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A Bria Bartolucci Mystery #3
Murder in an Italian Piazza
Set in beautiful Positano, Italy, the latest in Michael Falco’s transporting and hilarious series featuring widowed American B&B owner Bria Bartolucci is perfect for fans of Mario Giordano, Donna Leon, Lorenzo Carcaterra, and Jean-Luc Bannalec.
The sea, sunshine, and sleuthing have given Bria Bartolucci a new lease on life since her husband’s passing, and her southern Italian B and B is running as smoothly as her love life. But, just like the Amalfi Coast, some relationships can be rocky—and some can be downright deadly . . .
After solving a couple of murders, Bria is now known in the village as the “Italian Miss Marple,” which could cause problems in her budding romance with the local police chief. But for now, all of Positano is abuzz with the homecoming of a star now that Carlotta Incantaro, a famous opera diva, is coming out of retirement to make one last public appearance.
Not all the locals are happy about Carlotta’s return and Bria soon begins to hear stories about the singer’s petty past. She destroyed one woman’s music career and tried to sabotage her rival’s chances in a beauty pageant. With Carlotta staying at her bed-and-breakfast, Bria learns firsthand just how high-maintenance and demanding the woman can be. Even though Carlotta’s loyal pianist tries his best to smooth things over by blaming her nerves on her daughter’s upcoming wedding to a former soccer player, Bria senses something is terribly wrong.
And once again, Bria’s right. Carlotta’s swan song is just the beginning of the drama—after the performance, a dead body is found in the piazza. Bria is quickly drawn into a tragedy worthy of any opera, uncovering a family’s darkest secrets and deadly passions . . .
The sea, sunshine, and sleuthing have given Bria Bartolucci a new lease on life since her husband’s passing, and her southern Italian B and B is running as smoothly as her love life. But, just like the Amalfi Coast, some relationships can be rocky—and some can be downright deadly . . .
After solving a couple of murders, Bria is now known in the village as the “Italian Miss Marple,” which could cause problems in her budding romance with the local police chief. But for now, all of Positano is abuzz with the homecoming of a star now that Carlotta Incantaro, a famous opera diva, is coming out of retirement to make one last public appearance.
Not all the locals are happy about Carlotta’s return and Bria soon begins to hear stories about the singer’s petty past. She destroyed one woman’s music career and tried to sabotage her rival’s chances in a beauty pageant. With Carlotta staying at her bed-and-breakfast, Bria learns firsthand just how high-maintenance and demanding the woman can be. Even though Carlotta’s loyal pianist tries his best to smooth things over by blaming her nerves on her daughter’s upcoming wedding to a former soccer player, Bria senses something is terribly wrong.
And once again, Bria’s right. Carlotta’s swan song is just the beginning of the drama—after the performance, a dead body is found in the piazza. Bria is quickly drawn into a tragedy worthy of any opera, uncovering a family’s darkest secrets and deadly passions . . .
352 pages, Hardcover
First published September 30, 2025
11 people are currently reading
76 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
July 31, 2025
A known opera diva, Carlotta, has come home to Positano for an unannounced concert. She wants to practice for her daughter’s upcoming wedding to a billionaire. She is staying at Bella Bella, the B & B run by the young widow, Bria. Bria is known in the coastal town for her ability to solve murders. Carlotta is not welcomed by everybody due to her past behavior. When her pianist is found murdered, Bria is determined to investigate. She is assisting her boyfriend, who happens to be the chief of police. The investigation uncovers a web of deep-seated family secrets, some that have been hidden for years.
This is the third installment in the Bria Bartolucci mystery series. While it can be enjoyed as a standalone novel, it would be beneficial to have read at least one of the previous books to fully appreciate the recurring cast of colorful characters.
I enjoy cozy mysteries set in Italy. Unlike the UK version, where tea and biscuits are the norm, Italian mysteries offer a blend of strong coffee and delectable pastries. The characters here are quirky yet charming, adding to the appeal of the story. I like the use of Italian phrases, most of which are translated.
The plot is filled with twists, turns, and red herrings. While the writing can be a bit slow and wordy at times, it is an entertaining read overall.
Thanks to @netgalley and @KensingtonBooks and #KensingtonCozies for the ARC.
This is the third installment in the Bria Bartolucci mystery series. While it can be enjoyed as a standalone novel, it would be beneficial to have read at least one of the previous books to fully appreciate the recurring cast of colorful characters.
I enjoy cozy mysteries set in Italy. Unlike the UK version, where tea and biscuits are the norm, Italian mysteries offer a blend of strong coffee and delectable pastries. The characters here are quirky yet charming, adding to the appeal of the story. I like the use of Italian phrases, most of which are translated.
The plot is filled with twists, turns, and red herrings. While the writing can be a bit slow and wordy at times, it is an entertaining read overall.
Thanks to @netgalley and @KensingtonBooks and #KensingtonCozies for the ARC.
September 23, 2025
BOOK: MURDER IN AN ITALIAN PIAZZA
AUTHOR: MICHAEL FALCO
PUB DATE: 30TH SEPTEMBER 2025
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REVIEW
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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First of all, this is the first book I'll ever read that's set in Italy from start to finish! I don't know why it took this long for me to read a book set in Italy. Anyway, the author's description of Positano was my favourite part of the book. The beauty and the essence of the place were shown perfectly.
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The mystery was okay, not my favourite, but still okay. The investigation was kinda subpar and unrealistic. I didn't like that the murder victim’s past was not investigated. To be honest, I didn't really know who the person was, except what he was to other people. It was unrealistic because the FMC, Bria always intervenes in police investigations. Now, amateur sleuths always do that, but it's unrealistic here because she was dating the chief of police and he told her important things about the case he was not supposed to. It was Bria who was searching for stuff in the victim’s room, not forensic. It would have been okay if it was historical, but it's actually contemporary. It just showed how deficient the police department was and a wrong investigation. However, I was really surprised to see who the actual perp was.
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Bria has an amazing family and friends in Positano, but it was also too much because some chapters involved daily dramas of the side characters. I like it when characters like Bria have side characters, but it was just too much here, and it got in the way of the cozy mystery.
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The characters were okay, but I didn't really like the storyline
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AUTHOR: MICHAEL FALCO
PUB DATE: 30TH SEPTEMBER 2025
🕵🏼♀️🕵🏼♀️
REVIEW
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
🕵🏼♀️🕵🏼♀️
First of all, this is the first book I'll ever read that's set in Italy from start to finish! I don't know why it took this long for me to read a book set in Italy. Anyway, the author's description of Positano was my favourite part of the book. The beauty and the essence of the place were shown perfectly.
🕵🏼♀️🕵🏼♀️
The mystery was okay, not my favourite, but still okay. The investigation was kinda subpar and unrealistic. I didn't like that the murder victim’s past was not investigated. To be honest, I didn't really know who the person was, except what he was to other people. It was unrealistic because the FMC, Bria always intervenes in police investigations. Now, amateur sleuths always do that, but it's unrealistic here because she was dating the chief of police and he told her important things about the case he was not supposed to. It was Bria who was searching for stuff in the victim’s room, not forensic. It would have been okay if it was historical, but it's actually contemporary. It just showed how deficient the police department was and a wrong investigation. However, I was really surprised to see who the actual perp was.
🕵🏼♀️🕵🏼♀️
Bria has an amazing family and friends in Positano, but it was also too much because some chapters involved daily dramas of the side characters. I like it when characters like Bria have side characters, but it was just too much here, and it got in the way of the cozy mystery.
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The characters were okay, but I didn't really like the storyline
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October 26, 2025
In 'Murder in an Italian Piazza', Michael Falco continues the Bria Bartolucci Mystery series with the charming coastal Italian setting that first drew me in. Nunzi’s continued growth from frosty to endearing is fun to watch, and Bria has found a tight-knit community where she can both work and raise her son. Marco remains adorable, though some of his insightful, humorous comments felt advanced for his age and occasionally pulled me out of the moment.
This third installment brings back the beloved characters and setting while adding fresh tension through an upcoming wedding and a contentious opera performance. The way Falco described Carlotta’s stunning voice made me almost jealous of the characters who got to hear her sing. The mystery itself is clever, with just enough misdirection to keep cozy fans guessing.
Overall, there were more comments about characters sleeping together than I expected for a cozy mystery.
Special thanks to Kensington Cozies and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
This third installment brings back the beloved characters and setting while adding fresh tension through an upcoming wedding and a contentious opera performance. The way Falco described Carlotta’s stunning voice made me almost jealous of the characters who got to hear her sing. The mystery itself is clever, with just enough misdirection to keep cozy fans guessing.
Overall, there were more comments about characters sleeping together than I expected for a cozy mystery.
Special thanks to Kensington Cozies and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
August 31, 2025
I really enjoy this series. First you have the amazingly beautiful setting on the Italian coast that the author totally does justice to, then there is the lovely Bella Bella Inn, and finally we have a wonderful warm but still intriguing cast of characters. A possible suggestion to the author is to add a list of the cast of characters to the beginning of each book as we have a large family, wonderful friends and townspeople/business owners and that is added to in each book with guests at the Inn. In this book, Bria is hosting a famous opera star returning to Positano and her humble roots to perform, as a refresher out of retirement, before a performance at her daughter's wedding. With her daughter marrying the son of a famous, incredibly wealthy retired soccer star, there is much attention to the event. When the Diva's piano player is found murdered in the Piazza hours after the performance, who could have wished him dead? Was this a case of mistaken identity? Did someone have an old score to settle? This was a very twisty mystery with a very surprising but satisfying solution! Come along for a great trip to the Italian coast! A big thanks to #Netgally, #KensingtonCozies, and the author for an opportunity to read. #MurderinanItalianPiazza #ABriaBertolucciMystery #MichaelFalco #bookreview #bookideas #retiredreader
September 14, 2025
Murder in an Italian Piazza is the third book in the Bria Bartolucci series by Michael Falco (although Goodreads does not list it as such as of 9/14/25).
I did not enjoy the third book quite as much as the first two. I loved the Italian setting, and the author appears to have spent a lot of time in Italy and Positano. The main cast of characters includes characters of a wide range of ages and two Segugio Italiano dogs. There are many references to Italian food (and, weirdly, many references to espadrille shoes – beloved, dependable, favored espadrilles - we get it, they are ideal for walking around hilly Positano).
This entry in the series had some manufactured drama between Bria and her police chief boyfriend and a murder (and murderer reveal) that was pretty gruesome for a cozy mystery. As in previous entries, Bria can see the slightest small clue and suddenly Know All. There are some Big Reveals that are not big at all (like the reason local Mimi dislikes the visiting opera singer, which was obvious from the beginning).
Still, I will read book four if there is one. I recommend reading this cozy series for the charming Italian setting, not the solving of the mysteries.
I read an advance reader copy of Murder in an Italian Piazza from Netgalley.
I did not enjoy the third book quite as much as the first two. I loved the Italian setting, and the author appears to have spent a lot of time in Italy and Positano. The main cast of characters includes characters of a wide range of ages and two Segugio Italiano dogs. There are many references to Italian food (and, weirdly, many references to espadrille shoes – beloved, dependable, favored espadrilles - we get it, they are ideal for walking around hilly Positano).
This entry in the series had some manufactured drama between Bria and her police chief boyfriend and a murder (and murderer reveal) that was pretty gruesome for a cozy mystery. As in previous entries, Bria can see the slightest small clue and suddenly Know All. There are some Big Reveals that are not big at all (like the reason local Mimi dislikes the visiting opera singer, which was obvious from the beginning).
Still, I will read book four if there is one. I recommend reading this cozy series for the charming Italian setting, not the solving of the mysteries.
