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Posie Parker Mystery #11
Murder in Tuscany
Under the Tuscan sun, ice-creams melt and dark secrets unravel…
March, 1925
Pregnant, bored, and longing for an adventure, Posie Parker accepts a rather last-minute Wedding Invitation from an old friend who is getting married out in the gorgeous town of San Gimignano, Tuscany.
But what Posie -and her husband, Richard Lovelace- arrive into is not a blissfully happy wedding party at all. It’s a chaotic mix of mistrust, unfaithful fiancées, bizarre Death Threats, uninvited wedding guests and a big dollop of very real unease.
As the wedding pre-dinner party unfolds, a murderer strikes again and again.
Secrets from beyond the grave are revealed, shadows of the past loom over the present, and disguises are uncovered in what has become a deadly, dangerous game of obsession.
Can Posie and Richard uncover the murderer before others die? Or will the truth come at a terrible price?
Murder in Tuscany is set against the beautiful back-drop of a sun-drenched Tuscan hill-top town, and is full of intrigue and red herrings, and is the completely unputdownable eleventh book in the delightfully classic and glamorously entertaining Posie Parker Mystery Series, although it can be enjoyed as a stand-alone story in its own right. This is a clean read, with no graphic violence, sex, swearing or strong language. This is a classic murder mystery which will appeal to fans of Agatha Christie and Downton Abbey.
March, 1925
Pregnant, bored, and longing for an adventure, Posie Parker accepts a rather last-minute Wedding Invitation from an old friend who is getting married out in the gorgeous town of San Gimignano, Tuscany.
But what Posie -and her husband, Richard Lovelace- arrive into is not a blissfully happy wedding party at all. It’s a chaotic mix of mistrust, unfaithful fiancées, bizarre Death Threats, uninvited wedding guests and a big dollop of very real unease.
As the wedding pre-dinner party unfolds, a murderer strikes again and again.
Secrets from beyond the grave are revealed, shadows of the past loom over the present, and disguises are uncovered in what has become a deadly, dangerous game of obsession.
Can Posie and Richard uncover the murderer before others die? Or will the truth come at a terrible price?
Murder in Tuscany is set against the beautiful back-drop of a sun-drenched Tuscan hill-top town, and is full of intrigue and red herrings, and is the completely unputdownable eleventh book in the delightfully classic and glamorously entertaining Posie Parker Mystery Series, although it can be enjoyed as a stand-alone story in its own right. This is a clean read, with no graphic violence, sex, swearing or strong language. This is a classic murder mystery which will appeal to fans of Agatha Christie and Downton Abbey.
374 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 25, 2021
501 people are currently reading
426 people want to read
About the author
L.B. Hathaway
31 books339 followersCambridge-educated, British-born L.B. Hathaway writes historical fiction. She worked as a lawyer at Lincoln’s Inn in London for almost a decade before becoming a full-time writer. She brings her love of detective novels set in the Golden Age of Crime and an obsession with English history to her own writing.
The Posie Parker series of cosy crime novels span the 1920s. They each combine a core central mystery, an exploration of the reckless glamour of the age and a feisty protagonist who you would love to have as your best friend.
Her other interests, in no particular order, are: very fast downhill skiing, theatre-going, drinking strong tea, Tudor history, exploring castles and generally trying to cram as much into life as possible.
The Posie Parker series of cosy crime novels span the 1920s. They each combine a core central mystery, an exploration of the reckless glamour of the age and a feisty protagonist who you would love to have as your best friend.
Her other interests, in no particular order, are: very fast downhill skiing, theatre-going, drinking strong tea, Tudor history, exploring castles and generally trying to cram as much into life as possible.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
December 26, 2021
Upon reading many of the reviews posted, I realize that there must be something wrong with me. For I found this book to be simply excruciating to get through. I only doggedly finished it because, for some reason, I had spent money purchasing the audiobook. I have no idea why and I'm $18.00 the poorer for it).
Granted, this is the only book in the series I have read. Perhaps this accounts for my offside review. However, I found Posey Parker to be irritating, haughty, and either very lucky or one of the smartest detectives ever, based on the last half of the story in which she unravels an unbelievably complex tale of treachery. And her poor put-upon husband whose presence in the story I'm still trying to figure out. Why is he there other than to smoke and sound confused?
At any rate, based on the overall rating, I'm obviously an outlier and should be excluded from the dataset !!
Granted, this is the only book in the series I have read. Perhaps this accounts for my offside review. However, I found Posey Parker to be irritating, haughty, and either very lucky or one of the smartest detectives ever, based on the last half of the story in which she unravels an unbelievably complex tale of treachery. And her poor put-upon husband whose presence in the story I'm still trying to figure out. Why is he there other than to smoke and sound confused?
At any rate, based on the overall rating, I'm obviously an outlier and should be excluded from the dataset !!
November 29, 2024
Listened to the audiobook.
December 25, 2024
3.5 stars for the actual mystery, which I found a bit confusing. But I upped to 4 stars for the really good ending.
March 20, 2021
It really is unputdownable!
It seems like a long time since a new book in this series has come out and when I saw this one, I eagerly got it. I have all the others. I really enjoy the interactions of the characters and the knowledgeable way the author writes. There were almost too many twists and turns even for me in this one but the end was satisfying to me. I would recommend Posie to anyone looking for believable characters and historically accurate descriptions and good stories.
It seems like a long time since a new book in this series has come out and when I saw this one, I eagerly got it. I have all the others. I really enjoy the interactions of the characters and the knowledgeable way the author writes. There were almost too many twists and turns even for me in this one but the end was satisfying to me. I would recommend Posie to anyone looking for believable characters and historically accurate descriptions and good stories.
December 20, 2023
Murder in Tuscany (Posie Parker Mystery #11)— L. B. Hathaway/Narrator: Clare Wille November 17 - 23, 2023
I will spend this space not about the plot but about how wowed I was by the plot.
This was the best book I have read in this series.
Everything came together in this story. It was intricately woven to weave a wonderful mystery that became a nice story with a little fortune-telling. It was very fun; it was not as depressing as some earlier books in this series, and I was entranced to the end.
As with this author, it took me a while to read. I normally don’t read stories this long, but the author has captured me with what feels like an authentic period piece. And in this particular story, I didn’t feel like the author added extra to add to the page count.
I’m not sure if I can call it a cozy, though, for as long as the stories are, but now that I am this far into the series, I know I will need to finish them or at least get caught up.
The narrator is very good as well.
You will love this series if you like longer stories along the cozy mystery vein set during the roaring late 1920s.
Five stars.
I will spend this space not about the plot but about how wowed I was by the plot.
This was the best book I have read in this series.
Everything came together in this story. It was intricately woven to weave a wonderful mystery that became a nice story with a little fortune-telling. It was very fun; it was not as depressing as some earlier books in this series, and I was entranced to the end.
As with this author, it took me a while to read. I normally don’t read stories this long, but the author has captured me with what feels like an authentic period piece. And in this particular story, I didn’t feel like the author added extra to add to the page count.
I’m not sure if I can call it a cozy, though, for as long as the stories are, but now that I am this far into the series, I know I will need to finish them or at least get caught up.
The narrator is very good as well.
You will love this series if you like longer stories along the cozy mystery vein set during the roaring late 1920s.
Five stars.
August 29, 2021
Nice series
I like this series, a lot of fun mysteries, interesting locations and interesting characters. And I like that Posie is smart, independent and loyal…. not seen much, if at all, in that time period
My only “complaint” is how clueless her husband Richard, the Scotland Yard Commissioner, is portrayed. I’m sure he would not have gotten so high in his job if he really missed all the clues that Posie seems to get! (I get that it makes her look good, but really…..???)
I enjoy the full descriptions of people, fashion, locations and food. It makes the story seem relatable and real. I feel like I could be in the room watching things unfold.
Overall, a great series that I would happily recommend.
I like this series, a lot of fun mysteries, interesting locations and interesting characters. And I like that Posie is smart, independent and loyal…. not seen much, if at all, in that time period
My only “complaint” is how clueless her husband Richard, the Scotland Yard Commissioner, is portrayed. I’m sure he would not have gotten so high in his job if he really missed all the clues that Posie seems to get! (I get that it makes her look good, but really…..???)
I enjoy the full descriptions of people, fashion, locations and food. It makes the story seem relatable and real. I feel like I could be in the room watching things unfold.
Overall, a great series that I would happily recommend.
August 4, 2025
On the plus side, I downloaded it thinking it was Book #1, not #11. I had almost finished when I realized. That is to say it is practically a standalone; there was no need for me to read the first 10.
Which, I think, is good. I found this one tedious. I can't really point to a reason, but it took me over a week to finish, and I'm one who normally finishes a cozy in a day or two. I just never had the desire to pick it up and start reading again, and I was easily distracted by other books and other tasks.
I did note some off-putting techniques, such as capitalizing words that needn't be, which also affect my opinion of a book.
Not a bad story, but nothing compelling, in my opinion.
Which, I think, is good. I found this one tedious. I can't really point to a reason, but it took me over a week to finish, and I'm one who normally finishes a cozy in a day or two. I just never had the desire to pick it up and start reading again, and I was easily distracted by other books and other tasks.
I did note some off-putting techniques, such as capitalizing words that needn't be, which also affect my opinion of a book.
Not a bad story, but nothing compelling, in my opinion.
August 19, 2023
Tarot Cards, Deception, and Death
Contents:
Suitable for teen - adults
Murder mystery - light reading
Zero memorable harsh language
Occult elements that the main character doesn't take seriously
Enough characters to keep us guessing as their questionable motives are revealed
Plenty of action
No gore
Plot no spoilers:
Posey and her husband have travelled to Tuscany to attend the marriage of her friend, Jacinta to the very handsome Lorenzo. Jacinta, a former fortune teller who was introduced in one of the previous novels in the series, still turns to her Tarot cards.
While Jacinta is attractive enough, she's no great beauty. Lorenzo's first wife, however, was stunning. Why would Lorenzo choose her? Is his motive something other than love? People whisper and compare.
Making matters worse, the tarot cards repeatedly give Jacinta warnings of death and betrayal.
Now, someone is sending cards to further frighten her. Posey does her best to reassure Jacinta that all will be well, but the bride-to-be is understandably worried.
Good plot. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Reading other books in the series is helpful, but not 100% necessary.
Contents:
Suitable for teen - adults
Murder mystery - light reading
Zero memorable harsh language
Occult elements that the main character doesn't take seriously
Enough characters to keep us guessing as their questionable motives are revealed
Plenty of action
No gore
Plot no spoilers:
Posey and her husband have travelled to Tuscany to attend the marriage of her friend, Jacinta to the very handsome Lorenzo. Jacinta, a former fortune teller who was introduced in one of the previous novels in the series, still turns to her Tarot cards.
While Jacinta is attractive enough, she's no great beauty. Lorenzo's first wife, however, was stunning. Why would Lorenzo choose her? Is his motive something other than love? People whisper and compare.
Making matters worse, the tarot cards repeatedly give Jacinta warnings of death and betrayal.
Now, someone is sending cards to further frighten her. Posey does her best to reassure Jacinta that all will be well, but the bride-to-be is understandably worried.
Good plot. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Reading other books in the series is helpful, but not 100% necessary.
March 1, 2023
Posie Parker and her husband Richard Lovelace take off for the wedding ofJacinta, Posie's friend. Despite being seven months pregnant, Posie is looking forward to a pleasant trip. Unfortunately, the night before the wedding, Jacinta and another woman die under mysterious circumstances. Can Posie help solve the case? Seems to be a rather convoluted conclusion - how could anyone tie all those loose ends together? Almost calls for a reread.
March 14, 2023
A pleasant piece of fluff. Since Mother Nature seems to be shooting craps to get the temperature of the day, I needed just a little bit of nothing. Nothing offensive here. Posie gets away with many varied and nonsensical occurrences that I question how that happened and a good editor removes about 50 pages of repeated and repeated information. All in all, harmless. This is my first Posie Parker and I do not suppose until Mother Nature quits gambling that I will read another.
May 6, 2023
Entertaining in a convoluted sort of way. Found myself saying "Really???" at Posie Parker's deductions and reasoning in solving the case. I think I haven't read a lot of this series because it relies so heavily on obscure and manufactured constructs to keep the reader guessing. I like to feel I'm trying to figure out a mystery just like the detective. . .but in this book it was impossible because I didn't have access to all the information and clues.
April 17, 2025
Oh dear, what a disappointing bit of fluff this turned out to be. After I started reading the book I discovered it can be described as "a cozy mystery". Not my cup of tea at all and I shall avoid any further "cozy mysteries".
The author included a quite lengthy annex describing what's historical and what's fictional in the tale. Shame she missed her big clunker - no mention of the Royal Flying Corps, only of its successor the Royal Air Force.
The author included a quite lengthy annex describing what's historical and what's fictional in the tale. Shame she missed her big clunker - no mention of the Royal Flying Corps, only of its successor the Royal Air Force.
March 1, 2021
The best story yet! I love the Posie Parker stories and this is my new favourite. So pleased to see a bit more of Jacinta too, even if there was a sticky end. I’m really enjoying seeing Posie and Richard together with their expanding family, but also how the mystery still stays the main focus. Just brilliant.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 23, 2021
Murder in Tuscany
Posie and Richard travel to Tuscany for the wedding of a friend, but soon find themselves involved in a double murder.
Murder in Tuscany is an absolutely brilliant addition to the Posie Parker series. Set in Tuscany in 1925 it moves along at a good pace. The characters are strong and the story well written.
Highly recommended.
Posie and Richard travel to Tuscany for the wedding of a friend, but soon find themselves involved in a double murder.
Murder in Tuscany is an absolutely brilliant addition to the Posie Parker series. Set in Tuscany in 1925 it moves along at a good pace. The characters are strong and the story well written.
Highly recommended.
April 8, 2021
Excellent!!!!
“Unputdownable” is a perfect description for this story!! The characters and locales are so well defined that the reader feels like they are in the midst of all of it. The author included some pictures of San Gimigiano at the end of the story which are beautiful and give the story even more depth.
“Unputdownable” is a perfect description for this story!! The characters and locales are so well defined that the reader feels like they are in the midst of all of it. The author included some pictures of San Gimigiano at the end of the story which are beautiful and give the story even more depth.
May 3, 2022
enjoyed this one immensely
This was a real teaser of a book - who did it was not clear at all but all the people came to make sense at the end. Two crazy insane cousins reeked a lit of damage in their wakes. And i loved them traveling together as a married couple and their three adorable children!
This was a real teaser of a book - who did it was not clear at all but all the people came to make sense at the end. Two crazy insane cousins reeked a lit of damage in their wakes. And i loved them traveling together as a married couple and their three adorable children!
March 26, 2023
This was a fun, easy murder mystery read. Posie,the detective, was a smart character. In solving her mystery she mixes in a historical 1920’s setting and a lovely exploration of a small town in Italy. Her mystery solution is creative, if a bit convoluted. I would easily read another of her mysteries!
July 10, 2023
Great ‘20’s feel within the Tuscany milieu. A deep and twisty mystery that has plenty of odd hints here and there but everything adds up in the end. Well, not everything, as there are still some unexplained things going on, but they don’t detract from the story. And though the reveal was a bit dramatic and some aspects incredibly convenient, it was satisfying.
July 31, 2023
In book #11, Posie and husband Richard have traveled to Tuscay for the wedding of her friend. Since Posie is Pregnant and bored, she accepted the invotaion, thinking of lazy cool days and nites there.
However what they find is, death threats and murder. Another good envolved story. Was hard to put down.
However what they find is, death threats and murder. Another good envolved story. Was hard to put down.
April 10, 2024
close to perfect
L. B. Hathaway knows how to write a mystery. Set in the 1920’s it lets us on on the life of Posie Parker, a
Cunning detective, and her handsome inspector husband. They are on their way to a wedding in Tuscany and are caught up in an intriguing mystery. It is complicated but worth the read.
L. B. Hathaway knows how to write a mystery. Set in the 1920’s it lets us on on the life of Posie Parker, a
Cunning detective, and her handsome inspector husband. They are on their way to a wedding in Tuscany and are caught up in an intriguing mystery. It is complicated but worth the read.
February 20, 2025
Why is it only Posie can feel the wrongness of the wedding?
I am getting tired of Posie seeing everything and think something is wrong. and because of that she is suspicious of everything and everyone. Weddings become murders and so on and so on.
I am thinking of giving up this series for something more lively. Posie say she is tired of spies, well me too.
I am getting tired of Posie seeing everything and think something is wrong. and because of that she is suspicious of everything and everyone. Weddings become murders and so on and so on.
I am thinking of giving up this series for something more lively. Posie say she is tired of spies, well me too.
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March 2, 2021Loved it
Murder in Tuscany was an enjoyable read. I love Posie and Richard and their trip to a friend's wedding would of course involve a murder. I look forward to their next adventure!
Murder in Tuscany was an enjoyable read. I love Posie and Richard and their trip to a friend's wedding would of course involve a murder. I look forward to their next adventure!
March 9, 2021
Another great Posey Parker Read
This time in Tuscany with handsome Italian men, tarot cards and gelato. Posey’s pregnant and about to give birth but she solves a mystery as complex as ever!
This time in Tuscany with handsome Italian men, tarot cards and gelato. Posey’s pregnant and about to give birth but she solves a mystery as complex as ever!
March 13, 2021
Really enjoyed this book as I know Sam Gimignano well and have stayed twice in the Cisterna hotel Jacinta’s guesthouse is based on. I did though think of Agatha Christie’s Peril at End House as a very similar plot twist
April 11, 2021
Best One Yet!!!
I loved this book. The location was awesomely detailed so now I want to go there. Thanks for the photos, too. What a wonderful mystery or should I say mysteries? I do love Posie Parker books a d this is my favorite so far. Keep 'em coming, L.B.
I loved this book. The location was awesomely detailed so now I want to go there. Thanks for the photos, too. What a wonderful mystery or should I say mysteries? I do love Posie Parker books a d this is my favorite so far. Keep 'em coming, L.B.
April 11, 2021
Wonderful book
Ms. Hathaway has written a intriguing story that contains love, jealousy and murder, not necessarily in that order. While in Tuscany to attend a wedding, Posie and Richard encounter a wide range of characters and secrets that all led to murder. Great book.
Ms. Hathaway has written a intriguing story that contains love, jealousy and murder, not necessarily in that order. While in Tuscany to attend a wedding, Posie and Richard encounter a wide range of characters and secrets that all led to murder. Great book.
May 2, 2021
Murder in Tuscany
Another underfunding through Tuscany with Posie and Lovelace. Very enjoyable story with lots of suspects and plot twists. Can't wait to read the next book whenever that will be
Another underfunding through Tuscany with Posie and Lovelace. Very enjoyable story with lots of suspects and plot twists. Can't wait to read the next book whenever that will be
May 8, 2021
Absolutely fabulous
The Posie Parker series never disappoints. This book was as good or better than the first 10 in the series, which is no small feat. Hugely exciting and enjoyable. Please write more Ms Hathaway!
The Posie Parker series never disappoints. This book was as good or better than the first 10 in the series, which is no small feat. Hugely exciting and enjoyable. Please write more Ms Hathaway!
June 18, 2021
Good mystery
I have been enjoying this series. I hope that this isn’t the end! Posie always manages to be surrounded by murder and to solve the case. Better than her husband who is chief superintendent of Scotland Yard.
I have been enjoying this series. I hope that this isn’t the end! Posie always manages to be surrounded by murder and to solve the case. Better than her husband who is chief superintendent of Scotland Yard.
January 11, 2022
Posie always entertains and surprises
This series is always extremely entertaining. I especially like the fact that the stories are developed in such a way that it is very difficult for the reader to get ahead of the protagonist. I recommend a series highly.
This series is always extremely entertaining. I especially like the fact that the stories are developed in such a way that it is very difficult for the reader to get ahead of the protagonist. I recommend a series highly.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews