Camilla Trinchieri

This excellent debut mystery features former NYPD police detective Nico Doyle who moves to his deceased wine's Italian town. A small dog alerts him to a problem in some wooded property adjoining his own. He calls the local carabinieri when he discovers a murdered man. Nico, fired from his position and with no other remaining family, moved near his wife's family where he helps them with a restaurant. He loves culinary experimentation. When Perillo, the local maresciallo, discovers Nico's show more background, he asks for his unofficial assistance in the investigation. In spite of his request for assistance, Perillo does appear to be a competent investigator. I loved this book which reminds me of Martin Walker's Bruno series with an Italian rather than French setting. I look forward to reading the next in series. show less

This book made me feel like I was in Italy. The characters, scenery and food all contributed to a marvelous atmosphere that I couldn't get enough of. Nico was a great protagonist. All of the characters were full and complex. The suspense was about right for an Italian mystery. I'm looking forward to reading more from this author. I only just discovered her.

As with the first Tuscan mystery by Camilla Trinchieri (Murder in Chianti), I couldn't help but be reminded of Martin Walker's Bruno Chief of Police series as I read The Bitter Taste of Murder. The major difference is that the main character, Nico Doyle, is an American who moved to the small town in Italy where his wife grew up after her untimely death. However, there's the mouth-watering food and wine, beautiful landscapes, and camaraderie that fans of Martin Walker's series have come to show more love.

Nico helps out at a local restaurant, and he often creates his own recipes. If you're a lover of Italian food as I am, don't read this book when you're hungry. He also has a routine that brings readers into contact with many of his fellow villagers and friends. It's these villagers and friends who really give The Bitter Taste of Murder its feeling of community and fellowship. Nico has adopted a street dog he named OneWag who has his own routine, but he's usually to be found at Nico's side. There's the old man everyone calls Gogol, who goes from place to place quoting Dante. There's a developing relationship between Nico and the artist Nelli, which can make readers smile because the two are so awkward around each other. But of all the townspeople, it's the local maresciallo Salvatore Perillo and his second-in-command who really keep Nico busy helping them solve mysteries.

Perillo may be a fashion plate with his suede boots and jacket, and Daniele his second-in-command may be a sweetheart with his tendency to blush and his heart on his sleeve, but neither one is s slouch at investigating crime. However, they have learned that Nico can be very useful at getting into places and talking to people that they can't. Keeping him a secret from those higher up the chain of command can be difficult though.

The mystery of who killed the wine critic is a strong and ultimately sad one, but it is the land, the food, and the people of Tuscany who shine the brightest in The Bitter Taste of Murder. I'm certainly looking forward to my next visit.

(Review copy courtesy of the publisher and Net Galley) show less

Murder in Tuscany!

A story of murder interspersed with meals that sound so scrumptious that I was salivating. Really, every second page deals with a different food, or type of meal. What joy!
Nico Doyle an ex NYP detective, Salvatore Perillo the local head of the Carabinieri and Daniel Donato, Salvatore’s assistant, are once again caught up in murder. Laura Benati, the manager of Hotel Bella Vista has reported that her bartender Cesare Rinaldo as missing. It seems there’s plenty of people show more with a reason to want to dispose of Cesare. Are their historical reasons for Cesare missing, economic?
Nico is at a crisis point in his personal life. He’s attracted to local artist Nelli Corsi but where does that leave his feelings for hips dead wife Rita. He wants something more in his relationship with Nelli but he’s still grieving the loss of Rita. Conflicted!
Underneath flows the stories of the characters personal lives and their hopes, dreams and fears. I love that this series has such a communal feel. Old timers giving their opinions on everything, as do his wife’s relations, in fact everyone in the town. Nico’s dog One Wag is front and center, adding a touch of the quixotic.
Another satisfying Italian mystery set in Gravigna, a small town in the Chianti hills of Tuscany.

A Soho Press ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher. show less