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Nonna Maria and the Case of the Missing Bride
When a crime on a beautiful Italian island stumps the police, locals turn to the trusted, elderly widow Nonna Maria in this transporting mystery from #1 New York Times bestselling author Lorenzo Carcaterra, one of the all-time greats (Jeffery Deaver).
Nonna Maria has lived in Ischia, an island in the Gulf of Naples, her entire life. Recognizable by the widow's black she's worn every day for decades, she always has pasta on the stove and espresso in the pot for the neighbors who stop by to ask her advice on life and love. Everyone knows her, and she knows everyone's business. So if something goes wrong, islanders look to her, and not the local carabinieri, to find the solution.
When a recently engaged woman confesses that she's afraid her fiance might not be who he seems, Nonna Maria helps her disappear while she investigates the true nature of her betrothed, a stranger to Ischia with a murky past. The stranger has also raised the suspicions of Captain Murino of the carabinieri, but he's occupied investigating the death of a tour boat captain who drowned in the wee hours of the morning. Captain Murino believes it's an accident, but Nonna Maria knew the man was a born sailor, and too good a swimmer to drown, no matter how much wine he might have drunk. While Captain Murino has his hands full, she pours herself a glass of white wine and gets to work, even though getting involved will expose her to the dangers lurking just beneath the surface of her idyllic home.
Nonna Maria has lived in Ischia, an island in the Gulf of Naples, her entire life. Recognizable by the widow's black she's worn every day for decades, she always has pasta on the stove and espresso in the pot for the neighbors who stop by to ask her advice on life and love. Everyone knows her, and she knows everyone's business. So if something goes wrong, islanders look to her, and not the local carabinieri, to find the solution.
When a recently engaged woman confesses that she's afraid her fiance might not be who he seems, Nonna Maria helps her disappear while she investigates the true nature of her betrothed, a stranger to Ischia with a murky past. The stranger has also raised the suspicions of Captain Murino of the carabinieri, but he's occupied investigating the death of a tour boat captain who drowned in the wee hours of the morning. Captain Murino believes it's an accident, but Nonna Maria knew the man was a born sailor, and too good a swimmer to drown, no matter how much wine he might have drunk. While Captain Murino has his hands full, she pours herself a glass of white wine and gets to work, even though getting involved will expose her to the dangers lurking just beneath the surface of her idyllic home.
272 pages, Hardcover
First published May 3, 2022
101 people are currently reading
9928 people want to read
About the author
Lorenzo Carcaterra
49 books694 followersNumber-one New York Times bestselling author Lorenzo Carcaterra's highly successful career spans more than 25 years of writing for the diverse fields of fiction, non-fiction, television, and film.
Born and raised in New York's Hell's Kitchen neighborhood, Carcaterra landed his first job in the newspaper business as a copy boy for The New York Daily News in 1976. He worked his way up to entertainment reporter before leaving the paper in 1982, heading for the green pastures of then-Time Inc. and TV-Cable Week, as senior writer. Nine months later, the magazine folded, leaving him unemployed. A four-month stint at People magazine was followed by an odyssey of writing for a string of start-up publications—Picture Week, Entertainment Tonight Magazine, Special Reports Magazine—and freelancing for dozens of others—The New York Times Sunday Magazine, Newsday Sunday Magazine, Family Circle, Ladies Home Journal, and Twilight Zone Magazine among them.
In 1988, Carcaterra turned to television as a Creative Consultant for the syndicated weekly series Cop Talk: Behind the Shield, produced by Grosso-Jacobson Productions. That led to a job as Managing Editor for the CBS weekly series Top Cops, also with Grosso-Jacobson Productions. Running for four seasons, from 1990 to 1994, the show is still in syndication today worldwide. In addition, he worked on a dozen other pilots, one of which––Secret Service (NBC)––made it to air. It was while at Grosso-Jacobson Productions that Carcaterra wrote and published his first two books, A Safe Place and Sleepers.
First published in hardcover in 1993, A Safe Place: The True Story of a Father, a Son, a Murder, attracted widespread critical acclaim, with Newsweek calling it, “unforgettable—a remarkable book.” Currently in its 14th printing, it has been sold to 11 foreign countries and has sold close to 220,000 copies.
The 1995 publication of Sleepers, which was a #1 New York Times bestseller in both hardcover and paperback, catapulted Carcaterra to national attention. Sold to 35 foreign countries and now in its 38th printing in the United States, the book has sales exceeding 1.8 million copies. In 1996, Sleepers was made into a feature film starring Brad Pitt, Robert DeNiro, Dustin Hoffman, Kevin Bacon, Minnie Driver, and Jason Patric. Carcaterra served as co-producer on the project, which was directed by Academy Award winner Barry Levinson. To date, the movie has earned in excess of $500 million worldwide in combined box-office, video, DVD, and TV sales.
Carcaterra made a smooth transition into writing fiction with his first novel, Apaches, a New York Times bestseller in both hardcover and paperback. Published in a 14 foreign countries, the book has sold more than 450,000 copies and been optioned by producer Jerry Bruckheimer.
He followed that with Gangster, published in hardcover in 2001. The book has sold over 375,000 copies since its 2002 release as a Mass Market Paperback. The novel has been optioned by Joe Roth and been sold to 15 foreign countries.
Carcaterra then wrote Street Boys, a World War II saga inspired by an incident which occurred in Naples, Italy, in 1943. Warner Bros. and Bel-Air Entertainment bought the rights to the story in March 2001 before it was written, and developed the project for director Barry Levinson. Carcaterra wrote the screenplay. The paperback was released in July, 2003 and has since sold 150,000 copies.
Carcaterra's next novel Paradise City was published in hardcover by Ballantine in September 2004 with the paperback following a year later. To date, the novel has sold over 100,000 copies and was optioned by Fox Television to be developed as a weekly series.
In 2007, Carcaterra published Chasers, a sequel to his bestseller Apaches. The paperback version was published in the spring of 2008 and movie rights to the story are once again controlled by Jerry Bruckheimer Productions.
With that, Carcaterra took a different turn and has just completed hi
Born and raised in New York's Hell's Kitchen neighborhood, Carcaterra landed his first job in the newspaper business as a copy boy for The New York Daily News in 1976. He worked his way up to entertainment reporter before leaving the paper in 1982, heading for the green pastures of then-Time Inc. and TV-Cable Week, as senior writer. Nine months later, the magazine folded, leaving him unemployed. A four-month stint at People magazine was followed by an odyssey of writing for a string of start-up publications—Picture Week, Entertainment Tonight Magazine, Special Reports Magazine—and freelancing for dozens of others—The New York Times Sunday Magazine, Newsday Sunday Magazine, Family Circle, Ladies Home Journal, and Twilight Zone Magazine among them.
In 1988, Carcaterra turned to television as a Creative Consultant for the syndicated weekly series Cop Talk: Behind the Shield, produced by Grosso-Jacobson Productions. That led to a job as Managing Editor for the CBS weekly series Top Cops, also with Grosso-Jacobson Productions. Running for four seasons, from 1990 to 1994, the show is still in syndication today worldwide. In addition, he worked on a dozen other pilots, one of which––Secret Service (NBC)––made it to air. It was while at Grosso-Jacobson Productions that Carcaterra wrote and published his first two books, A Safe Place and Sleepers.
First published in hardcover in 1993, A Safe Place: The True Story of a Father, a Son, a Murder, attracted widespread critical acclaim, with Newsweek calling it, “unforgettable—a remarkable book.” Currently in its 14th printing, it has been sold to 11 foreign countries and has sold close to 220,000 copies.
The 1995 publication of Sleepers, which was a #1 New York Times bestseller in both hardcover and paperback, catapulted Carcaterra to national attention. Sold to 35 foreign countries and now in its 38th printing in the United States, the book has sales exceeding 1.8 million copies. In 1996, Sleepers was made into a feature film starring Brad Pitt, Robert DeNiro, Dustin Hoffman, Kevin Bacon, Minnie Driver, and Jason Patric. Carcaterra served as co-producer on the project, which was directed by Academy Award winner Barry Levinson. To date, the movie has earned in excess of $500 million worldwide in combined box-office, video, DVD, and TV sales.
Carcaterra made a smooth transition into writing fiction with his first novel, Apaches, a New York Times bestseller in both hardcover and paperback. Published in a 14 foreign countries, the book has sold more than 450,000 copies and been optioned by producer Jerry Bruckheimer.
He followed that with Gangster, published in hardcover in 2001. The book has sold over 375,000 copies since its 2002 release as a Mass Market Paperback. The novel has been optioned by Joe Roth and been sold to 15 foreign countries.
Carcaterra then wrote Street Boys, a World War II saga inspired by an incident which occurred in Naples, Italy, in 1943. Warner Bros. and Bel-Air Entertainment bought the rights to the story in March 2001 before it was written, and developed the project for director Barry Levinson. Carcaterra wrote the screenplay. The paperback was released in July, 2003 and has since sold 150,000 copies.
Carcaterra's next novel Paradise City was published in hardcover by Ballantine in September 2004 with the paperback following a year later. To date, the novel has sold over 100,000 copies and was optioned by Fox Television to be developed as a weekly series.
In 2007, Carcaterra published Chasers, a sequel to his bestseller Apaches. The paperback version was published in the spring of 2008 and movie rights to the story are once again controlled by Jerry Bruckheimer Productions.
With that, Carcaterra took a different turn and has just completed hi
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April 19, 2022
The author’s endeavor to cast a main character as a mother, grandmother, aunt, and great-grandmother to many in a cozy mystery worked for me. While others say she is a sleuth, she says she doesn’t solve crimes, but helps friends and family when they’re in trouble. The locals on the Italian island of Ischia are more likely to turn to Maria for help than to the local police.
Anna, a recently engaged woman tells Maria that she is afraid of her finance. She doesn’t remember much of the last few weeks and wonders if something is wrong. Maria helps her disappear for a while. Is Andrea Bartoli truly in love with Anna or is there something more sinister happening? Maria talks with the local police captain Murino, but he’s also involved with investigating the death of a tour boat captain who drowned. Was it an accident or murder? Between the two of them, they work to find answers to both cases.
Maria is smart, listens to all sides of an argument, and doesn’t rush to judgment. She has intuitive instincts and is nurturing and caring for those she knows and loves. Her character has depth, but the supporting characters don’t have a lot of depth except from Captain Murino.
This is a book to be savored. It is not a fast-paced book, but it brilliantly portrays the city, the local people, the sites, and the customs on the island, bringing them to life. The author managed to provide fantastic insight into the characters’ thoughts, behaviors, and actions toward others. The writing flows well and is very descriptive. Weaving love, survival, family, friendship, family dynamics, death, marriage, folk beliefs, food, and much more into the story kept this reader turning the pages.
Overall, this was a moving, charming, and memorable novel with some pivotal stressful and emotional moments. I am looking forward to reading more from this author.
Random House Publishing Group – Ballantine and Lorenzo Carcaterra provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for May 3, 2022.
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Review will be posted approximately two weeks prior to publication per publisher guidelines.
Anna, a recently engaged woman tells Maria that she is afraid of her finance. She doesn’t remember much of the last few weeks and wonders if something is wrong. Maria helps her disappear for a while. Is Andrea Bartoli truly in love with Anna or is there something more sinister happening? Maria talks with the local police captain Murino, but he’s also involved with investigating the death of a tour boat captain who drowned. Was it an accident or murder? Between the two of them, they work to find answers to both cases.
Maria is smart, listens to all sides of an argument, and doesn’t rush to judgment. She has intuitive instincts and is nurturing and caring for those she knows and loves. Her character has depth, but the supporting characters don’t have a lot of depth except from Captain Murino.
This is a book to be savored. It is not a fast-paced book, but it brilliantly portrays the city, the local people, the sites, and the customs on the island, bringing them to life. The author managed to provide fantastic insight into the characters’ thoughts, behaviors, and actions toward others. The writing flows well and is very descriptive. Weaving love, survival, family, friendship, family dynamics, death, marriage, folk beliefs, food, and much more into the story kept this reader turning the pages.
Overall, this was a moving, charming, and memorable novel with some pivotal stressful and emotional moments. I am looking forward to reading more from this author.
Random House Publishing Group – Ballantine and Lorenzo Carcaterra provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for May 3, 2022.
---------------------
Review will be posted approximately two weeks prior to publication per publisher guidelines.
April 4, 2023
Set in the Island of Ischia, eighteen miles off the coast of Naples, the story begins with a young woman by the name of Anna sharing her troubles with Nonna Maria –lifelong resident of the island in her seventies with a penchant for strong coffee and good wine - who never turns down anyone asking for her assistance. Engaged to Andrea Bartoli, who is new to the island, Anna expresses her doubts about her fiancé and feels that she is being manipulated into marrying him. Captain Murino of the carabinieri is also suspicious of Bartoli and has prior knowledge of his possible misdeeds and teams up with Nonna Maria to expose him while keeping Anna out of harm’s way. Besides helping Anna, Nonna Maria and Captain Murino are also working together in trying to find out the truth behind the mysterious death of eighty-five-year-old tour boat captain Pasquale Favorini, who presumably drowned after falling overboard in a drunken state. Nonna Maria, who knew Pasquale, is not convinced that this was an accident.
Though he has concerns for her safety, Captain Murino is respectful of Nonna Maria and her knowledge of the island and its residents. Nonna Maria is no Sherlock Holmes (or so she claims, though the residents of the island frequently compare her to him) and her “sleuthing” involves listening to people’s troubles and providing assistance in any way she can which earns her the trust and respect of everyone around her including the local carabinieri. She knows everyone on the island and has a vast network of children, grandchildren, friends and allies who keep her informed of what’s happening around her. As the narrative progresses, we follow Nonna Maria as she uses her wit, wisdom and her network of fellow islanders to unravel these two mysteries.
Overall, Nonna Maria and the Case of the Missing Bride by Lorenzo Carcaterra is an entertaining mystery full of heart, humor and an interesting cast of characters. Though it is a slow-paced read, the narrative is fluid and engaging and at no point did I lose interest in the plot. I loved the vivid descriptions of the island, the folklore, the community and the culture. Smart and resourceful, Nonna Maria is so much fun to be around! I can’t wait to read the next book in the series!
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Though he has concerns for her safety, Captain Murino is respectful of Nonna Maria and her knowledge of the island and its residents. Nonna Maria is no Sherlock Holmes (or so she claims, though the residents of the island frequently compare her to him) and her “sleuthing” involves listening to people’s troubles and providing assistance in any way she can which earns her the trust and respect of everyone around her including the local carabinieri. She knows everyone on the island and has a vast network of children, grandchildren, friends and allies who keep her informed of what’s happening around her. As the narrative progresses, we follow Nonna Maria as she uses her wit, wisdom and her network of fellow islanders to unravel these two mysteries.
Overall, Nonna Maria and the Case of the Missing Bride by Lorenzo Carcaterra is an entertaining mystery full of heart, humor and an interesting cast of characters. Though it is a slow-paced read, the narrative is fluid and engaging and at no point did I lose interest in the plot. I loved the vivid descriptions of the island, the folklore, the community and the culture. Smart and resourceful, Nonna Maria is so much fun to be around! I can’t wait to read the next book in the series!
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May 16, 2022
With a chilled Pinot Grigio in hand, let's crack this one open.
Not all white-haired ladies dressed in black travel in the same circles. Nonna Maria takes to the winding streets of Ischia in the Gulf of Naples almost every day. She's easily recognized by the citizens as she often carries jars of her homemade tomato sauce or pockets full of sweets for the little ones. Nonna Maria is on a mission to take care of her own family members as well as those who need assistance.
But Nonna Maria has a rare gift. She's the Italian version of Sherlock Holmes.....even at her age. She sees things that the average eye does not visualize. She's even perfected an internal radar of knowing when things are out of line or not quite right. Nothing gets past Nonna Maria.
A visitor shows up at Nonna Maria's door one morning. The young woman, Anna, pleads with Nonna Maria to save her from her impending marriage to Andrea Bartoli, a truly shady character who usually uses force to get his way. Anna feels that she was tricked into this engagement and fears the consequences if she backs out. Nonna Maria is compelled to come up with a plan to insure Anna's safety. But has she taken on too much with the likes of Bartoli?
The next day a body washes up on shore. It's a long-time friend of Nonna Maria's who captained a tour/fishing boat for many, many years. Pasquale could sail through rocky ridges even blinded by too much to drink. Captain Murino of the local police states: "And as sad as it is to say, Nonna Maria, the dead can't talk." Nonna Maria smiled. "On this island, Captain Murino, everyone talks," she said. "Even the dead."
Nonna Maria and the Case of the Missing Bride is a refreshing break from the overload of serial killers and psychopaths. Lorenzo Carcaterra presents a clever storyline with a highly unusual main character. The dialogue is especially rich with barbs lined with humor. He sketches for us a panoramic view of this lively island filled with people from the very simple to the very complex. "She could spot the honest from those that weren't with one quick glance. These were her people, and she was very much one of them."
Delightful and entertaining......it is my hope that Lorenzo Carcaterra will continue to develop a series around this intriquing Italian woman. She's guaranteed to bring us along on her next challenging adventure.
Not all white-haired ladies dressed in black travel in the same circles. Nonna Maria takes to the winding streets of Ischia in the Gulf of Naples almost every day. She's easily recognized by the citizens as she often carries jars of her homemade tomato sauce or pockets full of sweets for the little ones. Nonna Maria is on a mission to take care of her own family members as well as those who need assistance.
But Nonna Maria has a rare gift. She's the Italian version of Sherlock Holmes.....even at her age. She sees things that the average eye does not visualize. She's even perfected an internal radar of knowing when things are out of line or not quite right. Nothing gets past Nonna Maria.
A visitor shows up at Nonna Maria's door one morning. The young woman, Anna, pleads with Nonna Maria to save her from her impending marriage to Andrea Bartoli, a truly shady character who usually uses force to get his way. Anna feels that she was tricked into this engagement and fears the consequences if she backs out. Nonna Maria is compelled to come up with a plan to insure Anna's safety. But has she taken on too much with the likes of Bartoli?
The next day a body washes up on shore. It's a long-time friend of Nonna Maria's who captained a tour/fishing boat for many, many years. Pasquale could sail through rocky ridges even blinded by too much to drink. Captain Murino of the local police states: "And as sad as it is to say, Nonna Maria, the dead can't talk." Nonna Maria smiled. "On this island, Captain Murino, everyone talks," she said. "Even the dead."
Nonna Maria and the Case of the Missing Bride is a refreshing break from the overload of serial killers and psychopaths. Lorenzo Carcaterra presents a clever storyline with a highly unusual main character. The dialogue is especially rich with barbs lined with humor. He sketches for us a panoramic view of this lively island filled with people from the very simple to the very complex. "She could spot the honest from those that weren't with one quick glance. These were her people, and she was very much one of them."
Delightful and entertaining......it is my hope that Lorenzo Carcaterra will continue to develop a series around this intriquing Italian woman. She's guaranteed to bring us along on her next challenging adventure.
March 25, 2022
One of the most delightful books I’ve read in a while, this book is a gentle, enjoyable story that will make you wish you knew and had befriended a Nonna Maria of your own. While you’re making wishes, you might wish for a trip to the Island of Ischia regularly for vacation if you can’t just out and out move there. The people are wonderful, the pace is a beat slower than much of current chaotic life, and Nonna Maria has an intelligence and ability that comes from years of living and learning from everything around her. It’s the perfect book for anyone who wants an excellent story, great characters, and relaxed surroundings that all combine to make you feel as if you are wrapped up in a cozy blanket with a warm cup of coffee (or as Nonna Maria might suggest a glass of wine) in front of a comfortable fire with a light snow falling outside.
There is the primary story, which is a young woman who seeks Nonna Maria’s help as she finds herself having agreed to marry a man she hardly knows and an uneasy feeling this is a huge mistake. The solution that Nonna Maria sets in motion is a through line for the entire book. At the same time, she becomes involved in solving the death (murder) of a friend on his boat, the death (murder) of the head of the Carabinieri’s sister, and a host of other issues.
As Nonna Maria walks around the island she elicits help from others, some of whom are outcasts and some of whom seem to belong to a different world, but all of whom count themselves as friends of Nonna Maria. She knows the talents and the faults of all these people, she has encountered them in a wide variety of situations, and will tell you in a heartbeat that information she has is hers to have and not to share. She is able to see the deep goodness in people some might write off as law-breaking, as well as to understand the deep evil that others keep well hidden beneath a veneer of polish.
The Captain of the Carabinieri acknowledges that people seek Nonna Maria’s help before his official help. Her explanation involves the fact that the people who seek her help are from families that have been residents of the island for generations. They know one another at a level that can’t be achieved by someone who has only been on the island a few years. As for Nonna Maria, she doesn’t say she solves problems or “takes cases”, she simply helps friends and in so doing she deepens the friendship. This, in turn, helps deepen and continue the respect and caring the people have for Nonna Maria and each other.
Nonna Maria is a very different main character, one most readers will respect and fall in love with. The Island of Ischia is a delightfully different location for a mystery book, not at all like the typical English village or American tourist spot. It’s almost like the location and the people have been plucked out of an alternate universe and the reader is now privileged to get a long look at what life might be like in that universe. Much like taking a step back in time, the book affords us an opportunity to enjoy life at a slower pace, people who are content to live in that slower world. Overarching all of that is a celebration of Nonna Maria and an appreciation of what age and knowledge can bring when we stop revering youth because it looks smooth and attractive.
If Lorenzo Carcaterra writes another book featuring Nonna Maria and the Island of Ischia, sign me up; I want to be one of the first ones to read it. My thanks to Random House Publishing, Ballantine Books for providing an advance copy for this review. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own.
There is the primary story, which is a young woman who seeks Nonna Maria’s help as she finds herself having agreed to marry a man she hardly knows and an uneasy feeling this is a huge mistake. The solution that Nonna Maria sets in motion is a through line for the entire book. At the same time, she becomes involved in solving the death (murder) of a friend on his boat, the death (murder) of the head of the Carabinieri’s sister, and a host of other issues.
As Nonna Maria walks around the island she elicits help from others, some of whom are outcasts and some of whom seem to belong to a different world, but all of whom count themselves as friends of Nonna Maria. She knows the talents and the faults of all these people, she has encountered them in a wide variety of situations, and will tell you in a heartbeat that information she has is hers to have and not to share. She is able to see the deep goodness in people some might write off as law-breaking, as well as to understand the deep evil that others keep well hidden beneath a veneer of polish.
The Captain of the Carabinieri acknowledges that people seek Nonna Maria’s help before his official help. Her explanation involves the fact that the people who seek her help are from families that have been residents of the island for generations. They know one another at a level that can’t be achieved by someone who has only been on the island a few years. As for Nonna Maria, she doesn’t say she solves problems or “takes cases”, she simply helps friends and in so doing she deepens the friendship. This, in turn, helps deepen and continue the respect and caring the people have for Nonna Maria and each other.
Nonna Maria is a very different main character, one most readers will respect and fall in love with. The Island of Ischia is a delightfully different location for a mystery book, not at all like the typical English village or American tourist spot. It’s almost like the location and the people have been plucked out of an alternate universe and the reader is now privileged to get a long look at what life might be like in that universe. Much like taking a step back in time, the book affords us an opportunity to enjoy life at a slower pace, people who are content to live in that slower world. Overarching all of that is a celebration of Nonna Maria and an appreciation of what age and knowledge can bring when we stop revering youth because it looks smooth and attractive.
If Lorenzo Carcaterra writes another book featuring Nonna Maria and the Island of Ischia, sign me up; I want to be one of the first ones to read it. My thanks to Random House Publishing, Ballantine Books for providing an advance copy for this review. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own.
April 5, 2022
DNF @ 40%
I read this author's memoir Three Dreamers: A Memoir of Family months ago about the three most important women in his life- his mother, wife, and grandmother in Italy....Nonna Maria. I really enjoyed the book- not surprising since my favorite genre is biography/memoir. However, this book is categorized as a mystery/thriller- a genre I stay away from (not interested). The only reason I gave it a chance was because I loved the author's memoir and the character of Nonna Maria was based directly on his grandmother. I loved reading about her the most in Three Dreamers: A Memoir of Family.
I tend to be a realist so I found some of the content unbelievable. While I enjoyed reading about Nonna Maria's penchant for cooking, drinking espresso and wine, and generously giving these edible gifts of love to friends and neighbors (also as sort of bribes to get information while sleuthing to solve local mysteries), that was the only part of the book I enjoyed. At the 40% mark I determined that this book just wasn't my cup of tea, and cut my losses. I'm sure this book will do well as I've already seen great reviews, but it just wasn't my niche.
Thank you to Random House Publishing Group-Ballantine for providing an advance reader copy via NetGalley.
I read this author's memoir Three Dreamers: A Memoir of Family months ago about the three most important women in his life- his mother, wife, and grandmother in Italy....Nonna Maria. I really enjoyed the book- not surprising since my favorite genre is biography/memoir. However, this book is categorized as a mystery/thriller- a genre I stay away from (not interested). The only reason I gave it a chance was because I loved the author's memoir and the character of Nonna Maria was based directly on his grandmother. I loved reading about her the most in Three Dreamers: A Memoir of Family.
I tend to be a realist so I found some of the content unbelievable. While I enjoyed reading about Nonna Maria's penchant for cooking, drinking espresso and wine, and generously giving these edible gifts of love to friends and neighbors (also as sort of bribes to get information while sleuthing to solve local mysteries), that was the only part of the book I enjoyed. At the 40% mark I determined that this book just wasn't my cup of tea, and cut my losses. I'm sure this book will do well as I've already seen great reviews, but it just wasn't my niche.
Thank you to Random House Publishing Group-Ballantine for providing an advance reader copy via NetGalley.
January 20, 2025
Oh I really, really, really loved Nonna! Everyone needs a Nonna in their lives. I do! And I'm delighted that I'll get to meet her at least twice more since there are two others in this series. Hopefully, there will be even more! She's smart, fast, funny, beloved, wise, courageous, caring, and very well-connected. She knows how to maneuver without manipulating. She doesn't take cases but helps friends. And I hope she lives to 120. She is the dictionary definition of bad ass. She is who I want to be at her age.
March 9, 2022
What a delightful heart-grabbing book! My hat is off to Lorenzo Carcaterra for writing this sweet mystery based on his own Nonna Maria and childhood memories visiting Ischia, Italy (an exquisite Island located at the entrance of the bay of Naples). 🍷
Nonna Maria, is not your typical woman in her 70's. She is spry, loves her friends, family, and a good stong cup of espresso. She is well respected, wise, and extremely perceptive. People in Ischia often come to her to discuss life issues. Nonna Maria especially enjoys giving advice on romance. 👰
Anna is engaged to a brutally mean man named Andrea Bartoli. He has a very dark shady past. Anna is terrified of Bartoli and does not know how to escape the situation without being harmed. Nonna Maria, is very concerned about her young friend and arranges for Anna to be hidden from Bartoli. Will Andrea Bartoli find Anna? Will harm come to Nonna Maria while trying to help? Will justice prevail?
This book is a clean refreshing mystery that will be published May 3rd. The writing is very descriptive. While reading you can visually picture the characters and beautiful island setting. Nonna Maria is a pure joy to read about. Her take on life and antics made me smile. I highly recommend this book for older mystery lovers. You will get a good chuckle out if it!
Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, for the joy of reviewing this book. I am secretly hoping for a sequel that gives us more of Nonna Maria's adventures. 🏝
Nonna Maria, is not your typical woman in her 70's. She is spry, loves her friends, family, and a good stong cup of espresso. She is well respected, wise, and extremely perceptive. People in Ischia often come to her to discuss life issues. Nonna Maria especially enjoys giving advice on romance. 👰
Anna is engaged to a brutally mean man named Andrea Bartoli. He has a very dark shady past. Anna is terrified of Bartoli and does not know how to escape the situation without being harmed. Nonna Maria, is very concerned about her young friend and arranges for Anna to be hidden from Bartoli. Will Andrea Bartoli find Anna? Will harm come to Nonna Maria while trying to help? Will justice prevail?
This book is a clean refreshing mystery that will be published May 3rd. The writing is very descriptive. While reading you can visually picture the characters and beautiful island setting. Nonna Maria is a pure joy to read about. Her take on life and antics made me smile. I highly recommend this book for older mystery lovers. You will get a good chuckle out if it!
Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, for the joy of reviewing this book. I am secretly hoping for a sequel that gives us more of Nonna Maria's adventures. 🏝
April 23, 2022
Nonna Maria has lived her entire life on the island of Ischia. She is familiar to all for her kindness, generosity, local knowledge, and ability to solve problems, particularly if they involve crimes. She is better at solving them than the carabinieri. To her, though, it is not solving crimes, it is helping friends.
There are two cases in which she is involved; the overboard drowning of a local tour guide and a recently engaged young woman who doesn’t know how she ended up betrothed.
A beguiling older woman who is known not only for her wiles in figuring out problems, but also for serving wine, her special coffee, and delicious homemade food, many of the ingredients coming from her garden.
Read this book not so much for the mysteries, which are interesting, but to savor island life and appreciate the special charm of Nonna Maria’s character.
As an aside, while I was reading this, I thought how Nonna Maria reminded me of an Italian Precious Ramotswe, of Alexander McCall’s No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency series, with her wisdom, knowledge of all the local goings on, and ability to solve a mystery. I would love her secret for her unparalleled coffee, of which there is much mention in the book.
For a cozy mystery, I give it five stars. I hope there will be more books featuring Nonna Maria.
Thanks to #Netgalley and #randomhouse for the DRC
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There are two cases in which she is involved; the overboard drowning of a local tour guide and a recently engaged young woman who doesn’t know how she ended up betrothed.
A beguiling older woman who is known not only for her wiles in figuring out problems, but also for serving wine, her special coffee, and delicious homemade food, many of the ingredients coming from her garden.
Read this book not so much for the mysteries, which are interesting, but to savor island life and appreciate the special charm of Nonna Maria’s character.
As an aside, while I was reading this, I thought how Nonna Maria reminded me of an Italian Precious Ramotswe, of Alexander McCall’s No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency series, with her wisdom, knowledge of all the local goings on, and ability to solve a mystery. I would love her secret for her unparalleled coffee, of which there is much mention in the book.
For a cozy mystery, I give it five stars. I hope there will be more books featuring Nonna Maria.
Thanks to #Netgalley and #randomhouse for the DRC
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Follow me on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/shereadbook...
June 15, 2022
The elderly Nonna Maria seems to know everyone and everything relating to the Italian island of Ischia. Her extensive network of friends come to her “with issues that should be brought to the attention of the local carabinieri and not a widow with a bad right leg”. One such person is a reluctant-bride-to-be, who has impetuously agreed to marry a handsome stranger under suspicious circumstances. She also needs to solve the mysterious drowning of an 85-year-old tour boat captain. Nonna Maria leverages her friendships with a Camorra crime boss, a priest, and Captain Murino of the carabinieri to help her to resolve the cases.
Carcaterra, the bestseller author of the Tank Rizzo series, has written a gentle, charming story highlighting the importance of community on the island of Ischia.
Carcaterra, the bestseller author of the Tank Rizzo series, has written a gentle, charming story highlighting the importance of community on the island of Ischia.
Read
May 27, 2022The Hook - Way back when. It just occurred to me that it really was longer ago than I thought. My Dad, joined me in fandom of Carcaterra when I introduced him to Sleepers . We went on to read Apache and Gangsters together and had interesting discussions about these. Then, in 2005 my father left me to read this author on my own but I could never pick up one of Carcaterra's books without memories of my Dad and how we enjoyed these reads together. Recently Lorenzo Carcaterra is one of my adopted authors at my public library.
When Nonna Maria and the Case of the Missing Bride was due to be published I received an email from our library asking if I wanted to sponsor this title as it seemed very different than those that came before. I thought about it and quickly answered yes as it's interesting to see authors go in different directions and write what's in their hearts.
The Line(s) - ”This was her island, her home. And these were her people.”
The Sinker - Immediately I felt the commonality of the characters and locale of Nonna Maria and the Case of the Missing Bride. I grew up living with my own Nonna Maria, a widow, who had the spunk and spirit of this book's main character until the day she died (94). No, my Nonna didn't solve mysteries but there were other similarities, most of all love of family, protecting those around her, sage advice, years of wisdom and the making of good food, and wine. Don't tell Carcaterra that my family came from that Northern part of Italy an area that his Nonna lacks a fondness for, but other than this one wander, my Italian roots were tickled as I read this heart-warming story. Closer to my Tito ancestor's origins, Ischia, Nonna Maria's home, manages to be a character in itself. I'd love to visit after reading the book, and then viewing pictures and reading more about this island.
Nonna Maria and the Case of the Missing Bride is not a thriller, nor fast based book but sometimes you just need to slow it down a bit, stop to enjoy something out of the ordinary. I'd call it a cozy, notched up just a bit. Nonna Maria is a solid addition to senior sleuths, one to give some British oldsters a run for their money.
Now I think it's time to read Three Dreamers: A Memoir of Family, which Carcatera wrote in honor of his Grandmother, Nonna Maria and was the inspiration for this fictional character. I'm certain I'll find the true essence of Nonna Maria in those pages.
When Nonna Maria and the Case of the Missing Bride was due to be published I received an email from our library asking if I wanted to sponsor this title as it seemed very different than those that came before. I thought about it and quickly answered yes as it's interesting to see authors go in different directions and write what's in their hearts.
The Line(s) - ”This was her island, her home. And these were her people.”
The Sinker - Immediately I felt the commonality of the characters and locale of Nonna Maria and the Case of the Missing Bride. I grew up living with my own Nonna Maria, a widow, who had the spunk and spirit of this book's main character until the day she died (94). No, my Nonna didn't solve mysteries but there were other similarities, most of all love of family, protecting those around her, sage advice, years of wisdom and the making of good food, and wine. Don't tell Carcaterra that my family came from that Northern part of Italy an area that his Nonna lacks a fondness for, but other than this one wander, my Italian roots were tickled as I read this heart-warming story. Closer to my Tito ancestor's origins, Ischia, Nonna Maria's home, manages to be a character in itself. I'd love to visit after reading the book, and then viewing pictures and reading more about this island.
Nonna Maria and the Case of the Missing Bride is not a thriller, nor fast based book but sometimes you just need to slow it down a bit, stop to enjoy something out of the ordinary. I'd call it a cozy, notched up just a bit. Nonna Maria is a solid addition to senior sleuths, one to give some British oldsters a run for their money.
Now I think it's time to read Three Dreamers: A Memoir of Family, which Carcatera wrote in honor of his Grandmother, Nonna Maria and was the inspiration for this fictional character. I'm certain I'll find the true essence of Nonna Maria in those pages.
April 28, 2022
*3-3.5 stars
Meet Italy's Sherlock Holmes: Nonna Maria. She has lived on the island of Ischia all her life. All the old-time residents know her well, respect her wisdom, and call on her with their problems. In this first book in what I expect will be a series, a bride-to-be comes to Nonna Maria, hoping to find a way out of her upcoming marriage to a man she barely knows. In another case, Nonna Maria looks into the drowning death of one of her friends, an elderly tour boat captain.
This is a cute, warm-hearted mystery. Although I really enjoyed meeting Nonna Maria and spending time with her on the island of Ischia, I found quite a bit of the descriptions of both of those to be repetitive.
I received an arc of this new mystery from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Many thanks for the opportunity.
Meet Italy's Sherlock Holmes: Nonna Maria. She has lived on the island of Ischia all her life. All the old-time residents know her well, respect her wisdom, and call on her with their problems. In this first book in what I expect will be a series, a bride-to-be comes to Nonna Maria, hoping to find a way out of her upcoming marriage to a man she barely knows. In another case, Nonna Maria looks into the drowning death of one of her friends, an elderly tour boat captain.
This is a cute, warm-hearted mystery. Although I really enjoyed meeting Nonna Maria and spending time with her on the island of Ischia, I found quite a bit of the descriptions of both of those to be repetitive.
I received an arc of this new mystery from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Many thanks for the opportunity.
April 21, 2022
Nonna Marie has always lived on the beautiful island of Ischia, off the coast of Naples. People come to her for help instead of going to the local police (carabinieri). A young woman, Anna, seeks Nonna Maria's help because she is supposed to marry a man who is a stranger to the island that she hardly knows. Nonna investigates, and finds out many unsettling things about the prospective groom. Then a beloved boat captain dies, and it's unclear whether it was really an accident. Even though Ischia has become a tourist mecca, the locals know they can count on one of their own, Nonna Maria, when there is a problem. Nonna reminds me of Precious Ramotswe, of The #1 Ladies Detective Agency, a wise woman who solves problems for friends in Botswana. Readers who enjoy these books might enjoy reading about Nonna Maria. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.
June 1, 2022
Bored. Tried to make it yo 30% to give it a shot, but need to call it.
The epitome if "tell vs. show". Stilted sentences. I'm not really engaged.
Next!
The epitome if "tell vs. show". Stilted sentences. I'm not really engaged.
Next!
March 11, 2023
A pleasant and easy-going mystery, the first in a new series by a seasoned author. I'm always on the look out for new mystery fiction, not just for myself but also possible material for the Mystery Book discussion I lead at my library. The protagonist/sleuth is Nonna Maria, an elderly, wise, and fearless woman who lives on the Italian island of Ischia off the coast of Naples. Locals prefer to go to her with their troubles rather than the transient carabinieri and, unusually, they don't resent her assistance as eyes and ears. Well, at least Captain Murino doesn't and he works closest with her. There are actually two mysteries here but the island of Ischia is as much a character that I enjoyed reading about (and now want to visit!). I almost feel the mysteries are secondary here and that the main charm of this book is the characters and their lifestyle. So while there's maybe not quite enough meat here for a book discussion, it's a well-written and enjoyable story.
November 6, 2021
What the world needs now is more of the delightful Nonna Maria, an elderly widow who’s lived her whole life on the beautiful island of Ischia—18 miles from Naples—and is a bit of a legend.
As famous for the espresso she brews as the advice she dispenses, she’s known throughout the island and, in turn, seems to know every native. When trouble comes calling, it’s Nonna Maria people turn to for help, trusting her instead of the local carabinieri. More of a “fixer” than your traditional detective, Nonna Maria takes on two cases in this book. In one, a young woman is worried that her fiancée isn’t what he seems, and Nonna Maria discretely moves her into hiding while she investigates. In the other, the old captain of a tour boat—and life-long friend of our investigator —is found dead, and Nonna Maria won’t accept that the death of this born sailor was an accident.
To fix these problems, the intrepid widow calls on old friends, her parish priest, a nephew, a grandson, and even the head of a Neapolitan crime family, all while sharing with readers the delights of Ischia. Never too cutesy and plenty tough, Nonna Maria will delight fans of Italian mysteries and cozy enthusiasts who love a good armchair trip.—Brian Kenney, First Clue
For more reviews of crime fiction, subscribe to First Clue https://www.getrevue.co/profile/First..., our weekly newsletter.
As famous for the espresso she brews as the advice she dispenses, she’s known throughout the island and, in turn, seems to know every native. When trouble comes calling, it’s Nonna Maria people turn to for help, trusting her instead of the local carabinieri. More of a “fixer” than your traditional detective, Nonna Maria takes on two cases in this book. In one, a young woman is worried that her fiancée isn’t what he seems, and Nonna Maria discretely moves her into hiding while she investigates. In the other, the old captain of a tour boat—and life-long friend of our investigator —is found dead, and Nonna Maria won’t accept that the death of this born sailor was an accident.
To fix these problems, the intrepid widow calls on old friends, her parish priest, a nephew, a grandson, and even the head of a Neapolitan crime family, all while sharing with readers the delights of Ischia. Never too cutesy and plenty tough, Nonna Maria will delight fans of Italian mysteries and cozy enthusiasts who love a good armchair trip.—Brian Kenney, First Clue
For more reviews of crime fiction, subscribe to First Clue https://www.getrevue.co/profile/First..., our weekly newsletter.
August 14, 2022
This book is not without charm. Part cozy mystery, part travel brochure, the reader is treated to a tour around the idyllic Italian island of Ischia as Nonna Maria solves not one but two mysteries. We have a murder (which the police consider a tragic accident), and a suspiciously rash engagement that might not actually be a case of "when fools rush in." The descriptions of the island are swoon-worthy, and I'm a sucker for just about any Italian dish, but ultimately this book was just too cozy for my tastes. You never actually feel as though any of the good guys are real danger, and even the bad guys don't seem all that threatening. Organized crime bosses are far too accommodating to a nosy old lady, something which the explanation of a tight-knit old world community doesn't quite excuse. Despite my interest in true crime, I don't go in for the gory stuff when it comes to fiction, and while I enjoy 40s noir films, the books hold less appeal. But when you can tell how everything will end, and there are no twists or unexpected developments, it makes you wonder why you are reading it in the first place. I think this would work much better if Nonna Maria was a matchmaker who helped to solve the island's romantic problems rather than solving what in reality are brutal and horrific crimes.
February 27, 2022
Widowed wise woman Nonna Maria lives on Ischia, off the coast of Naples. She is often consulted by residents when something bad or odd happens instead of their going to the local carabinieri, most of whom are not from the island. So Nonna Maria is not surprised when newly engaged Anna comes to her and tells Nonna Maria she cannot remember much of what happened on the night she met Andrea Bartoli. According to island lore, it could be a case of "La Fattura," when something is put in the food or drink and people wake up married or engaged to a stranger. Nonna Maria asks various questions of people around the island and consults Captain Paolo Murino about Bartoli. Then an old friend dies mysteriously, and it appears there is more than one mystery to solve and more than one dangerous person on the island, especially now that there are more tourists around. Nonna Maria is a wonderful character and Ischia is almost a character as well. I would enjoy having a cup of her legendary coffee and spending time with her. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
June 23, 2022
That was terrible. The worst book I have read this year, by far. The best thing I can say about this book is that it is short - a mere 257 pages, more like a novella. With 58 chapters that means about 4.5 pages per chapter. At less than 5 pages a chapter it reminds me of a child’s first chapter book, and that wouldn’t be far off. The writing was so simplistic at times I thought I was reading a children’s book. “ ‘You don’t understand these men, Nonna Maria,’ he said, his fear practically visible.”(p. 162) Practically visible? You mean palpable, don’t you. While we are on the subject of children’s books - Nonna Maria is like a 70 year old Mary Poppins - practically perfect in every way. Maybe if she sang songs while solving crimes this book would have been better. Just kidding, nothing can save this book but you can save yourself by not reading it.
June 21, 2022
The setting was beautiful, and the character was quaint, intelligent, and homespun all at once. I liked her, but my biggest problem was the simplicity of the story. Very cozy in nature with a too-fluffy story. I did not waste my time...not saying that....but I doubt I will read another book in this series.
May 2, 2023
4 stars
RTC
Happy Reading!
RTC
Happy Reading!
August 13, 2024
I would like to travel to this Italian island so I can meet Nonna Maria and maybe solve some mysteries with her. We would taste wine from time to time, obviously.
July 14, 2023
An aboslutely delightful mystery-esque book that's full of cheeky Italian small-town charm. It's not a particularly complex book but at the same time it's chock-full of characters to track and love, or hate as the case may be. Nonna Maria is the guiding force of the people and her interactions with young, old, and in between are ridiculously enjoyable. It's witty, colorful, and fun, a little on the short side, but ulitmately a perfect contemporary compact read that also feels like an old-world adventure. Really enjoyed.
February 23, 2023
Nonna Maria an important and well known widow lady of Ischia Italy, an island near the North of Italy.
When there is a problem in the community, the residents come and see Nonna Maria for her advice and her uncanny wisdom; instead of first going to the police.
An engaged woman come to Nonna Maria with a confession of being afraid of her fiance, He seems to have a questionable past. Nonna Maria investigates the fiance and finds, he many have murdered his first wife. She just need the proof.
I want to thank Bantam Books for sending me a copy of the book
When there is a problem in the community, the residents come and see Nonna Maria for her advice and her uncanny wisdom; instead of first going to the police.
An engaged woman come to Nonna Maria with a confession of being afraid of her fiance, He seems to have a questionable past. Nonna Maria investigates the fiance and finds, he many have murdered his first wife. She just need the proof.
I want to thank Bantam Books for sending me a copy of the book
August 19, 2022
Book Review: Nonna Maria and the Case of the Case of the Missing Bride by Lorenzo Carcaterra
Nonna Maria and the Case of the Missing Bride is a cozy mystery that takes place on the small island of Ischia off the coast of Italy. The main character Nonna Maria is an unlikely sleuth and friend to the island residents.
Nonna Maria is an elderly widow who has gained the trust of many people on the island of Ischia and they often come to her for help instead of the local police (carabinieri). In this novel, a young woman finds herself engaged to a man she barely knows after a night out where her memories get blurry. She needs Nonna Maria’s help getting out of the engagement and fears that she was a victim of “La Fattura” an herb that is rumored to make someone easily susceptible to a hasty engagement. One of Nonna Maria’s own children was almost a victim and she’s very aware of the trap so she readily agrees to help. While Nonna Marie works with a local police captain on Anna’s situation the news comes in that a friend and local tour boat operator (Pasquale) was found drowned after apparently falling off his boat drunk. Nonna Maria knows that he is way too good of a boat captain to go out like this and starts her own investigation. The reader follows along as Nonna Maria gathers up sources, leads and help from friends and family all over the island to solve both Anna’s predicament and Pasquale’s death. Even though she has no training in detective work she uses her knowledge of human behavior and a keen understanding of the people of Ischia to get to the bottom of both.
The whole time I was reading this I just wanted Nonna Maria to be my grandma, mentor or neighbor. She is wise and funny and only a stupid criminal would underestimate her. I loved reading the beautiful descriptions of the island, food, wine and espresso. You can clearly tell that the author is very familiar with the island and the culture. I also enjoyed the side characters and how Nonna Maria was able to help all of them without it feeling like charity (but also setting up a future where she might need to ask for her own favor).
I was happy to see that this is just the start of a series and I can’t wait to see what she gets wrapped up into next.
I highly recommend this for readers that enjoy mysteries with amateur detectives and crime fiction without a lot of violence or gore.
Four stars
Nonna Maria and the Case of the Missing Bride is a cozy mystery that takes place on the small island of Ischia off the coast of Italy. The main character Nonna Maria is an unlikely sleuth and friend to the island residents.
Nonna Maria is an elderly widow who has gained the trust of many people on the island of Ischia and they often come to her for help instead of the local police (carabinieri). In this novel, a young woman finds herself engaged to a man she barely knows after a night out where her memories get blurry. She needs Nonna Maria’s help getting out of the engagement and fears that she was a victim of “La Fattura” an herb that is rumored to make someone easily susceptible to a hasty engagement. One of Nonna Maria’s own children was almost a victim and she’s very aware of the trap so she readily agrees to help. While Nonna Marie works with a local police captain on Anna’s situation the news comes in that a friend and local tour boat operator (Pasquale) was found drowned after apparently falling off his boat drunk. Nonna Maria knows that he is way too good of a boat captain to go out like this and starts her own investigation. The reader follows along as Nonna Maria gathers up sources, leads and help from friends and family all over the island to solve both Anna’s predicament and Pasquale’s death. Even though she has no training in detective work she uses her knowledge of human behavior and a keen understanding of the people of Ischia to get to the bottom of both.
The whole time I was reading this I just wanted Nonna Maria to be my grandma, mentor or neighbor. She is wise and funny and only a stupid criminal would underestimate her. I loved reading the beautiful descriptions of the island, food, wine and espresso. You can clearly tell that the author is very familiar with the island and the culture. I also enjoyed the side characters and how Nonna Maria was able to help all of them without it feeling like charity (but also setting up a future where she might need to ask for her own favor).
I was happy to see that this is just the start of a series and I can’t wait to see what she gets wrapped up into next.
I highly recommend this for readers that enjoy mysteries with amateur detectives and crime fiction without a lot of violence or gore.
Four stars
June 4, 2023
3.5 rounded up. This is a sweet cozy mystery with a smart grandmother as it’s protagonist. The setting is beautiful, the relationships are warm but it’s not really a mystery because we know who the villain is quite early in the book. Most of it is just focused on how Nonna Maria knows everyone and sets up a trap for the bad guys. It’s surprising the first time but by the second and third time she reaches out to hardened criminals because she knew them as young men and they owe her, I was over the trope.
There are two mysteries in this one - a young woman finds herself about to marry a man she doesn’t even remember well and an old sea captain winds up drowned at sea. Nonna Maria knows something fishy is going on with both and uses her extensive life experience and network to keep her friends safe and find justice.
It is warm and there’s something delightful and seeing Nonna Maria get the best of criminals. I just don’t think I could do this again and again so I probably won’t be back for the rest of the series.
There are two mysteries in this one - a young woman finds herself about to marry a man she doesn’t even remember well and an old sea captain winds up drowned at sea. Nonna Maria knows something fishy is going on with both and uses her extensive life experience and network to keep her friends safe and find justice.
It is warm and there’s something delightful and seeing Nonna Maria get the best of criminals. I just don’t think I could do this again and again so I probably won’t be back for the rest of the series.
Want to read
May 10, 2022Nonna Maria is a wonderful character. An older widowed woman that has lots of family and contacts on an island outside of Naples. Nonna is known to be the go to person when someone needs help. She doesn’t consider herself a sleuth but she definitely is.
Lorenzo Carcaterra has written a wonderful cozy mystery that keeps the reader engaged as you can’t help but want a Nonna Maria in your own life.
Thank you to #netgalley and #randomhousepublishing-balantine for allowing me to read the eARC of this book. All opinions expressed above are my own.
Lorenzo Carcaterra has written a wonderful cozy mystery that keeps the reader engaged as you can’t help but want a Nonna Maria in your own life.
Thank you to #netgalley and #randomhousepublishing-balantine for allowing me to read the eARC of this book. All opinions expressed above are my own.
May 10, 2022
This is a cute, cozy mystery about Nona Maria who is like a Sherlock Holmes to her family and friends. She hears, sees and knows everything going on. She has her own unique way to solve mysteries and problems.
Nona Maria and the Case of the Missing Bride made for a sweet escape for me. She had me smiling.
Overall, just a fun book to read.
Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Nona Maria and the Case of the Missing Bride made for a sweet escape for me. She had me smiling.
Overall, just a fun book to read.
Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
July 6, 2022
Thank you @adrianatrigiani and @adrianaink for introducing me to @lorenzocarcaterra I fell in love with Nonna Maria and her wonderful home Ischia, Italy. It is now on my bucket list of places I want to visit. Nonna Maria and The Missing Bride is the first in what I hope to be a long series of books. I am only a smidgen Italian but this Nonna Cheri has an Italian heart.
April 18, 2022
By some of my standard measures, this could have been a book that just didn't "grab" me (that the heroine is a meddling old lady living on an island off the coast of Naples, Italy, rang more of a warning bell than a come-and-get-it). On the other hand, I've read and absolutely loved several books by this wonderful author, so I forged ahead. And guess what? I didn't stop until I'd polished it off in a single day (well, I stayed up an extra half-hour at bedtime, but hey...)
When it came to summing it all up, though, I was at first at a loss for words. So I started by doing something I never do - reading comments by other authors (mostly because I always suspect they're nothing more than reciprocal "fluff" than real observations made after actually reading the book). That is, until I read an assessment by another favorite author - Tess Gerritsen - and the lightbulb went on. "Utterly delightful," she said. "One of the most charming amateur sleuths ever created," she continued.
"I couldn't have said it better, so I'm stealing her words," I said.
Now on to the story in my words: The title character (and she truly is a character) is Nonna Maria, a 25-year widow in her 70s whose love of cooking for anyone who walks through her door is exceeded only by her love of helping her family, friends and neighbors when something goes wrong. She's got all the inside scoops, gossip-wise, so nothing gets past her; everyone on the island of Ischia knows where to go first when they have a problem. At the very least, they'll leave with full stomachs - everything washed down by Nonna Maria's special coffee (she personally won't drink anyone else's) or, more likely, a few glasses of wine.
As the story begins, she gets a visit by Anna, a young woman who claims to have been somehow coerced into agreeing to marry a man she really doesn't love; she suspects he may have ulterior motives. Recalling legends of similar incidents in years past, Nonna Maria has suspicions of her own - and agrees to help. First, though, she contacts her carabinieri friend Captain Murino, who has long "put up with" Nonna Maria's interferences simply because her heart is in the right place (and the fact that she's almost always right).
Another case rears a possible ugly head when an elderly tour boat captain appears to have drunk himself into a stupor, fallen overboard and drowned. Murino is investigating and on the verge of declaring it an accident, but Nonna Maria is certain it was no accident; no matter how inebriated he was, she insists, he never, ever would have drowned. And as she shares with him her opinions as well as details of Anna's situation, it appears the good Captain just have have a good reason to investigate her fiance as well.
Their interaction is professional, but the charisma between the two is downright charming - prompting me to turn the pages as fast as I could just to get to what happens next. In between the action are enticing, intricate descriptions of the island, its rich history and not-so-wealthy people. Everything works out in the end, of course, but you'll just have to read the book to get the details. Please do - I don't think you'll be sorry. Meantime, I thank the publisher, via NetGalley, for the opportunity to read and review another book by a favorite author. Grazie di cuore!
When it came to summing it all up, though, I was at first at a loss for words. So I started by doing something I never do - reading comments by other authors (mostly because I always suspect they're nothing more than reciprocal "fluff" than real observations made after actually reading the book). That is, until I read an assessment by another favorite author - Tess Gerritsen - and the lightbulb went on. "Utterly delightful," she said. "One of the most charming amateur sleuths ever created," she continued.
"I couldn't have said it better, so I'm stealing her words," I said.
Now on to the story in my words: The title character (and she truly is a character) is Nonna Maria, a 25-year widow in her 70s whose love of cooking for anyone who walks through her door is exceeded only by her love of helping her family, friends and neighbors when something goes wrong. She's got all the inside scoops, gossip-wise, so nothing gets past her; everyone on the island of Ischia knows where to go first when they have a problem. At the very least, they'll leave with full stomachs - everything washed down by Nonna Maria's special coffee (she personally won't drink anyone else's) or, more likely, a few glasses of wine.
As the story begins, she gets a visit by Anna, a young woman who claims to have been somehow coerced into agreeing to marry a man she really doesn't love; she suspects he may have ulterior motives. Recalling legends of similar incidents in years past, Nonna Maria has suspicions of her own - and agrees to help. First, though, she contacts her carabinieri friend Captain Murino, who has long "put up with" Nonna Maria's interferences simply because her heart is in the right place (and the fact that she's almost always right).
Another case rears a possible ugly head when an elderly tour boat captain appears to have drunk himself into a stupor, fallen overboard and drowned. Murino is investigating and on the verge of declaring it an accident, but Nonna Maria is certain it was no accident; no matter how inebriated he was, she insists, he never, ever would have drowned. And as she shares with him her opinions as well as details of Anna's situation, it appears the good Captain just have have a good reason to investigate her fiance as well.
Their interaction is professional, but the charisma between the two is downright charming - prompting me to turn the pages as fast as I could just to get to what happens next. In between the action are enticing, intricate descriptions of the island, its rich history and not-so-wealthy people. Everything works out in the end, of course, but you'll just have to read the book to get the details. Please do - I don't think you'll be sorry. Meantime, I thank the publisher, via NetGalley, for the opportunity to read and review another book by a favorite author. Grazie di cuore!
September 28, 2022
Septuagenarian Nonna Maria lives in the Gulf of Naples, Italy, on a little island called Ischia. She has lived in Ischia her whole life, having never had the desire to leave, and knows everyone (for at least a couple of generations). There she met and married the love of her life, Gabriel, and for the past twenty-five years has been a widow who dresses all in black. Everyone knows Nonna Maria, who listens to the residents of Ischia who love to talk about other people and events on the Island. The locals run to her with their troubles about instead of the carabinieri (Italian police); she, in turn, always assists those who seek her help. She regularly keeps Police Captain Murino in the loop of what she “hears” or discovers; he lovingly refers to her as “honorary carabinieri.” In this novel, Nonna Maria is helping a young woman who believes she was drugged when she agreed to marry a very charming man—too charming. The prospective groom, Andrea Bertoli, is a dangerous man, who has married and inherited large sums of money, be it his new wife’s savings or insurance, after she “passes away.” Nonna Maria involves many of her friends to help the young woman break free from him. Murino also finds him suspicious, believing he may have killed his sister to inherit her insurance money, but has no proof because her death was ruled an accident. He is also investigating the death of Nonna Maria’s dear friend, boat captain Pasquale, whom Nonna Maria believes was murdered and did not accidentally drown. No one knew the boat or waters better than he. She assists in both cases in the only way she knows how—involving her friends (in high and low places), family, and the carabinieri, enlisting their help, and putting herself in harm’s way to do whatever needs to be done.
This is one of the most delightful mysteries I’ve ever had the pleasure of reading. Nonna Maria may be in her seventies, but she has no fear, an iron will, and the kind of gumption that makes her incredibly effective at helping her loved ones. She is so endearing! I didn’t know until the end of the story that there is a real Nonna Maria, who reminds me of my own Italian grandmothers, and it made me love her even more. Having grown up in an Italian-American family, I have treasured ties to Italy, and am blessed to have visited on a few occasions. Everything I know and love about my culture is embodied in Nonna Maria and her friends. I can smell the espresso in her kitchen, I know the joy of a family feast cooked only the way an Italian Nonna could, I can taste her cool white wine, and I imagine walking the island with her. It is such a beautiful backdrop for me, and I enjoyed every page thoroughly as I followed her thought process and actions involving each mystery and her myriad of connections. It was a wonderful book, well-written, twisty, and Nonna Maria was a fabulous tribute to strong women everywhere. When you have the chance, pick up the book and enjoy. I’m looking forward to reading more of Lorenzo Carcaterra’s work, and enthusiastically recommend him as a author.
I’d like to thank NetGalley, Lorenzo Carcaterra, and Bantam Books for the ability to read and review this ARC.
This is one of the most delightful mysteries I’ve ever had the pleasure of reading. Nonna Maria may be in her seventies, but she has no fear, an iron will, and the kind of gumption that makes her incredibly effective at helping her loved ones. She is so endearing! I didn’t know until the end of the story that there is a real Nonna Maria, who reminds me of my own Italian grandmothers, and it made me love her even more. Having grown up in an Italian-American family, I have treasured ties to Italy, and am blessed to have visited on a few occasions. Everything I know and love about my culture is embodied in Nonna Maria and her friends. I can smell the espresso in her kitchen, I know the joy of a family feast cooked only the way an Italian Nonna could, I can taste her cool white wine, and I imagine walking the island with her. It is such a beautiful backdrop for me, and I enjoyed every page thoroughly as I followed her thought process and actions involving each mystery and her myriad of connections. It was a wonderful book, well-written, twisty, and Nonna Maria was a fabulous tribute to strong women everywhere. When you have the chance, pick up the book and enjoy. I’m looking forward to reading more of Lorenzo Carcaterra’s work, and enthusiastically recommend him as a author.
I’d like to thank NetGalley, Lorenzo Carcaterra, and Bantam Books for the ability to read and review this ARC.
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