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Posie Parker Mystery #18
Murder at the Villa Amalfi
An unexpected invitation. A secret wedding. A cliffside villa on the glittering Amalfi Coast… and a murdered guest before the celebrations even begin. Posie Parker has just landed in the middle of her most glamorous case yet.
Amalfi Coast, Italy, Spring 1926.
Posie Parker—London’s premier female sleuth—is happily indulging in Swiss chocolate and preparing to board her train home when a telegram stops her in her tracks. An old friend is getting married in Italy, and Posie is commanded to attend at once. Curious and a little alarmed, she changes course for the sun‑drenched Villa Amalfi, a romantic clifftop estate overlooking the Bay of Naples.
She’s not the only familiar face on the guest list. Rufus and Dolly Cardigeon are in attendance, as is newspaper editor Sam Stubbs and Posie’s new friend, Mary Jones. But before Posie can even unpack her wedding outfit, disaster a member of the wedding party is found dead in the villa’s tiny chapel—murdered.
As the villa’s enigmatic owner, the reclusive English Countess Annie d’Olvia, grows ever stranger, Posie begins to suspect that every guest is hiding something. Why is the villa being rented out for weddings and private concerts when its owner seems desperate for solitude? Who exactly are the long‑term lodgers and residents of the villa? And what is the famously persistent American journalist Beattie Brookes really doing here?
When priceless treasures vanish from the local cathedral and the villa is sealed off by police, a second murder shocks the household. With danger closing in, Posie must unmask a ruthless killer—before she becomes the next victim.
Perfect for fans of Agatha Christie and T.E. Kinsey, this twisty, glamorous 1920s mystery will whisk you straight to the Amalfi Coast!
Amalfi Coast, Italy, Spring 1926.
Posie Parker—London’s premier female sleuth—is happily indulging in Swiss chocolate and preparing to board her train home when a telegram stops her in her tracks. An old friend is getting married in Italy, and Posie is commanded to attend at once. Curious and a little alarmed, she changes course for the sun‑drenched Villa Amalfi, a romantic clifftop estate overlooking the Bay of Naples.
She’s not the only familiar face on the guest list. Rufus and Dolly Cardigeon are in attendance, as is newspaper editor Sam Stubbs and Posie’s new friend, Mary Jones. But before Posie can even unpack her wedding outfit, disaster a member of the wedding party is found dead in the villa’s tiny chapel—murdered.
As the villa’s enigmatic owner, the reclusive English Countess Annie d’Olvia, grows ever stranger, Posie begins to suspect that every guest is hiding something. Why is the villa being rented out for weddings and private concerts when its owner seems desperate for solitude? Who exactly are the long‑term lodgers and residents of the villa? And what is the famously persistent American journalist Beattie Brookes really doing here?
When priceless treasures vanish from the local cathedral and the villa is sealed off by police, a second murder shocks the household. With danger closing in, Posie must unmask a ruthless killer—before she becomes the next victim.
Perfect for fans of Agatha Christie and T.E. Kinsey, this twisty, glamorous 1920s mystery will whisk you straight to the Amalfi Coast!
358 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 26, 2026
About the author
L.B. Hathaway
26 books352 followersCambridge-educated, British-born L.B. Hathaway writes historical fiction. She worked as a lawyer at Lincoln’s Inn in London for almost a decade before becoming a full-time writer. She brings her love of detective novels set in the Golden Age of Crime and an obsession with English history to her own writing.
The Posie Parker series of cosy crime novels span the 1920s. They each combine a core central mystery, an exploration of the reckless glamour of the age and a feisty protagonist who you would love to have as your best friend.
Her other interests, in no particular order, are: very fast downhill skiing, theatre-going, drinking strong tea, Tudor history, exploring castles and generally trying to cram as much into life as possible.
The Posie Parker series of cosy crime novels span the 1920s. They each combine a core central mystery, an exploration of the reckless glamour of the age and a feisty protagonist who you would love to have as your best friend.
Her other interests, in no particular order, are: very fast downhill skiing, theatre-going, drinking strong tea, Tudor history, exploring castles and generally trying to cram as much into life as possible.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
July 13, 2026
Another gripping Posie Parker mystery! I loved reading it on holiday vacation. Although not around Amalfi coast for me. What I missed, is the deeper relation between Dolly and Posie. They know each other from old times, but in this story everything between those two is a bit superficial. Also that Rufus should be gay, is well another thing....
I also would have liked Posie´s family life with her kids more explored.
Just my thoughts...
I am though looking forward to the next adventure for Posie and her friends.
I also would have liked Posie´s family life with her kids more explored.
Just my thoughts...
I am though looking forward to the next adventure for Posie and her friends.
June 28, 2026
First rate
Loved, loved, loved this book. This is definitely the best Posie Parker mystery so far! My only complaint (I know, there's always one), is that there was no mention of Dolly and Rufus in the roundup. And as I have a sneaking regard for both of them, that was a disappointment.
Loved, loved, loved this book. This is definitely the best Posie Parker mystery so far! My only complaint (I know, there's always one), is that there was no mention of Dolly and Rufus in the roundup. And as I have a sneaking regard for both of them, that was a disappointment.
September 17, 2026
A wonderful story
A must for a Posie Parker fan. Posie gets involved as a guess to a wedding which turns into a big can of worms, that includes curses, theft and murder. With a house full of suspects, all with secrets and motives it will take all of Posie's deduction to solve this case.
A must for a Posie Parker fan. Posie gets involved as a guess to a wedding which turns into a big can of worms, that includes curses, theft and murder. With a house full of suspects, all with secrets and motives it will take all of Posie's deduction to solve this case.
May 30, 2026
Wonderful book. The Posie Parker series just keeps getting better and better. I really enjoyed the twisted plot. The ending was really good.
Read
June 10, 2026Excellent as always
Wonderful, if terrifying setting. And as usual, Posie wraps it up with style. A sad but necessary ending for one of the surprise characters.
Wonderful, if terrifying setting. And as usual, Posie wraps it up with style. A sad but necessary ending for one of the surprise characters.
July 23, 2026
Great read
A little too much time spent on revealing the killer but otherwise a great read. Looking forward to the next one
A little too much time spent on revealing the killer but otherwise a great read. Looking forward to the next one
July 30, 2026
Better and better!
This series just gets better and better! Couldn't put this one down! Looking forward to the next "episode". The characters are filling out nicely.
This series just gets better and better! Couldn't put this one down! Looking forward to the next "episode". The characters are filling out nicely.
October 26, 2026
I wish she kept the niece alive she would make a great villain especially if you get with the son of the villain the count.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 1, 2026
As always, I was thoroughly gripped by Hathaway's storytelling. I love this series and this was no exception. However, I did feel like the reveal/twist in this one was a little strange. Possibly a little lazy? Or maybe it just felt like a stretch? I'm not sure exactly what it was, but I just felt like there were other candidates for murderer who made more sense in the puzzle. Still, I'm glad I read it and I'm waiting for the next book in the series.
July 8, 2026
Ghostly feelings
I have got to say this was brilliant, a very sit on the edge of your seat read and Posy at her best. Great cannot wait for the next book.
I have got to say this was brilliant, a very sit on the edge of your seat read and Posy at her best. Great cannot wait for the next book.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews