Splendor for Nothing: An Alice Carta Mystery

by Elena Imbimbo

When local politics halts the important excavation of an ancient Roman villa, a tenacious archeologist travels to London for a funeral, and uncovers a web of international crime and violence.

380 pages, Paperback

Published June 30, 2025

Reviews

[Heather~ Nature.books.and.coffee · Rating 4 out of 5]

 If you love amateur sleuths, and a good murder mystery, you will want to grab this book. This is a fantastic whodunnit! There are plenty of suspects to keep you guessing. Alice Carta is an archaeologist who travels to London to attend the funeral of her friend's wife. As more murders happen, she investigates, only to come across an international crime ring. I loved the setting in London. The author made it so vivid and I could picture all of the scenes. These are many twists and I couldn't guess what the conclusion was going to be. I really enjoyed this one. 

Thank you to the publisher, author, and Suzy approved book tours for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.

[Elizabeth Para · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thoroughly enjoyable mystery romp!

Once I started, I couldn't put this book down. I reached for it first thing each morning and finished it in 4 days. The characters are strong, interesting, easy to identify with, and I found myself empathising and rooting for the main character, as well as 'the bad girls' - maybe a little less so for 'the bad guy', who was irredeemably bad. The plot is twisty, intricate and satisfying. Best of all, the setting of London, viewed through the eyes of an Italian ex-pat, is almost a character in and of itself. I read this poolside and by the beach this summer in Portugal. Reading this novel made me long for that city of great museums and charming neighbourhoods...

The title indicates that the author plans to develop this into a series. I hope she does. But whatever she writes next, I look forward to reading it!

[Tessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fresh off an excavation site, Italian archeologist Alice Carta is called to London to attend the funeral of her college friend’s wife, where she finds herself digging for something entirely different: the truth about the man she thought she knew. When Henry is killed, and others in his orbit become targets, Alice is compelled to investigate the crimes and their connection to her old friend. In the beloved tradition of classic whodunnits and amateur sleuth mysteries, Splendor for Nothing is a sweeping tale teeming with secrets, suspects, and wit that’s guaranteed to entertain.

[Danielle B · Rating 4 out of 5]

SPLENDOR FOR NOTHING was a very entertaining mystery that kept me on the edge of my seat. I became very invested in the main character, Alice. The author did a great job to make Alice a very respectable and likable character. I was glued to the pages to uncover the mystery!

Many thanks to Elena Imbimbo for my gifted copy.

This review will be shared to my Instagram account (@coffee.break.book.reviews) in the future.

[Chelsie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alice Carta (pronounced Alee-Che even though it seems no one listens or care) heads to the funeral of the wife of a good friend. But things are odd from the start. A man seems to be following her at the funeral who says he has information for her that was advised to him in the event of Henry's death. With her archaeological dig on hold from politics, Alice has no where else to be and things are not at all adding up and decides to insert herself into the investigation. Why would someone want to murder Henry, and was his wife's death the beginning of it all? Little does she know just how big this case is and the international ring that is tied to her career with history, art and museums. With her background in this field, it only helps to aid her in working to uncover what is really going on and if they can stop it before another body turns up. I really enjoyed that various London tourist locations were tied into the mystery of the story with all the twists to give us an unexpected ending. This was more of a classic detective novel. Thank you to the publisher and author for the complementary novel and to Suzy Approved Book Tour for the invite. This review is of my own opinion and accord.

[J P · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elena Imbimbo’s debut mystery Splendor for Nothing delivers an ambitious blend of intrigue and international crime that showcases the author’s impressive scope as a first-time novelist. Drawing from her Italian heritage and global travels, Imbimbo crafts a story that bridges cultures and continents with dexterity and finesse. The story takes the reader around the world and peers into its dark underbelly of illicit activities. Written like a classic whodunit in the school of Agatha Christie and Poirot, the story’s complex plot challenges the reader to keep track of the twists, while the ending will rock what you thought you were certain of. All-in Splendor for Nothing is a gripping tale that is impossible to put down until it is done.

[Debbie Rozier · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting mystery with a 50 something main character who is an archeologist.

Alice (her name is pronounced Alee-che which is mentioned several times throughout the read) goes to support an old friend, Henry, whose wife has died. It ends up Henry is killed right after his wife’s funeral but not before he warns Alice that something is not right.

Alice is the key to finding out what happened to Henry, but she’s not sure why. She inserts herself into finding answers much to the disdain of the Chief Inspector and a suspended investigator.

There is a lot of movement throughout the read as far as action.

I liked the setting of England and the fact that there is interconnection in every facet of the book.

[Kim Wilch · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you’re into amateur sleuths and twisty murder mysteries, this one’s a great pick. Set against a moody London backdrop, the story follows Alice Carta as she pushes her way into an investigation—despite plenty of resistance from the Inspector. With a tangled web of suspects, an international crime ring, and nonstop surprises, it keeps you guessing the whole time. Alice’s determination and sharp instincts really shine as she untangles the truth. It’s a cleverly written, classic-feeling whodunnit with a complex plot that makes for a fun read.

[Susan Ballard (subakkabookstuff) · Rating 4 out of 5]

With the twists and turns of a classic whodunnit, the main character, Alice Carta, is an Italian archaeologist who takes up the mantle of amateur sleuth when her long-time friend is killed. But her snooping unearths a dangerous maze of secrets and corruption.

This was an enjoyable and surprising read! I loved how the plot wove together the exciting elements of archaeology, art, international crime, and political intrigue into a suspenseful murder mystery. I look forward to more of Alice Carta.


Thank you @suzyapprovedbooktours and @elenaimbimboauthor for this gifted book.

[Lisa Albright · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's hard to believe this a debut novel as the fast-paced plotline incorporates many surprising twists and turns in a politically charged murder mystery. I loved the archeological aspects of the story and I'm always fascinated by the suspense that seems to surround them. This is a page-turning thrill ride through historical and international intrigue that will leave you hoping the next book is coming soon.

I received a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Ally · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved Elena Imbimbo's first novel! The main character, Alice Carta, was intriguing and had me page turning to learn more about her relationships and adventures. The details of the time in London had me feeling like I too was strolling through the quaint little streets of the city. Twists and turns and lots of mystery -- I cannot wait to see where Alice's next adventure takes us!

[Christy Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fast-paced page turner for me! Alice was such an interesting character, and I was cheering her on as she worked to uncover who was behind many disturbing developments. But I was equally scared for her and on the edge of my seat for a good part of the book! There were countless twists and turns, and I suspected almost everyone at some point. This was very exciting from cover to cover!

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Don’t let the dark cover fool you. This book was FUN.

I loved the vivid characters (menopausal FMCs are my kryptonite), the European setting, and the archology bits

The Bad Guy was the absolute worst and I love nothing more than COMEUPPANCE?

Thank goodness the author has plans for a series.

BRING IT!

[A8T3R01DR1C3 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very engaging story with twists that keep you flipping the page even after you've told yourself just one more chapter. The character development is phenomenal and the plotline is amazing. Such a lovely story, can't wait for more Alice mysteries:)

[crafty.jenn.reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Politics. Archology. Murder.

What a great trifecta.

I loved the London setting, the amateur sleuth trope and that there will be MORE MORE MORE.

Can’t wait for more Alice!

[Jim Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting murder mystery with plenty of intriguing twists and turns. Alice Carta is relentless in her pursuit of the murderer and uses her keen senses to solve a very complicated murder in spite of many hurdles and threats. Really enjoyed the complex plot, characters and setting. Very well written story.

[Sarah W · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a sucker for a whodunnit mystery, and this one did not disappoint. I loved Alice and how she did not hesitate to bend the rules or place herself in danger all to help a friend. She was smart and used her knowledge of the archeological world to her advantage. The mystery kept me on my toes, and I really enjoyed the way the clues were put together. It reminded me a little of the classic detectives revealing the information. It was twisty without being over the top and the suspense was added in the perfect moments to get the pace moving nicely. I liked how the reader got to know others involved in the investigation besides Alice and I cared about their outcome as much as the mystery.

Thank you @elenaimbimboauthor @suzyapprovedbooktours for the gifted copy.

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this mystery. It takes you to London, traveling through the city and countryside alongside Alica Carta as she uses her investigative skills as an archaeologist to solve the crimes and uncover who the people she encounters truly are. This is a book you won’t want to put down. I can’t wait to see what’s next.