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Missing in Firenze: An Antonio Cortese Mystery
Antonio Cortese, restauranteur and ex-detective is dealing with PTSD from the terror attack that stole his wife and daughter three years prior. He's still trying to get his feet under him when his world seems to crumble once again.
Gabriella, the beautiful Carabinieri detective from Tuscany, has breathed new life into him. Now a suspicious accident takes the life of her brother and his wife. Antonio wants to be with her. As he makes plans to do so, he receives a desperate call from his Uncle Nicolo, lead detective in Siena. Antonio's cousin, Raphael, a policeman in Firenze, has disappeared.
Antonio returns to Tuscany, where the search for Raphael embroils he and Nicolo a dangerous web child prostitution, human trafficking, and the Nigerian mob--all as the Covid-19 epidemic begins its deadly spread throughout Italy and Antonio's home state of Washington. The clock is ticking and there is far more at stake than meets the eye.
Gabriella, the beautiful Carabinieri detective from Tuscany, has breathed new life into him. Now a suspicious accident takes the life of her brother and his wife. Antonio wants to be with her. As he makes plans to do so, he receives a desperate call from his Uncle Nicolo, lead detective in Siena. Antonio's cousin, Raphael, a policeman in Firenze, has disappeared.
Antonio returns to Tuscany, where the search for Raphael embroils he and Nicolo a dangerous web child prostitution, human trafficking, and the Nigerian mob--all as the Covid-19 epidemic begins its deadly spread throughout Italy and Antonio's home state of Washington. The clock is ticking and there is far more at stake than meets the eye.
- GenresMystery
351 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 18, 2022
79 people are currently reading
12 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
September 12, 2022
I enjoyed this as much as the author's first Antonio Cortese book. I never get tired of all the food prep and family meals that punctuate the thrilling action and complex detective work. The Firenze (Florence) setting is an added plus, having visited that intriguing city once (and hopefully again), although we didn't run into any Nigerian Mafia. Great, fun read.
Like Antonio, Curtiss is a retired restaurant owner. Full disclosure, I was a big fan of Frankie's Pizza and Pasta in Redmond WA.
Like Antonio, Curtiss is a retired restaurant owner. Full disclosure, I was a big fan of Frankie's Pizza and Pasta in Redmond WA.
July 9, 2024
missing Firenze
Enjoying this series set in Italy. I lived in Firenze, Perugia, & Venezia—the author weaves in enough authentic Italian details to make the stories come alive. I know all the places he mentions & that adds to my appreciation as the stories unfold. The mysteries Antonio finds himself unraveling have so many twists & turns I find it hard to put the book down! Also appreciate his treatment of the current events —& problems of modern Italy—from immigration to COVID. Add in the most amazingly simple Italian meals (with recipes!) & there is always something to learn in these novels. They make me homesick…. How I miss cooking with my Italian Nonna! Eager to read the next in the series.
Enjoying this series set in Italy. I lived in Firenze, Perugia, & Venezia—the author weaves in enough authentic Italian details to make the stories come alive. I know all the places he mentions & that adds to my appreciation as the stories unfold. The mysteries Antonio finds himself unraveling have so many twists & turns I find it hard to put the book down! Also appreciate his treatment of the current events —& problems of modern Italy—from immigration to COVID. Add in the most amazingly simple Italian meals (with recipes!) & there is always something to learn in these novels. They make me homesick…. How I miss cooking with my Italian Nonna! Eager to read the next in the series.
November 9, 2025
A Powerful, Heart Pounding Thriller
This gripping story blends emotional depth with intense suspense. Antonio’s struggle with loss and redemption is raw and compelling, set against a backdrop of danger, corruption, and global crisis. A masterful mix of mystery, heart, and humanity impossible to put down.
This gripping story blends emotional depth with intense suspense. Antonio’s struggle with loss and redemption is raw and compelling, set against a backdrop of danger, corruption, and global crisis. A masterful mix of mystery, heart, and humanity impossible to put down.
October 23, 2024
Better and better.
This second book in the series really had me hooked from the first chapter. The pace was fast, but the characters and their relationships with each other held things together. The food!
This second book in the series really had me hooked from the first chapter. The pace was fast, but the characters and their relationships with each other held things together. The food!
November 6, 2024
Better than the first one!
I liked this one better than the first one, I think, and that’s rare!! It’s like “Aliens” after “Alien”: where a sequel is more amazing than the first, IMHO. Can’t wait to dive into Book III! Keep writing, Mr. Curtiss!!! Loving Cortese’s escapades.
I liked this one better than the first one, I think, and that’s rare!! It’s like “Aliens” after “Alien”: where a sequel is more amazing than the first, IMHO. Can’t wait to dive into Book III! Keep writing, Mr. Curtiss!!! Loving Cortese’s escapades.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews