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.

I'm reviewing this via NetGalley, as part of a tour with Rachel's Random Resources.

This is an Armstrong and Oscar cosy mystery. I've read a few of the previous instalments in this series, and I really like them. This whisked me away to the beautiful romantic city of Verona, where the protagonist, private detective Dan Armstrong, was investigating the death of an opera singer.

Armstrong's narrative made me feel as though I was talking to a personal friend, and as usual, his Labrador, Oscar, made the perfect sidekick. The author brought the story and characters to life, and it was a lot of fun to read.

If you haven't read any of the previous books, these work well as standalones too. Thank you to NetGalley, Rachel's Random Resources, Boldwood Books, and to the author, for the opportunity to read and review this.

The gift of tickets to the opera in Verona doesn’t exactly fill Dan with joy and anticipation – it might be girlfriend Anna’s cup of tea, but it’s not really his. But chance brings another reason to be in the area – a commission from elderly Bugatti driver Violetta Argento to investigate the death of her opera singer son Rodolfo in a freak driving accident. The police seem satisfied there were no suspicious circumstances – although there might be the possibility of suicide – but Violetta is convinced it was murder, and is quite certain it was the work of his gold-digger wife. The family are extremely wealthy – Rodolfo founded an Opera Academy near Verona, where Dan and Anna (and Oscar – dogs welcome!) have been invited to stay, and there’s also a nearby family business he ran together with two cousins.

When there’s an unexpected death, it makes sense to follow the money – but his widow is already independently wealthy, and his cousins didn’t benefit from his death although might have expected to do so. But there was an unexpected windfall for his agent – and, during Dan’s investigations, an estranged sister is found who will inherit everything should Violetta meet a similar fate. The relationship between Violetta and her son was an interesting one too – although elderly, she was very much his business partner and devoted supporter, refusing to believe the stories about his womanising or that he was capable of putting a foot wrong.

It soon becomes plain his car crash was no accident – and, as always, there are multiple suspects who might have had good reason to want him dead. As ever, Dan meticulously sifts through the evidence, wanting to reach his own conclusions – with the support, for once, of the local police – while Oscar, with a nod here and there or a paw on a lap, assists his deliberations. The Academy’s quite a setting, with opera singers in the making delivering impromptu concerts over sumptuous dinners – but Oscar only wants to join in if it’s a soprano, so he’s not too embarrassing. And he is just a little distracted – there’s a female Labrador in residence, a companion for their walks, and he’s rather keen on her.

As ever, the many suspects move into and out of the frame – although Dan’s fairly soon convinced that Violetta’s wrong about it being his wife. And there’s a particularly interesting concert at the Academy later in the book that finds all the suspects brought together for the occasion – a bit of a gift for a detective wanting to observe their interactions. And no, of course I didn’t unmask the guilty party before Dan and Oscar – but, as always, I had great fun trying.

The many touches of humour in the book are as perfectly judged as ever – Dan’s wry observations, Oscar’s often timely interventions – as well as the most wonderfully drawn characters and the vividly drawn setting, and a central mystery with all the complexity a seasoned crime reader would thoroughly appreciate. Sheer entertainment from beginning to end, so very cleverly constructed, and the most fantastic addition to this enjoyable series that always has me eagerly awaiting Dan and Oscar’s next adventure… I really loved it.

I always enjoy this series and this book number 9 is no exception. I always the love the descriptions of the Italian places and food which again is on point here. The story is fast paced. but a little shorter however the mystery was still attention grabbing and kept me guessing to the end. It was lovely to catch up with Dan and Oscar again. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I always jump at the chance to read a new instalment in the Dan and Oscar mystery series. Murder In Verona is another fast-paced and entertaining read from TA Williams. Full of great characters and an intriguing case to try and solve.
Dan and Oscar are brilliant companions to entertain as they strive to solve the mystery - this time of the death of the famous opera singer, Rodolfo Argento.
As always the investigative skills of Dan are helped with the intuition of Oscar, and feuding family members and money are reasons enough for suspicions to grow.
Italy, in particular, Verona is beautifully described- the countryside, culture and food vividly captured.

In this the 9th instalment in the Armstrong and Oscar Cozy Mysteries series we find Private investigator Dan Armstrong and his black Labrador Oscar in the beautiful city of Verona. Dan has been asked to look into the death of a young Opera singer, Rodolfo Argento, who was recently killed in a car crash. With the police considering it to be an accident or suicide his extremely wealthy mother calls in Dan as she believes her son may have been murdered. As usual reads well as a stand-alone but all the other books are equally entertaining so worth catching up with them.

Briefly, initially Dan finds himself flummoxed by firstly trying to work out if Rodolfo’s death was suicide or murder and secondly if murder by whom as there appears to be quite a few potential suspects. It seems our opera singer had a bit of a reputation for leaving a string of broken hearts in his wake…

Dan, Oscar and his girlfriend Anna are wined and dined in a luxurious villa whilst events are played out and Oscar even gets to meet another black lab Elektra and I love how he joins in with all the opera singers! As always there are stunning descriptions of the scenery and the local food and great characters. Pacy mystery with lots of operatic information - entertaining and enjoyable. Great fun.

Verona Bound..
The ninth outing in the Armstrong and Oscar series of mysteries and, this time, the death of the greatest opera singer in Italy takes the sleuthing pair to Verona to investigate. With police convinced of an accident and the singers mother firmly of the belief that the death was suspicious, Dan and his trusty sidekick have their work cut out. Another wholly enjoyable and entertaining instalment to this now long running series with a delicious backdrop, a well crafted and likeable cast, a pacy, well written narrative and a solid mystery at its heart.

In the charming setting of Tuscany, the latest installment of the Armstrong and Oscar cozy mystery series reveals a shocking crime that disrupts the tranquility. When renowned opera singer Rodolfo Argento dies in a mysterious car accident, the police quickly label it as either a tragic accident or suicide. However, his mother, Violetta, refuses to accept this explanation and turns to Private Investigator Dan Armstrong to uncover the truth.
Having received this book through the ARC program and am sharing my honest opinion. Having read all eight previous books in the series, I can say each one stands alone well, delivering suspense that keeps you hooked. The author has a knack for keeping you guessing until the very last page, and there’s never a boring moment. Dan's faithful dog, Oscar, is one of my favorite characters—his sweetness and loyalty make him the perfect companion. All the characters are well-developed and interesting, adding depth to the story. With vivid descriptions that capture the cozy allure of Italy, this series is ideal for mystery lovers looking for their next great read.

Murder in Verona is the ninth Armstrong and Oscar cozy destination mystery by T.A. Williams. Due out 3rd Nov 2024 from Boldwood books, it's 200 pages and will be 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. 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 sought out by the mother of a famous opera singer after a tragic accident cuts his life short. Dan's insights are valuable and he is dogged and adept at getting to the bottom of the lies and obfuscation to the truth.

The plotting is solid and the dialogue and characterizations are well written 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 long binge or buddy read (especially since they're all available on KU).

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. There are also happy parallels to Rosenfelt's excellent Andy Carpenter series (though less sarcastic humor), with canine characters being given a significant role in the story.

Four and a half stars. Highly recommended.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.