⭐ Rating: 4.5/5
📖 Genre: Cozy Mystery, Crime Fiction
📅 Publication Date: February 2, 2025

🕵️‍♂️ Summary:
Retired DCI Dan Armstrong is looking forward to a peaceful time in the Tuscan hills, enjoying the stunning landscape and the charm of rural Italy. But when a mysterious death shatters the calm, he and his faithful Labrador, Oscar, find themselves pulled into an investigation that unearths dark secrets buried beneath Tuscany’s picturesque vineyards. As Dan follows the clues, he realizes that danger lurks behind the beauty, and the more he uncovers, the more perilous his own situation becomes.

💭 My Thoughts:

✔ A Cozy Mystery Done Right: T.A. Williams has an incredible way of making his settings feel like a character in themselves. The Tuscan backdrop is breathtakingly described, and I could almost smell the vineyards and hear the rustle of the olive trees while reading.

✔ A Lovable Duo: Dan Armstrong and Oscar are a delight. Dan is sharp, methodical, and a fantastic lead investigator, while Oscar, his Labrador companion, adds warmth and charm to the story. Their companionship brings lightness to the darker elements of the murder mystery.

✔ A Well-Paced, Engaging Plot: The twists and turns were well-executed, and while I had my suspicions about the culprit, the resolution was still satisfying and well thought out. Williams knows how to keep readers hooked while making the story feel immersive rather than rushed.

🔹 A Minor Drawback: While the book is perfectly enjoyable as a standalone, I wished I had read more of the previous books in the series to fully appreciate Dan’s character arc. That being said, it still worked well even without prior knowledge of the series.

✨ Final Verdict:
Murder in the Tuscan Hills is a captivating cozy mystery with a perfect mix of suspense, atmosphere, and engaging characters. If you love whodunits set against stunning backdrops with a touch of charm and wit, this book is a must-read!

📌 Recommended For: Fans of Louise Penny, Agatha Christie, and anyone who enjoys a good cozy mystery with rich settings and engaging sleuthing.

Mr Williams writes another winner. I always appreciate the realism of these mysteries as the author does a good job in making you feel the scorching summer weather and talks about some serious issues like how we can trust what we eat and drink,
There's some serious evolution in Dan's life and Oscar is as lovely as usual.
The solid mystery was in the "Happy sleep deprivation" category.
Have fun, read it
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

TA Williams presents a mystery in a Villa and around the vineyards of his Tuscan home. It starts with the murder of a John Doe by a tanker truck, then others turn up as the victims of homicide. Did the mafia do it? What about the aging rockstar? What about the sketchy boyfriends of the villa's female guests? Could this be linked to the wine harvest, or drugs?
Dan and his black lab Oscar are helping the police because Dan can translate for the English speakers. He has a good rapport with the investigators. And Oscar is there for moral support.
Dan is thrown a curve ball when his ex-wife enters the scene, and how will he handle this with his current girlfriend?
Some of the things that cause lagging in this book are lack of motives and clues. I felt like some passages could have been edited out. I think it would have worked well as a novella. I have really enjoyed TA Williams romance books before. I think I will try more of those because the Italian setting lends well to romance. Sunsets, wine and cheese and people sharing them are more up my alley.

I received this e-book through Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinions/review. Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and TA Williams.

I just finished "Murder in the Tuscan Hills," a brilliant new cozy mystery that immersed me in the world of Dan Armstrong and Oscar, the black Labrador. This was my first experience with T. A. Williams' works.

I found on his website that "Murder in the Tuscan Hills" is the tenth book in the Armstrong and Oscar cozy mystery series. It shows the series' appeal and the author's knack for engaging characters and plots.

The serenity of the idyllic Rockstar Chianti Winery shattered when a British journalist was killed by a truck outside its gates. What seemed like a tragic accident quickly morphed into a homicide investigation, sending waves of unease through the small town.

But the horror was just beginning. Within days, four more bodies appeared, each death more bizarre and unsettling than the last. Were these killings random acts of violence, or meticulously orchestrated, each victim connected by an unseen link?

All eyes were on the winery and its enigmatic owner, former rock star Digger, famous in the seventies and eighties, and his world. His daughter's romance with a charming wine merchant, the eccentric winery manager, and the unsettling presence of three mafia figures with bodyguards at the adjacent luxury hotel, Podere dei Santi, still owned by Digger, became points of interest.

A renowned British restaurateur unwillingly became a person of interest in a relationship with Dan’s ex-wife, Helen. As the body count rose, the police raced to unravel the web of secrets and lies, desperate to determine if a single, sinister hand was behind the escalating nightmare.

The pacing of this read felt comfortable to me, not too rushed or dragging. My perception is influenced by my own schedule; I had the space to dedicate to it and absorb the information at a relaxed rate. Beyond that, the writing lent itself to a smooth and enjoyable experience. It wasn't dense or complex, making it easy to pick up and put down without losing track of the core narrative or arguments. I'd describe it as an easy read, reflecting the author's ability to convey information in an accessible and engaging manner.

It was refreshing to find a cozy mystery where the protagonist wasn't romantically involved with a detective. Instead, a retired detective and his loyal dog assist the Italian police by bridging language gaps and interviewing English-speaking witnesses. The dynamic works well, and it's interesting to note the trend of incorporating dogs as significant characters in this genre, adding warmth and relatability for readers.

The author's writing has been deeply influenced by living in Italy, imbuing their novels with the country's sights, sounds, taste, and spirit. Through vivid descriptions of landscapes and Italian culture, the author offers readers a unique window into Italy. This immersive experience allows readers to travel vicariously, gaining a sense of place and understanding without leaving their homes. Reading becomes more than entertainment; it is a journey of discovery and cultural exploration. When I was young, aside from traveling the Philippines, I wanted to see Italy.

Recently, I discovered cozy mysteries, a stark contrast to the gritty crime fiction I used to enjoy. Forget hard-boiled detectives and graphic violence; these stories offer quaint villages, amateur or retired sleuths, and a gentle puzzle. The shift has been refreshing, and it got me thinking about writing one myself. Could I craft a compelling mystery with charm and quirky characters? The idea is appealing, and it's time to embrace cozy creativity.

I enjoyed the reading experience. It was a worthwhile investment of my time, earning a solid 4 out of 5 stars. The author's style and storytelling resonated with me. Knowing this is part of a larger series makes me eager to read the previous books and catch up on the intrigue.

3.5 stars for me.
This is is the tenth book in T.A. Williams' Armstrong and Oscar cozy mystery series and my first from the author.
If you love cozy mysteries with a bit of suspense, humor, and a picturesque setting, Murder in the Tuscan Hills is a perfect read.
Ex-policeman, Dan Armstrong, and his loyal dog, Oscar are investigating a suspicious death outside a local winery. At first, it looks like a simple hit-and-run, but of course, things aren’t as straightforward as they seem. The man was already dead before he was run over, and as they dig deeper, they uncover a tangled mess of secrets in the otherwise peaceful countryside.
Dan and Oscar’s dynamic is a delight and the quirky cast of locals adds extra charm to the story. The writing is smart, with plenty of suspense and humor woven in, and Tuscany itself almost feels like another character, with its stunning views and sun-soaked vineyards. The plot is clever, with plenty of twists to keep you on your toes, and the suspense builds in such a way that you’ll be glued to the page, eager to figure out what happens next. The story sags occasionally and is predictable in a lot of places.
The setting is beautifully described, with rolling hills, charming villages, and a feeling of timelessness. But don’t let the beauty fool you—danger lurks beneath the surface, and the story pulls you in deeper with every turn.
Recommended.

Murder in the Tuscan Hills is the tenth (!!!) Armstrong and Oscar cozy destination mystery by T.A. Williams. Released 2nd Feb 2025 by Boldwood books, it's 240 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. 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 back on the case; a hit & run death outside a local winery seems to be a coverup for sinister goings on. It's an ensemble cast and Dan's friend/colleague Virgilio makes an appearance. The series has developed so well and seamlessly, that each new book feels like a visit with friends.

The plotting is solid and the dialogue and characterizations are well controlled 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. The author is exceptionally good at weaving (seemingly) extraneous information into the text. There's a lot of humor as well.

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.

Four and a half stars. Highly recommended. All of the books are exceptionally well written and fun. The author seems to be on a twice a year output schedule at the moment without sacrificing quality or length. He's managed 10 books, going from strength to strength, and without getting formulaic or boring.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

T A Williams knows how to set the scene and writes an enjoyable cosy mystery .
Dan and Oscar are looking into a suspicious death , a body found outside a winery looks to be a case of a simple hit and run .
Although when Dan and Oscar are involved murder is never far away , they soon learn the man was already dead before he was run over .
The setting is idyllic and transports the reader off to warmer climes .
The characters are likeable and have a decent backstory and depth which makes for a perfect read.
Oscar the dog , sun and murder what’s not to like?
A great edition to an enjoyable series.
Looking forward to reading the next case for the sleuth and his trusty canine companion.
Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books.

I picked this book for the location. Who doesn’t love a trip to Tuscany, even if it’s just through a cozy mystery? But add in Oscar and I was sold!

Well, this is the 10th book in the series, it’s the first I’ve read, and I found it quite enjoyable. I’m looking forward to reading the previous books in this series and seeing where things lead in the future

As the summer ends, and grape harvest time comes around, Dan and Oscar expect things to quieten down for a while. Unfortunately a death in the Tuscan Hills ensures that neither of them are going to have time to relax. A body on the road outside a winery could be a hit and run accident - or it could be something much more sinister. The local police ask for Dan’s help and he is happy to help. But a face from the past means Dan is involved more than he expected. Can he find the killer and clear the innocent? Or will he be too late?

I’ve come to enjoy Dan and Oscar’s adventures and this was no exception. This time some personal quandaries came into play, adding another dynamic. His work life, as a private investigator with years of Scotland Yard experience, makes him an invaluable asset to any police force. This time he was able to bring all of this and more to the mystery.

I found the mix of characters fascinating, especially the ex rock star, and the dodgy mafia types. T A Williams manages to throw me off the scent again and again, with plenty of twists and turns. The story had me gripped. A well written and throughly enjoyable mystery.

I really enjoyed being transported to Tuscany once again. TA Williams assembles an array of suspects, skilfully layered crimes and leaves the reader guessing to the end. With beautiful countryside, Italian food and a dog who saves the day, what more could you ask? You don't need to have read the other books own the series but if you have, you will find each one builds on the previous one to shed more light on Dan and both his old and new life which collide with potentially damaging consequences in this book.

An easy read. Loved the characters - they are all very likable and well developed. The story kept my interest right to the end and left me wanting more. There were interesting twists at the end and a few good side stories and a bit of a surprise at the end. I would like to read more from this author. I see that it is actually part of a series and will be looking to read more of them. Murder in the Tuscan Hills was not the first of the series but I didn't feel like I missed any necessary background reading this out of order. Well done.

Immerse yourself in this captivating novel, a sanctuary for those who long for a serene yet thrilling escape. Transport yourself to the heart of Tuscany, where idyllic charm and picturesque landscapes paint a breathtaking backdrop for a suspenseful and intricate murder mystery that will ignite your imagination and keep you perpetually on the edge of your seat.

As you delve deeper into the story, the tension builds with each page, and the plot twists and turns in a labyrinth of suspense, leaving you guessing and second-guessing every step of the way. The idyllic façade of the Tuscan countryside masks a web of secrets and hidden motives, as the investigation unfolds, revealing the dark undercurrents that lie beneath the surface.

The characters, each with their own intricate backstories and concealed desires, become entangled in the mystery, their lives intertwined with the shocking crime that has shattered the tranquility of their idyllic haven. As you navigate the labyrinth of clues and red herrings, you'll find yourself questioning everyone's motives, searching for the truth that remains elusive, hidden in the shadows of suspicion and deceit.

Prepare to be captivated by the evocative descriptions of the Tuscan setting, where rolling hills, sun-drenched vineyards, and charming villages create a vivid and immersive experience. But don't be lulled by the beauty of the surroundings, for danger lurks around every corner, and the idyllic charm of Tuscany masks a chilling reality.

With every chapter, the suspense intensifies, leading you on a relentless pursuit of the truth. The final revelation will leave you breathless, as the pieces of the puzzle finally fall into place, exposing the shocking truth that has been lurking in the shadows all along.

The police ask for Dan’s help – translating, but it always becomes rather more than that – when an apparent hit-and-run accident, on the road near a luxury hotel and its associated winery, victim’s identity unknown, turns into a murder inquiry. Owned by an English former rock star, there are some rather dodgy characters currently in residence – suspected Mafia chiefs, together with their bodyguards – but there might just be some murky things going on at the winery too.

With the victim’s identity established, the stakes are raised by a further murder – but, for Dan, things are made even more complicated by the presence of someone important from his past, and that causes problems in his relationship with the long-suffering Anna.

Oscar’s presence, as it often does, proves critical to resolving the case – he has an unerring knack for detecting the good guys from the bad, with a nod of agreement or a paw on the knee. This time, he even finds the murder weapon – ok, he was only looking for a stick for throwing – but his various timely interventions do mean he’s really earned that promised steak when the investigation is finally over.

The whole story is quite perfectly paced, with suspects galore moving in and out of the frame – and with lots of smoke and mirrors around the gangland involvement, and with multiple red herrings leading the investigation team (and the reader) in the wrong direction. This time, our pair and the police team are working in harmony – with new female sergeant Dini a welcome addition, although she does rather go through the mill before the investigation ends.

The characterisation is as strong as ever, the plot both clever and gripping – and the final resolution blindsided me as it always does. And Dan’s relationship problems added that extra element of intrigue – he really does have an unfortunate and unerring knack for putting his foot in it, but the situation he’s in certainly makes doing the right thing more difficult than ever. The setting – of course – is richly drawn, the approaching vendemmia with its blistering heat making everyone grateful for time in the shade. And there are the usual copious amounts of delicious food (breadsticks for the salivating Oscar) and wine (though perhaps give the Rockstar Chianti a miss…). The surrounding resident community is really nicely drawn too – I particularly enjoyed the small diversion of the neighbour asking for his smiling wife to be discreetly followed, and the local postman who always knows more about what’s going on than anyone else.

Every book in this wonderful series has been a five star read for me – I really hope it’s a very long time until Dan decides to focus on his novel writing and leave the investigating behind. The perfect addition to this long-running series, and I’m already looking forward to the next.

This cosy crime series, set in Italy, features an intelligent detective and an intuitive labrador. It is a particular favourite of mine with its balance of culture, humour, and mystery. Dan becomes involved in a murder case that takes place in the Tuscan Hills close to where he lives. A tragic accident turns out to be something more, but no one is talking, and the luxury hotel's guests where it occurs all have secrets they don't want to reveal. In this case, there is an entertaining mix of complex suspects, false leads, personal involvement, and a climactic conclusion. The Tuscan weather and wine are integral to the story and provide its unique perspective. I like the cast of characters, the dynamic between Dan and Oscar and the Florence police, the Italian setting and the frequent humour; it's another great episode in this engaging, cosy mystery series. This story is excellent in audiobook form, too, with the narrator bringing all the characters and culture to vivid life. It's easy but immersive listening.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher and listened to the audiobook I purchased on release day.

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

This is the tenth book in the Armstrong and Oscar cosy mysteries, set in Italy. Dan Armstrong, a private investigator, is looking into the discovery of a body which initially looks like a hit-and-run. This case may have a surprise in store, as Dan encounters someone that he never expected to see again.

I've enjoyed all the others that I've read from this series, and I enjoyed this one as well. Dan is a very likeable character, and I enjoy his close bond with his Labrador, Oscar. Once again, I enjoyed how the author worked with Italy as a setting, providing me with an escape. The story was entertaining, easy to read, and the characters are always fun to read about. This type of book is one of my go-to choices to relax with.

Thank you to NetGalley, Rachel's Random Resources, Boldwood Books, and to the author, for the opportunity to read and review this.

Ah, wine, mystery and the best canine lead since Lassie!
Here we are with a new instalment of the Armstrong and Oscar mysteries and always a reason to celebrate. The author has a great gift for description - see any of his previous romances if you don't believe me - and each of these mysteries is like being taken upon a tour of a new part of Italy. Throw in a wonderful mystery with great characters and you've the essence of a terrific story. It was good to see Dan's ex-wife turn up and the problems that caused and I'd like more issues for Dan, to be honest, but that's only a mild criticism and I look forward to more from this team. My thanks to Boldwood and Netgalley for the reading copy.

Next Dan and Oscar mystery adventure in Italy, this time they are summoned to help the local police when a body is found near a hotel. Wealthy guests are among the suspects, some mafia related so this will be a difficult one to solve.
Full with chianti flavors, this setting is the perfect one to enjoy the countryside and on the side, solve crimes…
I love the series, and really enjoyed reading each one of them. The best feature is the four-legged friend.

Another fabulous read in one of my very favourite series!

As grape season rolls around, Dan Armstrong is looking forward to enjoying the result. However, before long he finds himself heading towards a prestigious winery in the Tuscan Hills to investigate a death. What first looks like a hit and run, begins to look more like murder and there seems to be no end of possible suspects . . .

I adore this series! This tenth book is just as fresh as the first and I feel as if I've had a personal guide to all the best places in Italy. Each mystery has been so well plotted and I never manage to work out the guilty party. Quite aside from the beautiful scenery, my mouth waters at the description of all the delicious food and then, of course, there is the icing on the cake - the gorgeous Oscar! He is the added sparkle to an already perfect read and I just love everything he gets up to; like my two labradors (one of whom is another Oscar) he has the ability to clearly show his feelings with a roll of his eyes. Another cracking mystery from Trevor Williams and long may the keep coming. A full five glowing stars and my highest recommendation. *****

My thanks to the publisher for my copy via NetGalley.

I really look forward to each of the books in this series. I recommend each one, and would certainly go back and read the others, if I hadn't already read them. Numerous times. This retired DCI and his awesome Labrador win people and the authorise over, wherever they go. This makes for an interesting murder mystery read whilst still managing to be a relatively gentle one. No egos here, the key characters work together.

The girlfriend, Anna, is also lovely and a force in her own way. You'll enjoy a couple of relationship surprises in this one :)

I found this story a little bit of a stretch but still Avery enjoyable cozy read.

Well done again to TA Williams and Boldwood Books. I highly recommend this book 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

Thank you to @rachelsrandomresources for my copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

As always, this series just gets better and better with each book. The scenery and food described is superb, and certainly makes needing a snack whilst reading. Dan and Oscar get caught up in a murder case at a posh local hotel owned by an old rockstar, a favourite from Dan’s youth.

The case gets more and more complicated as the story progresses with more bodies turning up all the time. I really enjoyed this one, reading it in just over 24 hours. I love the writing style and, as previously mentioned, the local landscape and food consumed throughout.

Can’t wait for the next one, I really do look forward to a new Dan and Oscar novel almost as much as Oscar looks forward to meal time!