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Murder at the Retreat
264 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 15, 2026
About the author
J.D. Millar
3 books7 followersJD Millar writes character-driven mysteries with a splash of danger, a dash of humor, and settings you’ll wish to visit.
Originally from Europe and often on the move, she draws inspiration from historic towns, sunlit coastlines, and the interesting people who live there. When she’s not writing, she’s usually traveling, reading, or plotting the next mystery over a cup of tea.
Originally from Europe and often on the move, she draws inspiration from historic towns, sunlit coastlines, and the interesting people who live there. When she’s not writing, she’s usually traveling, reading, or plotting the next mystery over a cup of tea.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
October 1, 2026
3.25-3.5⭐️
I received the eARC of "Murder at the Retreat" from the author in exchange for my honest review. This is the second book in the Murder in Sicily series, and it picks up almost immediately after book one — but now Angelo, Marisa, and Elena (as the silent partner we all love) have officially formed a detective agency. It’s a fun setup, and this installment definitely dips a little darker with some drug‑related elements, though I’d still classify it as a cozy mystery overall.
We learn more about the mysterious teenager, Tom, who’s been trailing Angelo, and we get a tiny bit more of Angelo’s backstory at the end. But if you’re hoping this book finally reveals who Angelo really is, you’ll be disappointed — Millar is clearly committed to keeping him eccentric, enigmatic, and wrapped in secrets for now.
Marisa… continues to be my least favorite character. She’s still incredibly annoying, though I will admit she’s slightly better in this one. Angelo’s odd charm carries a lot of the story.
I did figure out the killer around the 65% mark, which took a bit of the excitement out of the reveal. But the thing that bothered me the most was that their detective agency isn’t actually being hired for any of these cases — meaning they’re not getting paid for all the work they’re doing. My practical brain struggled with that.
Overall, this was a quick, easy read with fun Sicilian vibes, perfect for cozy mystery readers who enjoy charming settings and character‑driven mysteries.
Since I rounded up on book one, I’m rounding down on this one.
I received the eARC of "Murder at the Retreat" from the author in exchange for my honest review. This is the second book in the Murder in Sicily series, and it picks up almost immediately after book one — but now Angelo, Marisa, and Elena (as the silent partner we all love) have officially formed a detective agency. It’s a fun setup, and this installment definitely dips a little darker with some drug‑related elements, though I’d still classify it as a cozy mystery overall.
We learn more about the mysterious teenager, Tom, who’s been trailing Angelo, and we get a tiny bit more of Angelo’s backstory at the end. But if you’re hoping this book finally reveals who Angelo really is, you’ll be disappointed — Millar is clearly committed to keeping him eccentric, enigmatic, and wrapped in secrets for now.
Marisa… continues to be my least favorite character. She’s still incredibly annoying, though I will admit she’s slightly better in this one. Angelo’s odd charm carries a lot of the story.
I did figure out the killer around the 65% mark, which took a bit of the excitement out of the reveal. But the thing that bothered me the most was that their detective agency isn’t actually being hired for any of these cases — meaning they’re not getting paid for all the work they’re doing. My practical brain struggled with that.
Overall, this was a quick, easy read with fun Sicilian vibes, perfect for cozy mystery readers who enjoy charming settings and character‑driven mysteries.
Since I rounded up on book one, I’m rounding down on this one.
September 15, 2026
I received an ARC of this book and I am so glad I did! It was such a fantastic read!
I feel like Angelo our MMC is a mixture of Sherlock Holmes and Hercule Poirot. He’s not only cunning and eccentric, but also slightly unhinged, which makes him such an entertaining character to follow. Watching him decipher the clues and piece together the bigger picture makes for a really engaging read.
Tom is a mini apprentice detective who is incredibly eager to get involved. Although we don’t get to see as much of him as I would have liked, it’s always refreshing when he does make an appearance!
Marisa our FMC is more cautious fellow apprentice detective. Despite not always feeling confident in her choices or in herself, she tries incredibly hard. Considering Angelo’s personality, I think she does a brilliant job of challenging him out and keeping him grounded.
The various tricks and traps that have been set throughout the story lead to a very interesting turn of events towards the end, with Angelo ultimately solving the case!
The epilogue was particularly intriguing, and I can’t wait to see where the story goes next.
I also didn’t realise this was part of a series and that it was book two. While I don’t feel that reading book one is essential to understanding this story, I do think it’s worth giving it a read if you want to get a better understanding of the main characters and their backgrounds.
I feel like Angelo our MMC is a mixture of Sherlock Holmes and Hercule Poirot. He’s not only cunning and eccentric, but also slightly unhinged, which makes him such an entertaining character to follow. Watching him decipher the clues and piece together the bigger picture makes for a really engaging read.
Tom is a mini apprentice detective who is incredibly eager to get involved. Although we don’t get to see as much of him as I would have liked, it’s always refreshing when he does make an appearance!
Marisa our FMC is more cautious fellow apprentice detective. Despite not always feeling confident in her choices or in herself, she tries incredibly hard. Considering Angelo’s personality, I think she does a brilliant job of challenging him out and keeping him grounded.
The various tricks and traps that have been set throughout the story lead to a very interesting turn of events towards the end, with Angelo ultimately solving the case!
The epilogue was particularly intriguing, and I can’t wait to see where the story goes next.
I also didn’t realise this was part of a series and that it was book two. While I don’t feel that reading book one is essential to understanding this story, I do think it’s worth giving it a read if you want to get a better understanding of the main characters and their backgrounds.
September 17, 2026
I really loved this book! The mystery about the two couples and all the plot twists kept me hooked until the end. What I loved most about this book was that near the end I still couldn't figure out who the culprit was. I kept thinking I had figured out everything about this book for something new to appear and change my theory. I also liked the characters in this book, Angelo and his relationship with Marisa. I would have liked more of that aspect in this book. This book is a mystery, not a romance. However.The ending of this book??? Honestly I was left thinking "WHAT?!" 💀 I didn't expect this book to end that way. It left me with many questions and a lot of ideas. Now I can't wait for the next book because I need to find out what happens next with Angelo and yeah... Overall this book was very entertaining—full of suspense and plot twists—with an ending that leaves you wondering what on earth you just read.
September 12, 2026
ARC READER!!
Firstly, big thank you to JD Millar for sending me her book 2 of Murder in Sicily series.
I have gone into this book without knowing the characters properly, fully new. Only later on, after I received the copy of this book I realised it is made into a series. HOWEVER, this did not interfere much at all - it just made me want to read the previous one as well.
I can say this was one of the cosier books I have read, such an easy read during the autumn when the weather is cold and you have a free minute.
I loved Marisa, how she kept improving her skills and just how she grew in general, her overcoming herself and taking her mothers call was such a big achievement and I’m proud of her.
The book itself, as I said, was a really nice and cosy read, didn’t try to guess who killed Adam and Rebecca and was quite shocked when the details came out.
Definitely recommend to people who likes an easy mystery read ❤️
Firstly, big thank you to JD Millar for sending me her book 2 of Murder in Sicily series.
I have gone into this book without knowing the characters properly, fully new. Only later on, after I received the copy of this book I realised it is made into a series. HOWEVER, this did not interfere much at all - it just made me want to read the previous one as well.
I can say this was one of the cosier books I have read, such an easy read during the autumn when the weather is cold and you have a free minute.
I loved Marisa, how she kept improving her skills and just how she grew in general, her overcoming herself and taking her mothers call was such a big achievement and I’m proud of her.
The book itself, as I said, was a really nice and cosy read, didn’t try to guess who killed Adam and Rebecca and was quite shocked when the details came out.
Definitely recommend to people who likes an easy mystery read ❤️
September 13, 2026
Received this as an ARC and throughly enjoyed it. It’s a really easy read that keeps you interested the whole way through without the plot or killer being obvious. I love the way the murderer reveal in both this and the first book remind me of the reveals in ‘Death in Paradise’ it makes the whole book seem like home whilst also continuing to throw little twists you don’t see coming at you. Will definitely be recommending to others and will continue to watch for more Murder In Sicily Mystery’s!
My favourite moment had to be ‘This Italy. Not USA.’
My favourite moment had to be ‘This Italy. Not USA.’
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARCH reader here!! Firstly, a huge thank you to J.D. Millar for giving me the opportunity to read and review her book prior to its publication date.
I wanted to get this review up prior to release day so that early readers could have a few reviews to look through when getting their copies. Therefore, with just 30 minutes to spare until September 15th, 2026, here is my genuine opinion of Murder at the Retreat.
What started off like a very aesthetic and cinematic book took a great turn as a murder, secrets and suspicion began to dive the plot forward. The dialogue in this book felt incredibly natural and fluid. Throughout the story, I felt like a spy in the corner, overhearing all these conversations.
It's one of those books that keep you doubting and guessing as more evidence comes to light. Plenty of my theories of who the killer was, were not too accurate and that is all I am willing to say without spoiling anything!
There were a few scenes and relationships that had already been established in the first book, which I haven't read, so I was slightly lost at times. However, it didn't hurt the main story or plot whatsoever. From my experience, reading the first book isn't necessary at all, as Murder at the Retreat works great as a standalone. That being said, I do think the character development and emotional impact would be even stronger if you read both books in publication order.
All of this to say, Murder at the Retreat will captivate and immerse you so deeply in its story that you might just come out of it with a tan from the Italian heat and a grin from all the gossip.
I wanted to get this review up prior to release day so that early readers could have a few reviews to look through when getting their copies. Therefore, with just 30 minutes to spare until September 15th, 2026, here is my genuine opinion of Murder at the Retreat.
What started off like a very aesthetic and cinematic book took a great turn as a murder, secrets and suspicion began to dive the plot forward. The dialogue in this book felt incredibly natural and fluid. Throughout the story, I felt like a spy in the corner, overhearing all these conversations.
It's one of those books that keep you doubting and guessing as more evidence comes to light. Plenty of my theories of who the killer was, were not too accurate and that is all I am willing to say without spoiling anything!
There were a few scenes and relationships that had already been established in the first book, which I haven't read, so I was slightly lost at times. However, it didn't hurt the main story or plot whatsoever. From my experience, reading the first book isn't necessary at all, as Murder at the Retreat works great as a standalone. That being said, I do think the character development and emotional impact would be even stronger if you read both books in publication order.
All of this to say, Murder at the Retreat will captivate and immerse you so deeply in its story that you might just come out of it with a tan from the Italian heat and a grin from all the gossip.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is indeed a cosy, easy read with the beautiful italian scenery. 🍋🍕☕
I had such a great time trying to figure everything out alongside Marisa and Angelo. Their character development hits better, if you read Book 1, so I definitely recommend reading this series order.
We don't only have an exciting murder mystery on our hands, but also individual storylines that keep getting more interesting with every book. And that cliffhanger?
Cruel-because I want more!
But I loved it!
Needless to say, I'm already eager for Book 3!
⚠️Spoiler alert:
I really enjoyed six potential killers and being taken through the investigation. There were enough posibilities, twists and turns to keep me guessing, and I loved seeing how everything unfold. (btw I was right immediatly with Marisa's sickness and the killer, yayy)
Angelo's arrogance and personality was sometimes a bit too much for me, while Marisa's naivey was also frustrating at times. But seeing how much they've both grown individually was definitely one of my favourite parts of the book. I especially loved the moments when Marisa stood up for herself! And now I honestly can't wait to see how much further this side of her develops.
Thank you for the advanced copy 💛
I had such a great time trying to figure everything out alongside Marisa and Angelo. Their character development hits better, if you read Book 1, so I definitely recommend reading this series order.
We don't only have an exciting murder mystery on our hands, but also individual storylines that keep getting more interesting with every book. And that cliffhanger?
Cruel-because I want more!
But I loved it!
Needless to say, I'm already eager for Book 3!
⚠️Spoiler alert:
I really enjoyed six potential killers and being taken through the investigation. There were enough posibilities, twists and turns to keep me guessing, and I loved seeing how everything unfold. (btw I was right immediatly with Marisa's sickness and the killer, yayy)
Angelo's arrogance and personality was sometimes a bit too much for me, while Marisa's naivey was also frustrating at times. But seeing how much they've both grown individually was definitely one of my favourite parts of the book. I especially loved the moments when Marisa stood up for herself! And now I honestly can't wait to see how much further this side of her develops.
Thank you for the advanced copy 💛
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews