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Izzie Di Sante Mystery #1
An Itch for Justice
The sleepy town of Halcyon Springs, Maryland hides a terrible secret – the unsolved murder of Drew Scanlon.
Meet Izzie Di Sante, a reluctant restaurant owner with a passion for investigative reporting. Recent changes to the menu include finding time for her to chase down a story. While her sister Chloe is spicing things up in the kitchen, Izzie's focus is on the stalled Scanlon murder investigation.
Nothing adds up in Izzie’s mind, spurring her to delve deeper while doing her best to balance her search for justice with her responsibilities at the family restaurant. A few snags at the restaurant and Izzie’s adding security, fearful her digging for information has placed the business at risk. Trying to balance sleuthing and the family restaurant, Izzie has to be careful not to get burned by the killer.
Enjoy this cozy mystery as the family restaurant provides an appetizing menu and Izzie serves up justice in this first in a new series. Reading may result in cravings for Italian food.
Meet Izzie Di Sante, a reluctant restaurant owner with a passion for investigative reporting. Recent changes to the menu include finding time for her to chase down a story. While her sister Chloe is spicing things up in the kitchen, Izzie's focus is on the stalled Scanlon murder investigation.
Nothing adds up in Izzie’s mind, spurring her to delve deeper while doing her best to balance her search for justice with her responsibilities at the family restaurant. A few snags at the restaurant and Izzie’s adding security, fearful her digging for information has placed the business at risk. Trying to balance sleuthing and the family restaurant, Izzie has to be careful not to get burned by the killer.
Enjoy this cozy mystery as the family restaurant provides an appetizing menu and Izzie serves up justice in this first in a new series. Reading may result in cravings for Italian food.
- GenresMystery
240 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 26, 2022
13 people are currently reading
23 people want to read
About the author
Christa Nardi
65 books311 followersFrom childhood, as a fan of Nancy Drew, Dana Girls, Perry Mason, and the Hardy Boys, it was inevitable that Christa Nardi would continue her love of books and particularly mysteries. With a career in technical/nonfiction writing (under real name), it is not surprising that her love of mystery transformed into not only reading but writing mysteries. Christa combines her love for reading and writing on her blog.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
March 5, 2023
The main character, Izzie, helps to run the family restaurant business with her sister, Chloe. However, her heart lies in investigative journalism and she is soon drawn into the case of Drew Scanlon’s murder. His wife, Bethany, has been placed in a psychiatric clinic by Drew’s family, apparently against her will, and it is difficult for anyone, including the police, to interview her as she appears to be drugged most of the time. Drew’s family cast Bethany, his wife of only a very short time, as the prime suspect, but is there more to it? Izzie is keen to find out, and when she travels to the clinic in an uber she soon becomes friendly with the driver, Henry. This well-written novel is a promising start to a new detective series and one that I enjoyed very much.
August 10, 2022
I enjoyed this mystery. This is the first book in a new series and although it is a cozy because there is no sex or graphic violence it somehow seemed more grown up to the normal books described as a cozy mysteries, even the cover takes its self seriously and I loved it. It was also a nice change that the main character didn't put herself in danger by doing silly things and when she was in trouble she knew how to handle herself. Even the police detective was helpful and not telling her to stay out of it. Well done for changing everything up, it makes for an enjoyable and unusual story. The mystery was interesting and I liked the way you were pretty certain who wasn't involved in the death but it left the suspect list wide open. It also worked well having the two jobs, especially when things got personal. The psychiatric facility also add an interesting twist and underlined the pressure the rich can wheeled.
When a friend calls with a story in her area that needs investigation, restaurant owner Izzie puts down her business hat in order to pick up her investigative reporter hat. The police can't close the case on the death of Drew. His rich family have whisked away his new wife and the woman they are accusing of the death to a psychiatric facility, where she is heavily sedated and unable to tell her side of the story. The police are unable to get into the heavily guarded facility and even the uber driver warns her about entering but Izzy gets in. There she discovers things aren't what they seem and she has even more questions about the death and why the wife is being held. Questions somebody doesn't want her to answer and with money, power and social standing they might just be able to stop her. Targeting her family run restaurant is bad enough but then things get really personal and Izzy herself becomes a target. Can she uncover the truth?
I liked the narrator. This is the first time I have heard a story narrated by her but I would listen to another as she has a pleasant voice.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
When a friend calls with a story in her area that needs investigation, restaurant owner Izzie puts down her business hat in order to pick up her investigative reporter hat. The police can't close the case on the death of Drew. His rich family have whisked away his new wife and the woman they are accusing of the death to a psychiatric facility, where she is heavily sedated and unable to tell her side of the story. The police are unable to get into the heavily guarded facility and even the uber driver warns her about entering but Izzy gets in. There she discovers things aren't what they seem and she has even more questions about the death and why the wife is being held. Questions somebody doesn't want her to answer and with money, power and social standing they might just be able to stop her. Targeting her family run restaurant is bad enough but then things get really personal and Izzy herself becomes a target. Can she uncover the truth?
I liked the narrator. This is the first time I have heard a story narrated by her but I would listen to another as she has a pleasant voice.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
October 5, 2022
I am loving this new series!
By: Christa Nardi
Narrated by: Janelle V. Bennett
Overall: 5 of 5 stars Performance: 5 of 5 stars Story: 5 of 5 stars
Reviewed: 10-05-22
When newlywed Drew’s found dead by unnatural causes, the last thing anyone expects is for his parents to check his new wife into a private psychiatric facility against her will! The cops are stymied and wild horses can’t stop Izzie from looking into THIS case! Something nefarious is going on and the further Izzie is pulled into the investigation, the more someone begins to think she’s a threat in need of elimination! Well written, fast moving and featuring a dynamic, interesting and well developed cast of characters “An Itch for Justice” grabbed my attention and held it from beginning to end! There was mystery, suspense, action, intrigue, and a nice bit of romance! What I really loved was the smooth flow of the plot. Beautifully narrated, I was able to follow along with ease while being engaged and entertained the entire time by realistic dialogue and a well thought out, interesting and entertaining plot! There were some twists and surprises along the way, but at the reveal, no unanswered questions! It all just fell into place, made perfect sense, and I loved it! I loved everything about it and look forward to more! Five fantastic stars!
By: Christa Nardi
Narrated by: Janelle V. Bennett
Overall: 5 of 5 stars Performance: 5 of 5 stars Story: 5 of 5 stars
Reviewed: 10-05-22
When newlywed Drew’s found dead by unnatural causes, the last thing anyone expects is for his parents to check his new wife into a private psychiatric facility against her will! The cops are stymied and wild horses can’t stop Izzie from looking into THIS case! Something nefarious is going on and the further Izzie is pulled into the investigation, the more someone begins to think she’s a threat in need of elimination! Well written, fast moving and featuring a dynamic, interesting and well developed cast of characters “An Itch for Justice” grabbed my attention and held it from beginning to end! There was mystery, suspense, action, intrigue, and a nice bit of romance! What I really loved was the smooth flow of the plot. Beautifully narrated, I was able to follow along with ease while being engaged and entertained the entire time by realistic dialogue and a well thought out, interesting and entertaining plot! There were some twists and surprises along the way, but at the reveal, no unanswered questions! It all just fell into place, made perfect sense, and I loved it! I loved everything about it and look forward to more! Five fantastic stars!
October 9, 2024
It's nice that so many readers enjoyed this. I liked that it was something of a cozy mystery without being twee. But I honestly didn't like much other than that. I hated that Izzy (with a Journalism MINOR) somehow knew more about investigating a murder than the police did. And that she was given access to things and people that would never have occurred IRL.
Also, it was obvious that the author didn't have a background running a small family restaurant (unless she possibly had a front-of-the-house job) because almost everything was unrealistic. No small family restaurant would be capable of allowing one of the owners to work very part time whenever she felt like it so she could play at investigating a murder. And yeah, I don't know of any restaurant inspectors who tell you they're coming ahead of time. And you just accept that they're inspectors without checking their credentials? And don't get me started on Lobster Mac & Cheese. That was not the least bit innovative in 2022. Possible 10 (or more) years before that, but it still wouldn't fit on an Italian menu.
But possibly the worst problem was the choppy writing. I was hoping to continue with the series... but, no.
Also, it was obvious that the author didn't have a background running a small family restaurant (unless she possibly had a front-of-the-house job) because almost everything was unrealistic. No small family restaurant would be capable of allowing one of the owners to work very part time whenever she felt like it so she could play at investigating a murder. And yeah, I don't know of any restaurant inspectors who tell you they're coming ahead of time. And you just accept that they're inspectors without checking their credentials? And don't get me started on Lobster Mac & Cheese. That was not the least bit innovative in 2022. Possible 10 (or more) years before that, but it still wouldn't fit on an Italian menu.
But possibly the worst problem was the choppy writing. I was hoping to continue with the series... but, no.
January 26, 2022
Izzie Di Santi co-owns and manages an Italian restaurant, Cenare, in Pinewood, Maryland, about an hour from Baltimore (as the crow flies). It’s a family affair, with sister Chloe being the chef and longtime employee and family friend, Brook, keeping the place going. Izzie’s passion, however, is investigative journalism. When her former professor calls with a tip regarding a wife who is accused of murder by her husband’s prominent family and whisked away to a private care facility before the cops can get to her, Izzie leaps at the chance to investigate. Things get personal when the prominent family tries to mess with Cenare. Izzie and Chloe won’t stand for that.
This was a fun, low-stress read that held my attention throughout. I like the relationship between Izzie and Chloe, and I like how Brook keeps them both on the straight and narrow. I also enjoyed that the detective on the case is helpful to Izzie. And I learned something about civil commitment to psychiatric facilities. I will read more in this series.
This was a fun, low-stress read that held my attention throughout. I like the relationship between Izzie and Chloe, and I like how Brook keeps them both on the straight and narrow. I also enjoyed that the detective on the case is helpful to Izzie. And I learned something about civil commitment to psychiatric facilities. I will read more in this series.
December 27, 2025
Christa Nardi has become an author I enjoy very much. This is the third set of mysteries I have read by her. Each book includes Isabella Di Sante (Izzy). She and her sister Chloe inherited their parents’ restaurant after both passed away due to illnesses. Chloe is the foodie and chef. Izzy is the business manager and helps as hostess, waitressing, cooking tasks she’s assigned and payroll. Before returning to her hometown in Maryland, she had been working as an investigative reporter in NYC and misses the challenge. She is contacted by her old mentor about a cold case and she works on it with the police. It is also how she meets her boyfriend Henry. He was a cop but retired due to an injury. Now he’s working on getting his PI license and helping Izzy. Each book is about a new cold case with a murder that has stumped the police so Izzy approaches it by interviewing all the people close to the victim and eventually writing up her story. It is well written and very enjoyable to read. A five star book.
December 1, 2024
An entertaining and engaging story. Izzie, restaurant owner and part time investigating reporter is offered an assignment to investigate the murder of the son of a prominent local family, his wife has been committed to a institution and kept incommunicado from everyone. Threats, intimidation and family secrets abound. A well written story with excellent characters that engaged me from the start. Christa Nardi consistently write great storys and this one does not disappoint. Narration by Janelle V Bennett is easy to listen too and well produced. I received a complimentary copy of the audio from the author and am leaving a honest voluntary review.
August 14, 2022
I enjoyed the first book in the "Izzie Di Sante Mysteries". The mystery was puzzling and intricate. I liked the main character Izzie Di Sante. I liked that she was portrayed as being a rational, intelligent woman, who was courageous enough to choose to follow her dream, while still helping her sister with the family business. I am looking forward to the next book in the series. Janelle V. Bennett's narration was entertaining. I was given a free copy of the audiobook, and I have voluntarily posted this review.
January 27, 2022
An Itch for Justice is a fascinating look at involuntary commitment as a cover up for murder! If Izzie does not get involved in this stalled investigation, money and political sway will leave a widow confined a murderer free. This well written book had me up late reading to discover how Izzie would spring the widow and put away the murderer - if she could stay alive long enough to do those things. Don't miss this exciting start to a new series.
October 2, 2023
This was a "new to me" author, and if her other work is consistent with this story, I have a new author to collect. The characters are interesting from the beginning and seem to live in the pages without effort and that is no easy task to accomplish. The plot is easily followed and there is action going on often, as well as a light touch of romance. The premise is in the title, providing justice. I most definitely recommend this book.
October 18, 2024
Good mystery
Izzie is an investigative journalist and co-owner of an Italian restaurant with her sister. She becomes interested in a murder case that has been pushed aside while the wife of the murder victim is put in a mental institution. Izzie's Uber driver turns out to be an ex-cop who helps her investigation. It is an interesting story and I will probably read more in the series.
Izzie is an investigative journalist and co-owner of an Italian restaurant with her sister. She becomes interested in a murder case that has been pushed aside while the wife of the murder victim is put in a mental institution. Izzie's Uber driver turns out to be an ex-cop who helps her investigation. It is an interesting story and I will probably read more in the series.
August 28, 2022
An Itch for Justice is a clean mystery that I would recommend for teens and up. This is a new series and it’s off to a fantastic start in my opinion . The author kept me guessing until the end and I enjoyed the romantic undertones. The narrator gave a nice performance, as well. I’m looking forward to the next book in this series!
January 27, 2022
Intriguing
You will find this first in series an enjoyable read. The characters are well developed and hard to forget. The story line will keep to reading until the end.
You will find this first in series an enjoyable read. The characters are well developed and hard to forget. The story line will keep to reading until the end.
April 6, 2022
Who killed Drew Scanlon and why??? Wow!!!! It’s a good thing Izzie is on the ball, isn’t it??? I enjoyed the story and recommend the book.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews