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An Italian Village Mystery #1-3
An Italian Village Mystery Box Set 1
Mediterranean, Murder and Mayhem
The first 3 eBooks in the compelling and heartwarming An Italian Village Mystery series are now available as a boxset.
Fans of Agatha Christie, T E Kinsey, M C Beaton, and lovers of Italy, will delight in this cosy mystery series set against the dramatic backdrop of the Mediterranean coast.
This boxset includes three full length eBooks.
* Beware – the books are written in British English with a smattering of Italian here and there.
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.
If you want a taste of Mediterranean village life, take a bite of this tasty treat, now!
The moment Vanda Riccardi makes the grisly discovery in the forest, a blow to the head knocks her cold. By the time rescuers find her, the corpse is gone. Did she really see it? The carabinieri are sceptical, but her friend Giò Brando – travel writer and reluctant amateur sleuth – is determined to believe her.
As Giò and Vanda delve deep into the past to unravel the mystery – a past that someone won’t hesitate to commit murder to keep hidden – in the perfumery run by Giò’s sister, Agnese, three very different customers are destined to choose the same scent – one with a disturbing backstory. Will the perfume reveal its secrets in time to prevent Vanda and Giò from becoming the killer’s next victims?
Dare you drop in to Agnese’s shop to find out what the perfumes say about you?
When elderly widow Mrs De Blasi catches sight of eight-year-old Betta Giordano, all she can see is the face of her son, Marco. But how can this be? Marco died tragically young, many years before Betta was born.
Travel writer Giò Brando can’t help but be intrigued by the string of coincidences connecting Betta to the De Blasi family.
684 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 24, 2020
1374 people are currently reading
309 people want to read
About the author
Adriana Licio
33 books110 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 - 25 of 25 reviews
June 3, 2020
This series of 3 mysteries was fun to read. They were enjoyable mysteries set in a small town on the Italian coast. The descriptions of the region made me want to visit. The main character, Gil, and her family were entertaining.
January 28, 2020
I read the prequel, which you should really no miss, and received an ARC of this set from the author. And I am so glad I did. What a delightful cozy mystery series! It’s set in Maritea, a small town on the Italian Mediterranean coast and Licio describes it and the characters so well that you feel like you are there. Gio has returned home to recover from a love gone wrong. She writes travel books, helps out in her sister’s most interesting perfume shop, and can’t help being an amateur sleuth, to the dismay of the local Gendarme. Licio does such a great job of describing the town and local characters that you feel like you are there!
Whether being accused of murder, helping a friend who discovered a body while gathering chestnuts, or trying to solve the haunting similarities between a young girl who looks so much like a local’s son, a Gio can’t help trying to solve these mysteries. She befriends a local detective who gives her some assistance behinds the Gendarme’s back. In all three books there are enough twists and turns to keep you guessing until the end. This really is a “don’t miss series”! But beware, after reading them, you may just get the itch to visit this charming town!
Whether being accused of murder, helping a friend who discovered a body while gathering chestnuts, or trying to solve the haunting similarities between a young girl who looks so much like a local’s son, a Gio can’t help trying to solve these mysteries. She befriends a local detective who gives her some assistance behinds the Gendarme’s back. In all three books there are enough twists and turns to keep you guessing until the end. This really is a “don’t miss series”! But beware, after reading them, you may just get the itch to visit this charming town!
May 29, 2020
An Italian Village Mystery series (box set of books 1-3) by Adriana Licio
Book #1 – Murder on the Road
A huge boulder falls on a car parked in a temporary lot, crushing the woman inside. The temporary lot is there because the road had been closed to traffic due to rock falls in the area. So, is it an accident or murder? And if it is murder, who was the targeted victim? The lady who owned the car or the lady who was driving it? The lady who owned the car had called her husband's secretary the night before explaining that she was not feeling well and asking her to run an errand for her in the morning. She even offered the secretary the use of her car to do the errand. Will someone look into this or will it all be dismissed as just a terrible accident?
Gio Brando has just returned to her hometown of Maratea, Italy after spending many years in London working as a travel guide writer. She is at a crossroads in her life after her 10 year engagement came abruptly to an end. She kno9ws she should be concentrating on her new work, a travel memoir, but she can't help becoming involved in this death. She has taken a blow to her ego by finding her fiancee in bed – her bed! - with another woman. So she has a broken heart, a broken engagement and she has left her career behind her in London and come home to put her life together. No wonder she would rather concentrate on a murder that just doesn't make sense than her failed life and how to fix it.
