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The Homeswappers #4
An Aero Island Christmas Mystery
In the depths of the Nordic winter, the beautiful Island of Aero is steeped in pre-Christmas cheer and Danish hygge. But in one dark and forbidding attic, a gruesome secret waits to be discovered.
Two Italian sexagenarians and a stubborn, loveable Basset Hound are travelling across the sea to the historic town of Ærøskøbing. The ever-positive Dora is clasping her hands in delight at the prospect of their latest homeswap; her more feisty friend Etta is picking a fight with an equally belligerent Danish woman; and Leon? Well, Leon is saving a small child from certain death. Just another day in the life of a brave and noble dog.
Little do the three travellers know just how significant the people they meet during the ferry crossing are going to become over the next couple of weeks. As Aero rises before them from the Baltic Sea, an unsolved murder, a mythical treasure, an unrequited love and a bitter family feud await them. Can the analytical Etta, empathetic Dora and sharp-nosed Leon finally lay the dead to rest and lead the living to the happiest of Christmases? And who is destined to receive the most precious gift of all?
◆◆◆ Wrap up warm, pack your cases and hop into the backseat. It’s time to join Etta, Dora and Leon in their ancient yellow Fiat for another delightfully mysterious adventure, this time with a huge dollop of festive fun. ◆◆◆
***
An Aero Island Christmas Mystery is the fourth book in the The Homeswappers Mysteries, a humorous cosy series following the adventures of two retired teachers and their Basset Hound as they explore the most delightfully murderous European travel destinations and put their skills as sleuths to the test.
Written in British English, each light-hearted mystery is clean – no violence, sex or strong language – and can be read as a standalone or enjoyed in sequence:
0.5 Castelmezzano, The Witch is Dead – An Italian Cosy Mystery (A Prequel Novella)
1. The Watchman of Rothenburg Dies – A German Cosy Mystery
2. A Wedding and a Funeral in Mecklenburg – A German Travel Mystery
3. An Aero Island Christmas Mystery – A Danish Cosy Mystery
4. Prague, A Secret from the Past – A Czech Travel Mystery (coming in Spring 2021)
Two Italian sexagenarians and a stubborn, loveable Basset Hound are travelling across the sea to the historic town of Ærøskøbing. The ever-positive Dora is clasping her hands in delight at the prospect of their latest homeswap; her more feisty friend Etta is picking a fight with an equally belligerent Danish woman; and Leon? Well, Leon is saving a small child from certain death. Just another day in the life of a brave and noble dog.
Little do the three travellers know just how significant the people they meet during the ferry crossing are going to become over the next couple of weeks. As Aero rises before them from the Baltic Sea, an unsolved murder, a mythical treasure, an unrequited love and a bitter family feud await them. Can the analytical Etta, empathetic Dora and sharp-nosed Leon finally lay the dead to rest and lead the living to the happiest of Christmases? And who is destined to receive the most precious gift of all?
◆◆◆ Wrap up warm, pack your cases and hop into the backseat. It’s time to join Etta, Dora and Leon in their ancient yellow Fiat for another delightfully mysterious adventure, this time with a huge dollop of festive fun. ◆◆◆
***
An Aero Island Christmas Mystery is the fourth book in the The Homeswappers Mysteries, a humorous cosy series following the adventures of two retired teachers and their Basset Hound as they explore the most delightfully murderous European travel destinations and put their skills as sleuths to the test.
Written in British English, each light-hearted mystery is clean – no violence, sex or strong language – and can be read as a standalone or enjoyed in sequence:
0.5 Castelmezzano, The Witch is Dead – An Italian Cosy Mystery (A Prequel Novella)
1. The Watchman of Rothenburg Dies – A German Cosy Mystery
2. A Wedding and a Funeral in Mecklenburg – A German Travel Mystery
3. An Aero Island Christmas Mystery – A Danish Cosy Mystery
4. Prague, A Secret from the Past – A Czech Travel Mystery (coming in Spring 2021)
212 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 15, 2020
649 people are currently reading
351 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 141 reviews
February 6, 2022
I was so happy to find another charming cozy mystery series. The main characters are two Italian retired teachers, Etta and Dora, who decide to do home swapping so they can travel around Europe. This is the second in the series, but each story is a standalone. I usually don't go for dogs who comment on the humans in my books, especially those who are smarter than the people. It's something that must be done just right or it falls flat. However, Napoleon or Leon is just so much a real basset hound his occasional point of view comes off just perfect. It's not annoying.
At first I wondered about all the travelogue details, but then I decided I like them because they were sprinkled throughout and gave me a real flavor of the island they were visiting off the coast of Denmark. I wondered that two Italian ladies would go so far north at Christmas time, but they seem to weather it well. I have already started the first book in the series and intend to read the whole series. Intriguing mysteries and very charming realistic characters made for a pleasant reading experience. Thank you, Adriana Lico!
At first I wondered about all the travelogue details, but then I decided I like them because they were sprinkled throughout and gave me a real flavor of the island they were visiting off the coast of Denmark. I wondered that two Italian ladies would go so far north at Christmas time, but they seem to weather it well. I have already started the first book in the series and intend to read the whole series. Intriguing mysteries and very charming realistic characters made for a pleasant reading experience. Thank you, Adriana Lico!
January 1, 2022
Being Danish, I was excited to see a cozy mystery set in Denmark! The cover of An Aero Island Christmas Mystery by Adriana Lico, is what first drew me to the book. Besides Leon, the Basset Hound, it has red and white Danish flags. Leon and his owners, Etta and Dora are friends/housemates/travel companions from Italy. They are retired teachers in their sixties just like me! (Nice coincident!) The are on a home swap vacation in the island of Aero, between Denmark and Germany. They are staying at the home of Freja and Magnus Holm. While checking out the attic, they discover the skeleton of a Polish archaeologist who disappeared two years ago. So in order to solve the mystery, Etta, Dora, (and Leon) spend their vacation asking a lot of questions of those living on the island. Aebleskivers are mentioned in the book. They are round pancakes that are fried using a special cast iron pan. My family has made and enjoyed them with powdered sugar and syrup! I enjoyed this book, my first by Licio. Now I want to read the other books in the series.
November 21, 2020
Traveling through books!
If that’s the only way I can travel, then give me! The characters Etta and Dora are both becoming dearer to me with every installment. Dora is still my favorite though. And let’s not forget Leon! A well written, more-ish book. Enjoyable all the way through. Absolutely highly recommend!
If that’s the only way I can travel, then give me! The characters Etta and Dora are both becoming dearer to me with every installment. Dora is still my favorite though. And let’s not forget Leon! A well written, more-ish book. Enjoyable all the way through. Absolutely highly recommend!
January 3, 2026
Most Christmas seasons I try to read one holiday-themed story to keep up a tradition. This cozy mystery fit the bill and was especially interesting as it was set on a lovely Danish island that I was lucky to visit during a tour of Scandinavia several years ago. Although the plot centered around a murder, of course, the main characters were interesting and at times charming, and the setting brought back pleasant memories.
November 28, 2025
Cute story, loved Leon the bassett hound.
Also liked learning about Denmark, people and customs.
Also liked learning about Denmark, people and customs.
December 31, 2022
When it comes to books about amateur sleuths, you have to put aside some resemblance of reality, but for me, this book was just a little too unbelievable. I won't go into a lot of detail because I don't want to ruin the book. I felt like the conversations felt really forced, and they felt a bit off. That's the best way that I can explain it.
From the moment that the character who was the murderer was introduced, I picked that character as the murderer, and I really never considered anyone else. I wouldn't say so much that it was obvious who the murderer was as much as that it just didn't feel like any of the other characters could have done it.
My favorite character in the book was Leon, the basset hound. Having had three basset hounds, I will say that the author perfectly captured the personality and stubbornness of a basset hound. I found myself laughing at a few points because I could relate so well to the descriptions of Leon's behavior.
This is considered a cozy mystery by many readers. While the violence and sexual content are pretty non-existent, I should warn there is some swearing. It felt completely unneeded and like it was randomly thrown in. I think there were only two times when the characters swore.
This is the first book I've read in the series, and I doubt I'll read any of the other books.
From the moment that the character who was the murderer was introduced, I picked that character as the murderer, and I really never considered anyone else. I wouldn't say so much that it was obvious who the murderer was as much as that it just didn't feel like any of the other characters could have done it.
My favorite character in the book was Leon, the basset hound. Having had three basset hounds, I will say that the author perfectly captured the personality and stubbornness of a basset hound. I found myself laughing at a few points because I could relate so well to the descriptions of Leon's behavior.
This is considered a cozy mystery by many readers. While the violence and sexual content are pretty non-existent, I should warn there is some swearing. It felt completely unneeded and like it was randomly thrown in. I think there were only two times when the characters swore.
This is the first book I've read in the series, and I doubt I'll read any of the other books.
November 23, 2020
An Aero Island Christmas Mystery by Adriana Licio
Concetta Natale Passolina and Dorotea Rosa Pepe are on their way, across the Baltic Sea, to spend December, at least til the week before Christmas, on Aero Island for another homeswapping vacation. This marvelous story brings Etta and Dora closer than ever.
As the trip starts, they are on the ferry crossing the Baltic Sea and Etta is in a foul mood after finding out from her daughter that she and her family are going skiing rather than come to Etta's home for Christmas. She takes it out on a woman named Sille who decides to sit right next to Etta in the ferry's lounge even though they are the only people in there and Etta wants her to move as far away from her as possible and has no trouble telling her this. Sille responds that the seat she is in is her regular seat, in the center of the lounge since most tourists usually sit by the windows to see the water and sights. She tells Etta that she should feel free to move to another seat if she wants. A stewardess saves the day by getting Sille to move to the other side of the room.
Meanwhile Dora is holding onto Leon's leash when he decides to get free by pulling his neck through the collar and runs off to explore, smelling the salt water and looking for someone to tell him what a beautiful dog he is. As he runs up to the top level he sees a girl about to lean over the railing of the boat and speeds up to grab the girls skirt in his mouth and pulls hard to keep her from falling overboard! She is there with her brother and as he is thanking Leon for saving his sister, their father walks up and they tell him what happened. Then Dora, finally finding Leon, walks up and the three of them tell her what happened. And just like that, Dora makes a new friend from Aero Island. They will figure largely in the story to follow which includes Etta finding a skeleton that is two years old in the attic of the home they swapped for!
There is so much Christmas feeling in this book that you will be glad to get some holiday spirit early this year. As I said before, Dora and Etta have grown much closer, especially with the adoption of Leon, short for Napoleon. Part of Dora has definitely rubbed off on Etta, making her more aware of what she says to people and how she treats them while Dora has benefited from Etta's sleuthing mind and helps much more with the investigation this time. They make several new friends as they discover the world of Aero Island and meet the people who live there and they get so close to them. This story will bring a tear to your eye in the final pages and I can't recommend it too much. I promise that you will feel a little Christmas in your heart no matter what time of year you read it! Enjoy!
Concetta Natale Passolina and Dorotea Rosa Pepe are on their way, across the Baltic Sea, to spend December, at least til the week before Christmas, on Aero Island for another homeswapping vacation. This marvelous story brings Etta and Dora closer than ever.
As the trip starts, they are on the ferry crossing the Baltic Sea and Etta is in a foul mood after finding out from her daughter that she and her family are going skiing rather than come to Etta's home for Christmas. She takes it out on a woman named Sille who decides to sit right next to Etta in the ferry's lounge even though they are the only people in there and Etta wants her to move as far away from her as possible and has no trouble telling her this. Sille responds that the seat she is in is her regular seat, in the center of the lounge since most tourists usually sit by the windows to see the water and sights. She tells Etta that she should feel free to move to another seat if she wants. A stewardess saves the day by getting Sille to move to the other side of the room.
Meanwhile Dora is holding onto Leon's leash when he decides to get free by pulling his neck through the collar and runs off to explore, smelling the salt water and looking for someone to tell him what a beautiful dog he is. As he runs up to the top level he sees a girl about to lean over the railing of the boat and speeds up to grab the girls skirt in his mouth and pulls hard to keep her from falling overboard! She is there with her brother and as he is thanking Leon for saving his sister, their father walks up and they tell him what happened. Then Dora, finally finding Leon, walks up and the three of them tell her what happened. And just like that, Dora makes a new friend from Aero Island. They will figure largely in the story to follow which includes Etta finding a skeleton that is two years old in the attic of the home they swapped for!
There is so much Christmas feeling in this book that you will be glad to get some holiday spirit early this year. As I said before, Dora and Etta have grown much closer, especially with the adoption of Leon, short for Napoleon. Part of Dora has definitely rubbed off on Etta, making her more aware of what she says to people and how she treats them while Dora has benefited from Etta's sleuthing mind and helps much more with the investigation this time. They make several new friends as they discover the world of Aero Island and meet the people who live there and they get so close to them. This story will bring a tear to your eye in the final pages and I can't recommend it too much. I promise that you will feel a little Christmas in your heart no matter what time of year you read it! Enjoy!
November 24, 2020
Retired teachers and friends, Dora and Etta are vacationing by doing house swapping in difference countries. Along with their adopted bassett hound Leo they are going to Aero Island for this trip. Their adventure begins on the ferry that takes them over to the Island. Etta in one of her foul moods because she is mad at her daughter back home, has a confrontation with one of the Islanders already and they haven't even landed yet. BUT Leo becomes the hero when he slips his collar because he sees a little girl climbing dangerously where she shouldn't be and pulls her down to save her. So then Dora and Etta get to meet the widowed father, Flemming of the little girl and her brother and they invite then to their home for dinner. They are met at the ferry by Nathalie an intern who lives in the building the ladies are swapping. I love how Adriana has added Leo, the basset's thoughts about his humans and his self centeredness it just cracked me up. Well now we have the ladies staying in the home although Etta feels something strange about the home and the attic and she investigates. Behind a false wall she finds the body of what may be a missing treasure hunter on the island. So we have a murder mystery that was about 2 years old for Etta and Dora to put their noses in and Nathalie also wants to be involved. The author weaves all the characters together, the widowed father who Nathalie has a crush on while she watches his children, Emma and Thomas, when she is not working on her internship, Sille, an antique shop owner the estranged mother-in-law to Flemming and various artisans and suspects. The vivid descriptions of the Island as well as the characters creates a wonderful landscape as you read to the end. I couldn't put this book down when I started. I love the main characters and their individual laughable personalities, even Leo! I received an ARC from the author but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.
December 10, 2021
A holiday gift to give yourself. Every page in this Homeswappers Mystery was a treat. And, in the U.S., it's free on Kindle Unlimited.
This is book number four in the Homeswappers series, and the first one I have read, but I had no trouble following the story. Etta and Dora, retired Italian teachers, own a home together in rural Italy. They've joined a Homeswappers group in which they exchange houses for a week or so, and for Christmas time they are coming to spend two weeks on Aero Island, with endearing Basset Hound Leon in tow. Amidst the brightly colored beach cabins and smorrebrod, Christmas trees and Santa Lucia, Etta discovers a body behind a false wall in the attic. With their new friends they track down the killer.
I plan to read more in this series. Licio is a fun writer (she also writes the Italian Village mysteries) but skilled at drawing characters and the culture and landscape of a new place being seen and enjoyed by newly arrived visitors. I felt like I was along for the discoveries. The series reminds me of one of my favorite tv shows, Rosemary and Thyme, in tone and discovery of new places. There's enough difference in the two ladies to be interesting. Etta is irascible and harsh, of course covering a soft heart. Dora is a dreamer and peacemaker. Together they, with constant observation from dog Leon, make a highly readable and effective team.
Licio adds notes in the back about how she chose this setting, recommends another cozy set in Denmark, and notes that if we Google Danish mysteries, be aware that most involve baked pastries and not the country! I enjoyed reading her afternoons as much as the story!
Highly recommend this book, and series to any readers who love to armchair travel, enjoy good characters and humorous writing that doesn't sacrifice characters for comedy, and Rosemary and Thyme fans of strong women friendships and shared adventures.
This is book number four in the Homeswappers series, and the first one I have read, but I had no trouble following the story. Etta and Dora, retired Italian teachers, own a home together in rural Italy. They've joined a Homeswappers group in which they exchange houses for a week or so, and for Christmas time they are coming to spend two weeks on Aero Island, with endearing Basset Hound Leon in tow. Amidst the brightly colored beach cabins and smorrebrod, Christmas trees and Santa Lucia, Etta discovers a body behind a false wall in the attic. With their new friends they track down the killer.
I plan to read more in this series. Licio is a fun writer (she also writes the Italian Village mysteries) but skilled at drawing characters and the culture and landscape of a new place being seen and enjoyed by newly arrived visitors. I felt like I was along for the discoveries. The series reminds me of one of my favorite tv shows, Rosemary and Thyme, in tone and discovery of new places. There's enough difference in the two ladies to be interesting. Etta is irascible and harsh, of course covering a soft heart. Dora is a dreamer and peacemaker. Together they, with constant observation from dog Leon, make a highly readable and effective team.
