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Rick Montoya Italian Mystery #2
Death in the Dolomites
"Like Cold Tuscan Stone, the novel is light on its feet, with a protagonist who will strike readers as a good guy to hang around with." —Booklist
As in Cold Tuscan Stone, Death in the Dolomites immerses us in the sights, smells and tastes of Italy, this time in a picture-perfect Alpine town with a surprising negative side.
Rick Montoya is looking forward to a break from his translation business in Rome—a week of skiing in the Italian Alps with old college buddy Flavio. But Rick's success helping the Italian police with a murder in Tuscany sends the Campiglio cops his way. An American banker working in Milano is missing. The man's sister, an attractive and spoiled divorcée, has no idea where he could be, nor do the locals who saw him on his way to the slopes. With the discovery of a body, Rick and Inspector Albani widen their list of suspects. Picturesque resort Campiglio harbors old rivalries, citizens on the make, and a cut-throat political campaign. Why would these local issues, any of them, connect to the missing banker?
The investigation doesn't keep Rick and Flavio from enjoying perfect ski conditions in the Dolomites and glorious after-ski wines and bowls of fresh pasta. As for women—Rick has to wonder if the banker's sister is just hitting him up for information. The action heats up, testing laid-back Rick whose uncle, a Roman cop, keeps urging him to make the police his career.
268 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2014
243 people are currently reading
406 people want to read
About the author
David P. Wagner
15 books56 followersDavid P. Wagner is a retired foreign service officer. Among his overseas assignments were nine years in Italy where he learned to love things Italian, many of which appear on the pages of his books.
After retirement he spent several years writing tourist materials for small Italian towns before deciding he wanted to add his own stories to those fascinating places. The result was the mystery series featuring dual-national translator Rick Montoya,
The eighth book in the series, out in August, takes Rick to Assisi and confirms his belief that you can't solve a mystery on an empty stomach.
David and his wife live in Pueblo, on Colorado's front range, with their cat Mitzi.
You can find out more about both David and Rick at the website above.
After retirement he spent several years writing tourist materials for small Italian towns before deciding he wanted to add his own stories to those fascinating places. The result was the mystery series featuring dual-national translator Rick Montoya,
The eighth book in the series, out in August, takes Rick to Assisi and confirms his belief that you can't solve a mystery on an empty stomach.
David and his wife live in Pueblo, on Colorado's front range, with their cat Mitzi.
You can find out more about both David and Rick at the website above.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
July 19, 2023
Rick Montoya is growing on me, I like this series more and more for every book I read. Death in the Dolomites is book two by David P. Wagner and Rick is supposed to be on a ski holiday but guess what? Someone is missing and there is a language barrier, the local police is glad to let Rick help them out. I love the way this series takes you on a trip around Italy and its different regions. We get to know a little about what seperates them and what is good to eat and drink there as well as what is worth seeing. It's like a travel guide with murder. The only downside maybe could be that tourists is involved.
March 11, 2025
Loved this book. Wagner is a worthy companion to Donna Leon in presenting north-eastern Italy to Americans in the form of mystery stories.
This one, a solid successor to his previous book (Cold Tuscan Stone, #1 in the series), tells us about the Dolomite Alps in NE Italy: the skiing, the food (I am inspired to make "involtini"-- veal cutlets stuffed w/ mushrooms, parmesan, bread crumbs then rolled up [involtate] and browned...), the tourists vs the homies, the economy, the wood carving, the politics of small town tourist business tussles. OH, and the wine.
No suspension of disbelief necessary, and a charmingly discrete indication of the main character's relationship with a lovely secondary character-- as well as her reaction after the mystery is solved.
Seriously, this is FUN and made me desperate to go back to Italy.
This one, a solid successor to his previous book (Cold Tuscan Stone, #1 in the series), tells us about the Dolomite Alps in NE Italy: the skiing, the food (I am inspired to make "involtini"-- veal cutlets stuffed w/ mushrooms, parmesan, bread crumbs then rolled up [involtate] and browned...), the tourists vs the homies, the economy, the wood carving, the politics of small town tourist business tussles. OH, and the wine.
No suspension of disbelief necessary, and a charmingly discrete indication of the main character's relationship with a lovely secondary character-- as well as her reaction after the mystery is solved.
Seriously, this is FUN and made me desperate to go back to Italy.
October 1, 2014
This mystery is set in a quaint skiing town in the Italian Alps. I don't ski, but the author made this little town sound so enticing, I'd love to visit it one day. I really liked the interpreter's character, Riccardo, as well as the Italian investigators. I pictured all of them dressed to the nine at all times. They were all so gentlemanly. I did have a bit of trouble keeping up with the remainder of the characters because there were quite a few. I like trying to figure out the who-dun-it myself when I'm reading a mystery, but it was a little difficult with this book. This is why I gave it 4 stars. Overall, it was a pleasant reading experience.
I received an e-copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
I received an e-copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
February 28, 2025
This is the second book in Rick Montoya Italian Mysteries serie and I enjoyed reading it. The book is set in Italian Dolomites mountains in winter and it has nice winter atmosphere including skiing on local slopes. It combines mystery solving with description of Italian tasty food and wines which enjoy main characters during their adventures.
The book is well written and the plot is interesting. I will continue to read this serie.
The book is well written and the plot is interesting. I will continue to read this serie.
July 12, 2016
I really did love Death in the Dolomites! I received an early release copy in exchange for a review and I am truly sorry it took me so long to read it. I did not realize there was a previous book in the series when I started it. I had to stop and find a copy of the first book which my library borrowed a copy for me to read. I wish I had read it a long time ago because it really has kicked up my longing for going back to Italy. This time, Rick is skiing with his college buddy Flavio in Campiglio which is great because this is an actual town in Italy. The details given by the author were so vivid that I literally could see some of it in my mind while I read. I love books that do such a wonderful job with location and imagery.
While Rick was visiting Campiglio, a police detective from a nearby town comes because another American visiting Campiglio with his sister has disappeared. The other police detective requests Rick's assistance with translating to English with the missing man's sister. I love Rick. He is a regular man who has a diverse background. He has family in Rome, an uncle who would really love for Rick to become a police detective despite Rick's mom's opinion. Rick becomes deeply enmeshed in the mystery because as things go in small towns, everyone knows everyone, even the visitors. This means not much goes on with the investigation that everyone in town doesn't see or hear about. This becomes quite dangerous for Rick. I found it very interesting that everyone underestimated Luca, who was an obviously intelligent man that came to the same conclusion for who was the murder as Rick but, through different means and experiences. Flavio was also a great character in this book and I hope to see more of him in future books. I am a huge fan of the food and wine talk in the books also. It gives the reader a great experience with how it is to eat in Italy if you do things the way Italians do when visiting Italy. I look forward to the next book in this series! Review can also be seen at LadyTechie's Book Musings http://ladytechiesbookmusings.blogspo... .
While Rick was visiting Campiglio, a police detective from a nearby town comes because another American visiting Campiglio with his sister has disappeared. The other police detective requests Rick's assistance with translating to English with the missing man's sister. I love Rick. He is a regular man who has a diverse background. He has family in Rome, an uncle who would really love for Rick to become a police detective despite Rick's mom's opinion. Rick becomes deeply enmeshed in the mystery because as things go in small towns, everyone knows everyone, even the visitors. This means not much goes on with the investigation that everyone in town doesn't see or hear about. This becomes quite dangerous for Rick. I found it very interesting that everyone underestimated Luca, who was an obviously intelligent man that came to the same conclusion for who was the murder as Rick but, through different means and experiences. Flavio was also a great character in this book and I hope to see more of him in future books. I am a huge fan of the food and wine talk in the books also. It gives the reader a great experience with how it is to eat in Italy if you do things the way Italians do when visiting Italy. I look forward to the next book in this series! Review can also be seen at LadyTechie's Book Musings http://ladytechiesbookmusings.blogspo... .
October 30, 2014
Death in the Dolomites (A Rick Montoya Mystery)
By: David P. Wagner Pages 230
Poisoned Pen Press 2014
Copy Courtesy of Goodreads First Read
Reviewed by: tk
The cover gives only a hit at the beauty described; of this Italian village Campiglio. The scene is set in breathless mountains. The town has quaint specialty shopping described to be somewhere you would like to be. The food, wine, pastries, and conversations are just part of the daily rituals.
In the mist of this beauty is Rick Montoya here on vacation, and asked to help out in the investigation of a murdered man.
A captivating who-do-it. A body found at a beautiful Italian village. The identity is an easy solve, whoever the killer is…not so easy. The village has a grand cast of characters. Their individual stories are riveting, yet who killed this man will have you guessing to the very end.
Looking for a scenic mystery…this is for you. I great afternoon read. 4/5
October 19, 2014
uh-oh
You know a mystery is in trouble when a new character is introduced late in the book.
Nevertheless, I enjoyed this second Rick Montoya Italian Mystery. Montoya is a translator with dual Italian and American citizenship. His uncle is a high-ranking policeman in Rome, so Rick finds himself pressed into service, officially as a translator / liaison between Italian police and the murder victim's American sister, but as a de facto investigator when he finds himself a target.
I enjoyed the novel, but I would have liked it better if the whole range of suspects had been introduced from the beginning - for my own sleuthing satisfaction!
You know a mystery is in trouble when a new character is introduced late in the book.
Nevertheless, I enjoyed this second Rick Montoya Italian Mystery. Montoya is a translator with dual Italian and American citizenship. His uncle is a high-ranking policeman in Rome, so Rick finds himself pressed into service, officially as a translator / liaison between Italian police and the murder victim's American sister, but as a de facto investigator when he finds himself a target.
I enjoyed the novel, but I would have liked it better if the whole range of suspects had been introduced from the beginning - for my own sleuthing satisfaction!
April 9, 2016
Very good murder mystery set in the Italian Dolomite town of Campiglio. Rick Montoya, son of a New Mexican diplomat and an Italian mother, works as a translator in Rome. He is up in the Dolomites for a skiing vacation with his university friend, Flavio, when he is again pulled into a murder investigation. Fun. Lots of good food, pastries and wine.
September 6, 2014
I felt as if I was in the Italian alps along with the characters. The word pictures drawn by Mr. Wagner drew me into the story completely.
The plot had enough twists to keep me guessing clear to the end of the book. Now I want to go skiing in Italy.
The plot had enough twists to keep me guessing clear to the end of the book. Now I want to go skiing in Italy.
March 12, 2025
Great descriptions of the area! The author takes you on a descriptive ski vacation that is spectacular to envision as you read. I very much felt like I was on the ski slopes and careening down the slopes as I read parts of the book. . . . Equally so as the author takes us in walks through the charming ski resort towns and areas -- the shops and, yes indeed, the food fare.
Here's my problem with the book: . . . It's SLOW in development. . . too much eating and talking . . . round and round as I read. I started to get indigestion with all the food consumption, talk and little else for chapter upon chapter. . . . It was often like falling asleep after a big meal!
All that said, I found enough in the book to sustain my interest and have warmed up to Rick and his entourage. . . I also did enjoy the first book, "Cold Tuscan Stone."
I'll give book #3 a go, but please . . . move it along a bit faster!
Here's my problem with the book: . . . It's SLOW in development. . . too much eating and talking . . . round and round as I read. I started to get indigestion with all the food consumption, talk and little else for chapter upon chapter. . . . It was often like falling asleep after a big meal!
All that said, I found enough in the book to sustain my interest and have warmed up to Rick and his entourage. . . I also did enjoy the first book, "Cold Tuscan Stone."
I'll give book #3 a go, but please . . . move it along a bit faster!
March 22, 2025
A body is dumped from the ski lift of a run at a popular town in the Dolomites. It should have remained hidden indefinitely but, unluckily for the murderer, is soon found by some boys off the trail. The victim is found to be American and the local police find a useful resource in Rick Montoya, who has a translation service in Rome. I have seen the Dolomites from a distance and they appeared quite dramatic and, so, was disappointed that, portrayed in the winter, they are seen as a series of ski runs. Nevertheless, the mystery was intriguing and Rick is an intelligent and competent investigator.
July 5, 2023
I really enjoyed David Wagner's first Rick Montoya book; Cold Tuscan Stone. I enjoy historical fiction and there are some very interesting ties to the ancient traditions of Etruria. I enjoyed the historical aspect of that book. Death in the Dolomites is a good mystery, with well developed characters and an interesting plot. But, there was much less historical information. I was expecting more history in this "historical fiction" book. That is why I only gave it 4 stars. But, I did enjoy this well written quick read.
January 23, 2024
Entertaining but could be better
Book 2 of the Rick Montoya mysteries. Rick is on a ski vacation and ends up embroiled in investigating with a policeman friend a murder. That happens all the time right? I enjoyed the descriptions of the ski town and felt its energy and small town feel. I found the story and characters a big of a challenge to follow. So solving this one, as the reader, was hard to do without understanding all that was happening. It’s an entertaining story as mysteries go and was easy enough to read.
Book 2 of the Rick Montoya mysteries. Rick is on a ski vacation and ends up embroiled in investigating with a policeman friend a murder. That happens all the time right? I enjoyed the descriptions of the ski town and felt its energy and small town feel. I found the story and characters a big of a challenge to follow. So solving this one, as the reader, was hard to do without understanding all that was happening. It’s an entertaining story as mysteries go and was easy enough to read.
April 16, 2024
sexist attitudes
The author repeatedly treats women as objects, and does nothing to develop their characters as anything other than stereotypes. Plus, he throws in the occasional insulting and disrespectful comment. I regret giving him my money.
However, if that doesn’t bother you, the main plot is reasonably good. But the two criminal subplots seem unnecessary and don’t add much. In fact, their coinciding with the main case stretches credulity.
The author repeatedly treats women as objects, and does nothing to develop their characters as anything other than stereotypes. Plus, he throws in the occasional insulting and disrespectful comment. I regret giving him my money.
However, if that doesn’t bother you, the main plot is reasonably good. But the two criminal subplots seem unnecessary and don’t add much. In fact, their coinciding with the main case stretches credulity.
November 25, 2025
It’s been a long time since I’ve read a book that I was so thoroughly dissatisfied with.
The storyline showed promise in the first 40-50 pages but quickly turned “downhill”. Farfetched and unconvincing.
Most frustrating for me though was the grammar and writing style by the author. I felt that this book was written for 12-14 year olds.
I was hoping to continue reading this series, but will be staying clear of this author.
The storyline showed promise in the first 40-50 pages but quickly turned “downhill”. Farfetched and unconvincing.
Most frustrating for me though was the grammar and writing style by the author. I felt that this book was written for 12-14 year olds.
I was hoping to continue reading this series, but will be staying clear of this author.
December 31, 2024
A nicely bizarre murder, a bunch of interesting characters, and some lovely twists and turns are, unfortunately, buried under a narrative that the blurb correctly says 'immerses us in the sights, smells and tastes of Italy, this time in a picture-perfect Alpine town.' All very lovely for a travelogue but, for me, slows the mystery part down to a painful slog. Too bad.
January 24, 2025
Not my cup of tea. I read it to the end thinking there would be something…but no. Food and wine and a very unlikely translater helping the police with a murder…talking about it to anyone and everyone. It made the Dolomites look and taste very good however, but as for a mystery… not really. Sorry.
September 10, 2025
Great story
A bit complicated sometimes and confusing with all the names, but very well written story with all the details about the small town and italians. I just wanted to pack and go spend my winter in the Dolomites. And I love Rick Montoya's adventures. I miss his girlfriend.
And the description of each meal and the pastries ...
I really enjoyed the book!
A bit complicated sometimes and confusing with all the names, but very well written story with all the details about the small town and italians. I just wanted to pack and go spend my winter in the Dolomites. And I love Rick Montoya's adventures. I miss his girlfriend.
And the description of each meal and the pastries ...
I really enjoyed the book!
April 19, 2021
Book two in this series finds Rick up in the Dolomites where he helps officials find out who murdered an American ex pat banker. Interesting plot that includes Lots of Italian food and wine. Definitely will read more of this series
July 14, 2021
The engaging aspects here are the details of life in winter when skiing mingles with Italian cuisine and alpine ambience. The half-dozen suspects are drawn in full dressing in terms of personality and potential motive and readers can easily ponder the likelihood of each as the perp.
April 10, 2022
The book was fine, although I’m not sure if we actually are given clues throughout to “solve” it. Seemed like the “breaks in the case” all came in the last 20 pages. Also the constant using of each other’s names in casual conversations became very annoying.
Read
August 5, 2024It was as good as I expected since I love stories about Italy. The suspense was expected and the reveal of the murder was a surprise. The writing was easy to read and kept me wanting to keep reading when I needed to stop. I think I will look for more of Wagner's stories.
March 5, 2025
My rating is really 3.5, but I rounded to 4. I enjoyed the story more than the first of the series. Again, this is a tourist book with a slow-moving plot. It's not a bad read, but it's not really very good unless you like the food and wine descriptions.
January 28, 2021
Definitely a grade B book. The writer is either new to the trade or just not as talented as the top readers that so many of us enjoy. Slow, predictable, only got about one-third thru it and gave up.
October 29, 2021
I like this because it revolves around skiing.
June 8, 2022
Read to prepare for a trip to Northern Italy.
April 8, 2023
I liked the setting and the Italian culture. I think the mystery was weak.
September 1, 2023
Wow, just wow. Between the mystery and stunning review of the area I was hooked from the first chapter. I love reading books like these, it's my armchair traveling. Rick and his friend just wanted to ski but of course a disappearance happens. Following whatever clues they get Rick and the Italian Inspector work their way through all the info they come across to see if they can find the person.
Second book in series and a great following after the first book. Looking forward to reading the next book. Time for a cup of tea and easy chair!!!
Second book in series and a great following after the first book. Looking forward to reading the next book. Time for a cup of tea and easy chair!!!
December 2, 2024
Thoroughly enjoyed this mystery. Enjoyed the setting in the dolomites… Made me want to go back… And the food and wine descriptions or a nice ad and brought back some good memories.
March 28, 2025
The mystery takes a back seat to the food, wine and scenery parts of the book. They are enjoyable but more overwhelming than complementary.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews