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Murder in the Piazza
Maggie White, a downsized American executive stuck in Rome on her husband's expat assignment, is finding the dolce vita isn't all it's cracked up to be. She's taken a job offering painting instruction to well-heeled travelers and her boss-a rather unpleasant English lord-has turned up dead in his penthouse. Maggie's left with a palazzo full of suspicious guests, a valuable painting her boss might have stolen, and a policeman who's decided she's the prime suspect. Now Maggie must keep the tour up and running while she tracks the killer and works to clear her name.
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Published September 22, 2020
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About the author
Jen Collins Moore
3 books136 followersI love to travel, and I write mysteries about the places I love to visit. Remembering the sights, smells, sounds, and, of course, food, of a favorite place is one of my greatest pleasures when bringing a story to life.
I’ve always known I wanted to be a writer, but I took a long path to get here. After earning an A.B. from Bowdoin College (a fancy Latin term for a Bachelor of Arts) and an M.B.A. from the Kellogg School of Business, I pursued a career in brand management. I left corporate America in 2010 to found Meez Meals, Chicago’s favorite meal kit service. I love getting to talk about food all day and finding ways to make dinnertime a little easier for thousands of families.
I’ve always known I wanted to be a writer, but I took a long path to get here. After earning an A.B. from Bowdoin College (a fancy Latin term for a Bachelor of Arts) and an M.B.A. from the Kellogg School of Business, I pursued a career in brand management. I left corporate America in 2010 to found Meez Meals, Chicago’s favorite meal kit service. I love getting to talk about food all day and finding ways to make dinnertime a little easier for thousands of families.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
November 20, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed this romp through my favourite place in the world to visit - Rome.
55-year-old Maggie White is re-establishing herself, downsized from her job as a marketing VP for a candy company, she's accompanied her husband Burt to live in Rome for two years, for his work. Discontented with endless games of bridge and cocktail parties with the ex-pat set, Maggie has taken a job with Lord Philip Walpole, who runs small group boutique art tours from his plush Piazza Navona palazzo apartment.
Two weeks into her new job, and she's watching the Natale di Roma fireworks on the roof terrace, fantasising about all the ways she could kill Walpole, who's turned out to be an unpleasant character and manipulative boss. Within minutes, Walpole is found shot dead in his study, with Maggie, her colleagues Thomas and Ilaria and the members of the tour group all coming under suspicion. Maggie's a devoted reader of crime fiction, and thinks she can out-do the insouciant Italian carabinieri in solving the case.
She enthusiastically investigates Walpole's reputation and relationships within the ex-pat community, an apparently forged painting found in the palazzo after his death and the suspicious behaviour of several members of the tour group. The action takes us to many well-known Roman landmarks and neighbourhoods, as well as Maggie's domestic life around Piazza Santa Maria in Trastevere. Readers won't need any understanding of Italian language to enjoy the book, indeed Maggie's grasp of the language and familiarity with the geography of Rome is laughably deficient. Readers who are unfamiliar with or nostalgic for Rome may enhance their reading experience by keeping Google Earth on hand, although I note that the Bonaventura sculpture garden is fictional, perhaps inspired in part by the Villa Medici.
I felt that the character development, dialogue and excellent integration of setting places Murder in the Piazza at a higher level than many cosy mysteries. The twisty plot and relatively closed set of suspects will make this book appealing to readers who prefer more old-fashioned murder mysteries to gritty psychological thrillers, or enjoy both, as I do! While the behaviour of the characters isn't always particularly believable or logical, it's a fun book with a likeable protagonist, who I hope we'll get the opportunity to read more of in the future.
My thanks to the author, Jen Collins Moore, publisher Level Best Books, the Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this title in advance of its publication on 22 September 2020.
55-year-old Maggie White is re-establishing herself, downsized from her job as a marketing VP for a candy company, she's accompanied her husband Burt to live in Rome for two years, for his work. Discontented with endless games of bridge and cocktail parties with the ex-pat set, Maggie has taken a job with Lord Philip Walpole, who runs small group boutique art tours from his plush Piazza Navona palazzo apartment.
Two weeks into her new job, and she's watching the Natale di Roma fireworks on the roof terrace, fantasising about all the ways she could kill Walpole, who's turned out to be an unpleasant character and manipulative boss. Within minutes, Walpole is found shot dead in his study, with Maggie, her colleagues Thomas and Ilaria and the members of the tour group all coming under suspicion. Maggie's a devoted reader of crime fiction, and thinks she can out-do the insouciant Italian carabinieri in solving the case.
She enthusiastically investigates Walpole's reputation and relationships within the ex-pat community, an apparently forged painting found in the palazzo after his death and the suspicious behaviour of several members of the tour group. The action takes us to many well-known Roman landmarks and neighbourhoods, as well as Maggie's domestic life around Piazza Santa Maria in Trastevere. Readers won't need any understanding of Italian language to enjoy the book, indeed Maggie's grasp of the language and familiarity with the geography of Rome is laughably deficient. Readers who are unfamiliar with or nostalgic for Rome may enhance their reading experience by keeping Google Earth on hand, although I note that the Bonaventura sculpture garden is fictional, perhaps inspired in part by the Villa Medici.
I felt that the character development, dialogue and excellent integration of setting places Murder in the Piazza at a higher level than many cosy mysteries. The twisty plot and relatively closed set of suspects will make this book appealing to readers who prefer more old-fashioned murder mysteries to gritty psychological thrillers, or enjoy both, as I do! While the behaviour of the characters isn't always particularly believable or logical, it's a fun book with a likeable protagonist, who I hope we'll get the opportunity to read more of in the future.
My thanks to the author, Jen Collins Moore, publisher Level Best Books, the Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this title in advance of its publication on 22 September 2020.
September 17, 2020
Loved the cover and the setting — Rome, glorious Rome! Had hoped for a charming Italian whodunnit, but MURDER IN THE PIAZZA with its slow pace and uninspired characters was not my glass of Prosecco.
3 of 5 Stars
Pub Date 22 Sep 2020
Thanks to the author, the Independent Book Publishers Association, and NetGalley for the review copy. Opinions are mine.
#MurderinthePiazza #NetGalley
3 of 5 Stars
Pub Date 22 Sep 2020
Thanks to the author, the Independent Book Publishers Association, and NetGalley for the review copy. Opinions are mine.
#MurderinthePiazza #NetGalley
September 7, 2022
Maggie White’s husband has been sent to Rome for two years for his job, and she’s gone along with him. After a few months of living the life of leisure, she has found a job working for Masterpiece Tours, a specialty tour company that offers painting lessons and tours of some of the museums and famous locations in the city. She’s barely started and she’s already fantasizing about ways to kill her boss, Lord Phillip, an English expat. However, she is shocked to find him shot in his office one evening. The police don’t seem that interested in figuring out what happened, so Maggie starts investigating. Can she figure out what is going on?
This was a good travel themed mystery. It brought Rome to life in such a way that I felt I was there with Maggie. Unfortunately, the pacing of the mystery was off early on, but I did appreciate how everything came together at the end. We met many of the characters in a group setting, but they became distinct people as the story progressed, so it wasn’t really an issue. If you are looking for a virtual visit to Rome with a side of murder, this is the book for you.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
This was a good travel themed mystery. It brought Rome to life in such a way that I felt I was there with Maggie. Unfortunately, the pacing of the mystery was off early on, but I did appreciate how everything came together at the end. We met many of the characters in a group setting, but they became distinct people as the story progressed, so it wasn’t really an issue. If you are looking for a virtual visit to Rome with a side of murder, this is the book for you.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
January 17, 2021
This book started off promising, Maggie is in Rome with her husband who is there on business and Maggie has taken a job offering painting instructions to people on a tour vacation when she finds her boss murdered. The police are not working very hard on the investigation so Maggie decides to push them and finds herself in a suspect position. Then she proceeds to accuse everyone in every chapter after that and I found the book becoming far too long and tiresome. She does eventually find out whodunnit but I was pretty much done with the story by then. Not a great book for me.
October 22, 2020
An American woman living in Rome… sounds like the beginning to a story that I want to be living! I just hope that the next thing that happens in mine is a dead body and a murder case on my hands… But at least in this one, the murder victim isn’t exactly a beacon on morality!
Maggie White is in Rome working for a tour company that sells American’s a picture-perfect holiday in Italy—for a hefty price tag. Five months earlier Maggie White was downsized from her high-status executive job, and she still can’t quite believe it. Now, reporting to the worst boss in the world, Maggie tries to remind herself of how much she has accomplished. Two amazing kids who are off to prestigious liberal arts colleges, a successful career (until she got laid off), and a list of PTA victories that are nothing to scoff at!
So how can she be reduced to tears by the insufferable Lord Walpole? She may dream of him meeting an untimely end, but no one is more shocked than her when only a week on the job she finds him dead in his study of decidedly unnatural causes!
Maggie isn’t the only person who despised Lord Walpole. The list of suspects with motives is longer than a string of melty mozzarella! Rumors abound about the illicit and illegal activities Lord Walpole had his hands in—drugs, money laundering, and fraud to start! But when the lead inspector closes the case with barely an investigation, Maggie finally feels like she can put her smarts to good use trying to uncover the murderer. Afterall, she didn’t spend her life reading famous mystery authors just to back down from a case in her real life!
I loved Maggie—she is so funny and creative. There is no where her wild imagination won’t go when coming up with theories, suspects, and leads to investigate. The setting is of course fantastic, and the mystery never gets too dark, making it a fun, light read for a murder mystery! I loved all of the colorful characters that comprise the cast, and I loved how brazen and outspoken Maggie is. That is what we need in a leading lady!
I’m definitely looking forward to book two, and also craving a plate of pasta!
Thank you TLC Book Tours and Level Best Books for my copy. Opinions are my own.
Maggie White is in Rome working for a tour company that sells American’s a picture-perfect holiday in Italy—for a hefty price tag. Five months earlier Maggie White was downsized from her high-status executive job, and she still can’t quite believe it. Now, reporting to the worst boss in the world, Maggie tries to remind herself of how much she has accomplished. Two amazing kids who are off to prestigious liberal arts colleges, a successful career (until she got laid off), and a list of PTA victories that are nothing to scoff at!
So how can she be reduced to tears by the insufferable Lord Walpole? She may dream of him meeting an untimely end, but no one is more shocked than her when only a week on the job she finds him dead in his study of decidedly unnatural causes!
Maggie isn’t the only person who despised Lord Walpole. The list of suspects with motives is longer than a string of melty mozzarella! Rumors abound about the illicit and illegal activities Lord Walpole had his hands in—drugs, money laundering, and fraud to start! But when the lead inspector closes the case with barely an investigation, Maggie finally feels like she can put her smarts to good use trying to uncover the murderer. Afterall, she didn’t spend her life reading famous mystery authors just to back down from a case in her real life!
I loved Maggie—she is so funny and creative. There is no where her wild imagination won’t go when coming up with theories, suspects, and leads to investigate. The setting is of course fantastic, and the mystery never gets too dark, making it a fun, light read for a murder mystery! I loved all of the colorful characters that comprise the cast, and I loved how brazen and outspoken Maggie is. That is what we need in a leading lady!
I’m definitely looking forward to book two, and also craving a plate of pasta!
Thank you TLC Book Tours and Level Best Books for my copy. Opinions are my own.
November 11, 2020
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read this book.
I absolutely loved the atmosphere created by this book. I have been to Rome and reading this brought back good, vivid memories of that trip, right down to getting lost near the Pantheon. The setting has a really authentic feel, and the descriptions are wonderful. It's not just what can be seen but, I felt that it appealed to all the senses and made this a memorable read. I particularly liked the extracts from the "Welcome to Rome" pamphlet at the beginning of each chapter - pure gold!
The plot was quite intricate with many twists and turns. The story follows Maggie White who is an expat living in Rome. She was let go from her job so she is out to prove to herself and the world that she is still capable of something and this becomes the motivation which drives her every decision. I have to confess that I found Maggie very annoying. Her habit of spinning theories out of thin air was particularly irksome and I felt the middle section of the story where she fantasizes about drug deals and art theft was quite slow. I almost gave up reading at one point.
After much running around everything finally fell into place with the big reveal at the end.
I did have a question though - how did the killer know that Lord Walpole had a gun and where it was kept?
I absolutely loved the atmosphere created by this book. I have been to Rome and reading this brought back good, vivid memories of that trip, right down to getting lost near the Pantheon. The setting has a really authentic feel, and the descriptions are wonderful. It's not just what can be seen but, I felt that it appealed to all the senses and made this a memorable read. I particularly liked the extracts from the "Welcome to Rome" pamphlet at the beginning of each chapter - pure gold!
The plot was quite intricate with many twists and turns. The story follows Maggie White who is an expat living in Rome. She was let go from her job so she is out to prove to herself and the world that she is still capable of something and this becomes the motivation which drives her every decision. I have to confess that I found Maggie very annoying. Her habit of spinning theories out of thin air was particularly irksome and I felt the middle section of the story where she fantasizes about drug deals and art theft was quite slow. I almost gave up reading at one point.
After much running around everything finally fell into place with the big reveal at the end.
I did have a question though - how did the killer know that Lord Walpole had a gun and where it was kept?
October 15, 2020
A totally charming cast and a compelling mystery set against a gorgeous backdrop of Rome. Maggie White is the perfect cozy protagonist and her gumption will steal your heart. Curl up and dive in to this great story that delivers everything you want from the cozy genre.
September 16, 2020
Enjoyable despite it hitting a few of my pet peeves.
I really enjoyed this book despite it hitting two of my pet peeves – the protagonist being a suspect and constantly hounding the police with suspects. I don’t like the protagonist being a suspect because it adds artificial tension – the reader knows the hero is innocent, will find the guilty party, and be absolved of the crime, at least in this genre. I think the protagonist pestering the police falls into the same sort of category in that, again, in this genre, it’s too early in the book for the killer to be revealed, and just serves to make the hero look silly and antagonize the police.
The reason I liked this book is because of the setting – I spent one summer study abroad trip in Rome, and still remember many of places mentioned – and because I liked the three main characters plus three or four of the side characters. It’s a nice set up for a series.
One serious objection, however: she’s lived in Rome for six months and still having trouble finding Trevi?!?!
Highly recommended – it’s almost like a Roman Holiday!
I really enjoyed this book despite it hitting two of my pet peeves – the protagonist being a suspect and constantly hounding the police with suspects. I don’t like the protagonist being a suspect because it adds artificial tension – the reader knows the hero is innocent, will find the guilty party, and be absolved of the crime, at least in this genre. I think the protagonist pestering the police falls into the same sort of category in that, again, in this genre, it’s too early in the book for the killer to be revealed, and just serves to make the hero look silly and antagonize the police.
The reason I liked this book is because of the setting – I spent one summer study abroad trip in Rome, and still remember many of places mentioned – and because I liked the three main characters plus three or four of the side characters. It’s a nice set up for a series.
One serious objection, however: she’s lived in Rome for six months and still having trouble finding Trevi?!?!
Highly recommended – it’s almost like a Roman Holiday!
September 22, 2020
Expat life isn’t as exciting as Maggie would like it to be, so she finds a job working for a British Lord who hosts trips for artists. They say, be careful what you wish for and Maggie couldn’t have even guessed that during her first time working with a tour group she would find more than enough excitement. Her boss is murdered and Maggie becomes a prime suspect all for trying to help the local police who seem to brush off the murder as a robbery. Now Maggie has to balance the remainder of the group’s itinerary, a visit from her husband’s aunt, and clearing her name by delivering the murderer to the police.
The first book in a new series that has great promise. I’d love to see Burt and Maggie spend two years in Rome and move on to the next assignment. Imagine the fun and opportunities that could arise in each new posting. Being a former business executive and empty nester myself, I can certainly relate to Maggie on many levels. Looking forward to the next whodunit with Maggie and the gang.
The first book in a new series that has great promise. I’d love to see Burt and Maggie spend two years in Rome and move on to the next assignment. Imagine the fun and opportunities that could arise in each new posting. Being a former business executive and empty nester myself, I can certainly relate to Maggie on many levels. Looking forward to the next whodunit with Maggie and the gang.
September 15, 2020
Such fun to read a cozy mystery which takes place in my most beloved city on the planet, the incomparable Rome. Very meaningful and relatable, though one needn't be familiar with sights/sites to enjoy this book as the atmosphere was described well.
Maggie White and her husband are Americans temporarily living in Rome. While her husband works, Maggie finds boredom closing in so finds a job providing painting instructions. After her boss is found dead, she also helps with tours along with others she enlists.
The police seem to be dragging their feet so Maggie decides to seek answers. After all, people paid for painting/tours. She, as an American, is flabbergasted by inaction and undercurrents of corruption. She lives near the hotel where the tourists are staying and spends most of her time with them, including meals, so takes advantage of this to question and observe. The subplots are interesting, too. The book is deliciously full of murder, mayhem, theft and deceit.
My favourite aspects are the descriptions and essence of Rome, the history references and the pamphlet excerpts. The twists were fun. I like the pace and length, though I felt it took me a bit to become immersed. Once I did, it was hard to put down. The character assortment was great.
Those who love Rome (and dreamers!) and cozy mysteries with local flair will enjoy this delightful book. I have already made a note to watch out for subsequent books in this series!
Maggie White and her husband are Americans temporarily living in Rome. While her husband works, Maggie finds boredom closing in so finds a job providing painting instructions. After her boss is found dead, she also helps with tours along with others she enlists.
The police seem to be dragging their feet so Maggie decides to seek answers. After all, people paid for painting/tours. She, as an American, is flabbergasted by inaction and undercurrents of corruption. She lives near the hotel where the tourists are staying and spends most of her time with them, including meals, so takes advantage of this to question and observe. The subplots are interesting, too. The book is deliciously full of murder, mayhem, theft and deceit.
My favourite aspects are the descriptions and essence of Rome, the history references and the pamphlet excerpts. The twists were fun. I like the pace and length, though I felt it took me a bit to become immersed. Once I did, it was hard to put down. The character assortment was great.
Those who love Rome (and dreamers!) and cozy mysteries with local flair will enjoy this delightful book. I have already made a note to watch out for subsequent books in this series!
September 21, 2020
“Murder in the Piazza” was a welcome escape after six months where the farthest I’ve traveled is Appleton, Wisconsin. I’ve never been to Rome, but it is definitely on my list of places to go as soon as we can start going places again.
Jen Collins Moore’s debut novel, “Murder in the Piazza,” is described as a cozy mystery and I am not a cozy mystery reader so my opinion is not expert, but this was an engaging story with numerous plot twists that kept me guessing right up until the conclusion. Well-paced, with a believable ensemble of suspects – I mean characters. It was fun to read.
Maggie White, who is the lead, and who will be a recurring character in the novels that follow is a perfectly imperfect character, who I enjoyed following.
And seriously, the detailed descriptions of Rome – the architecture and the weather and the food, especially the cheese, made me want to book a flight right now.
Great writing. Excellent story and an excellent launching pad for the Maggie White Mystery Series.
Highly recommended.
Jen Collins Moore’s debut novel, “Murder in the Piazza,” is described as a cozy mystery and I am not a cozy mystery reader so my opinion is not expert, but this was an engaging story with numerous plot twists that kept me guessing right up until the conclusion. Well-paced, with a believable ensemble of suspects – I mean characters. It was fun to read.
Maggie White, who is the lead, and who will be a recurring character in the novels that follow is a perfectly imperfect character, who I enjoyed following.
And seriously, the detailed descriptions of Rome – the architecture and the weather and the food, especially the cheese, made me want to book a flight right now.
Great writing. Excellent story and an excellent launching pad for the Maggie White Mystery Series.
Highly recommended.
September 19, 2020
New to me author. This was a fun read, set in Italy, so I was excited to read it. It didn't disappoint. Good mystery, great ending. Looking forward to the next book in the series!
September 16, 2020
I expected a Hallmark mystery movie storyline, but it became clear fairly early on that this was not going to be that type of book. It was unpredictable and kept me guessing the entire time. The protagonist had a tendency to just throw everything at the wall and see what stuck only to be believed with little persuading in the end. But overall, it was an enjoyable read.
September 14, 2020
I really enjoyed this book, I wanted to give it 4 stars but there were too many inconsistencies and errors. My favorite part was the opening of each chapter, it added to the story without being straight fluff. Despite its issues, I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys cozy mysteries
October 4, 2020
Synopsis: "Maggie White, a downsized American executive stuck in Rome on her husband's expat assignment, is finding the dolce vita isn't all it's cracked up to be. She's taken a job offering painting instruction to well-heeled travelers and her boss-a rather unpleasant English lord-has turned up dead in his penthouse. Maggie's left with a palazzo full of suspicious guests, a valuable painting her boss might have stolen, and a policeman who's decided she's the prime suspect. Now Maggie must keep the tour up and running while she tracks the killer and works to clear her name."
This book was similar to an Agatha Christie book. It's a classic murder mystery/whodunnit novel set in Rome. The atmosphere was so fun, I kept visualizing locations in this book and felt like I was on vacation myself. There was a lot of history and art information that really helped tie in the Rome atmosphere. I also enjoyed the length of each chapters, short and sweet and to the point.
I did feel like there were a lot of characters in this book that I found a hard time remembering who is who. It felt to me like some characters were just thrown in without much background of who they were. I also felt it was kinda strange that the protagonist kept hounding the police about the murder, and in turn it made her a suspect. As a reader, we know she's not the killer so wish the book didn't focus on that.
Overall, good cozy mystery with great atmosphere. I would recommend this to anyone who is wanting a classic whodunnit story!
Thanks to @tlcbooktours, @levelbestbooks and @jennifercollinsmore for my copy of this book for an honest review.
This book was similar to an Agatha Christie book. It's a classic murder mystery/whodunnit novel set in Rome. The atmosphere was so fun, I kept visualizing locations in this book and felt like I was on vacation myself. There was a lot of history and art information that really helped tie in the Rome atmosphere. I also enjoyed the length of each chapters, short and sweet and to the point.
I did feel like there were a lot of characters in this book that I found a hard time remembering who is who. It felt to me like some characters were just thrown in without much background of who they were. I also felt it was kinda strange that the protagonist kept hounding the police about the murder, and in turn it made her a suspect. As a reader, we know she's not the killer so wish the book didn't focus on that.
Overall, good cozy mystery with great atmosphere. I would recommend this to anyone who is wanting a classic whodunnit story!
Thanks to @tlcbooktours, @levelbestbooks and @jennifercollinsmore for my copy of this book for an honest review.
February 12, 2021
Murder in the Piazza, by Jen Collins Moore, is set in Rome where Maggie White has just started her job at Masterpiece Tours. An Expat in Italy, following her husband for his job, she was at loose ends and was desperate for a job. Unfortunately, her job came with a demanding and unlikeable boss. When her boss is murdered when not only a week on the job, she jumps in to investigate and solve the murder herself with the help of the current tour guests and employees.
This book is full of many plot twists and substories that will keep you guessing until the very end. The author introduces a number of characters in the first handful of pages and the murder takes place very early in the story. At first, this felt a bit challenging to process without having the full story line in place. However, the author cleverly reveals information throughout the intricately woven narrative and builds the reader’s interest as the many characters develop throughout the evolution of the story. The detailed descriptions of the tourist spots in Rome will transport the reader to Italy while trying to solve the crime along with Maggie and her friends. This first book in the series has a lot of offer. You won’t be disappointed.
*This book was provided in exchange for an honest review.
This book is full of many plot twists and substories that will keep you guessing until the very end. The author introduces a number of characters in the first handful of pages and the murder takes place very early in the story. At first, this felt a bit challenging to process without having the full story line in place. However, the author cleverly reveals information throughout the intricately woven narrative and builds the reader’s interest as the many characters develop throughout the evolution of the story. The detailed descriptions of the tourist spots in Rome will transport the reader to Italy while trying to solve the crime along with Maggie and her friends. This first book in the series has a lot of offer. You won’t be disappointed.
*This book was provided in exchange for an honest review.
September 27, 2020
This really was a mixed bag for me; there were definitely parts of the book I enjoyed then others not so much. The use of the tourism brochure toggle context to each chapter was delightful and I enjoyed the mentions of the various elements of Rome.
The characters who worked together to solve the crime seemed implausible to me, they haven't known each other very long at all, so didn't come across as a likely crew to solve a murder. I also struggled to relate to the lead character and her attitudes and emotions. She comes across as a woman struggling with a number of issues and her place in life. The stereotyping of the police and their role (or lack of it) also seemed a bit of a stretch.
There were some lovely twists and turns in the story and unsurprisingly things were not what they seemed.. Perhaps the characters will settle in the next instalment?
My thanks to Level Best Books, #Netgalley and the author for an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
The characters who worked together to solve the crime seemed implausible to me, they haven't known each other very long at all, so didn't come across as a likely crew to solve a murder. I also struggled to relate to the lead character and her attitudes and emotions. She comes across as a woman struggling with a number of issues and her place in life. The stereotyping of the police and their role (or lack of it) also seemed a bit of a stretch.
There were some lovely twists and turns in the story and unsurprisingly things were not what they seemed.. Perhaps the characters will settle in the next instalment?
My thanks to Level Best Books, #Netgalley and the author for an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
February 14, 2021
The first book in a very promising series! I love Maggie who followed her husband to Rome where his work took him. Not one to sit still, she needed to fill her time with something to do. So she takes a job with an irascible boss who is later murdered. Maggie takes it upon herself to find out what happened. With many possibilities, this book takes you on many twists and turns and red herrings throughout. The author also gives you a wonderful glimpse into Rome with many vivid descriptions. This is a more than promising first book in a series you just want to follow! You will love the ending in this book! There are many characters that are fun to follow in addition to our protagonist, Maggie! I can't wait to see what the author has in store for us next! I received and ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own!
January 21, 2021
I was unsure of this book at first and was not crazy about the meddlesome main character Maggie. Once I got a little ways in I started to really like Maggie and several of the other characters. I was not sure of the killer until almost the end. It had me guessing. I enjoyed all of the description of Rome. I have been lucky enough to have traveled to the eternal city and many memories came to mind as I read the story. . All in all I enjoyed the book and I am looking forward to reading the next in this series
September 16, 2020
What a fun book! Yes, it involved murder, bodies, mystery.... It also involved every day people. How would you react to something like this? And all were suspect!
Rome really had nothing to do with the story, but it is always nice to remember places where one has traveled. The introductions to the chapters was a nice touch.
Rome really had nothing to do with the story, but it is always nice to remember places where one has traveled. The introductions to the chapters was a nice touch.
September 30, 2020
Mamma mia! What a treat you are about to read! Promise me you’ll grab a saccottino al cioccolato with your cappuccino – you’ll thank me later. Jen Collins Moore’s writing appeals to the artist, the traveller, the sleuth, and the foodie and I’d rather you be wiping a crumb off your page than drool!!!
You are about to embark on a new mystery series featuring Maggie White, an endearing and extremely relatable middle-aged detective, and a delightful cast of travellers on a luxury vacation in Italy. This wonderful debut had me hooked from the first page, making Moore one of my new favourite authors. Many have attempted writing in the Queen of Crime’s style, but few have mastered the essence of Agatha Christie’s Miss Marpole. I think Moore has done just that. Read for yourself; I think you’ll agree.
You’ll feel like you are on vacation with the seven eccentric artists in Masterpiece Tours because Moore’s descriptive writing pulls you into each scene. The book opens as the well-heeled tour group meet charismatic Lord Philip Walpole in his 17th-century palace on Piazza Navona. Yes, the famous piazza in Roman Holiday and The Talented Mr. Ripley! I love that the author subtly introduces us to each intriguing character while distracting us with the sights and sounds of the vacationer’s home base as Maggie White organizes the tour group. Readers won’t feel like they are bombarded with a list of people, rather a casual introduction to travel companions. Each day there’s a new sight to see and a perfect spot to stop and experience plein air painting. You’ll love how Moore fuses culture, history and mystery in this dramatic tale. There’s sparkling wit, red herrings, well-timed twists and a murder (or two) to solve in this intelligent and extremely entertaining read.
I immediately warmed up to the tenacious, savvy heroine and her husband and am looking forward to reading more about their ex-pat assignment. I also fell in love with Café Antica’s owners, Mario and Giovanna and I can’t wait to find out if they appear in the second of the series, Murder in Trastevere, due out in Spring 2021.
Grazie mille Jenn Collins Moore, Level Best Books and Netgalley for gifting me this book in return for an honest review.
You are about to embark on a new mystery series featuring Maggie White, an endearing and extremely relatable middle-aged detective, and a delightful cast of travellers on a luxury vacation in Italy. This wonderful debut had me hooked from the first page, making Moore one of my new favourite authors. Many have attempted writing in the Queen of Crime’s style, but few have mastered the essence of Agatha Christie’s Miss Marpole. I think Moore has done just that. Read for yourself; I think you’ll agree.
You’ll feel like you are on vacation with the seven eccentric artists in Masterpiece Tours because Moore’s descriptive writing pulls you into each scene. The book opens as the well-heeled tour group meet charismatic Lord Philip Walpole in his 17th-century palace on Piazza Navona. Yes, the famous piazza in Roman Holiday and The Talented Mr. Ripley! I love that the author subtly introduces us to each intriguing character while distracting us with the sights and sounds of the vacationer’s home base as Maggie White organizes the tour group. Readers won’t feel like they are bombarded with a list of people, rather a casual introduction to travel companions. Each day there’s a new sight to see and a perfect spot to stop and experience plein air painting. You’ll love how Moore fuses culture, history and mystery in this dramatic tale. There’s sparkling wit, red herrings, well-timed twists and a murder (or two) to solve in this intelligent and extremely entertaining read.
I immediately warmed up to the tenacious, savvy heroine and her husband and am looking forward to reading more about their ex-pat assignment. I also fell in love with Café Antica’s owners, Mario and Giovanna and I can’t wait to find out if they appear in the second of the series, Murder in Trastevere, due out in Spring 2021.
Grazie mille Jenn Collins Moore, Level Best Books and Netgalley for gifting me this book in return for an honest review.
November 16, 2020
*I received a free copy of this book which I voluntarily chose to write an honest review for.
Italy anyone? This lovely new cozy series is set in the ancient city of Rome giving us a glimpse into the country. Maggie is living there for two years thanks to her husbands work. She is supposed to be content not working during this time but feels unfulfilled after working all her life while raising their kids. So instead she takes a job with Masterpiece Tours which is where we start with her plotting the death of her boss in her head. I must admit this made me chuckle a little but then he is actually found dead. The local cops are adamant it was a robbery even though nothing was taken. Maggie cannot accept this so she starts asking questions which leads her down all sorts of strange paths which just gets more complicated when a second man turns up dead. Trying to price it together before the guests leave just makes her a suspect as well as a fellow employee. The solution is a surprise as it all starts coming together leading to a surprise ending. This makes for a fun cozy that takes you on a tour of Rome while getting to know the eclectic mix of characters as well as cultures. A fun read that fans of travel are sure to enjoy. I really liked it so I give it 4/5 stars.
Italy anyone? This lovely new cozy series is set in the ancient city of Rome giving us a glimpse into the country. Maggie is living there for two years thanks to her husbands work. She is supposed to be content not working during this time but feels unfulfilled after working all her life while raising their kids. So instead she takes a job with Masterpiece Tours which is where we start with her plotting the death of her boss in her head. I must admit this made me chuckle a little but then he is actually found dead. The local cops are adamant it was a robbery even though nothing was taken. Maggie cannot accept this so she starts asking questions which leads her down all sorts of strange paths which just gets more complicated when a second man turns up dead. Trying to price it together before the guests leave just makes her a suspect as well as a fellow employee. The solution is a surprise as it all starts coming together leading to a surprise ending. This makes for a fun cozy that takes you on a tour of Rome while getting to know the eclectic mix of characters as well as cultures. A fun read that fans of travel are sure to enjoy. I really liked it so I give it 4/5 stars.
October 28, 2020
If you follow my book reviews you know I don’t read a lot of murder mysteries; I have found that they tend to interfere with my sleep patterns. I found that I couldn’t resist this one though due to the location and the fact that it’s a “cozy” mystery which means it’s not going to be full of blood and gore. I love Rome and really enjoyed my trip there and reading this book was almost like a trip back to that wonderful city. I probably should have made myself a big bowl of pasta to eat while reading to recreate my vacation.
This is the author’s first book but I strongly suspect it’s not going to be her last as this one was so well written. The mystery itself is well designed and there are little hints dropped but I still didn’t know whodunit at the end. That’s the best kind of mystery novel if you ask me.
Maggie is a delightful character and she is surrounded by a well rounded group of individuals – well, except for the murderer of course – they don’t remain stagnent but change and grow through the course of the novel. I will look forward to any further adventures of Ms. White as I am sure there will be more to come. Perhaps Paris next?
This is the author’s first book but I strongly suspect it’s not going to be her last as this one was so well written. The mystery itself is well designed and there are little hints dropped but I still didn’t know whodunit at the end. That’s the best kind of mystery novel if you ask me.
Maggie is a delightful character and she is surrounded by a well rounded group of individuals – well, except for the murderer of course – they don’t remain stagnent but change and grow through the course of the novel. I will look forward to any further adventures of Ms. White as I am sure there will be more to come. Perhaps Paris next?
October 17, 2023
I loved this cozy mystery. I couldn't put it down! Maggie, the protagonist, was relatable and witty. Loved the author's sense of humor and lyrical descriptions. Set in Rome, the novel was a much needed escape during this lock-down period. I have the biggest craving for artichokes now, but that's beside the point.
I finished this book in a couple of sittings. The plot is fast-paced, and the characters are memorable. Do yourself a favor and pick up this book. It's the light, fun, distracting read that we all need right now.
I finished this book in a couple of sittings. The plot is fast-paced, and the characters are memorable. Do yourself a favor and pick up this book. It's the light, fun, distracting read that we all need right now.
September 21, 2020
One of these days, I'm going to travel to Italy, but until that happens, I have to be satisfied with being an armchair traveler. On that score, Murder on the Piazza, the first Maggie White mystery, delivers a feast. The Rome setting is superb, and I really felt as though I got to know the city. I also appreciate art, so being in the midst of a tour that includes sightseeing in art museums and classes on painting was right up my alley. If only my reaction to the characters and the mystery itself had been as positive.
I found the whodunit aspect of the book to be easily solved. I could say why but don't want to run the risk of spoiling the book for anyone who decides to read it. As for the characters, I wish there had been more actual interaction between Maggie and Lord Philip. Being told how nasty he was in brief snippets here and there doesn't pack as much punch as actually "experiencing" it myself. Let me stand in the room with those two and see the man in action. Moreover, I feel that readers' enjoyment of Murder in the Piazza is probably going to hinge on how they react to the main character, Maggie White, and that's where I had a problem.
I found Maggie to be extremely judgemental, and it really put me off. She reminded me of so many executives I've not had the pleasure of dealing with who would swan into my store with their entourages, take a few seconds to glance here and there, and then proceed to rip everything apart. To them, perception is everything even though we all know how deceiving appearances can be. One thing that I found puzzling about Maggie is that she also seemed to judge people's breath. What's up with that? Does having cigarette smoke on your breath mean you're automatically a villain? This woman is so used to being large and in charge that she thinks she knows how to run everything, and the major reason why she becomes the prime suspect in Lord Philip's murder is that she keeps getting in the police detective's face and telling him useful information that usually implicates herself. If she didn't think she knows better than everyone else, she wouldn't be in such a pickle. This is probably supposed to be funny, but my funny bone was unmoved.
Even though Maggie and I would not get along in real life, I am happy to say that Murder in the Piazza is wrapped up in such a way that I'm almost tempted to read the next book in the series. Will I? I haven't quite made up my mind.
(Review copy courtesy of the publisher and Net Galley)
I found the whodunit aspect of the book to be easily solved. I could say why but don't want to run the risk of spoiling the book for anyone who decides to read it. As for the characters, I wish there had been more actual interaction between Maggie and Lord Philip. Being told how nasty he was in brief snippets here and there doesn't pack as much punch as actually "experiencing" it myself. Let me stand in the room with those two and see the man in action. Moreover, I feel that readers' enjoyment of Murder in the Piazza is probably going to hinge on how they react to the main character, Maggie White, and that's where I had a problem.
I found Maggie to be extremely judgemental, and it really put me off. She reminded me of so many executives I've not had the pleasure of dealing with who would swan into my store with their entourages, take a few seconds to glance here and there, and then proceed to rip everything apart. To them, perception is everything even though we all know how deceiving appearances can be. One thing that I found puzzling about Maggie is that she also seemed to judge people's breath. What's up with that? Does having cigarette smoke on your breath mean you're automatically a villain? This woman is so used to being large and in charge that she thinks she knows how to run everything, and the major reason why she becomes the prime suspect in Lord Philip's murder is that she keeps getting in the police detective's face and telling him useful information that usually implicates herself. If she didn't think she knows better than everyone else, she wouldn't be in such a pickle. This is probably supposed to be funny, but my funny bone was unmoved.
Even though Maggie and I would not get along in real life, I am happy to say that Murder in the Piazza is wrapped up in such a way that I'm almost tempted to read the next book in the series. Will I? I haven't quite made up my mind.
(Review copy courtesy of the publisher and Net Galley)
September 22, 2020
I’m a fan of murder mysteries set in foreign places, and so I was happy to receive an ARC of Murder in the Piazza, which is set in Rome, in exchange for my honest review. And I found Murder in the Piazza to be an enjoyable cozy mystery, but felt that it underperformed just a bit.
The premise is quite nice – the protagonist, Maggie, is at loose ends without a job while her husband Burt has an expatriate posting in Rome. So she gets a job with Lord Philip, who appears to be a bit of a remittance man, running a painting/tour company based out of his own spectacular apartment. Lord Philip is killed early on, and the plot unfolds from there.
Sadly, though, it was hard for me to really get into this book. Many of the characters seemed to be playing to stereotypes - the old school British thing, the gossipy ex-pat colony thing, the secret criminal thing, etc. And although the plot hung together pretty well, I felt as if there were a few too many suspects, and Maggie just sort of bounced around between them. (This made it a bit hard for me to credit that she had been a fairly high-powered executive in her earlier life.) In the end, there is a solution that works, but it felt to me as if it got solved almost by happenstance.
Still, the book was fun and I think the series has a lot of promise. I especially liked the amusing “blurbs” about Rome at the beginning of each chapter. These purport to be from the brochure for Lord Philip’s travel company, and perfectly capture the “make-it-all-sound-good” approach that travel brochure writers seem to use.
All in all, I hope that the author keeps going with this series, but maybe gets a different editor to work with on the next books, to tighten things up a bit. And my thanks again to the publisher, Level Best Books, and NetGalley for the review copy.
The premise is quite nice – the protagonist, Maggie, is at loose ends without a job while her husband Burt has an expatriate posting in Rome. So she gets a job with Lord Philip, who appears to be a bit of a remittance man, running a painting/tour company based out of his own spectacular apartment. Lord Philip is killed early on, and the plot unfolds from there.
Sadly, though, it was hard for me to really get into this book. Many of the characters seemed to be playing to stereotypes - the old school British thing, the gossipy ex-pat colony thing, the secret criminal thing, etc. And although the plot hung together pretty well, I felt as if there were a few too many suspects, and Maggie just sort of bounced around between them. (This made it a bit hard for me to credit that she had been a fairly high-powered executive in her earlier life.) In the end, there is a solution that works, but it felt to me as if it got solved almost by happenstance.
Still, the book was fun and I think the series has a lot of promise. I especially liked the amusing “blurbs” about Rome at the beginning of each chapter. These purport to be from the brochure for Lord Philip’s travel company, and perfectly capture the “make-it-all-sound-good” approach that travel brochure writers seem to use.
All in all, I hope that the author keeps going with this series, but maybe gets a different editor to work with on the next books, to tighten things up a bit. And my thanks again to the publisher, Level Best Books, and NetGalley for the review copy.
February 13, 2021
After being passed over for a promotion at her advertising firm, Maggie White finds herself in Rome, where her husband was assigned for his job. She lands a position doing marketing for a tour company that caters to painting enthusiasts, but her boss, the British Lord owner of the company, treats her (and nearly everyone else) horribly. So, when he turns up dead, a number of potential suspects emerge. In her obsession with making herself useful by helping the Italian police solve the crime, Maggie unintentionally points the finger at herself, and realizes she'll need to identify the killer, fast.
"Murder in the Piazza," the first mystery novel by Jen Collins Moore, serves as an entertaining introduction to what will hopefully become a new series starring Maggie, her husband Burt, and the other employees of the tour company. What will be fun, but also challenging, about continuing the series will be that the cast of supporting characters will constantly change with each new tour. The mystery in this book became slightly convoluted, as Maggie kept making assumptions and following leads that may or may not have been tied to the death of Lord Philip. This definitely kept me guessing, and the ending was quite satisfying.
Another thing I really appreciate about the book is that Maggie is not in her 20s or 30s, as is often the case with cozy protagonists. There's nothing wrong with that, of course, but being of a similiar age, I liked seeing a main character who's in her 50s and looking to reinvent herself. A woman's value and strengths don't disappear once she hits 50, and I found Maggie's resolve and initiative refreshing. And she learns something about herself and her own assumptions along the way.
All in all, this was an entertaining read -- a bonus being the factoids about Rome that were sprinkled throughout, which I found really interesting -- and I will look forward another installment of Maggie's adventures.
"Murder in the Piazza," the first mystery novel by Jen Collins Moore, serves as an entertaining introduction to what will hopefully become a new series starring Maggie, her husband Burt, and the other employees of the tour company. What will be fun, but also challenging, about continuing the series will be that the cast of supporting characters will constantly change with each new tour. The mystery in this book became slightly convoluted, as Maggie kept making assumptions and following leads that may or may not have been tied to the death of Lord Philip. This definitely kept me guessing, and the ending was quite satisfying.
Another thing I really appreciate about the book is that Maggie is not in her 20s or 30s, as is often the case with cozy protagonists. There's nothing wrong with that, of course, but being of a similiar age, I liked seeing a main character who's in her 50s and looking to reinvent herself. A woman's value and strengths don't disappear once she hits 50, and I found Maggie's resolve and initiative refreshing. And she learns something about herself and her own assumptions along the way.
All in all, this was an entertaining read -- a bonus being the factoids about Rome that were sprinkled throughout, which I found really interesting -- and I will look forward another installment of Maggie's adventures.
February 10, 2021
Murder in the Piazza by Jen Collins Moore is a Maggie Wilson mystery. Maggie is in Rome with her husband for his two-year contract. She's bored witless after spending her life in the marketing industry. She had recently been the victim of down-sizing and had gotten a job here working for an English lord who ran small tour groups, offering both sight-seeing and art instruction. She had already determined that he was not the boss she wanted when he tried to blackmail her over her secret: she had been telling people she quit, not that she was let go. Then, one evening he turns up dead. The Italian police are more than willing to write it up as a robbery gone bad, but Maggie was not. She, sadly, went down a lot of dead ends before figuring it out. That and another casualty.
Maggie is a busy body, no denying it. She sees things that aren't there; most recently an affair her husband had been having. Except, he hadn't. She treated it as a locked room mystery, which really it wasn't, but there were elements. It included the mysterious art world in Rome, the world of art theft, and a glimpse into the ex-par community. It was interesting, comprising a set of detectives who were of different backgrounds and different persuasions. Also, a couple of old ladies, which every cozy needs. The plot was good. The pacing was inconsistent, making it really slow in parts. There were plenty of read herrings, making it a really difficult crime for the read to solve, in the beginning. It was an entertaining read. I recommend it.
I was invited to read a free ARC of Murder in the Piazza by the Cozy Mystery Review Crew. All opinions contained herein are solely my own.
Maggie is a busy body, no denying it. She sees things that aren't there; most recently an affair her husband had been having. Except, he hadn't. She treated it as a locked room mystery, which really it wasn't, but there were elements. It included the mysterious art world in Rome, the world of art theft, and a glimpse into the ex-par community. It was interesting, comprising a set of detectives who were of different backgrounds and different persuasions. Also, a couple of old ladies, which every cozy needs. The plot was good. The pacing was inconsistent, making it really slow in parts. There were plenty of read herrings, making it a really difficult crime for the read to solve, in the beginning. It was an entertaining read. I recommend it.
I was invited to read a free ARC of Murder in the Piazza by the Cozy Mystery Review Crew. All opinions contained herein are solely my own.
September 30, 2020
This was just what I needed, a virtual return trip to Rome, one of my all time favorite cities. Joining Maggie was great fun as she went from boredom to a new job to wondering how she would go about bumping of her odious boss. She forgot that old saying, be careful what you wish for - two weeks into her job working with artist tours somebody does bump off Lord Philip Walpole and the whole tour group, assorted others and, of course, Maggie, are on the suspect list. Not being satisfied with the lack of proper investigating on the part of the police, Maggie starts to do her own investigating. Armed with a vast knowledge gained from decades of consuming mysteries of all sorts - Miss Marple and Hercule Poirot for starters - Maggie is off and running. All over Rome. I loved every minute of it.
The mystery was first rate with twists, turns and some red herrings to keep me guessing wrong. Maggie is a real person with what I consider to be believable interactions for an ex-pat living in a foreign country. Not that I have ever been an ex-pat but it worked for this reader. I hope there will be more time spent with Maggie in Rome or maybe she can take a holiday from Rome and find another mystery or two or three elsewhere in Europe.
My thanks to the publisher Level Best Books and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
The mystery was first rate with twists, turns and some red herrings to keep me guessing wrong. Maggie is a real person with what I consider to be believable interactions for an ex-pat living in a foreign country. Not that I have ever been an ex-pat but it worked for this reader. I hope there will be more time spent with Maggie in Rome or maybe she can take a holiday from Rome and find another mystery or two or three elsewhere in Europe.
My thanks to the publisher Level Best Books and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
October 2, 2020
3.5 stars
This was a readable if perhaps not memorable mystery with an interesting setting. Maggie White and her husband Burt are in Rome. Burt's job took him there, and Maggie was at loose ends after an abrupt termination from her U.S. job that she is embarrassed and secretive about. But, after becoming bored with the wife ex-pat socializing experience , Maggie has found something to sink her teeth into: she is the sort of manager of a high-end travel group that provides insider tours and experience for artists who want to see Rome but also spend some time with an instructor/artist.
The owner of the group is a semi-disgraced British peer who becomes the first murder victim. There are lots of characters who are nicely drawn: the Italian police, the local helpers, the tour group members, Maggie and Burt's social circle, etc. But Maggie was hard for me to warm to. Even for a cozy, it is difficult to figure out why she is so obsessed and nosy and pesters the police to such an extreme degree. She almost daily comes up with a new outlandish suspect with not much apparent logic. But, to her credit, she does eventually come up with the right solution. She is also uber-sensitive about her layoff from her U.S. job and it's hard to quite figure that out too.
But the setting is fun, and the culture and feel of Rome is very well done. A pleasant enough read. Thanks to the publisher and to Net Galley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This was a readable if perhaps not memorable mystery with an interesting setting. Maggie White and her husband Burt are in Rome. Burt's job took him there, and Maggie was at loose ends after an abrupt termination from her U.S. job that she is embarrassed and secretive about. But, after becoming bored with the wife ex-pat socializing experience , Maggie has found something to sink her teeth into: she is the sort of manager of a high-end travel group that provides insider tours and experience for artists who want to see Rome but also spend some time with an instructor/artist.
The owner of the group is a semi-disgraced British peer who becomes the first murder victim. There are lots of characters who are nicely drawn: the Italian police, the local helpers, the tour group members, Maggie and Burt's social circle, etc. But Maggie was hard for me to warm to. Even for a cozy, it is difficult to figure out why she is so obsessed and nosy and pesters the police to such an extreme degree. She almost daily comes up with a new outlandish suspect with not much apparent logic. But, to her credit, she does eventually come up with the right solution. She is also uber-sensitive about her layoff from her U.S. job and it's hard to quite figure that out too.
But the setting is fun, and the culture and feel of Rome is very well done. A pleasant enough read. Thanks to the publisher and to Net Galley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
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