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An Italian Village Mystery #1
Murder on the Road
Can murder be the cure for a broken heart?
Returning to her quaint hometown in Italy following the collapse of her engagement, feisty travel writer Giò Brando just wants some peace and quiet. Instead, she finds herself a suspect in a brutal murder.
Anxious to clear her name, Giò embarks on her own investigation, eavesdropping on the gossip in her sister’s perfumery and the cafés of Maratea as she pieces together the evidence. But something about the case isn’t adding up. Or is Giò allowing her attraction to a fellow suspect to distract her?
Wanting to distance herself from danger, Giò keeps her feelings in check. But when new evidence turns the whole case on its head, danger is exactly what is waiting for her.
◆◆◆ Murder on the Road is the first book in the compelling and heartwarming An Italian Village Cosy Mystery series. If you want a taste of Mediterranean village life, take a bite of this tasty treat, now! ◆◆◆
*Beware - this book is written in British English with a smattering of Italian here and there.
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This fun lighthearted cosy mystery can be read as a standalone or you can enjoy the whole series in order:
• Book 0.5 (prequel) - And Then There Were Bones
• Book 1 - Murder on the Road
• Book 2 - A Fair Time for Death
• Book 3 - A Mystery Before Christmas
• Book 3.5 - When the Clock Chimes Two (A short story)
• Book 4 - Peril at the Pellicano Hotel
Returning to her quaint hometown in Italy following the collapse of her engagement, feisty travel writer Giò Brando just wants some peace and quiet. Instead, she finds herself a suspect in a brutal murder.
Anxious to clear her name, Giò embarks on her own investigation, eavesdropping on the gossip in her sister’s perfumery and the cafés of Maratea as she pieces together the evidence. But something about the case isn’t adding up. Or is Giò allowing her attraction to a fellow suspect to distract her?
Wanting to distance herself from danger, Giò keeps her feelings in check. But when new evidence turns the whole case on its head, danger is exactly what is waiting for her.
◆◆◆ Murder on the Road is the first book in the compelling and heartwarming An Italian Village Cosy Mystery series. If you want a taste of Mediterranean village life, take a bite of this tasty treat, now! ◆◆◆
*Beware - this book is written in British English with a smattering of Italian here and there.
---
This fun lighthearted cosy mystery can be read as a standalone or you can enjoy the whole series in order:
• Book 0.5 (prequel) - And Then There Were Bones
• Book 1 - Murder on the Road
• Book 2 - A Fair Time for Death
• Book 3 - A Mystery Before Christmas
• Book 3.5 - When the Clock Chimes Two (A short story)
• Book 4 - Peril at the Pellicano Hotel
286 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 26, 2019
817 people are currently reading
719 people want to read
About the author
Adriana Licio
33 books109 followersAdriana lives somewhere stuck on the Apennine mountains in southern Italy not far from Maratea, the Mediterranean setting for her cozy series "An Italian Village Mystery".
Get a taste of Adriana's world reading "And Then There Were Bones" the prequel to her series, exclusive to subscribers on her mailing list - https://adrianalicio.com/murderclub
She loves loads of things: traveling, reading, walking, savouring good food, exploring small villages, and home swapping. She runs her family perfumery shop, and between a dark patchouli and a musky rose, she reads and writes cozy mysteries.
She resisted writing as long as she could; fearing it might open doors to her already galloping imagination. But one day she found an alluring blank page and the words flowed in that weird English she'd learned in Glasgow...
Adriana finds peace for her restless, enthusiastic soul when she walks in nature, with her adventurous dog Frodo and her hubby Giovanni.
Get a taste of Adriana's world reading "And Then There Were Bones" the prequel to her series, exclusive to subscribers on her mailing list - https://adrianalicio.com/murderclub
She loves loads of things: traveling, reading, walking, savouring good food, exploring small villages, and home swapping. She runs her family perfumery shop, and between a dark patchouli and a musky rose, she reads and writes cozy mysteries.
She resisted writing as long as she could; fearing it might open doors to her already galloping imagination. But one day she found an alluring blank page and the words flowed in that weird English she'd learned in Glasgow...
Adriana finds peace for her restless, enthusiastic soul when she walks in nature, with her adventurous dog Frodo and her hubby Giovanni.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
October 1, 2019
Murder on the Road by Adriana Licio is the first book in An Italian Village Mystery. Gio Brando is heading home to Maratea, Italy after breaking off her engagement to her cheating fiancé. She finds a woman crushed from a boulder inside a car and Gio becomes Maresciallo Mauro Mangiaboschi main suspect. Gio with help from her sister, Agnese and Briadiere Paolo Rossi sets out to find the real culprit. I found Murder on the Road to be a refreshing new cozy mystery. Adriana Licio’s descriptions swept me to sunny Italy. I found Maratea to be a charming village and I was intrigued by Agnese’s perfumery. Maratea is a small village where everyone knows your business and information travels faster than maple syrup on hot pancakes. Of course, small town politics are also at play with a less than stellar police chief and an overbearing investigator. We get to meet various townspeople, check out the shops and spend time at Agnese’s perfumery (sells all types of cosmetics plus scents). We get to see Agnese at work and meet some of her clientele. The mystery has some intriguing elements with my favorite being the unique method of murder. Suspects are questioned and gossip is obtained to help ascertain the killer’s identity. There are multiple suspects, a red herring or two and good clues to help readers solve the crime. I would have liked the whodunit to be more challenging since the guilty party can be identified early in the story. I kept hoping for a twist to surprise me. The Italian police have very different titles from our officers in the states. I enjoyed learning about the Italian justice system. Murder on the Road is a charming cozy mystery with a quaint Italian village, gossip galore, delectable Italian delicacies, pleasing perfumes, surprising secrets and a travel writer turned sleuth.
December 25, 2019
3.4 sunny stars
This was a very cute mystery with a lot of red herrings. Of course I loved that it was set in a small beach town in southern Italy. Interesting characters and good variety of suspects. I did enjoy the mystery but it didn't really grab me, which might have been due to the fact that the conversations felt a little strange to me. I am not sure if that was because the book is written in British English and the conversations are supposed to be Italian....I just can't put my finger on it. I will read the next book in the series.
This was a very cute mystery with a lot of red herrings. Of course I loved that it was set in a small beach town in southern Italy. Interesting characters and good variety of suspects. I did enjoy the mystery but it didn't really grab me, which might have been due to the fact that the conversations felt a little strange to me. I am not sure if that was because the book is written in British English and the conversations are supposed to be Italian....I just can't put my finger on it. I will read the next book in the series.
February 20, 2020
Ehhh... didn't hate it but didn't really like it either. The setting was wonderful and the descriptions well written enough that I could see the location. But I didn't really care for any of the characters, so it was hard for me to be very involved in what was going on. And the whole perfumery business just struck me as odd. Also, I'm a cover person and I spent the entire book waiting for the dog from the cover to appear... What the heck?
May 11, 2021
Clever, I like hurt characters. I read mostly mystery but this seems to work as a cozy or mystery! Thanks enjoyed it!
March 14, 2020
“We’d had another argument about my travel arrangements, so I decided to come home a few days early. I didn’t call him; it was meant to be a surprise, so I arrived unexpectedly very early in the morning. And I found a blonde sleeping with him. In my own bed! I screamed and screamed; I’d never thought I would have to deal with anything like this. - - - Dorian came over and told me it wasn’t what it looked like. He kept saying that the forthcoming wedding had put so much pressure on him and the commitment was taking its toll, and I should try to understand it from a man’s point of view. The blonde meant nothing to him, and she even backed him up."
After things ended with her fiancé, thankfully before the wedding day, Gió returned to Maratea. To nurse her hurting heart, and perhaps to really "come home"?
I am beyond happy that Gió found out that the red flags I'd seen in the prequel meant business. Sad that she's hurt and disappointed; but I don't think she's all that heart broken really. Deep down I think she - like all her family - knew that Dorian was not THE one.
But it brings her back to Maratea. To the things and people she loves most. And another murder. The maresciallo is determined to close the case as an accident so as not to interfere with his planned vacation. But circumstances, and Gió, have a way of muddying the waters. Will she and the young brigadiere find the true murderer? I see a little bit of romance in their future too . . . I could be wrong! Jumping into Book Two!
A great series so far, I highly recommend it! The setting is beautiful too!
After things ended with her fiancé, thankfully before the wedding day, Gió returned to Maratea. To nurse her hurting heart, and perhaps to really "come home"?
I am beyond happy that Gió found out that the red flags I'd seen in the prequel meant business. Sad that she's hurt and disappointed; but I don't think she's all that heart broken really. Deep down I think she - like all her family - knew that Dorian was not THE one.
But it brings her back to Maratea. To the things and people she loves most. And another murder. The maresciallo is determined to close the case as an accident so as not to interfere with his planned vacation. But circumstances, and Gió, have a way of muddying the waters. Will she and the young brigadiere find the true murderer? I see a little bit of romance in their future too . . . I could be wrong! Jumping into Book Two!
A great series so far, I highly recommend it! The setting is beautiful too!
November 21, 2020
A very entertaining cozy mystery set in Southern Italy. I highly recommend "Murder on the Road"
October 3, 2019
Great debut!
This is the first book I’ve read by this author, but not the last. Gio is an absolutely delightful character with her determination to figure out who the murderer was. It was surprisingly easy to be drawn into the story and feel like I was there due to the author’s ability to paint a picture. Twists and turns abound, and the characters come alive. I’m looking forward to reading the rest of this series. (It appears that solving a murder is an excellent way of moving on after canceling a wedding.)
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
This is the first book I’ve read by this author, but not the last. Gio is an absolutely delightful character with her determination to figure out who the murderer was. It was surprisingly easy to be drawn into the story and feel like I was there due to the author’s ability to paint a picture. Twists and turns abound, and the characters come alive. I’m looking forward to reading the rest of this series. (It appears that solving a murder is an excellent way of moving on after canceling a wedding.)
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
June 14, 2021
Such a lovely immersion into Italy! We get a teaser introduction to its people, culture, foods, land, and history. All of this while enjoying a cozy murder mystery! What's not to love?
Gio once again finds herself smack in the middle of a murder investigation. This time, however, she has her sister Agnese to help and Paolo. I love how Ms. Licio develops the relationships not only within the family, but also some of the other villagers. There are a couple of sub-stories going on that really spoke to me of growth and change; Agnese runs the family-owned perfume shop that is so much more than scents. Some of these in-store vignettes spoke deeply to me on a personal level that (thankfully!) the mystery parts didn't. :)
I don't want to make the story sound like it's all fluff and nonsense; it most certainly has a great deal of substance and an unexpected solution. Worth the time to read this well-written, marvelous, cozy mystery!
I received an ARC for review; the opinions here are my own.
Gio once again finds herself smack in the middle of a murder investigation. This time, however, she has her sister Agnese to help and Paolo. I love how Ms. Licio develops the relationships not only within the family, but also some of the other villagers. There are a couple of sub-stories going on that really spoke to me of growth and change; Agnese runs the family-owned perfume shop that is so much more than scents. Some of these in-store vignettes spoke deeply to me on a personal level that (thankfully!) the mystery parts didn't. :)
I don't want to make the story sound like it's all fluff and nonsense; it most certainly has a great deal of substance and an unexpected solution. Worth the time to read this well-written, marvelous, cozy mystery!
I received an ARC for review; the opinions here are my own.
May 29, 2024
A feisty heroine, the setting: a small village on the Italian coast, an accident, which turns out to be contrived rather than natural, and our heroine is swept into a murder mystery, which everyone else including the police accept as a mishap.
Different from the usual cozy mysteries set in Europe, the heroine is not a tourist but a village girl returning home to her family to rebuild her life after a breakup just before her wedding. Quite fast paced a mystery, it also manages to capture the essence of Italy- the natural beauty of the rocky coastline, forested mountains in the backdrop, the turquoise to deep blue waters of the Mediterranean, skimming across the ocean in motor yachts and kayaks, the small cafes offering luscious cornettoes and panzerottis to accompany the fresh brewed coffee, the smell of garlic, olive oil and Basil, and additionally, a whiff of exotic perfumes in her sister’s perfumery.
A very enjoyable holiday read.
Different from the usual cozy mysteries set in Europe, the heroine is not a tourist but a village girl returning home to her family to rebuild her life after a breakup just before her wedding. Quite fast paced a mystery, it also manages to capture the essence of Italy- the natural beauty of the rocky coastline, forested mountains in the backdrop, the turquoise to deep blue waters of the Mediterranean, skimming across the ocean in motor yachts and kayaks, the small cafes offering luscious cornettoes and panzerottis to accompany the fresh brewed coffee, the smell of garlic, olive oil and Basil, and additionally, a whiff of exotic perfumes in her sister’s perfumery.
A very enjoyable holiday read.
July 21, 2020
A cozy mystery. Set in a small town in southern Italy. Two of my favorite reasons for reading a book! A nice beginning to the author’s “An Italian Village Mystery” series. Adriana Licio does a good job of describing Gio’s return to her hometown after a broken ten year engagement in the UK. She just wants to take some time to rest and regroup, surrounded by her loving family and the spectacular scenery she missed. But on the day after her arrival she comes across what is first believed to be a horrible accident, but turns out to be murder. So she puts her travel writing on hold to become an amateur sleuth. I enjoyed the descriptions of the area and its people, and was intrigued by her sister Agnese’s perfumery and what she was able to do for her customers just by having them choose scents. Do such places actually exist? I look forward to reading of Gio’s further adventures.
March 22, 2020
A great cozy mystery set in scenic Italy!
Gio has left her life and failed love in London. After her breakup with her fiancé of 10 years, she heads back to her hometown, a small village in Italy. What could happen next to make her life even worse? Probably finding a dead body. Or worse yet, being considered a suspect in said murder! A determined Gio enlists the aid of Paolo and her sister, Agnese, to investigate and solve the murder.
Adriana Licio expertly wove a tale of mystery that kept me guessing until the end. It was a fun read which I highly recommend. I look forward to reading more in this series!
Gio has left her life and failed love in London. After her breakup with her fiancé of 10 years, she heads back to her hometown, a small village in Italy. What could happen next to make her life even worse? Probably finding a dead body. Or worse yet, being considered a suspect in said murder! A determined Gio enlists the aid of Paolo and her sister, Agnese, to investigate and solve the murder.
Adriana Licio expertly wove a tale of mystery that kept me guessing until the end. It was a fun read which I highly recommend. I look forward to reading more in this series!
May 10, 2020
Murder on the Road, by Adriana Licio, features two entrancing characters - a heroine named Giovanni, newly returned home after a failed relationship in London, and Maratea, her home- a small town on the southern Italian coast. Both are detailed beautifully, so that the reader comes to know them as old friends. Other characters - her family, Maratea residents, customers at her sister's perfume shop. Are also delightful smaller pictures. Throw in a complex murder mystery, some budding romances and a tiny bit of terror and you have a delightful novel. Astonishingly, it is
the author's first - Brava! I can't wait to read the rest of the series.
the author's first - Brava! I can't wait to read the rest of the series.
June 8, 2020
Murder on the Road
My goodness,what a great mystery! The description makes you feel as if you are actually there and the food....you can almost taste it! Gio is recovering from a cheating fiance and has returned to her home town. There is plenty of small town gossip, cheating and corruption. Then,the unexpected....a murder!! Clues pop up everywhere and Gio joins into the investigation. I received this book as a free giveaway which I appreciate. I give it 5 stars as I honestly feel it is that good. I recommend this book to everyone who likes mysteries. There are no graphic sex details and no vulgar language.
My goodness,what a great mystery! The description makes you feel as if you are actually there and the food....you can almost taste it! Gio is recovering from a cheating fiance and has returned to her home town. There is plenty of small town gossip, cheating and corruption. Then,the unexpected....a murder!! Clues pop up everywhere and Gio joins into the investigation. I received this book as a free giveaway which I appreciate. I give it 5 stars as I honestly feel it is that good. I recommend this book to everyone who likes mysteries. There are no graphic sex details and no vulgar language.
September 16, 2020
A pleasant read. Not the best in the cozy mystery genre, but far from the worst. With my Italian heritage and love of the small towns of Italy, the setting tugged at my heart, and the family descriptions hit home. The story was interesting enough, and the murderer certainly not a given.
What kept the novel from five stars is some je ne sais quois that made it feel sophomoric to me. I can't put my finger on it; it felt like a first novel (and not just the first of the genre).
I found it definitely worth the read, but won't jump to read others by the same author.
What kept the novel from five stars is some je ne sais quois that made it feel sophomoric to me. I can't put my finger on it; it felt like a first novel (and not just the first of the genre).
I found it definitely worth the read, but won't jump to read others by the same author.
April 8, 2020
Enjoyable cozy.
Enjoyed this debut cozy mystery by Adriana Licio. After breaking off a long engagement to her fiancé, Gió Brando returns to her hometown of Maratea, Italy to regroup and spend some time with her family. As a welcome home of sorts, Gió is the first on the sign of a "crushing" accident...or could it be murder? Join Gió as she tries her hand at amateur sleuthing to find the truth in this exciting cozy mystery, Murder in the Road.
Enjoyed this debut cozy mystery by Adriana Licio. After breaking off a long engagement to her fiancé, Gió Brando returns to her hometown of Maratea, Italy to regroup and spend some time with her family. As a welcome home of sorts, Gió is the first on the sign of a "crushing" accident...or could it be murder? Join Gió as she tries her hand at amateur sleuthing to find the truth in this exciting cozy mystery, Murder in the Road.
April 10, 2020
Murder on the road
This was a rather different take on a murder mystery. It’s full of descriptions of the village that are so well written you can see them in your mind. It starts out a bit slow and picks up speed. I didn’t figure out who did it until almost the end. I had a hunch but the author did such a good job of not giving it away that you have to pay attention. Really interesting.
This was a rather different take on a murder mystery. It’s full of descriptions of the village that are so well written you can see them in your mind. It starts out a bit slow and picks up speed. I didn’t figure out who did it until almost the end. I had a hunch but the author did such a good job of not giving it away that you have to pay attention. Really interesting.
April 6, 2021
Real, fun, adventurous series!
Murder on the Road is a fantastic read. I love the characters, the writing will suck you in & not let go! I love Gio's grandmother - she reminds me of one of my own grandmothers. Beware the flowing descriptions will have you smelling exotic perfumes at times; others you'll be craving the most delicious foods. What a delightful premiere book. This is a author I will be following from now on.
Murder on the Road is a fantastic read. I love the characters, the writing will suck you in & not let go! I love Gio's grandmother - she reminds me of one of my own grandmothers. Beware the flowing descriptions will have you smelling exotic perfumes at times; others you'll be craving the most delicious foods. What a delightful premiere book. This is a author I will be following from now on.
October 18, 2021
Entertaining
This book is written in the style of a Agatha Christie mystery. A travel guide writer relocated to a small town in Italy after the breakup of her long standing engagement. She becomes involved in a murder that is a first in the area and then there is a second murder. There are several suspects though motives are vague. Her involvement creates a dangerous risk. Will she survive to solve the mysteries? Read this adventurous story to learn more.
This book is written in the style of a Agatha Christie mystery. A travel guide writer relocated to a small town in Italy after the breakup of her long standing engagement. She becomes involved in a murder that is a first in the area and then there is a second murder. There are several suspects though motives are vague. Her involvement creates a dangerous risk. Will she survive to solve the mysteries? Read this adventurous story to learn more.
January 12, 2022
Grab a glass of limoncello and enjoy this author.
I usually read British mysteries but, I have taken a literary trip to Italy and will be staying until I read all of Adriana Licio’s excellent Italian village mysteries.
Also, use Adriana’s invitation to get the prequel. It is the author’s very good take on a famous British classic mystery. This prequel is the introduction to Gio, the Italian village series main character.
I usually read British mysteries but, I have taken a literary trip to Italy and will be staying until I read all of Adriana Licio’s excellent Italian village mysteries.
Also, use Adriana’s invitation to get the prequel. It is the author’s very good take on a famous British classic mystery. This prequel is the introduction to Gio, the Italian village series main character.
December 30, 2019
Great read for mystery lovers.
I really enjoyed this book and also being brought into a small Italian village, meeting many people, trying to figure out this mystery. I loved the closeness of all the family members during times of trials . The mystery itself was great never knew who was the murderer. Thanks for a fun read.
I really enjoyed this book and also being brought into a small Italian village, meeting many people, trying to figure out this mystery. I loved the closeness of all the family members during times of trials . The mystery itself was great never knew who was the murderer. Thanks for a fun read.
January 6, 2020
Murder i. Italy.
A fascinating look at the culture in an area of Italy not mormslly seen in novels. A funny cozy murder mystery taking a returned visitor to solve. When the timelines don"t add up the mystery csn be solved. A new author to me I gind her havimg a wot and charm, adding to the story
A fascinating look at the culture in an area of Italy not mormslly seen in novels. A funny cozy murder mystery taking a returned visitor to solve. When the timelines don"t add up the mystery csn be solved. A new author to me I gind her havimg a wot and charm, adding to the story
March 10, 2020
I really enjoyed this book & it’s Prequel. I love cozy mysteries & when they give me armchair travel as well, that seems to make them much more enjoyable. I’d love to be able to taste the delicious pastries & there is a limit to how much coffee I can have in a day! But, that doesn’t stop me wanting to be there & enjoy it! This book made the part of Italy it is set in seem beautiful. I hope it is.
April 4, 2020
Loved the Italian countryside descriptions. Nice family backstory, and Gio becomes the sleuthing to solve the mystery of Elans death by a falling boulder, then the drunk Antonio.All while getting over her broken engagement with cheating Dorian. Her sister runs the perfumery , which us able to help just by paying attention to personaldetails..
September 8, 2020
Not a bad debut, a lovely village ,interesting Italian foods, brilliant landscape descriptions. Yhe mystery was so so, but i did want to continue reading, it holds interest. Characters are well developed, the name intriguing. Geo was a bit immature and insulting to elderly at times, telling me this author is youthful. I love all things Italian, so I persevered. Nice read.
December 31, 2021
Wow! Gio sure likes investigating! I think she has a real knack for it. I wonder if she will do that instead of writing! Maybe she should write mysteries like she thought. She would have plenty of fodder. I loved the setting for this book, very picturesque. I am looking forward to reading the next book! Loved it!
May 20, 2023
Gio returns to her home town after breaking off her 10 year engagement. She is a travel writer, who loves to go off and discover places to write about. But nothing compares to her home town in Italy.
Shortly after returning home she finds a woman in a car who has been crushed to death. Was it an accident or was it murder?
Shortly after returning home she finds a woman in a car who has been crushed to death. Was it an accident or was it murder?
May 29, 2023
Awesome! Simply awesome!
This book is simply amazing on so may levels. Dora and Agnestese, and their entire clan are people one can really care about. The descriptions of the town of Maratea makes me want to visit - and, yes, I googled it! The mystery has one guessing; so what's not to like about this extremely well-written Book! Absolutely spot-on. Must read for all.
This book is simply amazing on so may levels. Dora and Agnestese, and their entire clan are people one can really care about. The descriptions of the town of Maratea makes me want to visit - and, yes, I googled it! The mystery has one guessing; so what's not to like about this extremely well-written Book! Absolutely spot-on. Must read for all.
October 16, 2023
Murder on the Road (An Italian Village Mystery Book 1)
Gio having to park her car then walk over an area to grab a bus didn’t get across. She spotted crushed car with an arm hanging out. After calling for help she was a suspect along with a few others that was parked. Gio helped to solve the murder.
Gio having to park her car then walk over an area to grab a bus didn’t get across. She spotted crushed car with an arm hanging out. After calling for help she was a suspect along with a few others that was parked. Gio helped to solve the murder.
January 7, 2024
Enjoyable mystery set in an Italian village. I wasn't familiar with the ethnic names & was worried there'd be too many characters. But the author draws us into village life & each person's personality & character. Sights, smells, foods, landscapes: all nicely described.
Culprit wasn't obvious so I enjoyed her process of eliminating suspects.
Culprit wasn't obvious so I enjoyed her process of eliminating suspects.
February 11, 2024
I've been studying Italian for a couple of months, and when looking for something new to read, this seemed like the perfect fit. I enjoyed it especially because, even though it’s a murder mystery, there’s so much more…the location, the family, the locals, the food. I'm looking forward to the next one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews