Dan Armstrong with his buddy, black lab, Oscar have are working to get his PI business moving. They are hired to protect a movie set that is under attack with Crossbow bolts aimed at the cast. The location shooting is a time travel and everyone is dressed in medieval costumes including Dan. Trying to find the archer while dodging the bolts has Oscar feeling a game while Dan is tense.

Interesting concept. Great characters.

#MurderinFlorence #NetGalley This is the 3rd book in this series and I have not read the first two but this was perfectly capable of being read as a standalone. This is described as a cozy murder mystery and I feel that description is quite apt. A fun, easy to read, light hearted (despite the gruesome murder) mystery. I did wonder how realistic Dan being perfectly fluent in Italian was, after a career in the British police force but maybe this was covered in one of the previous books. Not the gritty police procedural or thriller that I usually read but enjoyable nevertheless. Throw in a cute dog and the beautiful Italian scenery and what is not to like!

Murder in Florence is the third Armstrong and Oscar cozy destination mystery by T.A. Williams. Released 7th April 2023 by Boldwood books, it's 267 pages and is available in hardcover, paperback, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free. The other books in the series are also currently available on KU.

This is a beautifully descriptive and well written destination mystery set in Tuscany. Expat former policeman Dan Armstrong and his trusty canine sidekick Oscar are asked to help investigate a spate of attacks and accidents on the set of a movie in production in the area. Dan's ostensibly along to facilitate translations in English for the police and witnesses, but his insights are valuable and he and the lead detective have a good rapport and friendship.

The plotting is solid and the dialogue and characterizations are wonderfully rendered and believable. The mystery, denouement, and resolution are self contained in this volume, so it works well enough as a standalone, but the writing and mystery are so well planned and executed, that it would make an excellent weekend binge or buddy read. There are currently 4 books available. The scenery, characterizations, and mystery are consistently high quality and complex enough that it would also make a fine selection for a mystery book club discussion.

It's not derivative at all, but it reminded me in a lot of good ways of Leon's exceptional Brunetti books as well as Walker's lovely Bruno, chief of police books. Fans of those authors will find a lot to enjoy here.

Five stars. Highly recommended.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

Dan Armstrong has retired from the police force, left England, and is now a private investigator in Florence Italy. With his faithful dog, Oscar, Dan is enjoying his new career, even though it has mostly consisted of compiling information for divorce cases. His luck turns when he is hired to investigate a series of violent attacks on a Hollywood movie set.

This book is described as a cozy mystery and it is as far as the amount of gore and graphic details (there is none). But, it is much better written, with a much more interesting plot, than most cozy mysteries I’ve read recently. Murder in Florence has rich details about the city as well as the characters and I found this to be very appealing.

The main character isn’t perfect and he is very likable….especially since he has a dog that is totally adorable. I am looking forward to more adventures with Dan and Oscar. If you can’t travel to Italy this summer this book is the next best thing. I really enjoyed it. NetGalley provided an advance copy.

This is the third book in the Armstrong and Oscar Cozy Mystery series. Dan Armstrong is a retired detective who had relocated to Florence, Italy and works as a Private Investigator. He is often requested to help the police when a crime is committed (usually murder) and they need a pair of fresh eyes from someone with experience. Oscar is his trustworthy sidekick who has a sixth sense and often helps to solve the crime. In this book, Dan has been hired by a Hollywood Production Company to provide security, but it ends up that he is solving a murder. They are making a film about the Medicis and there is a series of arrow attacks with messages. The cast and crew are uncomfortable and the motive will have a lot to do with these attacks. First Dan has to find the motive, then he will find the culprit.

I enjoy cozy mysteries where the protagonist has some experience investigating (PI, retired police, coroner etc.) This brings a bit of realism to the story. I love the location of Florence and the Tuscan Countryside, especially as Italy is on my bucket list. The descriptions are wonderful and give me an idea of what the scenery and location are like. This book has a large cast of characters as the movie set is the major setting of the story. I loved how there were several stereotypical characters you find on a movie set. It was fun to get to know many of them and it also gives a lot of suspects to investigate. There were many red herrings and every time I thought I had it figured out, something changed my mind. Being a history buff, I enjoyed the bits about the Medici family and the history surrounding it. Of course Dan and Oscar solve the case, but there is a lot of action along the way. I recommend this book and series to cozy mystery lovers, especially if you love ones set in Europe.

I'm often unsure if I'll enjoy a more modern mystery and I hadn't read any previous work by T A Williams but I'm really glad I did, I enjoyed both Dan and Oscar as well as the storyline! The backdrop of Florence and Dan's great relationship with the local police force makes for a more credible read. Having finished this episode, I went off and found the others in the series and read them as well.

With thanks to Netgalley, Boldwood Books and the author for my advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

Although the third in the series, this feels as fresh as ever. There is a certain amount of humour in the story which I enjoyed and of course, Oscar the Labrador is as adorable as ever. Dan is a likeable central character and you feel that you are getting to know more about him, this far into the series.

The setting is gorgeous and Tuscany is very much at the centre if the story with some lovely descriptions. The storyline itself has several possible threads which you find yourself considering along with Dan. There are some red herrings to decipher before the truth behind the crimes emerges. This is an enjoyable read, full of interest which uses the culture of Italy to add depth to the story. Alongside the mystery, there is a gentle thread of romance which adds interest.

In short: murder amongst the Tuscan hills with a dash of romance
Thanks to the publisher for a copy of the book

Dan Armstrong is a private investigator in Florence. The job has been low key till now.
A series of threats against the stars and the filming of a block buster has set everyone
including the local Police on edge.

The murder of one of the crew especially with a bow and arrow sets the investigation in
a different way. Is it linked to the story being filmed and someone's aversion to the story,
or the manner in which the story is being directed, or is it personal to someone who is
acting or directing. When the killings and attempted killings escalate, the investigation
has to escalate too to prevent more blood shed.

Unusual setting, for a mystery murder, seemingly laid back detective work but a good s

Murder in Florence is the third delightful installment in best-selling author T A Williams’ hugely enjoyable Armstrong and Oscar series.

As a private investigator working in the suburbs of Florence, Dan Armstrong isn’t exactly living La Dolce Vita. Glitz and glamour are in increasingly short supply – even when he is asked to investigate the recent spate of violent attacks on a movie set in the Italian city. With silver screen royalty Serena Gardner terrified that her life in jeopardy, Dan begins to take a closer look at this case – and quickly discovers that what happens behind the camera is far more scandalous – and deadly – than what happens in front of it!

The cast and crew of this film all have a secret they are absolutely desperate to keep hidden. No actual murder has been committed and Dan cannot help but feel that these attacks are a warning for somebody – until the first body is found. With Dan and trusty sidekick Oscar on the case, they are working against the clock as they try to catch a dangerous killer before another body is found. As the terror and jeopardy intensify on the streets of Florence, will Dan and Oscar manage to solve this case in time? Or has the murderer already got the next victim in their sights: Dan Armstrong?

T A Williams’ Armstrong and Oscar series is so much fun and Murder in Florence is the latest gripping page-turner full of nail-biting tension, beautifully evoked locations and nuanced characters who aren’t always what they seem. A first-rate cozy mystery that keeps readers guessing until the last page, T A Williams’ Murder in Florence is so addictive, putting it down is simply not an option.

I enjoyed this one very much, loved the setting and the story was brilliant. I’ve read a lot of books by this author and enjoy them. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

Murder in Florence by T.A. Williams is the third instalment of the entertaining Armstrong and Oscar Cozy Mysteries series set in Tuscany. I have read all three, and this is my favourite book so far.

Murder in Florence reads as a standalone, but do treat yourself and read all three books, if you haven't started this series yet.
here is a great cast of characters, some have already made their appearance in the previous books, some are completely new. And there is a new romantic interest in Dan's life, who will hopefully move into the further books in the series.

The locations chosen for the film production make you want pack your suitcase and jump on the plane to Tuscany. It's been many years since I visited Florence, but reading this book brought back some lovely memories. I dug out the old photo album (remember those?), and showed some of the pictures to my younger son.

I enjoyed reading all the historical facts, especially the references to the Pazzi conspiracy, that are presented in an entertaining and informative way, which adds to the plot rather than distracts from it.
Murder in Florence is a deeply satisfying cozy mystery. It is soaked in the Tuscan atmosphere, its magnificent sights and sounds. Dan and Oscar are a team made in heaven.

Full review is published on my blog as part of the #BlogTour with Rachel's Random Resources

Dan and Oscar are getting used to their private investigation work in Tuscany. This book is set on a Hollywood movie set, filming in Florence. When the cast and crew get threatening messages, Dan is hired to find out more. He has to investigate the cast and crew and keep them safe , whilst trying to find the culprit.
As always, the setting is so vividly drawn that more areas of Italy are added to your bucket list. The food is also wonderfully descriptive and makes you so hungry and keen to travel to the delicious sounding eateries!
Oscar is such a cute character- one for the ladies!
I eagerly await TA Williams next book.

I was drawn to the cover design, and thought this looked like a fun book to read.

I like cosy mysteries a lot, and it's one of my favourite genres to choose when I want something light and easy to read. This was a light-hearted mystery, and it filled my craving for a comforting cosy read. The fact that it was set in Florence also appealed to me. I sometimes enjoy cosy mysteries that are set abroad, as that adds to the escapism. I thought there were some fun characters, and I would probably read another one of these.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for a free copy to review.

BLOG TOUR REVIEW


Review for 'Murder In Florence' by T. A. Williams .


Read and reviewed via NetGalley for T. A. Williams, Boldwood Books and Rachel's Random Tours.


Publication date 7th April 2023.


This is the first book I have read by this author. It is also the third book in the 'Armstrong And Oscar Cosy Mystery' series but can be read as a standalone.

I was originally drawn to this book by its gorgeous eye catching cover and its intriguing synopsis and title. The synopsis stated that this book is 'A gripping new murder mystery series by bestselling author T.A. Williams, perfect for fans of Lee Strauss and Beth Byers' . I am a huge fan of Lee Strauss so am looking forward to seeing if it lives up to this statement. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Boldwood Books. I have yet to read a book published by Boldwood that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).


This novel consists of a prologue and 26 chapters. The chapters are short to medium in length so easy to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!


This book is based in Tuscany, Italy 🇮🇹.


This book is written in first person perspective and the main protagonist is Dan Armstrong. The benefits of books written in first person perspective are as long as they are well written it makes you feel that you are being spoken to by the protagonist and it can create more of a bond between yourselves and them. If there are several protagonists you also get to see more of what is going on.


The storyline had me hooked immediately and I love the way that Dan goes about his detective work. There was so much going on that it kept me entertained thoroughly throughout with mystery after mystery and clue after clue. It was filled with mystery, laughter, murder, clues, romance, doggy treats, tension, suspense and so much more!! It is absolutely perfect to read either curled in front of the fire or lying on a beach which not many books can achieve. I never did work out who the killer was and was completely shocked when they were discovered. A great achievement as I am a huge crime fan and tend to work out who did what quite early on. The atmosphere was perfectly suited to the Mystery and I loved exploring Tuscany. I also loved all the historical information which was definitely an added bonus as I do enjoy discovering more history which I will be digging into more after I finish the book. I would definitely say that the author has done their research which is always a bonus as there's nothing worse than a book littered with errors which could have been avoided by doing research on the topics. TA Williams writing skills made me feel like I had been swept away to Tuscany and was walking along trying to solve the crime and mystery along with Dan and Oscar.
I enjoyed getting into this series and managed to read this book in one sitting. I wont say anymore about that as I don't want to spoil anything for future readers by giving too much away. I enjoy how we begin with the mystery of the threats being shot into the set and later find more and more about each of the characters and what they are hiding. I also enjoyed how all the storylines weaved together nicely towards the end and there wasn't any loose threads as another pet hate is ending a book with unsolved mysteries.
I would liken the speed of this book to a roller-coaster where it starts off slowly as it builds up and then once it hits a certain point you are at the top of the coaster and start travelling at speed with twists, turns, some slow parts and others faster until you hit the ending which is not quite what you would expect! A great start and introduction (for me) into this fantastic looking series.


Although this is the third book in the series I had absolutely no problems reading it without the others. Any details or events that have previously happened are mentioned in just the right amount of detail to let a new reader know what has happened and yet not too much to bore a previous reader.

It is always worrying when starting a new series as you have no idea who the characters are. It is very important for me to bond with not only the lead protagonists but also any characters that may make repeat appearances during the series too.

There was a fantastic selection of characters that I met in this book along with our main protagonist Dan. I was fascinated watching the character development from the start to the end of this book and I'm looking forward to how Dan started right at the beginning and to continuing to read this series to watch his character continue to grow. I have to admit though that my favourite character just had to be Oscar!! As a huge animal lover myself any books that include animals gets bonus points for me and this one got mega points as Oscar played a main part!! He is such a sweet but mischievous boy and absolutely adorable!! I also enjoyed meeting all the cast and different characters that we meet on set. They were all well rounded, strong, realistic with their own quirks and personalities. One of my other favourite characters just had to be Rachel AKA Dizzy. The fact that she could fall over dust reminded me of myself so much!! I actually think I've just met someone who may actually be more clumsy than I am!! There was the perfect amount of characters to keep you guessing who the killer is and I enjoyed trying to work out who was hiding what even though I kept getting it wrong!! I'm looking forward to meeting Dan and Oscar again in previous and future books in this series!



Overall a fun and easy to read page turning cosy murder mystery with the perfect amount of crime, history and humour that will keep you turning the pages.


Genres covered in this novel include Historical Fiction, Historical Mysteries, International Mystery & Crime, Private Investigator Mystery, Traditional Detective Mysteries, Cozy Mystery, Murder, British Detective Stories, Literary Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Amateur Sleuths, International Mysteries & Crime, Mysteries, Historical Thriller, Mystery & Suspense Fiction, Suspense, and Crime amongst others.


I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of T E Kinsey, Beth Byers, Agatha Christie, Lee Strauss and anyone looking for a very easy, page turning and enjoyable read.


267 pages.


This book is just £2.84 to purchase on kindle, free on kindle unlimited and £9.99 on paperback via Amazon which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!


Rated 4/5 (I enjoyed it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.


Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews


#MurderInFlorence #ArmstrongAndOscarCozyMystery #TAWilliams #BoldwoodBooks #BoldwoodBloggers #BookAndTonic #RachelsRandomResources #rararesources #BookReview #BlogTour #BooksOnTour #BookReview #BlogTour #BooksOnTour #Goodreads #NetGalley #Amazon #AmazonKindle #Bookstagram #Bookblogger #NetGalley #KindleUnlimited

@MurderInFlorence @ArmstrongAndOscarCozyMystery @TAWilliams @BoldwoodBooks @BoldwoodBloggers @BookAndTonic@Netgalley @RachelsRandomResources @rararesources @Bookworm1986 @bookworm86 @Bookworm1986 @bookworm86 @Goodreads @Amazon @AmazonKindle @Bookstagram @BookBlogger @KindleUnlimited


https://kcmw86.wixsite.com/bookworm86


https://m.facebook.com/Bookworm1986/?ref=bookmarks



https://m.facebook.com/Bookwork86/?__tn__=%2As-R


https://www.instagram.com/bookwormwhitlock86/


https://www.instagram.com/bookwormwhitlock86/


https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/34299953-kirsty-bookworm86


https://mobile.twitter.com/kcmw86

T.A. Williams is back with Murder In Florence, third installment of his cozy mystery series about Dan, a retired police detective, and Oscar, his phenomenal sidekick (a chocolate Labrador) solving crimes in Tuscany.

The author has really found Dan’s voice (his wry and self deprecating humor is so refreshing) and the overall tone of the serie, with some humorous touches here and there, making of each new installment a really enjoyable reading experience.

Dan is completely established in Italy, working now as a private investigator in Florence. A Hollywood film about the Medicis is being shot in the city, but a series of anonymous attacks with arrows with a creepy message have frightened the cast and crew, so Dan’s called to investigate upon these threats. It looks like the Medici feud against the Pazzi family is being reenacted several centuries later but, will Dan be able to uncover the killer before the next arrow is shot?

Florence is such a fantastic location for a story, and this time it is turned into a giant movie set, which offers loads of possibilities. The author manages to transport the reader to those streets, palazzos and gardens as if you were watching a movie yourself. He also takes you to the Tuscan countryside, discovering the reader a handful of little villages that sounds absolutely stunning and that I’d like to visit someday.

There’s a big cast of characters that work perfectly as an ensemble, portraying several different stereotypes you can find in the movie industry. It also works really well when trying to misdirect the reader’s suspicions about the killer’s identity. You will never be sure if they’re friend or foe, as with each new attack, suspicions come and go, making this a really entertaining conundrum to solve.

Murder in Florence can easily be read as a stand alone as there’s not a running backstory through the series, and enough details about Dan and how he came to live in Italy are provided. Also, love is in the air, so it looks like an interesting chapter is opening up for Dan.

Murder In Florence was a fun read, with all the glamour of a movie set and all the charm of the wonderful city of Florence. T.A. Williams romances are good, but his murder mysteries are even better!

Thanks to NetGalley, Boldwood Books and Rachel’s Random Resources for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review and my spot on the Blog Tour.

‘Murder in Florence’ is just on the right side of cosy for me, cute, and fun but with a slice of darkness running through it! Plus, it is set in the gorgeous area of Tuscany and Florence, and there is also a dog along for the ride. What isn't there to love? This is the third book of the series but it can be read as a standalone but I do recommend reading the first two books as they were brilliant. This series is just getting stronger and stronger and I can't wait for the next outing.

Dan Armstrong has set up a detective agency in Florence but it isn't as exciting as he hoped for. He mainly trails people who are suspected of cheating. But when he is asked to investigate a spate of violent acts on a film set in Florence he jumps at the chance. The main star in the film Selena Gardner fears for her life and the whole cast and crew are on tenterhooks in case there is another attack. There are plenty of secrets and scandals on the film set but nothing that Dan can see that would cause this. That is until the first body is found. Dan has his work cut out to find the killer before they strike again.

I flew through this as soon as it arrived as I adore this series! It is a tightly plotted novel and doesn't over-explain what is happening to the reader as the author assumes we have a bit of intelligence. It's full of twists and turn and I was honestly kept guessing until the very end. There was a great cast of characters on the film set and I enjoyed how all their stories intertwined with the secrets and scandals! Dan and Oscar were great as usual and I can't wait to see what adventure is coming next!

Let me know if you pick this one up!

Another engaging book in the series! Set in luscious Florence, murder knows no bounds when a film crew set up shop. As Dan finds himself caught up in the middle of it all, everybody is under suspicion. This means he has to put his feelings on hold for a special person but is she hiding a secret?

This series is getting better and better as the reader gets to know the characters. Stunning location and set. Bravo.

A difficult case
Taking place...
Film crew...
Bolts from who?
Threats, danger . . .
From a stranger?
Someone may die -
Why?

A Hollywood film crew and famous stars, too,
Have been getting threats so what should they do?
Well in Florence they put Dan Armstrong on the case
Though on a film set he and Oscar feel out of place.

Secrets, scandals, gossip and facts,
Suspects are something Dan doesn't lack!
With costumes and tights making others grin,
Whilst for Oscar the ladies are a huge win.

Mixing with stars, searching for clues, too
Endeavouring to keep everyone safe all the way through.
Bolts from the blue, too close at times,
Who is threatening them through these crimes?

A fascinating mystery with stars to the fore,
That keeps you guessing and wanting more.
There's also potentially just a chance
For Dan to be involved in a romance!

I really enjoyed reading this enthralling mystery,
Complete with insights into history,
Oscar has a key role to play, too,
As Dan endeavours to see the case through.

Another brilliant case for this duo to investigate,
Hoping to solve it before it is too late!
For my complementary copy, I say a huge thank you,
As I share with you this, my honest review.

Armstrong and Oscar are back...........


Murder In Florence by T A Williams brings back to you beautiful countryside in Italy. A whodunnit mystery with lots of characters. The plot picks its pace right from the start with a very unusual incident. Each character is under suspicion and there are few twists and turns which creates excitement. At a point, I felt confused with all the French names. But, still I was waiting for the plot to reveal the culprit. I really enjoyed the book and its characters, especially Oscar.


Definitely, 4 stars for the book. Thanks to Netgalley and Rachel's Random Resources for providing me with an opportunity to be a part of the blog tour.

Rapidly attaining the mark of my current favourite series, the adventures of Dan and Oscar (his faithful, so long as there's food, Labrador) continue. Though this can be read as a standalone, you really should also seek out the first two, especially to find out how the two got together. Beautifully written, the characters are some of the best I've come across and TA also describes his locales wonderfully. Honestly, I feel like I've just come back from a wonderful holiday when I've finished one of his books. A murder/mystery of class, if you haven't read any of this author's stories before, you could do a lot worse than starting with this book.
My thanks to Boldwood and Netgalley for the reading copy!