I read an advance reader copy of Murder in an Italian Piazza from Netgalley.
October 5, 2025
Bria Bartolucci owns a B&B- Bella Bella in beautiful Positano Italy. Her husband, Carlo died in a plane crash and she is raising her 8 year old son alone. Her boyfriend is Luca, the chief of police, and she steps in occasionally to help the police with investigations.
When an opera singer from Positano schedules her final performance in the Piazza dei Mulini, not everyone is happy to hear that she is back.
When Carlotta Incantaro arrives at the B&B with her pianist, her demands of Bria are outrageous and Bria accommodates her wishes.
The villagers are thrilled with the performance. However, Bria finds the pianist's dead body in the piazza around midnight and informs the police.
Bria then helps the police department and the mystery is solved with some clever twists.
I liked the various characters who populated this cozy mystery. Although the murderer was found, the twist was unexpected. I think the author developed the plot well and brought the characters to life.
This was a fun little trip back to Positano for me, and a quick read which I rate 3.5 stars, rounded up to 4..
I received an ARC from NetGalley. The opinions expressed are my own.
When an opera singer from Positano schedules her final performance in the Piazza dei Mulini, not everyone is happy to hear that she is back.
When Carlotta Incantaro arrives at the B&B with her pianist, her demands of Bria are outrageous and Bria accommodates her wishes.
The villagers are thrilled with the performance. However, Bria finds the pianist's dead body in the piazza around midnight and informs the police.
Bria then helps the police department and the mystery is solved with some clever twists.
I liked the various characters who populated this cozy mystery. Although the murderer was found, the twist was unexpected. I think the author developed the plot well and brought the characters to life.
This was a fun little trip back to Positano for me, and a quick read which I rate 3.5 stars, rounded up to 4..
I received an ARC from NetGalley. The opinions expressed are my own.
October 6, 2025
Michael Falco’s "Murder in an Italian Piazza" offers a familiar recipe for a cozy mystery: a scenic Italian village, a dash of murder, and an amateur sleuth. The story follows an American chef whose dream of opening a restaurant is sidetracked when a murder in the local piazza pulls him into the investigation.
The novel's main appeal is its setting. Falco does a serviceable job of painting a picture of Italian life, and the descriptions of food are a nice touch. However, the charm of the scenery can't quite make up for a plot that feels overly formulaic. The mystery unfolds with few real surprises, and the characters, while pleasant enough, lack the depth to be truly memorable. Seasoned mystery readers will likely solve the case long before the protagonist does.
Overall, "Murder in an Italian Piazza" is a light and easy read that successfully delivers on its promise of a cozy, untaxing escape. While it adheres closely to genre conventions, the charming Italian setting and culinary details make for a pleasant journey. I would recommend this to fans of traditional cozy mysteries who value atmosphere and are looking for a delightful afternoon read.
The novel's main appeal is its setting. Falco does a serviceable job of painting a picture of Italian life, and the descriptions of food are a nice touch. However, the charm of the scenery can't quite make up for a plot that feels overly formulaic. The mystery unfolds with few real surprises, and the characters, while pleasant enough, lack the depth to be truly memorable. Seasoned mystery readers will likely solve the case long before the protagonist does.
Overall, "Murder in an Italian Piazza" is a light and easy read that successfully delivers on its promise of a cozy, untaxing escape. While it adheres closely to genre conventions, the charming Italian setting and culinary details make for a pleasant journey. I would recommend this to fans of traditional cozy mysteries who value atmosphere and are looking for a delightful afternoon read.
September 25, 2025
A Murder In An Italian Piazza by Michael Falco is set in the glorious bustling town of Positano on the Italian Amalfi Coast. As I live part time adjacent to Italy and know it well, the location pulled me in. I love the Italian lifestyle, history, culture, people and food. Aside from the mystery, a theme is dreams and sometimes having to let go of them. There are unctuous food descriptions and snippets of romance.
Bria is no stranger to life changes. Her husband has died and she is an amateur sleuth who investigates the death of an opera singer's pianist whose body is found in a piazza. Bria is also the owner of Bella Bella, a B&B, which hosts Carlotta, said opera singer. Bria's boyfriend is the police chief which adds another story layer as they inveigle.
However, the mystery in this novel feels less mysterious than I had hoped and the characters are overly dramatic and unconvincing. The typical amateur sleuth making the police appear silly isn't for me. This novel did not grip or enthral me but could be the perfect read for others. I did enjoy the ending twist, though.
Bria is no stranger to life changes. Her husband has died and she is an amateur sleuth who investigates the death of an opera singer's pianist whose body is found in a piazza. Bria is also the owner of Bella Bella, a B&B, which hosts Carlotta, said opera singer. Bria's boyfriend is the police chief which adds another story layer as they inveigle.
However, the mystery in this novel feels less mysterious than I had hoped and the characters are overly dramatic and unconvincing. The typical amateur sleuth making the police appear silly isn't for me. This novel did not grip or enthral me but could be the perfect read for others. I did enjoy the ending twist, though.
January 1, 2026
Have you been to an Italian Piazza?🇮🇹
I have to say, I adore anything Italian! I’ve never considered there could be a murder while there. However I am hyper aware of pick pocketers!
Murder in an Italian Piazza by Michael Falco is book 3 in a 3 part series! This is my first book by this author and I can’t wait to read the other ones! I could tell I was missing parts of the bigger picture, but this read great as a stand alone too!
When the famous opera singer Carlotta Incantaro comes home to Positano for a small concert, the village is very excited, some thrilled some furious and some just curious.
Carlotta is staying at Bria’s bed-and-breakfast and she quickly learns what a diva she is. But just as you might suspect. A persons is found murdered in the piazza! There’s a lot of confusion about why and who is responsible. I enjoyed trying to solve this mystery as I read along!
Thank you @kensingtonbooks for this gifted copy!
Murder in an Italian Piazza will publish on 9/30/25 and you can find it on our Amazon storefront
I have to say, I adore anything Italian! I’ve never considered there could be a murder while there. However I am hyper aware of pick pocketers!
Murder in an Italian Piazza by Michael Falco is book 3 in a 3 part series! This is my first book by this author and I can’t wait to read the other ones! I could tell I was missing parts of the bigger picture, but this read great as a stand alone too!
When the famous opera singer Carlotta Incantaro comes home to Positano for a small concert, the village is very excited, some thrilled some furious and some just curious.
Carlotta is staying at Bria’s bed-and-breakfast and she quickly learns what a diva she is. But just as you might suspect. A persons is found murdered in the piazza! There’s a lot of confusion about why and who is responsible. I enjoyed trying to solve this mystery as I read along!
Thank you @kensingtonbooks for this gifted copy!
Murder in an Italian Piazza will publish on 9/30/25 and you can find it on our Amazon storefront
May 19, 2025
Somehow I missed book two in this Brian Bartolucci series which is regrettable. I was not entirely sold on the debut, but this one really hit the right spot.
Bria's bed & breakfast is now open and her romance with detective Luca is going well. The whole town is abuzz with the news that famous opera singer, Carlotta, is returning to do a free concert--but not everyone is happy. Carlotta stepped on a few toes on her way to the top and when it turns out Carlotta and her accompanist are staying at Bria's B & B, she sees firsthand what a diva Carlotta can be. At the same time, Carlotta is planning the wedding of her plain, dull daughter to billionaire soccer player.
When a dead body is found on the piazza immediately after the concert, the victim is not who everyone expected. And it soon turns out the victim was living a double life.
Bria, her friends, and family are enjoyable companions and of course, the Amalfi coast setting is delectable. #MurderinanItalianPiazza #NetGalley
Bria's bed & breakfast is now open and her romance with detective Luca is going well. The whole town is abuzz with the news that famous opera singer, Carlotta, is returning to do a free concert--but not everyone is happy. Carlotta stepped on a few toes on her way to the top and when it turns out Carlotta and her accompanist are staying at Bria's B & B, she sees firsthand what a diva Carlotta can be. At the same time, Carlotta is planning the wedding of her plain, dull daughter to billionaire soccer player.