This mystery is a tour de force of planning and organization! Ms. Licio has done a remarkable job of pulling the wool over her readers' eyes to keep them from finding the mastermind's identity not to mention those who help the mastermind. As for the questions I asked earlier? Well, you will just gave to read the book to find the answers. And to find the answer to what Gio decides to do with the rest of her life! Enjoy!
Book #2 – Fair Time for Death
When Gio's friend Vanda thinks she has found a body while searching out chestnuts for the Chestnut Fair in Trecchina, Italy, near to Maratea, the only one who actually believes her is Gio. Right after Vanda saw the body she was hit on the head and found concussed later in the afternoon and all traces of a body were gone. When everyone else decides that it was a dream brought on by her head trauma, Gio does not believe that a dream would have given Vanda the details she relays about the body. So Gio tries to help Vanda figure out who the woman was and why a stranger was in their town if not for the Chestnut Fair.
The pursuit of the answers to these questions will put Gio in grave danger, danger she may not escape as she finds out that the killer she thought was responsible was not the killer at all and as the real guilty party takes her into their clutches she realizes that he does not want her to survive! A page turner for sure and another great Gio Brando mystery. The way Gio guides Vanda to figure out who the victim is will have you amazed!
Enjoy!
Book #3 – A Mystery Before Christmas
By far my favorite of the trilogy, this story is a Christmas tale for the ages. It shows the caring that the close neighbors in Maratea have for those less well-off than themselves and embraces the true meaning of Christmas as Gio pursues a mystery that has kept one family apart for for years. And it all hinges on a lilting tune from Scotland and a piercing pair of green eyes!
This is my new go-to story for Christmas! This heartwarming tale involves a touch of the supernatural and a lot of the love we should always show each other, not only at Christmas but all year long! Enjoy!
Book #1 – Murder on the Road
A huge boulder falls on a car parked in a temporary lot, crushing the woman inside. The temporary lot is there because the road had been closed to traffic due to rock falls in the area. So, is it an accident or murder? And if it is murder, who was the targeted victim? The lady who owned the car or the lady who was driving it? The lady who owned the car had called her husband's secretary the night before explaining that she was not feeling well and asking her to run an errand for her in the morning. She even offered the secretary the use of her car to do the errand. Will someone look into this or will it all be dismissed as just a terrible accident?
Gio Brando has just returned to her hometown of Maratea, Italy after spending many years in London working as a travel guide writer. She is at a crossroads in her life after her 10 year engagement came abruptly to an end. She kno9ws she should be concentrating on her new work, a travel memoir, but she can't help becoming involved in this death. She has taken a blow to her ego by finding her fiancee in bed – her bed! - with another woman. So she has a broken heart, a broken engagement and she has left her career behind her in London and come home to put her life together. No wonder she would rather concentrate on a murder that just doesn't make sense than her failed life and how to fix it.
This mystery is a tour de force of planning and organization! Ms. Licio has done a remarkable job of pulling the wool over her readers' eyes to keep them from finding the mastermind's identity not to mention those who help the mastermind. As for the questions I asked earlier? Well, you will just gave to read the book to find the answers. And to find the answer to what Gio decides to do with the rest of her life! Enjoy!
Book #2 – Fair Time for Death
When Gio's friend Vanda thinks she has found a body while searching out chestnuts for the Chestnut Fair in Trecchina, Italy, near to Maratea, the only one who actually believes her is Gio. Right after Vanda saw the body she was hit on the head and found concussed later in the afternoon and all traces of a body were gone. When everyone else decides that it was a dream brought on by her head trauma, Gio does not believe that a dream would have given Vanda the details she relays about the body. So Gio tries to help Vanda figure out who the woman was and why a stranger was in their town if not for the Chestnut Fair.
The pursuit of the answers to these questions will put Gio in grave danger, danger she may not escape as she finds out that the killer she thought was responsible was not the killer at all and as the real guilty party takes her into their clutches she realizes that he does not want her to survive! A page turner for sure and another great Gio Brando mystery. The way Gio guides Vanda to figure out who the victim is will have you amazed!
Enjoy!
Book #3 – A Mystery Before Christmas
By far my favorite of the trilogy, this story is a Christmas tale for the ages. It shows the caring that the close neighbors in Maratea have for those less well-off than themselves and embraces the true meaning of Christmas as Gio pursues a mystery that has kept one family apart for for years. And it all hinges on a lilting tune from Scotland and a piercing pair of green eyes!
This is my new go-to story for Christmas! This heartwarming tale involves a touch of the supernatural and a lot of the love we should always show each other, not only at Christmas but all year long! Enjoy!
March 23, 2020
A great cozy mystery series with just a touch of romance set in scenic Italy!
After finding her fiancé of 10 years was nothing more than a cheating fop, Gio is rebuilding her life. She is settling back into her hometown, a small village in Italy, after living in London for 15 years. Professionally, Gio is a writer of travel guides. Of necessity, she is an amateur private investigator.
In the first book, Murder on the Road, Gio finds a body on the road back to her hometown. And even worse, she is suspected of murder and has to prove she is not the murderer.
In the second book, A Fair Time For Death, Gio’s friend is found unconscious in the woods then diagnosed with a concussion. Only Gio believes her statement that she found a dead body before being knocked unconscious with a tree branch. So, the two friends decide they will prove there was a dead body and that a murder was committed.
In the third book, A Mystery Before Christmas, Gio is intrigued by three mysteries to solve; 1) Who is behind the rash of robberies that are sweeping through the wealthiest homes in her hometown? 2) Why does it seem that fate has stranded a destitute widow and her young daughter in her small village? Did she hear a robin speak to her? 3) Why are books missing and then reappearing days later at the library?
In each book, Paolo comes to Gio’s aid to solve the mysteries. Do I detect a blossoming romance? I hope so!
Adriana Licio is a master at weaving tale of mysteries with just a bit of romance in each story. I highly recommend An Italian Village Mystery Series for your reading pleasure.
After finding her fiancé of 10 years was nothing more than a cheating fop, Gio is rebuilding her life. She is settling back into her hometown, a small village in Italy, after living in London for 15 years. Professionally, Gio is a writer of travel guides. Of necessity, she is an amateur private investigator.
In the first book, Murder on the Road, Gio finds a body on the road back to her hometown. And even worse, she is suspected of murder and has to prove she is not the murderer.
In the second book, A Fair Time For Death, Gio’s friend is found unconscious in the woods then diagnosed with a concussion. Only Gio believes her statement that she found a dead body before being knocked unconscious with a tree branch. So, the two friends decide they will prove there was a dead body and that a murder was committed.
In the third book, A Mystery Before Christmas, Gio is intrigued by three mysteries to solve; 1) Who is behind the rash of robberies that are sweeping through the wealthiest homes in her hometown? 2) Why does it seem that fate has stranded a destitute widow and her young daughter in her small village? Did she hear a robin speak to her? 3) Why are books missing and then reappearing days later at the library?
In each book, Paolo comes to Gio’s aid to solve the mysteries. Do I detect a blossoming romance? I hope so!
Adriana Licio is a master at weaving tale of mysteries with just a bit of romance in each story. I highly recommend An Italian Village Mystery Series for your reading pleasure.
January 30, 2025
Lovely compilation of the first three books in the Italian Village Mystery series. I will speak of the first two:
Murder on the Road:
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.
A Fair Time for Death:
Once again, Licio has created a story with surprising twists and turns, making it tricky to predict the ending. My kind of murder mystery! Agnese continues to play a larger role in the stories (which I enjoy) and this time Granny even gets in on the action. :)
Nicely done, Ms. Licio.
I received an ARC; this is my honest review.
Murder on the Road:
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.
A Fair Time for Death:
Once again, Licio has created a story with surprising twists and turns, making it tricky to predict the ending. My kind of murder mystery! Agnese continues to play a larger role in the stories (which I enjoy) and this time Granny even gets in on the action. :)
Nicely done, Ms. Licio.
I received an ARC; this is my honest review.
January 24, 2020
I have been privileged to have received all of this author's books as Advance Reader Copies right from her free prequel 'And Then There Were Bones' to her mosts recent book 'A Mystery Before Christmas' and I have to say that I have loved them all. They have great characters who almost leap off the page and the descriptions of the locations (close to where the author actually lives) make me feel as if I have really visited there, which unfortunately I haven't.
But more than that, the mysteries are genuinely clever and keep me guessing right up to the end.
My favourite so far is probably the Christmas book, as this has several minor mysteries, but has great atmosphere and is a real feel-good read.
If you are a fan of cosy mysteries, love Italy or just enjoy a great character led read then this box set should be ideal for you, and it is a very economical way to own these three books.
Although I have received complimentary copies of these books, this honest review has been voluntarily written.
But more than that, the mysteries are genuinely clever and keep me guessing right up to the end.
My favourite so far is probably the Christmas book, as this has several minor mysteries, but has great atmosphere and is a real feel-good read.
If you are a fan of cosy mysteries, love Italy or just enjoy a great character led read then this box set should be ideal for you, and it is a very economical way to own these three books.
Although I have received complimentary copies of these books, this honest review has been voluntarily written.
July 22, 2024
Introduction to Italy
Lots of Italian words, names, customs and foods. This did not present much of a problem because you can always read over them. What caught my eye, however, was the play on some of the names, with the surname of Gio's ex coming to mind. Why Dorian Gravy? There are at least 2 others that I cannot recall right now.
The description of the places were really good, I could picture them in my mind's eye.
Wonderful characters, Agnese and Granny were my favorites.
The three books were enjoyable, in the first, it was not that easy to identify the perpetrator, in the second it was easier and the third was more or less a feel good story.
A worthwhile way to spend a few hours, I read all three, which is not something that I normally do when provided with three books from the same author.
Go ahead and begin, you will complete the three.
Lots of Italian words, names, customs and foods. This did not present much of a problem because you can always read over them. What caught my eye, however, was the play on some of the names, with the surname of Gio's ex coming to mind. Why Dorian Gravy? There are at least 2 others that I cannot recall right now.
The description of the places were really good, I could picture them in my mind's eye.
Wonderful characters, Agnese and Granny were my favorites.
The three books were enjoyable, in the first, it was not that easy to identify the perpetrator, in the second it was easier and the third was more or less a feel good story.
A worthwhile way to spend a few hours, I read all three, which is not something that I normally do when provided with three books from the same author.
Go ahead and begin, you will complete the three.
June 4, 2024
A charming set of novels that I found to be very enjoyable. No foul, crude, or blasphemous language is, for me, always a winner. In the first two stories there is a murder to be solved - an why should the officers of the law manage to do so when there is an amateur sleuth just arrived back in town? The third story takes a totally different tack, but was the one that, towards the end, brought a tear to my eye!
I shall now apply for the prequel, and hope to read about the further adventures of Gio and the Brando family (and friends!) in the future.
One question! Why are all of the characters referred to, when relevant, as Mr, Mrs, Miss, and not as Signor, Signora, Signorina?
I shall now apply for the prequel, and hope to read about the further adventures of Gio and the Brando family (and friends!) in the future.
One question! Why are all of the characters referred to, when relevant, as Mr, Mrs, Miss, and not as Signor, Signora, Signorina?
November 1, 2020
Three very well written cozys
I read a lot of cozys. In my Goodreads reading challenge this year, 158 and counting, over half were cozys. In the majority of them you get one character fleshed out, the protagonist. In these stories Adriana has created a family of well thought out characters who enjoy time in the spotlight. Surprisingly, not, she throws out a lot of Italian words in her stories but instead of their being a hindrance to the story they add a touch of reality to the stories.
I read a lot of cozys. In my Goodreads reading challenge this year, 158 and counting, over half were cozys. In the majority of them you get one character fleshed out, the protagonist. In these stories Adriana has created a family of well thought out characters who enjoy time in the spotlight. Surprisingly, not, she throws out a lot of Italian words in her stories but instead of their being a hindrance to the story they add a touch of reality to the stories.
June 15, 2024
Loved these books. Adriana’s descriptions of Maratea made me want to visit. The characters were well written and I felt they seemed very real. The mysteries were very different to other books in this genre which I really loved.
The reason for the 4 stars not 5 is the glaring error in the third book. The weather is described one minute as very heavy rain and the next they’re in the middle of a snow storm!! Very confusing until you realise it’s a typo and there was no rain!
The reason for the 4 stars not 5 is the glaring error in the third book. The weather is described one minute as very heavy rain and the next they’re in the middle of a snow storm!! Very confusing until you realise it’s a typo and there was no rain!
August 21, 2024
Having enjoyed the prequel to this series I was excited to dive into this collection of the first three books in the Italian Village Mystery series. There are many twists and turns in each of the books which are filled with charming characters and vivid descriptions of life in a small village in Italy. Each book can be read as a standalone. Warning: reading this series may make you research travel sites for tours of Italy!
November 15, 2024
This set was a fun read! I love Gio and her family, as well as most of the other very Italian inhabitants of Maratea. One thing I was happy to note is the lack of a romantic involvement so far. So many stories are ruined for me by instantaneous love affairs. Not to be misunderstood, I hope there is romance in Gio’s future but I hope it comes slowly and naturally. I would absolutely recommend these books to a friend.
August 13, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed this series. The circuitous manner in which Ms. Licio solves the mysteries that arise (murder, theft) are very intriguing. The real plus for me was that there wasn't any unnecessary romance involved in any of the stories. I also enjoyed learning about the different nuances involved in perfumery. I highly recommend this book to any mystery-loving reader.
July 28, 2025
light reading
I like this trilogy. The stories are as easy to read as they are enjoyable. Gio, her sister and grandmother are dedicated detectives in the small village of Maratea, where nothing ever happens but for a crime here and there. When you read, pay special attention to last names. They tell their own stories.
I like this trilogy. The stories are as easy to read as they are enjoyable. Gio, her sister and grandmother are dedicated detectives in the small village of Maratea, where nothing ever happens but for a crime here and there. When you read, pay special attention to last names. They tell their own stories.
March 24, 2024
Extremely entertaining, loved the Italian setting, family life, village gossip, cooking and was fascinated with the perfume reading. The description of the scenery around the book's setting makes me want to go and visit the area. The murder mysteries were just an extra enjoyment for me...
April 15, 2024
Loved the intertwining of the 2 sisters lives. The village vibes where everyone knows about everyone. Never underestimate grandmas!
I keep wondering if there will ever be a romance between the cop and the lead amateur detective in a future book.
I keep wondering if there will ever be a romance between the cop and the lead amateur detective in a future book.
May 3, 2024
Creative, fun, and engaging.
This is an enjoyable read from start to finish. The pace does not overwhelm, but allows the reader to get caught up in the sense of place as the mystery unfolds.
This is an enjoyable read from start to finish. The pace does not overwhelm, but allows the reader to get caught up in the sense of place as the mystery unfolds.
December 1, 2024
These books need to be proofed. There are a lot of basic editing errors. In instead of on, car instead of cat, that simple. The stories themselves are fine but the characters motivations are not convincing. These are pleasant books but not ones that will have you excited to turn the page.
March 16, 2025
Just like the title says… Cozy Mystery
I loved reading this trilogy. They were cozy & charming and had a lot of quirky characters. I enjoyed reading the descriptions of the villages, landscapes, & seascapes. I cannot wait to read the next set!
I loved reading this trilogy. They were cozy & charming and had a lot of quirky characters. I enjoyed reading the descriptions of the villages, landscapes, & seascapes. I cannot wait to read the next set!
March 28, 2020
I wasn't sure when I first started the series that I was going to enjoy, but I did. Cute little cozy stories for light reading.
August 8, 2020
I enjoyed reading the 3 stories!! Light reading!
February 2, 2024
Please see individual stories for review.
April 29, 2024
Loved the setting of these mysteries.
August 7, 2025
Wistful
These enchanting murder mystery books were so engaging that I had,to read,straight through the days to get it all in at once. I loved,the,characters of the,stories.
These enchanting murder mystery books were so engaging that I had,to read,straight through the days to get it all in at once. I loved,the,characters of the,stories.
July 29, 2020
I have read all three books in this Cozy Mystery Book Set. Each book is unique but with the same characters. I realize the author has done her homework on the locations and customs of the people and location. Well-written a pleasure to read. I want to visit the perfumery and hear more about the superstitions of the region.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews