting plot, and Dora and Rex get in just the right amount of trouble. The author paints a vivid picture of 1920s Rome and the rise of Mussolini. Thank you to the author for an ARC.

[Larry · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was another excellent adventure in a series of them. The characters are familiar and boldly interesting, the plot is sufficiently twisting in its paths, and the premise is finding out how and why a "lowly" piano tuner is killed. The story is well played out, surprises are inevitable, and the killer is found and punished. I most definitely recommend this book.

[A.J. Fotheringham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great and Fun Read

Rex and Dora keep the reader guessing as they work through the mystery of the Roman Riddle. Tasked with finding the truth they pull out all the stops to identify the murderer. Enjoyable and recommended read.

[Andrea Gold · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can't get enough!!

Delightful series & really can't get enough of them. I like the fact that I cannot figure out the culprit early and must build on the facts that are revealed little by little. Also, that the characters are developing as each novel is introduced.

[Paula Withrow · Rating 5 out of 5]

it holds my attention so well

The character interaction, the brilliance in deduction of Dora and the way the plots moves quickly - all add up to create one of my favorite series. Each new addition to the gang brings talents that make the whole thrive

[Nancy T Vega · Rating 5 out of 5]

When In Rome- Murder Happens!!

The team is sent to Rome unexpectedly, but food & parties
Are still expected. The problem is two deaths three years apart. Are they connected? Perhaps but more investigations are needed. Everyone plays a part in solving this one!!

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who Did It and Why?

A tangled web in Rome. Two deaths that seem to be connected to the British Embassy. Dora and Rex are charged with finding out who did it. They check out every possible lead they can find. Very good story.

[Diane Rapp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fascinating historical mystery

My husband and I love this series. We trade off reading and plan to buy them all. This one visited sites in Rome that we remember from our own visit. The writing and characters are clever. We recommend reading the whole series.

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful 1920s mystery and adventure story. I love this series - the wonderful characters and the historical research that grounds this series in the time period - are first rate. The mystery that they must work out has red herrings and suspenseful twists and turns.

We meet Rex's sister for the first time and see more of his highly capable, unflappable Grandmother.

If you are a lover of historical mysteries then The Roman Riddle by Lynn Morrison (and all the other books in the Dora and Rex series) should be on your reading list.

[Ordean Zora · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good, clean, fun read

[Beatrice Gleaves · Rating 5 out of 5]

Totally enjoying the series

[Julie Burnett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such fun and a great mystery too. Love this series.

[Stephanie Curran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent!!

A puzzling mystery, rich detail, and fascinating history combine with compelling characters make this my favorite Dora and Rex adventure yet.

[Lizabeth Tarr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

I really enjoyed this book and how more people were involved in the sleuthing and taking down the bad guy!👍

[Elliemae · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dora and Rex arrive in Rome to clear the Ambassador accused of murder.

[Dora · Rating 5 out of 5]

the Roman riddle

Once again Rex and Dora are a delight, as are the rest of the crew. Very enjoyable, great setting. Now, onto the next one!

[Jonathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

another great mystery in an series of fine mysteries from this author