Member Reviews
As usual this was a page turning masterpiece An opera star is murdered and Dan must find out who murdered him and why. Several operatic students are staying and Oscar is not a fan of them bursting into song. Dan's partner is trying to get him to appreciate opera, so she enjoys this investigation
Another delightful book in this fabulous cozy crime series.
The more I see of Oscar the more I'm convinced he might just be a human turned into a dog! He has so many people like qualities as well as being a faithful companion and excellent judge of character.
So it was fabulous to see he gets a girlfriend for this book, and after all 2 labs are even better than 1!
More relevant to the actual main plot of the book and Dan is asked to investigate the death of an opera singer in Verona, which just so happens to be the city that he and Anna are due to visit very soon to watch an opera!
Like Dan, I'm not an opera buff, so mentions of various famous pieces of music went a bit over my head.
But I did totally enjoy seeing him work with the local police in order to discover the truth.
I really enjoyed the journey this took me on, and it's always lovely to see a new part of Italy through the steady hand of T. A, Williams.
Highly entertaining as I have come to expect.
Thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
Another great read from T A Williams. I love the setting for this series the writer really brings it alive. These are such a great read and are perfect to loose yourself in them. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
Montevolpone, a small village in Tuscany, the locals, per usual, are gathered at Tommasso’s bar to discuss the events of the day: sports, politics and farming. Today they are celebrating retired DCI Dan Armstrong’s second anniversary of him moving from England. Oscar is always welcome with the crowd, walking his tail and looking for biscuits.
While the chianti is flowing they heard a car coming to the piazza only to find a Bugatti driven by signora Violetta, the mother of Rodolfo who died last month, a child prodigy in the opera world.
Upon discovering that the private eye could help on solving her son’s murder, as she believed such a tragedy was not an accident, he used to be a fine, experienced driver, Armstrong and Oscar travel to Verona to find out the mystery behind the death, ruled an accident by the police only to discover greed could be a strong motive.
I love this series, the settings, the history, the food and the characters, specially Oscar!
The author’s narrative is incredible, I enjoyed every book I read.
Dan Armstrong, former DCI in the English police, retired to Italy where he practices as a private investigator. Dan and Oscar, his dog, go to Verona to investigate the death of Rodolfo, opera singer, whose death in a car accident has been ruled an accident. There are splits in Rodolfo's family, with his mother, Violetta thinking his wife is the murderer. Dan comes to the conclusion that the death was suspicious and has a broad group of family suspects who envied him or wanted his wealth. Explore the case with Dan and enjoy the operatic background.
Murder in Verona by T.A. Williams ⭐⭐⭐ 1/2
Boldwood Books
Pub Date: 11-3-24
Thank you @netgalley, @theboldbookclub, and @tawilliamsbooks for this eARC.
"Violetta’s words still echoing in my head: Respectable families don’t go around committing murder."
There is no end to the number of suspects when a talented opera singer dies in a tragic car accident . . . but was it an accident, suicide, or murder?
PI Dan Armstrong and his faithful companion, Oscar, are on the case to solve the mystery and identify the person responsible.
I broke all the rules and jumped in at #9 in this series when given the opportunity to read and review this cozy mystery.
From the pacing and the characters to the setting of Verona, everything in this book came together to provide an enjoyable reading experience.
I now plan to start at the beginning to read the full Armstrong and Oscar Cozy Mystery Series.
#murderinverona #tawilliams #boldwoodbooks #netgalley
Dan and Oscar are back and what are our favourite PI and his doggy partner up to this time? Up to their ears in opera, murder and mystery. So, business as usual and wonderful stuff it is too. Mr Williams books have always made me want to go on holiday, but I feel I could do a tour of Italy now, so long as my time was a little less hectic than Dan's. A wonderful story full of intrigue and family politics, which normally bore me, but which are so well written, I was intrigued to find out how things all worked out.
This is a great story and if, like me, you've been following this series since the start, settle back and enjoy. If you're knew, then I envy the great adventure you're about to begin.
My thanks to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for the reading copy.
I think my reviews all sound the same but this is just the most enjoyable series. This book is another great addition There's just something about this man and his Labrador that I find so appealing. The girlfriend, Anna, is also lovely and their growing relationship is just so authentic.
Love it So far, each story has kept me interested throughout. And, I've read every one. Some, a couple of times. Dan moves around Italy with each book and this time we visit Verona.
In contrast to other series in this genre, the pace is gentle and in most instances, the authorities are happy for this PI's assistance and insights, recognising his long career as. a DCI in London. His cooperative approach and friendly, easygoing nature are making him friends across the country!
I found this to be another well-thought-through plot, with interesting characters. The author continues to pull many elements together to create an entertaining and cozy murder mystery.
Well done TA Williams and Boldwood Books. I highly recommend this episode and the series if you like a gentle, flowing interesting story. and look forward to the further escapades of Dan and Oscar.
It's five out of five for me
With thanks to Netgalley, Boldwood Books and the author for my advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review
Murder in Verona is a delightful, easy read, perfect for fans of cozy mysteries. British private investigator Dan and his intuitive Labrador, Oscar, take on a case in the charming city of Verona. Hired by his wealthy neighbour, Dan investigates her son Rodolfo's suspicious death. The plot unfolds amidst the beautiful buildings and architecture of Verona, taking in some of the gastronomic delights and a seemingly large amount of ice cream!
The author introduces the other characters gradually, avoiding confusion, and immerses readers in Verona’s historic sights and opera performances. Although there are no big surprises or plot twists, the lovely characters and the scenic Italian backdrop keep the story engaging. Oscar’s keen senses provide crucial clues, especially during the climax, making him a beloved character deserving of all his treats. Murder in Verona offers a cozy, enjoyable mystery with a touch of Italian culture and cuisine.
Another good story set in Italy. When the famous opera singer died in a car accident many had trouble believing it was an accident. His mother approaches Dan and asks him to investigate, so he goes to Verona to find out what happened. Enjoyed the journey of this one and would highly recommend it.
When a famous Italian opera singer dies in a car accident, the police have no reason to suspect foul play. But his mother, the feisty octogenarian Violetta, disagrees. Calling in Private Investigator and former Scotland Yard Inspector Dan Armstrong, she hopes to find the truth.
Dan and his beloved dog, Oscar, travel to Verona, the home of the Shakespeare characters, Romeo and Juliet. Here he finds that the dead man, Rodolfo Argento was a ladies man with a reputation for leaving a trail of broken hearts. Could a spurned lover or a jealous husband have taken their revenge? Or could that old fashioned motive, money, be more likely? With a significant inheritance to be gained, would a family member hasten his death? Dan must find the culprit before it’s too late.
Dan’s travels around Italy are part of the joy of these stories. I loved finding out about Verona as he carried out his investigation. The author manages to convey the beauty of the city and its fascinating history.
Oscar is an integral part of Dan’s work. He has a calming influence on the people around him and this helps Dan gain their trust. But Dan has a special quality in that he blends into any situation and does not appear to be a threat to the suspects. This is vital to his success.
Although the mystery threw up a plethora of clues and suspects, with diligence and intelligence Dan gets to the solution. I enjoy his style and find his stories a wonderful escape.
This is my first exposure to Diana Oscar and I don’t think it could’ve been any better of an introduction than this. I love how the author set everything in Verona and built around it. is well plotted, the characters are multidimensional, and the story really comes to life as you file the clues and try to solve things along with them. I’ll be back for more!
I could write a very long review analyzing the pros and cons, the evolution of the characters, and the fascinating world of opera singers.
Or I could simply say that this is the best in this lovely series, a solid and compelling cosy mystery featuring Verona, a lot of Oscar and his love interest, and a plot that features plenty of red herrings, suspects, and twists.
Secrets, love, hate, passion. And a lot of fun as Oscar is at this best.
So don't hesitate and get this book if you think you need to relax and read a well plotted and entertaining story
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to Boldwood Books and Rachel's Random Resources for this ARC, all opinions are mine
Another enjoyable case for Dan and as the story is set in Verona, it is quite fitting that it should be in the world of opera. I love this type of Agatha Christiesque scenario with multiple suspects, all of whom could have a good reason to kill the victim.
TA Williams manages to lift the gloom on a rainy day with his easy to read style and sense of humour. His descriptions of Italy, especially the delicious food, make the reader want to visit. For now, it will be vicariously but Tuscany is already on my 'to visit' list. unfortunately, with each new book, comes a new location, so my list is ever growing.
Another fabulously entertaining mystery from the pen of Trevor Williams!
When the death of Italy's greatest opera singer, Rudolfo Argento, is ruled to be either an accident or suicide, his mother, Violetta, is outraged and refuses to believe it. She engages the services of a private investigator to prove it. Enter Dan Armstrong and his trusty sidekick, Oscar the labrador, who travel to Verona where they are offered accommodation in the Argento Opera Academy; it's a good base for their investigations.
It's no secret that I adore this series; not only do I love Oscar (no surprises, we have a chocolate Oscar ourselves) but it's the best way to see Italy for someone like me who has no wanderlust. If there was one place I would travel to, I suspect it would be there. This series not only has a fabulous range of differing mysteries, it also shows the country off at it's best and then - oh, it seems almost criminal to add this as 'and then' - there's the food! I swear my tum rumbles every time I read about an Italian meal! As always, Oscar steals the show with his traits. Another wonderful read and one I happily recommend highly! Five sparkling stars.
My thanks to the publisher for my copy via NetGalley; this is - as always - my honest, original and unbiased review.
Murder in Verona delivers the series’ signature blend of suspense, vivid Italian settings, and culinary delights that will have readers craving Italian food as they turn the pages. Williams’ storytelling is as engaging as ever, keeping readers guessing until the final reveal, which proves both satisfying and unexpected.
This time, former Met detective Dan Armstrong and his lovable Labrador, Oscar, are investigating the death of opera star Rodolfo Argento, whose supposed "accidental" death has left his mother unconvinced. As Dan, his girlfriend Anna, and Oscar settle into Rodolfo’s home, they discover it also serves as a training ground for budding opera singers, adding an intense and competitive atmosphere to their stay.
As Dan digs deeper, he learns about Rodolfo's reputation as a Casanova who might have made more than a few enemies in his lifetime. But he also finds other motives, from Rodolfo's recent marriage to the substantial inheritance he left behind. Amid the tension of the case, Oscar lightens the mood with his hilarious "singing" whenever opera music fills the air—a playful touch that adds charm to the story.
A chance meeting in a local bar with the matriarch of a wealthy Italian family lands Dan a job investigating the death of the woman's famous son. As Dan and his partner Anna are headed to Verona to watch an opera in the ancient amphitheatre, they combine the investigation with this trip. It's another complex mystery with numerous suspects and motives and some memorable twists. The setting is iconic and makes the murder mystery more intriguing, with the characters echoing the city's literary history. Oscar is stunning as always with his gentle nature, humorous antics and love of food. I love the Italian setting, the complex characters, the humour and the twisty mystery.
I have read an advanced copy of this story, but as these cosy mysteries are perfect on audio, I listened in that format, too, on release. The narrator brings Dan and all the characters to life, making listening pleasurable.
Dan and Oscar are back and Dan is asked to look in to the death of an opera singer Rodolfo Argento.
He died in a car crash some saying it was suicide others thinking it’s a tragic accident , but his mother Violetta wants Dan to look more closely at her sons death she believes he was killed by his wife .
Will Dan be able to find the truth?
Opera , food and the scenery all showcase the jewels of Italy , close your eyes and imagine you’re there!
Another satisfying and enjoyable read , the series is a must read for all cosy mystery fans .
An easy read that transports you away to foreign climes .
Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books.
🎼A singing casanova named Rodolfo bites the dust😕
4.5🌟 stars
Another well-plotted murder mystery set in Italy with a British private investigator and his faithful and intuitive Labrador sidekick who both love the gastronomic treats that come their way. Detective Dan meets his rich, elderly neighbor by chance at their local rural cafe on the outskirts of Florence and acquires the lady as his client. She's sure her son Rodolfo's death near Verona was actually murder and sends Dan, his lady friend Anna and beloved pooch Oscar off to Verona to uncover the truth. Fortuitously, Anna and Dan were already planning to attend an opera performance in Verona's famous Roman amphitheater within days of his agreeing to the assignment.
The author brings in a lot of secondary characters but in a way I really appreciated. I find a large dump of new characters confusing, but here, they are introduced gradually, a few at a time, so I could get to know some and then move on for more.
Dan, Anna and Oscar luck out with luxury accommodation and glorious meals provided by the client at the opera training center that was Rodolfo's pride and joy, his last home before his untimely death. It's also where many of the murder suspects, including Rodolfo's beautiful widow, hang out. Some sightseeing in old Verona historic city center and flashes of opera, especially Verdi and Puccini, give this cozy a nice, fresh vibe after the bulk of this series centered on murders in Tuscan and Ligurian locales.
And, once again, Oscar's Spidy senses give Dan helpful clues as he interviews suspects and at the crucial climax. Go, Oscar! He definitely deserves all those treats!
Thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
I really enjoyed this murder mystery set in the beautiful Italian countryside. There’s beautiful descriptions of the scenery and mouthwatering food. It’s a well-written read that kept me entertained throughout. Plenty of intrigue and suspense along the way with a significant twist. There’s a long list of interesting characters, and multiple suspects with several different motives. The murderer is not immediately obvious as in many cozy mysteries. It’s a riveting read to the very end. I look forward to reading more books by this author.