When a dead body is found on the piazza immediately after the concert, the victim is not who everyone expected. And it soon turns out the victim was living a double life.
Bria, her friends, and family are enjoyable companions and of course, the Amalfi coast setting is delectable. #MurderinanItalianPiazza #NetGalley
June 21, 2025
Bria is a fairly recent widow with an eight-year-old son, a dog, lots of family and friends, a romance with detective Luca, a B&B, and the dead body of a guest/opera diva on the piazza. Not a grim procedural but a fun cozy that serves up quirky characters as easily as a caprese salad. Lots of fun, mistakes, red herrings, and plot twists. Loved it and plan to get more as they are published.
I requested and received an uncorrected digital proof from Kensington Books/Kensington Cozies via NetGalley. Pub Date Sep 30, 2025 ***** review #goodreads #bookbub #librarything #storygraph
#MurderinanItalianPiazza by Michael Falco #BriaBartolucciMysteriesBk3 @kensingtonbooks
#culturaldifferences #culturalexploration #italy #italiancustoms #bedandbreakfast #petdog
#localcops #Amalficoast #cozymystery #smalltowngossip #friendship #amateursleuth #humor #romantic #murderinvestigation #operasinger #familydrama #foodie
I requested and received an uncorrected digital proof from Kensington Books/Kensington Cozies via NetGalley. Pub Date Sep 30, 2025 ***** review #goodreads #bookbub #librarything #storygraph
#MurderinanItalianPiazza by Michael Falco #BriaBartolucciMysteriesBk3 @kensingtonbooks
#culturaldifferences #culturalexploration #italy #italiancustoms #bedandbreakfast #petdog
#localcops #Amalficoast #cozymystery #smalltowngossip #friendship #amateursleuth #humor #romantic #murderinvestigation #operasinger #familydrama #foodie
November 6, 2025
My first book in this series by this author makes an interesting prologue. Characters are so well developed as to have great chemistry and inspire a sense of camaraderie that the reader wants to become immersed. AND the storyline itself impels you to read the previous adventures in order to know their history and understand the nuances of the relationships. Because, while the crime is the key, the relationships between Falco's characters are the glue that binds this small town and keeps the reader invested.
I'm going to enjoy reading the first two instalments and will look forward to further developments as well.
[I was fortunate to receive a copy of the book thanks to the author and NetGalley, with n obligation to review. The opinions expressed herein are given freely and are entirely my own.]
I'm going to enjoy reading the first two instalments and will look forward to further developments as well.
[I was fortunate to receive a copy of the book thanks to the author and NetGalley, with n obligation to review. The opinions expressed herein are given freely and are entirely my own.]
September 5, 2025
This is my first read by this author and the series, and I am glad I selected it. A small (Italian) town cozy mystery with lightness and humor interspersed. I loved the characters, could picture them all immediately, and I felt the vibrancy of the Italian community come through. The author made you want to be a part of this community, as well as find a shrimp purse.
Having not read the first two books, there were places throughout where an additional sentence or two of backstory would have been helpful. But that didn’t take away from this book, and I felt it worked as a stand-alone.
I am looking forward to reading the first books in the series, and any others that come in the future. A light read, even with murder and mayhem.
Having not read the first two books, there were places throughout where an additional sentence or two of backstory would have been helpful. But that didn’t take away from this book, and I felt it worked as a stand-alone.
I am looking forward to reading the first books in the series, and any others that come in the future. A light read, even with murder and mayhem.
June 13, 2025
A carefree novel set in idyllic Positano, this book is the third in a cozy mystery series (it can be read as a stand alone, but is best if read in order). With easygoing characters and a beautiful seaside Italian setting, this work is a breezy, jolly mystery with shocking twists. Readers can imagine scenes from some of the most popular Italian/Italian American films while following the MC and her close knit group of locals on their quest for the culprit. A fun summer read that's perfect for the beach.
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September 25, 2025
This is the third book in the series, and I highly recommend starting with book one in order to enjoy all the love and family relationships within this story. The reader was easily transported to Italy with the descriptions, food, and language. The plot was clever with a lot of spiciness between Luca and Bria added to the pot. The book read like one of those old black and white movies that were set in Italy with Italian actors. Amore!
My review is voluntary and all comments and opinions are my own.
My review is voluntary and all comments and opinions are my own.
September 5, 2025
I didn’t realize this was a series, but it reads like one, so I’ll upload the other books now.
This is a story about a well known opera singer coming to visit where it all started. Bria is a B&B owner and a bit of a sleuth. She happens to be saying the chief of police too. When a murder happens on the piazza Bria makes it her mission to solve the murder first.
Good story & interesting twist.
I would recommend.
This is a story about a well known opera singer coming to visit where it all started. Bria is a B&B owner and a bit of a sleuth. She happens to be saying the chief of police too. When a murder happens on the piazza Bria makes it her mission to solve the murder first.
Good story & interesting twist.
I would recommend.
September 23, 2025
The setting of Positano is at least half the charm of this book. Bria tries to solve the murder of a pianist while juggling assorted family traumas and a quarrel with her boyfriend. Bria and her friends and family are fun to read about (although I think they would be exhausting to know in real life; they like to create crises if a real one isn't happening). The plot dragged a bit for me, but the ending is quite a twist. Thanks to Kensington and NetGalley for the eARC.
May 14, 2025
Murder in an Italian Piazza by Michael Falco is such a fun and cozy mystery! Bria Bartolucci is a charming B&B owner in Positano, and somehow keeps stumbling into murder. There’s drama, secrets, and of course, a body! I loved the small town gossip and delicious food descriptions. If you’re into murder mysteries sprinkled with sass, this one should be right up your alley!
January 22, 2026
I truly enjoy this series of books. This book was a bit frustrating as there was some obvious clues that she was very slow on processing that felt a bit uncharacteristic of her. But, the characters are wonderful, the setting is picture perfect and the ending was great. It’s really a 4.5 stars rating for me.
December 30, 2025
The book wound up being a bit of a page-turner for me. Definitely enjoyed it. The dialogue was what kept it going for me. I did find the insertion of lots of italian to be somewhat distracting (like it didn't make a ton of sense to me), but otherwise it was enjoyable.
October 30, 2025
It was a cute book.
November 15, 2025
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Michael Falco for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for Murder in an Italian Piazza coming out September 30, 2025. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.
I really enjoy murder mysteries. I think travel books are really fun. The Italian setting is perfect. The characters were interesting. I would definitely check out more books by this author.
I really enjoy murder mysteries. I think travel books are really fun. The Italian setting is perfect. The characters were interesting. I would definitely check out more books by this author.
August 23, 2025
Murder in an Italian Piazza is the third book in Michael Falco’s cozy mystery series featuring Bria Bartolucci, a young widow who runs a Bed and Breakfast in picture-postcard Positano, on Italy’s Amalfi Coast. She has a precocious eight-year-old son, Marco; a very smart dog, Bravo; a big, loving but opinionated, typical Italian family; and a growing circle of loyal friends. In the earlier books, we saw a romantic spark between Bria and Luca, Positano’s police chief and brother of her best friend, Rosalie. Now they are officially a couple.
When the story opens, the whole village is excited that Carlotta Incantaro, a famous opera singer, is coming out of retirement to make one last public appearance in Positano, the town where she got her start. Well, almost the whole village is excited about the upcoming performance. Several of Bria’s friends, including her mother-in-law, Imperia, can’t stand Carlotta.
Carlotta and her faithful piano player, Fiorello, are staying at Bella Bella, Bria’s B&B. For privacy, Fiorello made the booking under a fake name. Carlotta’s daughter, Ombra, and her fiancé, Armando, the playboy son of a billionaire businessman, are staying at the swankiest hotel in town. Carlotta makes it clear that she chose Bella Bella not for its great reviews, but for the anonymity it would provide. Bria gets to observe firsthand what an obnoxious diva Carlotta can be as she struggles to please her celebrity guest.
Despite a few early hiccups, which are quickly resolved, the concert goes off beautifully, and the citizens of Positano are mesmerized by Carlotta’s voice. But then, as Bria is walking home afterward through the piazza, she discovers… a dead body.
There’s a brief mix-up with identification at first, but it turns out that the victim is Fiorello, Carlotta’s trusted friend and piano player, and he’s been strangled with a piano wire. The suspect pool is small, as few people even knew him. Who would have a motive? The fact that Fiorello used a fake name turns out to be a clue.
As usual, Bria investigates. After all, she found the body; the victim and his grieving employer were guests at her B&B. No longer the newcomer, she has built relationships with the townspeople and has a way of encouraging them to talk. She gets much more respect from the police now that she’s dating the chief, plus, her track record shows that she’s a good listener and very talented at putting seemingly random bits of information together to solve a puzzle. In fact, her fellow villagers expect her to figure out whodunnit, a la Jessica Fletcher or Miss Marple.
Although Luca is on the right track, it takes Bria’s creativity and clever sleuthing skills to gather the proof needed to reconstruct Fiorello’s murder, figure out the motive, and bring the guilty to justice.
Like the other books in the series, this one provided another great glimpse into life in Positano, and it was so much fun spending time with this lovable cast of characters.
When the story opens, the whole village is excited that Carlotta Incantaro, a famous opera singer, is coming out of retirement to make one last public appearance in Positano, the town where she got her start. Well, almost the whole village is excited about the upcoming performance. Several of Bria’s friends, including her mother-in-law, Imperia, can’t stand Carlotta.
Carlotta and her faithful piano player, Fiorello, are staying at Bella Bella, Bria’s B&B. For privacy, Fiorello made the booking under a fake name. Carlotta’s daughter, Ombra, and her fiancé, Armando, the playboy son of a billionaire businessman, are staying at the swankiest hotel in town. Carlotta makes it clear that she chose Bella Bella not for its great reviews, but for the anonymity it would provide. Bria gets to observe firsthand what an obnoxious diva Carlotta can be as she struggles to please her celebrity guest.
Despite a few early hiccups, which are quickly resolved, the concert goes off beautifully, and the citizens of Positano are mesmerized by Carlotta’s voice. But then, as Bria is walking home afterward through the piazza, she discovers… a dead body.
There’s a brief mix-up with identification at first, but it turns out that the victim is Fiorello, Carlotta’s trusted friend and piano player, and he’s been strangled with a piano wire. The suspect pool is small, as few people even knew him. Who would have a motive? The fact that Fiorello used a fake name turns out to be a clue.
As usual, Bria investigates. After all, she found the body; the victim and his grieving employer were guests at her B&B. No longer the newcomer, she has built relationships with the townspeople and has a way of encouraging them to talk. She gets much more respect from the police now that she’s dating the chief, plus, her track record shows that she’s a good listener and very talented at putting seemingly random bits of information together to solve a puzzle. In fact, her fellow villagers expect her to figure out whodunnit, a la Jessica Fletcher or Miss Marple.
Although Luca is on the right track, it takes Bria’s creativity and clever sleuthing skills to gather the proof needed to reconstruct Fiorello’s murder, figure out the motive, and bring the guilty to justice.
Like the other books in the series, this one provided another great glimpse into life in Positano, and it was so much fun spending time with this lovable cast of characters.
September 3, 2025
What happens when a retired opera diva, her mousey daughter, a retired soccer player/billionaire, and his ne'er do well son come to Positano? Mayhem and murder. The village expects Bria to find the murderer as she sorts out her feelings about the chief of police, Luca. And then she catches Luca in a lie. . . This is the village to live in for excitement and gossip!
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