Licio adds notes in the back about how she chose this setting, recommends another cozy set in Denmark, and notes that if we Google Danish mysteries, be aware that most involve baked pastries and not the country! I enjoyed reading her afternoons as much as the story!
Highly recommend this book, and series to any readers who love to armchair travel, enjoy good characters and humorous writing that doesn't sacrifice characters for comedy, and Rosemary and Thyme fans of strong women friendships and shared adventures.
November 21, 2020
Etta, Dora, and Leon are on their way to another vacation. This time they are going to Aero Island, Denmark.
They are on the ferry when Dora and Leon go for a walk. Dora drops the leash and Leon is wandering around the ship by himself. He sees a little girl climbing up the railings on the ship and knows this is not a good thing. He runs like the dickens and grabs her clothes with his teeth and pulls her down. He saves her life and he is enjoying being called a hero. The owners of the house are still at home. They will be leaving in the morning. They all have dinner together. When the trio is alone they have fun exploring the flower gardens and the house. Etta has a funny feeling that something isn't right. Leon raises the alarm. He has found something. But what? Oh my gosh, it's a body!! It's been there a long time. Police are called. Will they be able to find out who it is? And how the death occurred? Who is responsible for the death?
Adriana describes everything so well that you are able to picture it all. Characters are fleshed out, the plot is well thought out and the story is well written. I just love this series. The stories are a delight to read. This one especially so with all the Christmas festivities.
I voluntarily received a copy of this book from the author and I'm voluntarily posting a review. My opinions are entirely my own.
They are on the ferry when Dora and Leon go for a walk. Dora drops the leash and Leon is wandering around the ship by himself. He sees a little girl climbing up the railings on the ship and knows this is not a good thing. He runs like the dickens and grabs her clothes with his teeth and pulls her down. He saves her life and he is enjoying being called a hero. The owners of the house are still at home. They will be leaving in the morning. They all have dinner together. When the trio is alone they have fun exploring the flower gardens and the house. Etta has a funny feeling that something isn't right. Leon raises the alarm. He has found something. But what? Oh my gosh, it's a body!! It's been there a long time. Police are called. Will they be able to find out who it is? And how the death occurred? Who is responsible for the death?
Adriana describes everything so well that you are able to picture it all. Characters are fleshed out, the plot is well thought out and the story is well written. I just love this series. The stories are a delight to read. This one especially so with all the Christmas festivities.
I voluntarily received a copy of this book from the author and I'm voluntarily posting a review. My opinions are entirely my own.
November 16, 2020
An Aero Island Christmas – as do the previous HomeSwapper Mysteries – is made all the more interesting because the sights of this island community, are unique, and described in enough detail to bring it all alive for the reader, but not so much as to detract or distract.
Add to that these wonderfully drawn characters – Dora and Etta. These two ladies are among my favourite cozy sleuths. And who doesn’t like a story where the dog is a key character?
There are enough twists and turns to keep you on the edge of your seat; Aero Island kept me awake through the night till it was done, as Licio’s stories always seem to do. I was off in pursuit of what turned out to be the wrong suspect. I had suspected the culprit actually, but not as the mastermind. Another great whodunnit, to keep us on our toes. I highly recommend this newest installment. It reads well as a standalone, but don’t miss the other adventures if you haven’t yet read them!
[I was fortunate to receive an Advanced Reader Copy of the book from the author, with no obligation to review. The opinions expressed herein are entirely my own.]
Add to that these wonderfully drawn characters – Dora and Etta. These two ladies are among my favourite cozy sleuths. And who doesn’t like a story where the dog is a key character?
There are enough twists and turns to keep you on the edge of your seat; Aero Island kept me awake through the night till it was done, as Licio’s stories always seem to do. I was off in pursuit of what turned out to be the wrong suspect. I had suspected the culprit actually, but not as the mastermind. Another great whodunnit, to keep us on our toes. I highly recommend this newest installment. It reads well as a standalone, but don’t miss the other adventures if you haven’t yet read them!
[I was fortunate to receive an Advanced Reader Copy of the book from the author, with no obligation to review. The opinions expressed herein are entirely my own.]
December 20, 2020
Retired teaches, "Etta" and "Dora" from Southern Italy are on another of their home swapping adventures. This time they are on a ferry going across the Baltic Sea to Aero Island. Etta is not happy so she is sitting in the lounge and gets into an altercation with Sille Skyte, one of the islanders. Dora is on deck holding onto Napoleon "Leon's" leash when he slips his collar off and takes off running toward a little girl who is dangerously close to falling off of the ferry. When Leon rescues her, he becomes a hero and is invited by her father, Flemming Gron, to dinner at their home.
When the ladies arrive at their home swap, Etta has a strange feeling about the attic of the home. After locating a skeleton behind a fake wall, the police believe it is the body of a missing treasure hunter. The teaches are in their element when they become involved in the investigation and travel around the island searching for answers for this woman's death.
This is a great series by Adriana Licio. It includes adventure, a little humor, mystery, friendship and more. I have enjoyed watching the characters grow. A must read!
I received an advance copy of this book. This is my honest opinion.
When the ladies arrive at their home swap, Etta has a strange feeling about the attic of the home. After locating a skeleton behind a fake wall, the police believe it is the body of a missing treasure hunter. The teaches are in their element when they become involved in the investigation and travel around the island searching for answers for this woman's death.
This is a great series by Adriana Licio. It includes adventure, a little humor, mystery, friendship and more. I have enjoyed watching the characters grow. A must read!
I received an advance copy of this book. This is my honest opinion.
June 20, 2021
Another excellent book in the Homeswappers Cozy Mystery series. Retired teachers Etta and Dora home swap with a couple from the Danish island of Aero and once again are caught up in solving a murder. This mystery involves a missing person from two years previous and the discovery of her body in a hidden attic room. Interwoven in the mystery is the potential love story of two of the island residents. Licio never disappoints as she vividly describes the community that Etta and Dora are visiting while they homeswap. This book is even better than the previous two with the cast of characters and their intertwined lives. There are enough twists and turns in solving the mystery to keep the reader guessing as to who the murderer is. Once again it is a delight to view things through the eyes of Leon as they have new adventures. Ultimately Etta and Dora need to solve the mystery before there is another murder. I have received a free copy of the book from the author, and this is review is voluntary.
November 19, 2020
This homeswappers series is proving to be very enjoyable and this book is no exception. I love it for a number of reasons, firstly there is the very evocative descriptions of the Island of Aero and the town of Aeroskobing in particular, secondly there are the characters, especially Etta and Dora who are delightful and provide some delightful moments due to their contrasting styles and they are complemented by their basset hound Leon who is hilarious. The secondary characters are also very well written and are believable. Finally there is the mystery, which is clever and intriguing and the guilty party was really well concealed until the end.
This book is a great Christmas season read, with lots of references to Christmas markets and preparations and even has a little bit of romance at the end to add to the festive cheer.
I received an advance copy of this book, but this voluntarily written review reflects my honest opinion.
This book is a great Christmas season read, with lots of references to Christmas markets and preparations and even has a little bit of romance at the end to add to the festive cheer.
I received an advance copy of this book, but this voluntarily written review reflects my honest opinion.
November 20, 2020
If you haven't read any of these, you are in for a treat. The first book in the series will give you the best introduction to the characters (Dora and Etta), although the books can also be read on their own. All are wonderful and unique, with their settings of European towns where Dora and Etta are staying as homeswappers. This time there is a body in the creepy attic! Our intrepid heroines are, not surprisingly, motivated to find out more and question many people on this lovely small Danish island, with surprises just around the corner and any number of possible suspects and motives. And – being a Christmas story – there are heartwarming moments as the tale comes to an end. Don't miss it!
I received an advance copy and voluntarily leave this honest review.
I received an advance copy and voluntarily leave this honest review.
November 22, 2020
I just love this series and I’m ready to try home swapping! Dora, Etta and Leon travel to the Danish Aero Island to spend time before going home for Christmas. This time Leon alerts them to the dead body (in the wall in the attic). Who it is as well as how they got there are the mysteries to solve. And of course Dora is determined to investigate and solve the murder, even if it did happen many years ago! Another fun home swap with this endearing trio. As always, there are interesting new characters to meet. I have received ARC’s of all the books on this series and I’ve enjoyed every one!! Highly recommended!
December 3, 2020
Book 3 in the Homeswappers series.
A wonderful new location in Denmark and another murder. Once again Ms. Licio has produced a winner! The scenery is gorgeous and the character development outstanding. I love our three intrepid travelers Dora, Etta, and Leon. They take a ferry to Aero Island for their next homeswap. On board the ferry Etta picks a fight with a woman and Leon saves a little girl from falling overboard. Just another day for our trio. But when they find a body in the creepy attic where they are staying, can they survive their snooping?
I received an ARC. This is my honest review.
A wonderful new location in Denmark and another murder. Once again Ms. Licio has produced a winner! The scenery is gorgeous and the character development outstanding. I love our three intrepid travelers Dora, Etta, and Leon. They take a ferry to Aero Island for their next homeswap. On board the ferry Etta picks a fight with a woman and Leon saves a little girl from falling overboard. Just another day for our trio. But when they find a body in the creepy attic where they are staying, can they survive their snooping?
I received an ARC. This is my honest review.
January 10, 2022
This is 3rd in the series. This is the first time reading this author . Two woman, retired teachers, house swap as a cheap way to see other cities and countries. They end up on the Danish island, Aero Island. Within a couple of days Etta finds a dead body behind a fake wall in the attic. This takes them all around the island asking questions about the woman they found. She liked to a take metal detector out and she what she could find. Seems she might have found something this time. What did she find ? Did it get her killed ? It seems like there is someone is out to get them before they can figure it out. Can they figure it out first ?
January 14, 2022
Unexpectedly Delightful
I like cozy mysteries, but I don’t like insipid or overwrought, stereotypical characters. This third book is the first I’ve read in this series. Initially, I was concerned that the portrayal of the dog would be too absurd and saccharine. I also didn’t want the character of Etta to be so grumpy as to be unlikeable or Dora to be stupidly sweet. Thankfully, I found the human characters displayed a balance of traits reminiscent of people in real life, but with those pleasant, “cozy” elements that invite readers to relax in safety and comfort: good intentions, kindness, and appreciation of life.
I like cozy mysteries, but I don’t like insipid or overwrought, stereotypical characters. This third book is the first I’ve read in this series. Initially, I was concerned that the portrayal of the dog would be too absurd and saccharine. I also didn’t want the character of Etta to be so grumpy as to be unlikeable or Dora to be stupidly sweet. Thankfully, I found the human characters displayed a balance of traits reminiscent of people in real life, but with those pleasant, “cozy” elements that invite readers to relax in safety and comfort: good intentions, kindness, and appreciation of life.
December 2, 2022
Etta and Dora are retired Italians, who have acquired Leon, an adorable bassett hound, who loves to travel as much as they do. Being pensioners, they find house swapping an economical way to travel. Thus time around they are visiting Aero Island, part of Denmark. On one of their first nights on the island, they find a dead body in the attic of the house they are staying it. And so begins the police investigation into who/why. But it seems Etta and Dora have a knack for investigation and they become involved on the sly. Will they be able to find the killer and keep their new friends safe?
A delightful read!
A delightful read!
December 29, 2020
This is number 3 in the series, but it is also a standalone book. It is my favorite of the series. I really love hearing about different Danish customs and the island. I like that both characters are distinct but lovely in their own ways, and I always love how the books explore friendships, especially female friendships. The author always puts her own experiences that inspired the books, other books to reference that correspond to, and I really love that. Plus, the stories are well written and always fun to read.
August 28, 2021
Etta, Dora and Leon have solved a cold case in this cozy that has enough twists, turns, overs and unders to keep you riveted from the first pages to the last! An enchanting journey with these three as you meet another wonderful group of "Vikings" and some of the Danish customs and mores. A thoroughly enjoyable read that I would highly recommend. I started reading this author's works early on and have found them to be "pleasant" reading that keeps you involved with her great descriptions of the countryside in whichever book you're reading with characters that feel very real to life.
May 17, 2022
I really did enjoy this. Two sixty something Italian ladies travel Europe, sharing houses and thus being able to afford the journeys. Most important - according to himself - is of course Basset Napoleon, or Leon, as he's affectionately called. The ladies could not do without him, as they seem to stumble over murders, and he has to help his bipeds solve those.
Very well written, very likeable protagonists (both two- and four-legged ones), and a lot of humour and character quirks mixed in make this an absolute joy to read.
I definitely want more of this.
Very well written, very likeable protagonists (both two- and four-legged ones), and a lot of humour and character quirks mixed in make this an absolute joy to read.
I definitely want more of this.
November 16, 2020
This time, Adriana Licio has surpassed herself.
The comparison of the Scandinavian and Italian cultures is so accurate and clear that is a masterpiece by itself.
Not to mention Mr Napoleon Basset’s way of seeing life and the “bipeds” next to him that is hilariuos and moving at the same time.
Dora’s description of life, like a game of cards played with the hand the dealer has dealt you is full of insight
An excellent book, not only for the plot, but also for its philosophy
The comparison of the Scandinavian and Italian cultures is so accurate and clear that is a masterpiece by itself.
Not to mention Mr Napoleon Basset’s way of seeing life and the “bipeds” next to him that is hilariuos and moving at the same time.
Dora’s description of life, like a game of cards played with the hand the dealer has dealt you is full of insight
An excellent book, not only for the plot, but also for its philosophy
November 16, 2020
I am loving this series more and more with each book. This book takes us traveling with Etta, Dora and Leon to Aero Island. Leave it to these ladies to find a dead body. They investigate and solve the mystery. I didn't know who the murderer was until it was solved at the end of the book. I love mysteries like this that makes me challenge my brain.
I volunteered a honest review in exchange for an ARC copy of this book.
I volunteered a honest review in exchange for an ARC copy of this book.
November 17, 2020
Our dear friends Etta, Dora and Leon have another entertaining and captivating adventure on the
Aero, an island of happy people and enchanting beauty. Our main characters remain the same witty, savvy and insightful protagonists as in past books. Although a stand-alone narrative, it is best read from book one to better understand how each story has evolved. Educational and informative. I give Aero a 10 star rating and Very Highly Recommended this series. Dazzling.
Aero, an island of happy people and enchanting beauty. Our main characters remain the same witty, savvy and insightful protagonists as in past books. Although a stand-alone narrative, it is best read from book one to better understand how each story has evolved. Educational and informative. I give Aero a 10 star rating and Very Highly Recommended this series. Dazzling.
November 17, 2020
I enjoyed, once again the adventures of Dora, Etta & Leon the basset hound. This time they are on a small Danish island. Told there were some old books in the attic, up they went to see. It felt spooky, maybe because it was cold.
But, Etta had a strong feeling something wasn’t right. She noticed that the bookcase & the window didn’t really look right. So, she found a body!! It was a good book for people who like information about places & some interesting people.
But, Etta had a strong feeling something wasn’t right. She noticed that the bookcase & the window didn’t really look right. So, she found a body!! It was a good book for people who like information about places & some interesting people.
November 18, 2020
She’s done it again!
Twists and turns. False leads to the wrong suspect. Delightful “detectives" Dora, Etta, and Leon travel to Aero Island only to have Leon find a body in the attic of the house they were renting. The usual wonderful secondary characters and a beautiful setting add to the story’s aura.
Can’t wait for her next book!!!
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Twists and turns. False leads to the wrong suspect. Delightful “detectives" Dora, Etta, and Leon travel to Aero Island only to have Leon find a body in the attic of the house they were renting. The usual wonderful secondary characters and a beautiful setting add to the story’s aura.
Can’t wait for her next book!!!
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
September 15, 2021
I absolutely love this series. Traveling the world with Dora, Etta, and Leon is great fun! Start with the first book so you know who the ladies are and how they came to adopt the lovable basset hound Leon. Since I can't travel the world, experiencing little corners of it with these retired teachers is a delight. Aero Island is a place I've never heard of, but it seems like the perfect place to spend a relaxing week or so.
January 2, 2022
Come Stay in Aero and Solve a Murder!
Two retired teachers trade houses with a couple in Denmark for the weeks before Christmas along with their handsome Bassett Hound. On their second day they become involved with a missing person case and find a body hidden in an attic. They put themselves in danger but they are able to solve the cold case within the time of their visit. This is part of a series of stand alone stories. Read on......
Two retired teachers trade houses with a couple in Denmark for the weeks before Christmas along with their handsome Bassett Hound. On their second day they become involved with a missing person case and find a body hidden in an attic. They put themselves in danger but they are able to solve the cold case within the time of their visit. This is part of a series of stand alone stories. Read on......
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