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A Bria Bartolucci Mystery #2
Murder in an Italian Café
Set in beautiful Positano, Italy, the latest novel in a cozy mystery series featuring a widowed B&B owner who discovers a body in one of her bedrooms before opening day! Perfect for fans of Mario Giordano and Lorenzo Carcaterra! Though she still misses her late husband, Carlo, Bria couldn't be happier that their dream bed and breakfast, Bella Bella, is humming along nicely. Of course, even on the stunning Amalfi Coast, things seldom run smoothly. Like Bria's mother and mother-in-law dueling over a suitable communion site for Bria's eight-year-old son Marco. Bria's also juggling the demands of the famous Chef Lugo, his producer, Massimo, and Pippa, a member of the production crew who is staying at Bella Bella for a nice, long-term stay . . . Until Lugo mysteriously dies on-camera, a victim of apparent murder. But finding out who wanted him gone is no stroll on the beach. Bria soon learns that Chef Lugo's multi-media empire is at a make-or-break tipping point, and Lugo himself had racked up any number of enemies—financial, professional . . . and very personal. Now to save her friend's cafe from a ruined reputation, Bria must delve into the glittering surface of false alibis, pretty lies, and not-so-glamourous hidden identities to catch a murderer determined to serve up another victim . . .
368 pages, Hardcover
Published September 24, 2024
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4741 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
June 9, 2024
The start of the book was a bit slower than I like a murder book to be... but the way it was written was definitely intriguing. The writing keeps the reader (it definitely did it for me) captivated. I liked how low-anxiety inducing the book was in the most parts.
The plot was clear and had a few twists in the right places - especially the last twist, amazing.
I did at the beginning struggle with the Italian language being intertwined in the dialogue - as a non-Italian speaker/reader it was a bit confusing at time and I felt like I was missing out on certain humour or details (I didn't want to run to Goggle translate all the time). But equally, it did let the reader have a sense of belonging to the plot and the scene that the characters were found at.
The description of scenes and certain localisations was sometimes on the more longer side but that didn't necessarily prevent me from enjoying the book.
I liked the small aspect of romance in the plot and the mention of religion - I think the latter was something that is not often seen in book (specially in the crime genre) and so it was refreshing to read something closer to reality. 'Close to reality'... I think that is something that can be assigned to this book that makes it more unique from the other crime books I have read recently. Although it is fiction (obviously the plot has a lot of coincidences to it) the characters seem very real and very 'cultural' to what they were described as. That is something that made the book very lovable.
All in all, five stars for a cosy and investing murder mystery.
The plot was clear and had a few twists in the right places - especially the last twist, amazing.
I did at the beginning struggle with the Italian language being intertwined in the dialogue - as a non-Italian speaker/reader it was a bit confusing at time and I felt like I was missing out on certain humour or details (I didn't want to run to Goggle translate all the time). But equally, it did let the reader have a sense of belonging to the plot and the scene that the characters were found at.
The description of scenes and certain localisations was sometimes on the more longer side but that didn't necessarily prevent me from enjoying the book.
I liked the small aspect of romance in the plot and the mention of religion - I think the latter was something that is not often seen in book (specially in the crime genre) and so it was refreshing to read something closer to reality. 'Close to reality'... I think that is something that can be assigned to this book that makes it more unique from the other crime books I have read recently. Although it is fiction (obviously the plot has a lot of coincidences to it) the characters seem very real and very 'cultural' to what they were described as. That is something that made the book very lovable.
All in all, five stars for a cosy and investing murder mystery.
June 17, 2024
I was pleasantly surprised by this cosy murder mystery. Apparently, it's part of a series but obviously it can also be read as a stand-alone. There was no over-explanation of things that happened in the first book, just enough to understand in general what happened in the previous book, who Bria is and what she's doing in Positano.
The characters were well-developed and I connected to them. The overall story is very well-written, too, which made me think of the book multiple times a day when I wasn't reading it.
There were many plottwists in the story that I did not see coming. Often, murder mysteries - to me - are pretty predictable. This one was not. I look forward to reading more of Falco, maybe even the first book in this series.
The story takes place in a part of Italy I was actually not familiar with. After reading it, I feel like I know the place well. I looked up pictures online of Positano only after finishing the book and the images matched with the descriptions of the village that I had in my mind! Another point for Falco.
Thank you NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for giving me an e-arc in exchange for an honest review! I loved it.
The characters were well-developed and I connected to them. The overall story is very well-written, too, which made me think of the book multiple times a day when I wasn't reading it.
There were many plottwists in the story that I did not see coming. Often, murder mysteries - to me - are pretty predictable. This one was not. I look forward to reading more of Falco, maybe even the first book in this series.
The story takes place in a part of Italy I was actually not familiar with. After reading it, I feel like I know the place well. I looked up pictures online of Positano only after finishing the book and the images matched with the descriptions of the village that I had in my mind! Another point for Falco.
Thank you NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for giving me an e-arc in exchange for an honest review! I loved it.
September 9, 2024
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Michael Falco for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for Murder in an Italian Cafe coming out September 24, 2024. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Though she still misses her late husband, Carlo, Bria couldn't be happier that their dream bed and breakfast, Bella Bella, is humming along nicely. Of course, even on the stunning Amalfi Coast, things seldom run smoothly. Like Bria's mother and mother-in-law dueling over a suitable communion site for Bria's eight-year-old son Marco. Bria's also juggling the demands of the famous Chef Lugo, his producer, Massimo, and Pippa, a member of the production crew who is staying at Bella Bella for a nice, long-term stay . . .
Until Lugo mysteriously dies on-camera, a victim of apparent murder. But finding out who wanted him gone is no stroll on the beach. Bria soon learns that Chef Lugo's multi-media empire is at a make-or-break tipping point, and Lugo himself had racked up any number of enemies—financial, professional . . . and very personal. Now to save her friend's cafe from a ruined reputation, Bria must delve into the glittering surface of false alibis, pretty lies, and not-so-glamourous hidden identities to catch a murderer determined to serve up another victim . . .
I have the first book in the series, but I haven’t read it yet. I absolutely love cozy mysteries and I loved even more that this book was set in Italy. It’s a beautiful country. Bria is an intelligent, strong character who’s dealing with grief from the loss of her husband. She’s finally getting her dream job. I loved the book! The characters were so colorful and fun. There was a lot of depth to the writing. I would definitely check out more books by this author!
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys cozy mysteries set in Italy!
Though she still misses her late husband, Carlo, Bria couldn't be happier that their dream bed and breakfast, Bella Bella, is humming along nicely. Of course, even on the stunning Amalfi Coast, things seldom run smoothly. Like Bria's mother and mother-in-law dueling over a suitable communion site for Bria's eight-year-old son Marco. Bria's also juggling the demands of the famous Chef Lugo, his producer, Massimo, and Pippa, a member of the production crew who is staying at Bella Bella for a nice, long-term stay . . .
Until Lugo mysteriously dies on-camera, a victim of apparent murder. But finding out who wanted him gone is no stroll on the beach. Bria soon learns that Chef Lugo's multi-media empire is at a make-or-break tipping point, and Lugo himself had racked up any number of enemies—financial, professional . . . and very personal. Now to save her friend's cafe from a ruined reputation, Bria must delve into the glittering surface of false alibis, pretty lies, and not-so-glamourous hidden identities to catch a murderer determined to serve up another victim . . .
I have the first book in the series, but I haven’t read it yet. I absolutely love cozy mysteries and I loved even more that this book was set in Italy. It’s a beautiful country. Bria is an intelligent, strong character who’s dealing with grief from the loss of her husband. She’s finally getting her dream job. I loved the book! The characters were so colorful and fun. There was a lot of depth to the writing. I would definitely check out more books by this author!
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys cozy mysteries set in Italy!
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December 15, 2024Thank you so much to Kensington Publishing, NetGalley, and Michael Falco for the eARC.
This was my first experience with both the author and the storyline, and I was impressed by the stellar descriptions of the scenery, culture, and food. The incorporation of Italian phrases added an authentic touch which added to the reading experience! However, I felt that Bria's grief and reflections on her spouse were somewhat excessive, taking up too much space in the narrative. This focus on her sorrow occasionally overshadowed the overall flow of the story.
Nonetheless, this book is a fantastic choice for anyone who loves cosy mysteries set in different countries, and this should be one of the top contenders with a setting based in Italy! I’m also eager to read the first book in the series to see how everything unfolds.
This was my first experience with both the author and the storyline, and I was impressed by the stellar descriptions of the scenery, culture, and food. The incorporation of Italian phrases added an authentic touch which added to the reading experience! However, I felt that Bria's grief and reflections on her spouse were somewhat excessive, taking up too much space in the narrative. This focus on her sorrow occasionally overshadowed the overall flow of the story.
Nonetheless, this book is a fantastic choice for anyone who loves cosy mysteries set in different countries, and this should be one of the top contenders with a setting based in Italy! I’m also eager to read the first book in the series to see how everything unfolds.
September 4, 2024
A delightful series that includes one of the best leading characters in literature, Bria Bertolucci. Bria is loyal, resourceful, generous, and intelligent, and the rest of the characters blend in well with the story. I love how the author uses Italian words interspersed between the English words. The descriptions of the scenery and the food of Italy are done so well, you can easily visit Italy without actually going there. Add all this up and you have a very well done mystery.
My review is voluntary and all comments and opinions expressed are
my own.
My review is voluntary and all comments and opinions expressed are
my own.
October 22, 2024
This just didn't work for me [even though I had hoped for more after my lackluster read of book 1], but alas no. I will not be reading anymore of this series.
Thank you to NetGalley, Michael Falco, and Kensington Publishing for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley, Michael Falco, and Kensington Publishing for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 5, 2025
Loved the book! The entire village of Positano comes to life and you feel like you’re a part of it. I was lucky enough to meet the author at the Virginia Festival of the Book!
April 26, 2025
This started out as one of the worst books I’ve ever read so it took me a very long time to get through. But, about 2/3 through, it grew on me and I am pleased to report that I was surprised by the murderer reveal!
October 6, 2024
As much fun as the first one!
December 29, 2024
I will start with I chose this book based on the cover. It took me two uninterrupted days to get through the first three chapters. From other reviews, the beginning is slow but the story line picks up. I wouldn’t know because I never got past chapter 3. I’ll give it two stars because I don’t really know how the story will go but the writing just wasn’t there for me.
September 2, 2024
This is a new author and series for me, thanks to #Netgally, #Kensingtonbooks, and the author for a chance to read. I really enjoyed the idea of traveling to an Italian coastal luxury location. Bria's lovely B and B is in a beautiful oceanside location in a very close-knit Italian community. This is important to Bria as she is a young widow, with an eight year old son, who has made her late husband's dream come true by getting the B and B up and running and found a home. This is the second book in the series but is easy to follow if you haven't read book one. There is a lot of atmosphere and description in this book, and at one point, I almost said too much and gave up, but keep going, I am glad the interesting characters and interwoven community kept me going because in the second half we start to see Bria piece together a mystery that has many parts, twists and turns and shocking revelations. It's definitely an enjoyable read and has characters I know I will need to visit again. #MurderinanItalianCafe #ABriaBartolucciMystery #MichaelFalco #bookreview #bookideas #retiredreader
July 30, 2024
Some readers not used to seeing a simple variety of appropriate Italian words in print should have no trouble if listening to an audiobook like many of the other popular Italian mystery authors. The publisher's blurb is a good start, but the characters are so much more fun and the plot works well with all those red herrings and sneaky plot twists. Nor does it tell that Bria is battling an attraction to that condescending police chief. Loved this one as much as the first in series!
As Norse American, I laugh my sox off every time Bria says "uffa" as we use "Uff Da"!
I requested and received a free temporary EARC from Kensington Publishing via NetGalley. Thank you! Date Sep 24, 2024
*Bravo is a Segugio Italiano. A loving, flop eared scent hound probably about 40 lbs.
As Norse American, I laugh my sox off every time Bria says "uffa" as we use "Uff Da"!
I requested and received a free temporary EARC from Kensington Publishing via NetGalley. Thank you! Date Sep 24, 2024
*Bravo is a Segugio Italiano. A loving, flop eared scent hound probably about 40 lbs.
October 3, 2024
DNF
I’ve been waiting to get this book from my library’s new release list and I was so looking forward to reading it…but it just fell flat. It’s stilted and almost slapstick dramatic at times. The conversations are awkward. It just doesn’t flow right. I want to find the Italian phrases that are interspersed charming but they just come across as affected. Another issue is we barely knew anything about the murder victim before he died, so I wasn’t really invested in finding out who killed him and about halfway through I just didn’t want to struggle through anymore.
I’ve been waiting to get this book from my library’s new release list and I was so looking forward to reading it…but it just fell flat. It’s stilted and almost slapstick dramatic at times. The conversations are awkward. It just doesn’t flow right. I want to find the Italian phrases that are interspersed charming but they just come across as affected. Another issue is we barely knew anything about the murder victim before he died, so I wasn’t really invested in finding out who killed him and about halfway through I just didn’t want to struggle through anymore.
November 22, 2024
I found the book hard to read with the Italian phrases throughout it. I don’t know Italian and to stop and have to look it up in a translation app made it hard to follow the flow. I think I would have enjoyed the book much more if it was all in English.
January 11, 2025
Dnf. Couldn’t get past chapter 2. Why so much untranslated Italian dialogue?
July 6, 2024
Murder in an Italian Cafe is the second book in a delightful cozy mystery series by Michael Falco. The protagonist, Bria Bartolucci, is a young widow who runs a Bed and Breakfast in Positano, on Italy’s Amalfi Coast. She has a precocious eight-year-old son, Marco; a very smart dog, Bravo; and a big, loving but opinionated, typical Italian family. As in the first book, you’ll fall in love with the gorgeous setting and the mouth-watering descriptions of Italian cuisine.
When the story opens, the whole village is excited about the arrival of Chef Lugo, a celebrity TV chef, who has just published a book of his signature recipes. A segment of his cooking show will be filmed at the Café Positano, and Chef Lugo will later do a signing at the local bookstore. A member of the production crew is staying at Bella Bella, Bria’s B&B.
Many of the townspeople turn up at Café Positano to watch the live production. The café owner, Bria’s friend Annamaria, must run a last-minute errand unexpectedly, and the impatient director asks Bria to fill in for her on camera as Chef Lugo’s assistant. But almost as soon as filming begins, Chef Lugo suddenly drops dead. At first, everyone believes it’s from natural causes, but soon it becomes apparent that he was poisoned.
Because of her proximity to the victim when he died, Bria inserts herself into the murder investigation, as she doesn’t want the reputation of her friend’s café tarnished. Luca, the police chief and brother of Bria’s best friend, Rosalie, has learned not to immediately discount Bria’s theories. After all, her sleuthing helped solve the last murder that darkened their peaceful village. Also, the romantic chemistry between Luca and Bria continues to heat up.
Rosalie is less involved in Bria’s sleuthing in this book; perhaps because she has a new love interest. Michele, the nephew of a local mechanic, has caught her eye, but when Bria finds him hiding on the set just after Chef Lugo drops dead, Michele becomes a prime suspect. And as Bria delves into Chef Lugo’s past, she learns that Michele has a connection. This disturbing information shatters some of Rosalie's bravado.
As in the last book, suspects abound. There is tension among the production crew, and Chef Lugo was about to make an announcement that his director, Massimo, would not have liked. A mysterious woman turns up as a local tour guide, and she may be romantically linked with the deceased. And everyone seems to have a secret.
Just when the police think they have the case wrapped up, Bria puts together clues leading to new evidence that takes the investigation in another direction. Although I suspected the killer early on, I had no idea what the motive could be. The author did a good job constructing a clever mystery.
This was a very fun read!
When the story opens, the whole village is excited about the arrival of Chef Lugo, a celebrity TV chef, who has just published a book of his signature recipes. A segment of his cooking show will be filmed at the Café Positano, and Chef Lugo will later do a signing at the local bookstore. A member of the production crew is staying at Bella Bella, Bria’s B&B.
Many of the townspeople turn up at Café Positano to watch the live production. The café owner, Bria’s friend Annamaria, must run a last-minute errand unexpectedly, and the impatient director asks Bria to fill in for her on camera as Chef Lugo’s assistant. But almost as soon as filming begins, Chef Lugo suddenly drops dead. At first, everyone believes it’s from natural causes, but soon it becomes apparent that he was poisoned.
Because of her proximity to the victim when he died, Bria inserts herself into the murder investigation, as she doesn’t want the reputation of her friend’s café tarnished. Luca, the police chief and brother of Bria’s best friend, Rosalie, has learned not to immediately discount Bria’s theories. After all, her sleuthing helped solve the last murder that darkened their peaceful village. Also, the romantic chemistry between Luca and Bria continues to heat up.
Rosalie is less involved in Bria’s sleuthing in this book; perhaps because she has a new love interest. Michele, the nephew of a local mechanic, has caught her eye, but when Bria finds him hiding on the set just after Chef Lugo drops dead, Michele becomes a prime suspect. And as Bria delves into Chef Lugo’s past, she learns that Michele has a connection. This disturbing information shatters some of Rosalie's bravado.
As in the last book, suspects abound. There is tension among the production crew, and Chef Lugo was about to make an announcement that his director, Massimo, would not have liked. A mysterious woman turns up as a local tour guide, and she may be romantically linked with the deceased. And everyone seems to have a secret.
Just when the police think they have the case wrapped up, Bria puts together clues leading to new evidence that takes the investigation in another direction. Although I suspected the killer early on, I had no idea what the motive could be. The author did a good job constructing a clever mystery.
This was a very fun read!
September 16, 2024
Murder in an Italian Cafe is the second Bria Bartolucci detective mystery set in the wonderful town of Positano.
After Bria solved a mysterious death in her own B&B, with help from her BFF Rosalie and Police Inspector Luca, she is faced with another death in the village. Positano is buzzing with excitement when a famous chief comes to make recordings for a TV series at a famous cafe in the village. When the owner of the cafe is missing when the recordings start Bria has to step into her shoes as the assistant and presenter of the famous cook. This is how she finds herself standing right next to the victim when he dies.
Because she looked the dying men in his eyes during his demise Bria feels she has an obligation to find out who murdered him. To be honest,it doesn't take much for Bria to feel that she has to poke her nose into murder mystery's.
Assisted by a couple of the villagers, who by now are becoming her loyal sidekicks, she delves into all the dirty secrets that people who are involved would rather have kept hidden. This leads to Bria experiencing a couple of mishaps. Well actually I think that Bria at times is not the most sensible person: walking the Via degli Dei along the Costa Amalfitana on a pair of espadrilles? Really?
In the end Bria, Luca and Rosalie between them manage to solve the mystery and Bria's relationship with her mother in law even improves a little in the progress.
Looking forward to the next book.
I want to thank Netgalley and Kensington Books for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
After Bria solved a mysterious death in her own B&B, with help from her BFF Rosalie and Police Inspector Luca, she is faced with another death in the village. Positano is buzzing with excitement when a famous chief comes to make recordings for a TV series at a famous cafe in the village. When the owner of the cafe is missing when the recordings start Bria has to step into her shoes as the assistant and presenter of the famous cook. This is how she finds herself standing right next to the victim when he dies.
Because she looked the dying men in his eyes during his demise Bria feels she has an obligation to find out who murdered him. To be honest,it doesn't take much for Bria to feel that she has to poke her nose into murder mystery's.
Assisted by a couple of the villagers, who by now are becoming her loyal sidekicks, she delves into all the dirty secrets that people who are involved would rather have kept hidden. This leads to Bria experiencing a couple of mishaps. Well actually I think that Bria at times is not the most sensible person: walking the Via degli Dei along the Costa Amalfitana on a pair of espadrilles? Really?
In the end Bria, Luca and Rosalie between them manage to solve the mystery and Bria's relationship with her mother in law even improves a little in the progress.
Looking forward to the next book.
I want to thank Netgalley and Kensington Books for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
September 21, 2024
Murder in an Italian Cafe by Michael Falco is a cozy mystery set in Positano, Italy. I really liked the characters in this book: widowed Bria our FMC, her bestie Rosalie, and Rosalie's brother Luca, the chief of police and Bria's ardent admirer. There is Bria's mother-in-law, Imperia, her mother and sister, her son Marco, her assistant, and her little dog, too. There are a host of other characters in order to tell this story and the beautiful town of Positano is practically a character in its own right. Basic premise is a rising young star chef has come to Positano to film a new cooking show at a local cafe and during filming he is murdered. How? Why? Who? These are the questions that Bria and Luca try to answer. Overall, the writing is a little slow for a mystery and I found the dialogue somewhat awkward. This is written in English with Italian words, phrases, sentences interspersed throughout the story. Why? They are Italian - I would assume they are all speaking Italian - and someone has nicely translated it to English for us to read. The insertion of the Italian is clunky and gimmicky. There is a lot of time spent on extraneous detail - more than a page on the outfits Bria and Rosalie wore when they were looking into a suspects upbringing in a nearby town. I enjoyed the idea of this book more than the execution. Thank you to Net Galley #netgalley and Kensington Publishing for my advanced reader copy.
August 6, 2024
Not having made the acquaintance of fictitious B&B owner Bria Bartolucci in her picturesque seaside town of Positano, Italy, in the first book of her sleuthing adventures, a neophyte reader nevertheless catches on quickly that this sensitive, funny, and quick-thinking widowed forty-something mom is a pursuer of justice well worth pursuing. Bria is fiercely loyal to her family, her friends, and her town, but pity the fool who thinks committing murder anywhere in her vicinity is a terrific idea. Managing her demanding business clients, her endearing son on the verge of his First Holy Communion, her warring mom and mother-in-law in connection with said upcoming First Communion celebration, and the incipient renaissance of her romantic inclinations after a few years of widowhood may seem like an estimable load to manage on its own, but our Signora winds up front and center to the occasion of Positano’s latest murder—of a visiting celebrity chef—and her compulsion to see justice served will brook no obstacles: she is immediately all in on sussing out the situation and setting the culprit to rights. And if a certain chief of police has an equal compulsion to pursue the attentions of this irrepressible lay counterpart as they join forces professionally, the more (romantic) tension the better! Thrills of both the hair-raising and enamored sort await!
May 19, 2025
I am sincerely grateful to author Michael Falco for selecting me to be the receiver of the second book in the Bria Bartolucci Mystery series in a giveaway. I was delighted to read it and post a personal review.
I don't particularly like to read books out of sequence, so I read and reviewed the first book "Murder in an Italian Village" first. I really liked that book, and expected this second book to be as good...I was very pleased that it got even better, especially because I was already familiar with the main characters and the locations in beautiful Positano, Italy.
The plot of this second book is an adventure into culinary Italy through the death of a chef.
Mr. Falco develops his characters extremely well, and we get to know their idiosyncrasies and cultural behavious and attitudes well. Being of Italian descent myself, I could identify with life in an italian community and family. I especially loved the references to people yelling at each other without anyone being upset.
I am so glad to have started to read this series, and am anxious to read book #3 "Murder in an Italian Piazza", which publishes on September 30, 2025.
I don't particularly like to read books out of sequence, so I read and reviewed the first book "Murder in an Italian Village" first. I really liked that book, and expected this second book to be as good...I was very pleased that it got even better, especially because I was already familiar with the main characters and the locations in beautiful Positano, Italy.
The plot of this second book is an adventure into culinary Italy through the death of a chef.
Mr. Falco develops his characters extremely well, and we get to know their idiosyncrasies and cultural behavious and attitudes well. Being of Italian descent myself, I could identify with life in an italian community and family. I especially loved the references to people yelling at each other without anyone being upset.
I am so glad to have started to read this series, and am anxious to read book #3 "Murder in an Italian Piazza", which publishes on September 30, 2025.
June 22, 2025
Truly stunning! I love Bria and her friends and family and the whole village! The setting is spectacular and the author does a wonderful job of making a reader feel like she's right there, seeing everything first hand.
The blending of humour and mystery and family drama is sheer perfection. Bria's relationship with her young son, Marco, is so sweet -- tugged at my heartstrings all the way through. There's even a brewing romance (thankfully skirting around a possible love triangle...phew!) And there are so many delicious layers to the mystery! The plot twists had plot twists! I had two solid suspects (or so I thought) and had so much fun trying to fit the pieces of the puzzle together. This is the second time this author has stumped me on the mystery! Here's hoping he has many opportunities to do so in the future. May books in the Bria Bartolucci Mystery series keep on coming! Ohhh, just checked and Murder in an Italian Palazzo comes out in a few months. Eeeeppp!
I listened to the audio book, brilliantly narrated by Nicol Zanzarella! The audio book. is definitely the way to go with this series.
The blending of humour and mystery and family drama is sheer perfection. Bria's relationship with her young son, Marco, is so sweet -- tugged at my heartstrings all the way through. There's even a brewing romance (thankfully skirting around a possible love triangle...phew!) And there are so many delicious layers to the mystery! The plot twists had plot twists! I had two solid suspects (or so I thought) and had so much fun trying to fit the pieces of the puzzle together. This is the second time this author has stumped me on the mystery! Here's hoping he has many opportunities to do so in the future. May books in the Bria Bartolucci Mystery series keep on coming! Ohhh, just checked and Murder in an Italian Palazzo comes out in a few months. Eeeeppp!
I listened to the audio book, brilliantly narrated by Nicol Zanzarella! The audio book. is definitely the way to go with this series.
September 27, 2024
I feel like I am right there on the Amalfi Coast in this second Bria Bartolucci Mystery! The author does a fantastic job of describing the scenery and Italian food.
The news is spreading in Positano that a celebrity chef will be filming a new show in the village. When the chef dies unexpectedly, Bria is convinced it wasn’t an accident but murder. She enlists the help of her friends to find out what really happened to Chef Lugo.
I loved reading about the everyday life of widowed Bria, owner of Bella Bella Bed and Breakfast, her young son Marco, and their dog Bravo. Besides trying to solve several mysteries, Bria is also contemplating a possible romance.
Something that stands out to me about this series are the strong and smart female characters.
Bria, along with other women in the village are small business owners. Family and faith also plays a big part in this series.
I look forward to reading more about Bria and her amateur sleuthing!
Thank you to Kensington Books for the ARC, and for letting me share my early thoughts on Murder in an Italian Cafe.
The news is spreading in Positano that a celebrity chef will be filming a new show in the village. When the chef dies unexpectedly, Bria is convinced it wasn’t an accident but murder. She enlists the help of her friends to find out what really happened to Chef Lugo.
I loved reading about the everyday life of widowed Bria, owner of Bella Bella Bed and Breakfast, her young son Marco, and their dog Bravo. Besides trying to solve several mysteries, Bria is also contemplating a possible romance.
Something that stands out to me about this series are the strong and smart female characters.
Bria, along with other women in the village are small business owners. Family and faith also plays a big part in this series.
I look forward to reading more about Bria and her amateur sleuthing!
Thank you to Kensington Books for the ARC, and for letting me share my early thoughts on Murder in an Italian Cafe.
May 26, 2024
An up-and-coming chef is murdered just after he publishes a cookbook and is about to begin a book tour and cooking show. Bria, along with the police chief Luca, Luca's sister and Bria's best friend Rosalie, and other recurring characters try to solve the mystery, which appears to have its roots in old family secrets and tragedy.
I like Bria's character - her energy, her devotion to her son and her family, her nosiness. The plot is complex with lots of characters and relationships and motives to keep straight, but the author brings the threads together at the very end. The middle of the book seemed to move a bit slowly as Bria and friends worked through the chef's family history. The town of Positano is its own character with descriptions of the daily life of its residents mixed in with the tourist factor. Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington for the ARC.
I like Bria's character - her energy, her devotion to her son and her family, her nosiness. The plot is complex with lots of characters and relationships and motives to keep straight, but the author brings the threads together at the very end. The middle of the book seemed to move a bit slowly as Bria and friends worked through the chef's family history. The town of Positano is its own character with descriptions of the daily life of its residents mixed in with the tourist factor. Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington for the ARC.
November 3, 2024
These aren't the best mysteries, but they make me feel like I'm on vacation in southern Italy. For escape reading, that's about as good as you can get.
This second installment introduces more of the town's main characters and adds a few to the mix (a new love interest for Rosalie). We also see Bria move forward in her personal life, which I liked. If you're so inclined, you'll learn much more Italian because there's an Italian phrase in every three sentences. You'll also learn a lot more about Italian culture, history, and trivia because the author often (jarringly) jumps out of the story to give exposition on the location or name-drop famous Italians. This annoying quirk also extends to constantly naming the designers or the brand names of clothing, shoes, sunglasses, cereal, and more. I don't care, but Italians DO care about their fashion.
This second installment introduces more of the town's main characters and adds a few to the mix (a new love interest for Rosalie). We also see Bria move forward in her personal life, which I liked. If you're so inclined, you'll learn much more Italian because there's an Italian phrase in every three sentences. You'll also learn a lot more about Italian culture, history, and trivia because the author often (jarringly) jumps out of the story to give exposition on the location or name-drop famous Italians. This annoying quirk also extends to constantly naming the designers or the brand names of clothing, shoes, sunglasses, cereal, and more. I don't care, but Italians DO care about their fashion.
January 23, 2025
This mystery was a delight. The setting is Italy's Positano on the Amalfi coast, there are mouth-watering descriptions of food, a plot with unexpected twists involving hidden identities, and most of all, an appealing lead character, Bria Bartolucci.
Bria is an attractive thirty-ish young widow who runs a B & B in the village, is a former champion fencer, and is working out how she will go forward in life and love as she comes to terms with mourning the death of her beloved husband in a tragic accident.
Positano is the location for a TV special filming with the famed Chef Lugo, but when he dies on the set with Bria by his side, she suspects murder – but how and by whom? She is determined to find out...
Author Michael Falco has a way with dialogue, description, and clever plotting. This is the second book in his series, and I'll be looking for the first, Murder in an Italian Village.
Bria is an attractive thirty-ish young widow who runs a B & B in the village, is a former champion fencer, and is working out how she will go forward in life and love as she comes to terms with mourning the death of her beloved husband in a tragic accident.
Positano is the location for a TV special filming with the famed Chef Lugo, but when he dies on the set with Bria by his side, she suspects murder – but how and by whom? She is determined to find out...
Author Michael Falco has a way with dialogue, description, and clever plotting. This is the second book in his series, and I'll be looking for the first, Murder in an Italian Village.
September 27, 2025
I just thought this book was stupid. I got the audiobook from the library, and I thought the narration was really good but couldn't make up for bad material. I am not familiar with the genre "cozy mystery" so maybe not fair of me to be so hard on a type of book I don't generally read anyway. Others commented on the interspersed Italian. I didn't find that annoying, what annoyed me was how another character would immediately use the same phrase in English so we would get the meaning of the Italian word. Why bother? Presumably these people would always be speaking to each other in Italian anyway. Also, I did not care for Bria by the end of the book. The female characters really did have the feeling they were written by a man. Happy for those who enjoyed it but I won't be reading anymore about Bria, graze a Dio!
July 20, 2024
Thank you so much for this ARC! As a lover of all things Italy, I was so excited to be on another journey with Bria Bartolucci!
As much as I loved the first book, the story line of the sequel for me was more of a hit. I was so intrigued by the stardom of Chef Lugo and his history. I also enjoyed watching Bria grow as a character - a mother, a business owner and a widow. Please write book 3 so we can see some progress with Luca!
A beautiful setting, an interesting and entertaining cast of characters and a mysterious whodunnit makes for the perfect book. Bria is a youthful Nonna Maria and that is the highest praise!
Lots of critique on religion and the use of Italian in this novel - I happened to LOVE it. Bravo!
As much as I loved the first book, the story line of the sequel for me was more of a hit. I was so intrigued by the stardom of Chef Lugo and his history. I also enjoyed watching Bria grow as a character - a mother, a business owner and a widow. Please write book 3 so we can see some progress with Luca!
A beautiful setting, an interesting and entertaining cast of characters and a mysterious whodunnit makes for the perfect book. Bria is a youthful Nonna Maria and that is the highest praise!
Lots of critique on religion and the use of Italian in this novel - I happened to LOVE it. Bravo!
September 13, 2024
The setting for this story is stellar! I can’t wait to travel back to Positano in the next book to visit Bria at Bella Bella and see how much Marco has grown. Murder in an Italian Cafe is a top notch cozy mystery with all the things I adore about the genre- a main character I adore, charming side characters on every page, all set in a place I want to be while reading. There just happens to be a murder in the quaint, idyllic town! I had so much fun reading Murder in an Italian Cafe. I will definitely be going back to read book one in the series and will read any others published in the future.
Murder in an Italian Cafe is out Sept 24! Thank you Kensington Cozies and Netgalley for my e-arc! I always love to find new authors and series via Netgalley!
Murder in an Italian Cafe is out Sept 24! Thank you Kensington Cozies and Netgalley for my e-arc! I always love to find new authors and series via Netgalley!
September 14, 2024
A clever cozy mystery that takes full advantage of its delightful setting on the Amalfi coast. Bria and her son Marco are happily settled in and running the B&B (even if her mother in law is a bit nettlesome). She certainly didn't expect to get involved in another murder investigation but she just must because famous Chef Lugo dropped dead while filming in her friend's cafe- and she was there. What's the connection to her pal Rosalie's new love interest? No spoilers from me but know that Bria's an intrepid amateur detective and that Luca, the police chief trusts her instincts. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. Good characters and a sufficiently twisty mystery make this a good read either as the second in the series or a standalone.
July 3, 2024
I enjoyed the first with Bria, the second is not as enjoyable as the first. This is due to the overuse of religious content and references in this entry.
Authors need to be very careful about including religious details in their books. It’s one thing to mention some part of Faith one setting up a factor in a story or to have the setting in a church for example. But this entry just felt the religious references were way overdone and like it was from decades ago. Because while religion is still important in Italy, today it is not overdone like it is in this book. I’m hoping the author takes us into account with her next entry.
Authors need to be very careful about including religious details in their books. It’s one thing to mention some part of Faith one setting up a factor in a story or to have the setting in a church for example. But this entry just felt the religious references were way overdone and like it was from decades ago. Because while religion is still important in Italy, today it is not overdone like it is in this book. I’m hoping the author takes us into account with her next entry.
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