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Trusting in Vengeance
The ugly desire for vengeance does not always come cloaked in shadows. Sometimes it walks beside you, dressed in grief and justifiable rage.
Former detective Antonio Cortese and wife Gabriella, a Colonel in the Carabinieri, are supposed to be basking in the serenity of their honeymoon voyage along the beautiful Amalfi Coast. The elegant sailing yacht L’Espoir is captained by Antonio’s Uncle Nicolo, lead detective in Siena, accompanied by Aunt Sofia, and family. As they sail toward Positano, where Antonio’s Aunt Frankie and Uncle Pasquale own a boutique hotel they can’t shake the feeling that a storm more dangerous than weather is closing in.
Their fears are realized when news Raphael—their nephew, a policeman in Florence—has been shot. They are certain it is an act of vengeance by an old enemy, Matteo Pucci, a Camorra mob capo with old grudges and unfinished business. The families have faced off before in the Camorra’s attempt to establish a foothold in Tuscany. It has only been a few months since Pucci tried to take Gabriella’s life
When Gabriella spots Matteo Pucci in a classic wooden boat motoring toward the Amalfi Coast, Antonio, Gabriella, Nicolo and the family must navigate a deadly web of deception and vendetta stretching from Capri to Naples. They must confront not only their enemies, but also the darker impulses of revenge stirring within themselves.
Former detective Antonio Cortese and wife Gabriella, a Colonel in the Carabinieri, are supposed to be basking in the serenity of their honeymoon voyage along the beautiful Amalfi Coast. The elegant sailing yacht L’Espoir is captained by Antonio’s Uncle Nicolo, lead detective in Siena, accompanied by Aunt Sofia, and family. As they sail toward Positano, where Antonio’s Aunt Frankie and Uncle Pasquale own a boutique hotel they can’t shake the feeling that a storm more dangerous than weather is closing in.
Their fears are realized when news Raphael—their nephew, a policeman in Florence—has been shot. They are certain it is an act of vengeance by an old enemy, Matteo Pucci, a Camorra mob capo with old grudges and unfinished business. The families have faced off before in the Camorra’s attempt to establish a foothold in Tuscany. It has only been a few months since Pucci tried to take Gabriella’s life
When Gabriella spots Matteo Pucci in a classic wooden boat motoring toward the Amalfi Coast, Antonio, Gabriella, Nicolo and the family must navigate a deadly web of deception and vendetta stretching from Capri to Naples. They must confront not only their enemies, but also the darker impulses of revenge stirring within themselves.
350 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 24, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
September 1, 2025
This started slow, but ended up being my favorite Antonio Cortese novel yet. With the usual intrigue of Mafioso family vendettas, Italian interlocking law enforcement bureaucracies, family gatherings with mouth-watering descriptions of the food and wines, and frequent stops for gelato. Add a sidekick priest Aurelio Rocco, some searching for religious comfort and support, and a sportscar chase or two - magnifico!
November 9, 2025
A Gripping Tale of Love, Loyalty, and Vengeance
This story masterfully blends emotional depth with high stakes suspense. The vivid Amalfi Coast setting contrasts beautifully with the dark undercurrents of revenge and family loyalty. Antonio and Gabriella’s bond is both tender and fierce as they face danger that tests their hearts and morals. A fast paced, emotionally charged thriller that keeps you hooked from the first page to the last.
This story masterfully blends emotional depth with high stakes suspense. The vivid Amalfi Coast setting contrasts beautifully with the dark undercurrents of revenge and family loyalty. Antonio and Gabriella’s bond is both tender and fierce as they face danger that tests their hearts and morals. A fast paced, emotionally charged thriller that keeps you hooked from the first page to the last.
January 12, 2026
Another 5 star book by Frank Curtiss!
I would recommend the 5 books in this series to readers who love to travel to Italy and love to cook and eat.
I would recommend the 5 books in this series to readers who love to travel to Italy and love to cook and eat.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews