This book is similar in theme (and cover design, if one judges books by the covers) to Mary Stewart's books of the 1960s. I had high hopes! As the story begins, it is quite reminiscent of early Stewart: the "exotic" setting in the hills of Tuscany is fairly well-realized and the heroine as persistent and determined as one could wish. I found the ending disappointing because the beginning had been so encouraging and my expectations were high; I expected Samantha to find something more to do in a crisis than be rescued. A heroine of detection but not of action, she really does cope at least as well as the average female found in gothic romance, but not up to the standard she achieves earlier in the book. ( )

Good, brief read for those who enjoy mild mystery, archaeology, romance, and Italy. ( )