Alexander Marriott

Well, I just got back from a vacation to Ithaca with Hercule Poirot. At least, that's what this book made me feel like. I've never experienced such an indepth exploration of a place - past and present - within the pages of a mystery, like I did with this book. And all of the people sprinkled throughout, including the suspects and villains, were either charming, intriguing, comical or sad. Did I mention I had a ton of fun with this book?

I don't thing I've ever enjoyed a history lesson this show more much. It made me immediately want to go back and reacquaint myself with any past knowledge I had of the Odyssey and the Iliad. This author has managed to create a cast of characters and a crime-fighting duo that feel like they've been around forever. I certainly can't wait to spend time in this world again and am really looking forward to my next vacation here. show less

Murder with a Glass of Malvasia is a pleasant, atmospheric mystery. The story has a nice pace, drawing readers into a vividly described setting where wine, tradition, and secrets intertwine. Virgil is grouchy but quite likable and observant, with the instincts of a professional detective. It ends with a Nero Wolfe-like denouement and shares his appreciation for fine food and drink. Hopefully, the Mediterranean aura will be a continuing part of this quite good series

I received this as an early reviewer and I'm glad I did because I enjoyed the main two characters, Virgil and Costas, and I enjoyed the mystery in the setting in Greece. I did find it a bit confusing at times because of the naming of the various characters, but on the whole, I could understand the story. I actually, on the basis of reading this, ended up buying his first mystery, the School of Homer. And candidly, I enjoyed it more, but maybe that was because it gave me a lot of grounding, show more which helped me to understand what was going on in this new book.

Some of the murders [the main one has to do with the main story, but there's another as well] weren't pleasant but certainly painted the assassin character correctly. And I was honestly surprised when he was identified.

I do enjoy the main character, Virgil, and his friend Costas [small town's police chief] and their interaction. And I particularly enjoyed all the information about that part of Greece and it's whetted my appetite! Interesting, a bit challenging at times but an enjoyable read. show less

A friend of mine recommended this to me recently. I traveled in Greece some time ago and like to occasionally go back in literature and travel writing. This mystery, which is really a love note to a special island, meditates on loss, friendship, home, and myth vs reality.

I really enjoyed traveling around the island looking for clues about the victim and learning more about how or why Ithaca might not actually be Ithaca at all. A basic familiarity with Greek myths and the Homeric tradition show more will be necessary here, though the author provides brief overviews of what matters as you move along. Lots of good ancillary characters to keep you guessing as to where it's going and who the murderer is. The payoff over the final quarter of the book is a page turner!

I also enjoyed the parallel story set in ancient times serving as prologue and epilogue. When I was done with the whole thing, I realized how important it was for the entire plot and many of the themes (though you could skip it and still follow the novel easily).

I can see why some might find it dense at times, but I sorta like that kind of thing. Too much contemporary writing is getting Dan Browned and James Pattersoned, like a novel should be a series of tweets pretending to be chapters or dialogue. This novel definitely is more towards the Michener side of things. I approve! show less