I’m delighted today to be joining the blog tour for Murder at the Ponte Vecchio by T A Williams, and sharing my review – the eleventh (can you believe it?) in the quite wonderful Armstrong and Oscar cosy mystery series. Published on 4th May by Boldwood Books, it’s now available as an ebook (free via Kindle Unlimited), in paperback, and as an audiobook. Thank you, as always, to Rachel at Rachel’s Random Resources for the invitation and support, and to the publishers for my advance reading copy (provided via netgalley).
I’m just home from holiday, and must apologise that my review today will be a little shorter than usual (as well as a little later in the day!) – but I really didn’t want to miss out on being part of the blog tour for the latest book in what might just have become my all-time favourite series. I’ve mentioned (many times…) that cosy mysteries are rarely my choice of reading, but as well as the clever plots and gripping stories, I just adore the relationships (especially, of course, Dan’s with Labrador Oscar), the many touches of humour, and the wonderfully detailed Italian settings (and the food – I really must mention that too!). You’ll find reviews of every book in the series if you pop the author’s name into my search bar (no spoilers, I promise) – and of many of Trevor’s romances too, which were my introduction to his writing. And every book in this series is readable (and would be enjoyable) as a standalone, although you’d miss out on the character development – so why deny yourself the pleasure of starting from the very beginning with Murder in Tuscany (you’ll find my review of that one here)?
Let’s take a look at the latest….
An iconic bridge… 🌉
Private investigator, Dan Armstrong, lives and works in Florence and knows the world famous Ponte Vecchio well. Usually a magnet for tourists, on this occasion it is the scene of an unexplained death, and Dan finds himself involved in the intriguing case.
An uncompromising man… 😠
Dan quickly discovers that the victim, an elderly jeweller, was every bit as hard as the diamonds he sold in his shop on the bridge. Few people liked him, not even his adult children, and his business dealings look murkier than the waters of the River Arno. Dan suspects more secrets lie hidden…perhaps inside the massive safe in the old man’s luxury villa…
A complex case. 💎🔍
As the evidence begins to mount up, so too do the suspects with their different motives. With a fortune in gold bullion and precious stones involved, Dan thinks the only way to catch the killer is to lay a trap, but might he be caught in the killer’s sights? Fortunately, he has Oscar, his canine wingman at his side, always eager to prove that he’s as good as gold. 🐶
Can Dan and Oscar sniff out the killer’s tracks or will this case be a bridge too far?
When Dan is approached by a jeweller on the Ponte Vecchio seeking his help, he’s unable to find out what the problem is – the man is found hanging from the bridge before they meet, and it really doesn’t look like either suicide or a random violent robbery. Estranged from his family, who had all already been summoned to his luxurious Florence home to discuss his plans for his will, the suspects in his death begin to line up – and Dan and Oscar are there to help the police with their investigations.
But there are other unfolding mysteries too – particularly the evident corruption within the ranks of the police, with files disappearing and a range of possible suspects, that is causing such upset for his usually affable friend Virgilio. And through all this, Dan gets involved with a local theatre group with possible links to both cases – and, rather uncomfortably, finds himself taking part in their new production.
The story is deliciously convoluted, filled with the unexpected, as Dan gradually uncovers the links and clues, the finger of suspicion – in both the main cases – always moving. Oscar, of course, plays his part in sorting out the people to be trusted from the villains, with a nod, a paw on the knee, or even by flinging himself on someone’s lap – although he always remains on the alert for an attractive female or his next meal. And as always, the settings are quite wonderfully drawn, the characterisation so well done – and the Tuscan food as tasty as ever. I’m also growing to enjoy Dan’s relationship with partner Anna – she has the patience of a saint every time Dan leaves her in the lurch, and they really are a couple made for each other.
This was the most perfect addition to this long-running series – every book still feels fresh and new, and the storylines never fail to keep me entirely gripped, keeping me guessing and enjoying every moment. I’m already looking forward to the next – and recommend this one as highly as ever.
About the author
T A Williams is the bestselling author of the Armstrong and Oscar cozy mystery series. Trevor studied languages at University and lived and worked in Italy for eight years, returning to England with his wife in 1972. Trevor and his wife now live in Devon.
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