Book Review - A Summer on the Riviera by Rachel Barnett

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Title: A Summer on the Riviera

Author: Rachel Barnett

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Embla Books

Publication Date: 2nd May 2023

Rating: 5 Stars

They're from different worlds, but for one summer their lives will suddenly collide...

Bella Mason always dreamed of a life beyond her small town but never had the opportunity - until now. When she lands a job as chief stewardess on board a private yacht, it's just the adventure she's been looking for.

After the last couple of years, renowned actress Felicity Kennedy is desperate for a break away from the spotlight. Escaping to the Riviera with her family, she's ready for a blissful holiday with nothing but the fresh sea air and a cocktail in her hand.

But as Bella and Felicity's paths cross, their lives are about to change in a way they never saw coming. Now they're setting sail on unfamiliar seas, navigating unexpected romance, confronting long-buried family secrets and discovering a whole new lease on life during this trip of a lifetime.

A wonderfully escapist and heart-warming read to dive into this summer. Fans of Sarah Morgan, Phillipa Ashley, Jennifer Bohnet and Below Deck will be absolutely charmed by this tale of love, friendship and living life to the fullest.

I could imagine this as a really glamorous movie, or perhaps even a drama series.  There are enough mini cliffhangers, or moments of intrigue, and so many secrets that it would make for some compelling viewing. 

In fact it makes for compelling reading too, and I absolutely adored the Italian Riviera setting, on board a superyacht.

Our leading ladies couldn't be more different, one a brand new chief steward on board the ship, and the other an incredibly well respected actress. Add in jealous crew members, a captain that I really disliked, a sexy nephew amongst the guests onboard, and a lawyer with ulterior motives and you have what is one rather eventful private charter. 

I had to keep reading to discover just what would happen next, while also loving life on the super yacht. 

I just found this incredibly enjoyable and this was my first experience of this author. Needless to say I will definitely be looking out for more, as I love this sort of book. 

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

Book Review - Second Chances at the Board Game Cafe by Jennifer Page

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Title: Second Chances at the Board Game Cafe

Author: Jennifer Page

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Aria

Publication Date: 6th June 2024

Rating: 5 Stars

In the cosy Yorkshire village of Hebbleswick, single mum Taylor dreams of a fashion design career, but she spends her days fixing zips, hemming skirts and worrying about her son, Max.

At the local board game cafe, railway enthusiast Harry, still recovering from a painful breakup, dreams of fatherhood. When Taylor and Harry cross paths, sparks fly, but Harry's confidence issues and Taylor's concerns for Max threaten their budding romance.

Can they find a second chance at love where they least expect it?

This was like a warm hug of a book and was just the book I needed at the point I started reading it. I had had some upsetting news earlier that day, and after spending a few hours dazed and staring into space, I figured I should start reading a new book - picked this and basically didn't look up for the next few hours while I devoured the first half of the book. 

Which I then rapidly finished off the following day. Read in three sittings, in under a day, this was warm, cosy, comforting, and another incredibly good story in this series. 

I am loving these Board Game Cafe books, and the villages of Hebbleswick and Essendale.  And it was great getting to know Harry, one of the train game playing addicts even better. 

And to see the similarities between Harry and Taylor's son Max was really pleasing to see. Less pleasing is how Max is treated at his school by other kids and teachers too.  

He is a rather unique child who is totally fabulous, but it's hard for people to get to see it properly.  While Taylor is just longing for a bed and not a sofa to sleep on. 

She's a talented seamstress and soon gets roped into an upcycling fashion show. 

I loved the various board games that were featured in this, especially Ticket to Ride which is a game I particularly enjoy playing. 

I also loved we were able to catch up with Emily, Jo and Kate from the previous books too, as well as other recurring characters. I do enjoy a sense of community across a series. 

This was a real pleasure to read and I am already looking forward to the next book in the series. 

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

Book Review - The Little Old Lady Strikes Back by Catharina Ingelman-Sundberg

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Title: The Little Old Lady Strikes Back

Author: Catharina Ingelman-Sundberg 

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Pan

Publication Date: 5th October 2023

Rating: 4 Stars

Martha and the infamous League of Pensioners are back in The Little Old Lady Strikes Back, from the author of the smash-hit The Little Old Lady Who Broke All the Rules.

After stealing some priceless Russian jewels from the Stockholm Auction House, Martha and her gang flee to the small village of Hemmavid to lie low. But what they find is a village in crisis, so they decide they want to help revive the place.

But to do so, the village needs money. In steps the League of Pensioners to arrange events to attract paying tourists. Which all turns out to be a rather delicate – and dramatic – balancing act when you are wanted by the police. Even when the school is about to be closed, they step up to put on classes in technology, seamanship and entrepreneurship so that the students can start companies and create new jobs and hopefully a future.

Having donned the mantle of guerrilla fighters come to save Sweden’s countryside from depopulation, will they be able to help the villagers get the attention of the politicians to save the village without being caught?

Catharina Ingelman-Sundberg’s socially engaged, riotous comedy is perfect for fans of The Hundred-Year-Old Man Series and The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. Translated by Rod Bradbury.

It has been almost a decade probably since I last read one of the League of Pensioners books, but I knew I had previously enjoyed the series, so couldn't resist sitting down with this one. 

And I'm glad I did, as Martha and her friends are back in style. 

This group are a wonderful advert for how to grow old disgracefully, while living life to its fullest. 

They a fabulous diamond heist, they decide to lay low in a small countryside village, and then Martha decides she wants to save the whole countryside.  

Expect antics such as sabotage, cow bingo, kidnapping, impersonating the police and a whole lot more as they come up with plan after plan to improve the village and potentially the whole of Swedish countryside living. 

They have big ideas, they are smart and they have follow through. Unlike the police who we get occasional chapters from who seem utterly clueless.

This was a very amusing book and I really enjoyed being back amongst the League of Pensioners. 

Thank you to Pan for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Book Review - Gone.... But Where? by M. A. Comley

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Title: Gone... But Where?

Author: M. A. Comley

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Author supplied copy

Publisher: Jeamel Publishing Limited

Publication Date: 18th July 2024

Rating: 5 Stars

Could a parent’s murky past be the key to a teenager’s disappearance?

Teenager, Sophie Todd, has been reported missing, but she’s no ordinary teenager, she happens to be the daughter of local MP, Ray Todd.

With such a high-profile case to solve, it’s not long before DI Sara Ramsey and her team feel the walls closing in on them.

The stakes are raised even higher when yet another teenager goes missing from the same school.

Who is abducting the teenagers and what could their sinister motives be?

Sara and her team are put under intense pressure from the media and the MP to find the teenagers before something far more serious happens to them, but the clock is ticking.

It's amazing just how talented M. A. Comley is, at managing to keep a series which is on its 24th book already, still feel fresh. 

For that is exactly what she has done in this book, which Sara and her team having a different sort of case to solve.  And just for once at least initially it doesn't involve a dead body! 

It's a case of a missing teenager, who just happens to be the daughter of the local MP that has disappeared.  And there is a complete lack  of evidence, or real theories as to what may have happened or who might be behind it. 

I really felt for Sara during this and as it can't be good having a politician hounding you every couple of hours when you are trying to your best for them. He seems to undermine her and it really frustrated me. 

I was incredibly interested in this case and trying to see if I could figure it out before Sara. And it was good to see more of her and Carla's personal lives too. 

This was addictive and I couldn't read it fast enough. Another cracking addition to this series. 

Thank you to the author for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Book Review - Out of Office by A. H. Cunningham

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Title: Out of Office

Author: A. H. Cunningham

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Mills and Boon Afterglow

Publication Date: 23rd May 2024

Rating: 5 Stars

'[A] dreamy vacation romp.' Today

More than just a holiday romance…

Genevieve Raymond is a workaholic. And after opening a hot new hotel chain location in Panama, she’s on track for a big promotion. But first, she needs a break.

For two weeks, Gen is set to explore beautiful beaches, shimmering waters, and the scorching-hot attraction she shares with her driver, Adrián Nicolas.

After a family tragedy, Adrián refuses to prioritise his work over his life. And Gen can’t help but envy Adrián’s laid-back devotion to his family’s hometown hostel.

But when their holiday fling flourishes beyond sunsets and spice, Gen finds herself questioning the path laid in front of her. With continents between them, a real relationship doesn’t feel possible. Unless they can find the courage to take a chance on life…and love.

Feeling hot, Hot, HOT! 

This book is sizzling! 

The chemistry you could feel from here, it was so strong. 

And the sex...woah that's steamy! 

Add in the fact that most of the book was set in Panama, a beautiful country that I rarely see, if ever in fiction, and a black main character interested in black culture and history of the locations she is visiting, and some LGBT characters too and you have a very exotic and diverse book. 

That is incredibly pleasurable to read, just possibly not in public. 

There is more than just the physical between the leads, and there are some topics that are raised, that are relatable, as well as very relevant to modern day tourism. 

I loved getting to know Gen and Adrian, and also Adrian's family.  I was less keen on Gen's mum but could get where she was coming from. 

It was definitely the gorgeous cover that first caught my attention, but with the way this was written, I know I need to come back for more from this author.  Totally my sort of book! 

Thank you to Mills and Boon and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Book Review - Unorthodox Love by Heidi Shertok

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Title: Unorthodox Love

Author: Heidi Shertok

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Embla Books

Publication Date: 6th June 2023

Rating: 5 Stars

Maybe G-d was distracted the day He assigned soulmates, and accidentally skipped me. Or maybe I was the distracted one, backstroking through the clouds and making dead people jokes, and totally forgot to get in line. Yeah, that must've been it.

Penina has grown up believing the Orthodox Jewish teaching that there is one soulmate out there for everyone. But now she's twenty-nine and single, she's starting to wonder if she's the exception.

She has tried everything to find 'the one' and after yet another disastrous date, she can feel even her faith starting to dwindle.

Add to that spending her days surrounded by diamond engagement rings in the jewellery store where she works and her new boss, Sam Kleinfeld, making her life a living hell, and Penina feels more hopeless than ever.

Until she meets Zevi, a handsome, successful, Orthodox singleton just like her. Who has a rather unusual proposal. Could Penina be about to get everything she's ever wanted?

But then there's Sam, her very non-Orthodox, pain of a boss, who she just can't stop thinking about... Penina has always followed the rules. But will finally getting a chance at true love mean she needs to break some?

A laugh-out-loud romantic comedy, perfect for fans of Ali Hazelwood, Sophie Kinsella and Emily Henry.

Oh this was brilliant. 

There was so much I could relate to, although I'm not orthodox, there was plenty in this that definitely did resonate with me. 

There are two possible paths that Penina could take in this story, and I was never completely sure whether she would choose duty to her family, or her heart - and with those came two rather fabulous men! 

This is after loads of completely rubbish dates that led Penina to have no hope for her future.  Add in changes at the Jewelry store where she works, and we have a character that has a lot of decisions to make in all elements of her life. 

Penina's father almost reminded me of the father in My Big Fat Greek Wedding, different religion sure, but certainly some similar personality traits.   Penina's sisters were brilliant, one married with more children I could possibly count (I think it was five) and then her younger sister is completely independent and I loved some of her opinions.

Penina seems to be the bane of her matchmaker's existence, and some of the potential matches have been totally dire, which adds to the humour of the book. 

I loved Sam from the moment I met him, but same with Zevi. 

This was a lot of fun, and I really enjoyed reading it. 

Would love to read more from this author in the future. 

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

Book Review - Do Me A Favor by Cathy Yardley

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Title: Do Me A Favor

Author: Cathy Yardley

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Montlake

Publication Date: 23rd July 2024

Rating: 5 Stars

Cathy Yardley, author of Role Playing, serves up a delectable rom-com about a widowed cookbook writer and a divorced handyman who find that it’s never too late for a fresh start.

Willa Lieu-Endicott moved from California to the Pacific Northwest to start over. Since her husband’s death, she’s been struggling to get back her old career as a cookbook ghostwriter. Unfortunately, her latest project—ghostwriting for a viral cooking sensation known more for his washboard abs than his meals—has her stuck.

Until she meets her new neighbor.

Hudson Clark, the handyman next door, lives on a farm with his parents and two adult children. He’s the opposite of everything she’s ever known. His happily chaotic life includes biker barbecues, an escape artist dog, and adorably menacing goats. He’s also got a sinfully sexy smile and a rumbling bass voice that makes her shiver. He inspires her.

From their first meeting, the two fall into an escalating cycle of favors, paybacks…and attraction, even though Willa’s trying to keep her distance.

They both have their own pasts to deal with. Now, they just have to figure out if they have a future.

I absolutely adored this book and couldn't get enough of it, it was just so readable.

I totally fell in love with Hudson, the handyman next door, a guy who knows he looks good, but also is determined to treat a woman right. He puts others happiness ahead of his own, and I fell further for him, pretty much with every action, or any time time he spoke. 

Willa on the other hand took me a while to fully gel with, but it was clear from the first chapter that she likes dogs, which definitely helped, and I absolutely loved the idea of her being a ghost writer of cookery books, with her latest commission being for someone who just prances about in his videos looking sexy with food. 

She however doesn't overly feel sexy herself, and inspiration is lacking, until she gets to know Hudson a bit better, as the heat between them palpable from the first instance. And wow there are some fabulous scenes late in the book. 

In fact there are some other great scenes early on, including the incredibly smart way the Willa is able to put people in their place, without even raising her voice. Oh and the first time she meets Hudson's family's goats, is brilliant! 

There was a lot for me to love in this book, and I really did, and for me this small island town setting, in the Pacific Northwest was really refreshing in a book, I don't think I've read much set there, and totally loved the vibes I was getting of the island and it's community. 

This is now the second book I've read from this author and given how  much I have enjoyed both of them, I feel like I will continue to seek her out in the future. 

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

Book Review - Game, Set, Match by Heidi Stephens

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Title: Game, Set, Match

Author: Heidi Stephens

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Headline Accent

Publication Date: 22nd June 2023

Rating: 4 Stars

LOVE DOESN'T ALWAYS PLAY BY THE RULES . . .

Hannah has been married to Graham since they were eighteen - a union of desperation to escape their strict families. He's the only man she's ever kissed and honestly, she's not sure he's any good at it. But fourteen years of washing his underwear is more than enough to kill the romance.

Well, that and the fact that he's got a work colleague pregnant.

Hannah's new-found freedom is an opportunity to finally put herself first, and a trip to Spain sounds like the perfect start. Yes, it might be with three near strangers, but it's also a chance to play tennis every day under the Spanish sun, before heading off on a solo road trip and starting the next phase of her life.

Then Hannah meets Rob, who has kissed ALL the women and is 100% not her type. And besides, she's really not looking for love right now. But if there's one thing Hannah knows about tennis, it's that sometimes taking a risk can pay off - and when you fault on your first serve, you get a second chance.

Escape to the Spanish hills in this completely gorgeous and delicious romantic comedy that will have you snorting with laughter. If you love Catherine Walsh, Laura Jane Williams and Sophie Ranald, you won't want to miss this!

What a fabulous mix of tennis and armchair travel to Spain, complete with some clear sexual chemistry between our leads. 

Hannah is an interesting woman, especially with regards her upbringing and definitely the best thing she has done in her life is demand a divorce from her husband and then agree to take a trip to Spain with some new friends, to play a lot of tennis. 

Rob is a new tennis coach at Club Colina, and he seemed like a really nice guy, compared to the utterly painful to read about other coaches who have a bingo card of women to tick off for the season! 

Rob and Hannah hit it off instantly but Hannah really isn't sure what she is feeling, and Rob isn't looking for anything serious. And then after Hannah's week of Tennis coaching she intends to go off on a road trip and it is one that changes her a lot, and one that was brilliant to read. 

Although there is tennis present in the book, if you don't know the sport that well, don't worry, it's not too top heavy, and doesn't require much knowledge of the scoring system of anything to enjoy what is going on.  As a sports lover though it was, what drew me to the book and why I decided to read it while it was Wimbledon season! 

I loved delving into Hannah's family, and getting to know her new friends. Also really enjoyed getting to know Rob and all sides of his personality. 

It was a highly enjoyable story that I couldn't get enough of.  This is the second book I've read from this author and I really do need to read more. 

Thank you to Headline Accent and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Book Review - I'm Her Mother by Lauren North

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Title: I'm Her Mother

Author: Lauren North

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Bookouture

Publication Date: 18th July 2024

Rating: 5 Stars

We both say she’s our daughter. But one of us is lying…

My little girl Lola is my whole world. Three years old and so beautiful – all golden curls and dimpled cheeks.

But on our way home from holiday she was stolen, whisked away in the blink of an eye.

I can’t breathe without Lola. I don’t know how to get her back.

The woman who has my daughter is on the run. And she has no intention of bringing Lola home. Because she says she’s her mother.

But that’s impossible, because I’m Lola’s mother.

Though really, I should have known my secrets would come back to haunt me. That this day was always going to come…

Two women claim that Lola belongs to them. Two women with something to hide. Only one is telling the whole truth… Who will you believe?

Wow, wowsers, just wow! Not other words needed.  Just go buy and read this book and then tell me you don't agree! 

My mind is blown. 

Literally been sitting here for a couple of hours trying to think of words, but it's impossible. Anything I say might be taken as a spoiler which I wouldn't want to do. 

I definitely didn't see anything coming, 

I equally could barely stop reading it, to the extent that I not only was reading on the tube, but in the cab office and then in the cab ride home, all totally fed up that I kept having to move from one to the other while I was so so close to the end, and just wanting to see what would happen next. 

Was never fully sure who to believe, but both of leading ladies stories are totally compelling.   And I kept on gasping out loud. 

Definitely Lauren North's best book, even though I've loved them all, this one just wow.

Basically I loved it, was addicted, and you really do need to read it for yourself! And trust no one! 

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

Book Review - The Escape Room by L. D. Smithson

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Title: The Escape Room

Author: L. D. Smithson

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Transworld Digital

Publication Date: 29th February 2024

Rating: 5 Stars

Eight contestants. One killer. Can you find the traitor?

Everything is a clue.

Bonnie arrives on a remote sea fort off the coast of England to take part in a mysterious reality TV show. Competing against seven strangers, she must solve a series of puzzles to win the prize money, but this is no game - and the consequences of failure are deadly.

No one leaves.

Under scrutiny from the watching public, the contestants quickly turn on one another. Who will sacrifice the most for wealth and fame? And why can't Bonnie shake the creeping sense that they are not alone?

The only way out is to win.

When the first contestant is found dead, Bonnie begins to understand the dark truth at the heart of this twisted competition: there's a killer inside the fort, and anyone could be next. If Bonnie wants to escape, she needs to win...

Are you ready to play?

Wow.. claustrophobic...atmospheric...addictive...exhilarating...wow

Those are currently a few of the words going around in my head having just finished reading The Escape Room. 

Other thoughts include - "I didn't see that coming",  "I'd have never have guessed that ending", "reality TV in a psychological thriller is always a great mix for me, and one set on a remote fort in the Solent, and just wow". 

Easily one of the best books I've read for a while, this was totally amazing. I loved the amount of thought and detail that had gone into creating the setting, and all of the various riddles, ciphers and puzzles.  I think had I been taking part, that there is no way I would have ever survived. 

It was so cleverly crafted, by what I believe to be an incredibly twisted but intelligent mind.  I found myself constantly reaching for the book to read more and more. 

I was hooked and I needed to know how it would all turn out. 

If you only read one psychological thriller this year, make it this one. It's stupendous. 

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

Book Review - It's Getting Hot in Here by Jane Costello

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Title: It's Getting Hot in Here

Author: Jane Costello

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton

Publication Date: 18th July 2024

Rating: 5 Stars

HER HOT FLUSHES MUST BE THE PERI-MENOPAUSE. THEY SURELY COULDN'T BE ... LOVE?

Lisa Darling - high-flying TV-exec and twice-divorced mother-of-two - has enough on her plate without having to deal with the handsome New Yorker parachuted in to her best friend's job at work.

She's already navigating life with a grotty teenage son, organising a PTA cheese & wine event, supporting her oldest friend through breast cancer treatment and, since she hit 47, facing a new perimenopause symptom every day. It's no wonder she never has time for Pilates or that DIY panelling she keeps seeing on Instagram (though she'd be the first to admit she'd rather share a bottle of wine with her friends any day).

So when Lisa starts feeling overheated every time she clashes with Zach Russo, she convinces herself it will pass. Maybe her HRT just needs adjusting. Until, that is, she finds herself in a sexy - and seriously ill-advised - clinch with him. And then another . .

All of which leads to one question: these long-forgotten feelings couldn't be caused by something else entirely . . . could they?

Fun, frank and fabulous, Lisa Darling is the romantic comedy heroine we've ALL been waiting for!

I gasped and then jumped for joy when I discovered that there was after a long long wait, a brand new Jane Costello novel available. 

And having just devoured it I'm very happy to say she hasn't lost her touch, her writing is still as fabulous and enjoyable as I've always found it, and this is a book that had me giggling out loud from the end of the first chapter.  I also felt right at home within the pages of this book within the first few pages, which always helps my enjoyment. 

It's just brilliant, a look at motherhood, menopause, juggling work and family, friends, the insanity that is the PTA and well an incredibly good looking new colleague, who is only there for a short while, and those are just some of what is covered in this. 

Lisa Darling is a fabulous new character, she has regular to do lists, of which there are some items that literally never ever ever, leave it, seems slightly obsessed with socks (or at least there is far more mentions of socks than I can recall in other books), she has a million and one apps on her phone to in theory streamline and improve her life - if only there weren't constant notifications for them all and she is mother to Jacob and Leo. 

Leo is a typical teenage boy, and appears to be turning into an unrecognisable monster of a thing  by the day - so I suspect many parents of teenage boys will totally relate to this.  And Jacob is 10 years old and loves joining clubs, and seems to have new interests continually.  I loved Jacob! 

I loved Lisa's job working in a streaming service and coming up with new programme ideas, and her colleagues suggestions for shows at times bordered on the bizarre - so probably would be very watchable! 

She is a single mother who has totally sworn off men, so naturally she is attracted to her best friend and colleague's temporary replacement, although she is convinced it's due to HRT rather than lust! And I loved the interactions between her and Zach Russo. 

There is just so much going on this, with plenty of sub plots and action to keep you enthralled the entire time. 

It's a joyous romantic comedy, from one of my auto-read (without looking at the blurb) authors, and I just really hope we don't have so long to wait until her next book. I'd also love a sequel, as I was enjoying these characters so so much. 

Just brilliant, and relatable, and entertaining and many other superlatives! 

Thank you to Hodder & Stoughton and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Book Review - Murder on the Italian Riviera by T. A. Williams

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Title: Murder on the Italian Riviera

Author: T. A. Williams

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Boldwood Books

Publication Date: 2nd May 2024

Rating: 5 Stars

An ex-con…

Private investigator Dan Armstrong is no stranger to working with criminals, but when he’s approached for help by Bianca Moretti, he’s on high alert. Bianca is intelligent and beautiful, and Dan likes her, but he also once sent her to prison…

A suspicious death…

Bianca explains that a guest has been found dead at her father’s luxurious and private retreat on the beautiful Italian Riviera. The police are sure the death is accidental, but Bianca is convinced the man’s been murdered. Dan’s sure he can get to the bottom of things…as long as Bianca is telling him the whole truth.

A very revealing case!

But when Dan arrives at the resort, he's in for a shock. He finds that the place is a naturist retreat, and everybody is walking around stark naked! Dan is determined to discover the truth, but this is going to mean revealing a whole lot more of himself than he expected.

Can Dan sniff out the truth about this case before Oscar's cold wet nose causes havoc?

This is a series that is going from strength to strength, and it's clear that T.A. Williams is having tremendous fun, picking new locations and settings for murders for Dan and Oscar to investigate. 

As this one is set on the Italian Riviera, at a naturist retreat! And yes Dan does end up walking around in the buff!! 

It always amazes me how the Italian police always seem so happy to have Dan's help with whatever case he has also been asked to look into.  As was the case this time. 

This was another really strong addition to the series full of Italian food, funny moments, and a whole host of suspects that I really wasn't sure what to think.  And the dead person turned out to be quite interesting too, 

Oscar was utterly fabulous as always, and is turning into a totally amazing canine detective. as well as seems to have a fabulous ability to completely understand Dan.  

I loved the Italian Riviera setting, always great to move around Italy, and there was a plausible reasons for Dan to take on this case, even though it's quite far away from his home, and I can envisage we will see even more of Italy in upcoming books. 

Basically I loved it. 

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