Book Review - Murder in Tuscany by T. A. Williams

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Title: Murder in Tuscany

Author: T. A. Williams

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Boldwood Books

Publication Date: 18th October 2022

Rating: 5 Stars

A remote retreat…

Nestled high in the Tuscan hills lies Villa Volpone, home to renowned crime writer Jonah Moore and his creative writing course. It’s also the last place retired DCI Dan Armstrong expected to spend his retirement! Dan’s no writer, but maybe this break will help him to think about the next chapter in his own life story?

A gruesome murder…

But only days into the course, Jonah Moore is found stabbed to death with his award-winning silver dagger! And Dan finds himself pulled out of retirement with a killer to catch.

Eleven possible suspects.

The other guests all seem shocked by Jonah’s death, but Dan knows that one of them must be lying. And as he and Italian Commissario Virgilio Pisano begin to investigate it quickly becomes clear that everyone at Villa Volpone has secrets to hide…

But can Dan discover who the murderer is before they strike again?

A gripping new murder mystery series by bestselling author T.A. Williams, perfect for fans of Lee Strauss and Beth Byers.

From the opening chapter which is probably one of the funniest things I've read from this author, turning into a cosy mystery that had me completely and utterly gripped - I can safely say that I have thoroughly enjoyed T. A. Williams change of genre. 

I loved that this was set on a remote writing retreat in the Tuscan countryside, on a writing course specialising in one rather adult genre - which given Dan wasn't intending to write the genre in question, has a rather eye opening time for all manner of reasons. 

Some of the conversations between him and the other participants on the course were so so funny, and incredibly enjoyable. 

Then there is the murder, fairly early into the story, and it was good to see Dan trying to help the local police, given he is a retired DCI.  I loved seeing his investigative attempts, and literally had no idea just who had offed a rather unlikeable man. 

I had a very strong theory the whole time as to the motive, and shockingly it wasn't even one contemplated by anyone in the book, which shows just how little I know about predicting a killer! 

I was transported to Tuscany, to this writing retreat, with great descriptions of the area, local food, Italian policing, and the authors trademark back lab has also made the change of genre, and plays a key part to the story too. 

I am very excited to learn this if the first book in a series, I literally can't wait to read the next books, I think just like their romance's, the author is onto another winning book here. I can't fault it in the slightest and was addicted! 

Thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.