Murder on an Italian Island

Murder on an Italian Island

A holiday island…

When private investigator, Dan Armstrong, and his girlfriend, Anna, are invited to the gorgeous island of Elba for a much-needed break, he jumps at the chance. The thought of sun-drenched shores makes Dan promise Anna he won't “play detective” for a whole week…

A luxury hotel…

Their luxurious hotel, with its wonderful food and picturesque seaside views, seems the perfect escape, especially with Dan's best friend Virgilio and his wife joining them. But the calm shatters with a sinister encounter and a sudden, suspicious death..

A decades old case…

Virgilio's past connection to the victim casts a long shadow, pulling Dan into a decades-old case. But beneath Elba's beauty lie secrets and resentments – the victim was universally hated – but was his death the result of foul play or just a tragic accident?

With his faithful canine companion, Oscar, Dan must unravel the island's mysteries, a task that soon takes a decidedly personal and unsettling turn.

Purchase Link - https://mybook.to/MurderItalianIsland

 Author Bio –

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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Facebook: @TrevorWilliamsBooks

Twitter: @TAWilliamsBooks

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Bookbub profile: @trevorwilliams3

My review

I have been a fan of this series from the start and this book continues to delight. set on the beautiful island of Elba, where Dan is taking a break with his girlfriend and close friends, it is not long before he is swept up into investigating a murder. There are quite a few twists and turns along the way to keep the reader engaged, as well as delicious Italian treats and of course, Oscar the dog, who plays a pivotal role in saving the day. Perfect summer read.

 

Jaipur Moon

Jaipur Moon

Jaipur, 1934

When Philip Grainger and Frank Fletcher met late at night on the edge of an indigo plantation in Gujarat back in 1916, and one of them handed a new born baby to the other and walked away, their stated intention was never to see each other again.

In Jaipur, 1934, almost eighteen years later, Philip’s daughter, Eleanor, is excited to learn that a new family has moved into the street where they live, and that the family has a daughter similar in age to herself.

When Frank Fletcher, having struggled for years to make a profit from his isolated indigo plantation, turns to exporting, he is encouraged by his exporter friend, Maxwell Anderson, to move his family to Jaipur. His daughter, Alice, hopes that at last she will make some friends. 

But where there are secrets, someone invariably senses a secret, is determined to uncover it and use it to his advantage. Nothing stays hidden for ever…

Purchase Links

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Jaipur-Moon-secrets-princely-Colonials-ebook/dp/B0F9P6176J

https://www.amazon.com/Jaipur-Moon-secrets-princely-Colonials-ebook/dp/B0F9P6176J 

Author Bio – Liz Harris is the author of the historical novels THE ROAD BACK (US Coffee Time & Romance Book of the Year 2012) and A BARGAIN STRUCK (shortlisted for the RoNA Historical 2013). They and THE LOST GIRL/GOLDEN TIGER and A WESTERN HEART were shortlisted for Best Historical Romance by The Festival of Romance. In addition are contemporary novels EVIE UNDERCOVER, THE ART OF DECEPTION, THE BEST FRIEND and WORD PERFECT. THE DARK HORIZON, THE FLAME WITHIN and THE LENGTHENING SHADOW, set between the wars, comprise The Linford Collection, which was followed by The Colonials : DARJEELING INHERITANCE, COCHIN FALL, HANOI SPRING and SIMLA MIST. The second edition of THE ROAD BACK appeared in August 2022, followed by IN A FAR PLACE. Second editions of A BARGAIN STRUCK and GOLDEN TIGER were published in 2023. THE LOOSE THREAD, the first in the Three Sisters trilogy, was published in February 2024, THE SILKEN KNOT, the second in September 2024 and THE WOVEN LIE in February 2025. AWESTERN HEART was published December 2024. In addition to these, Liz has had short stories published in anthologies and magazines.

(As usual, I have let rip, and this might be a weeny bit too long!! If so, I can shorten it.)

Social Media Links – 

Twitter Handle:  @lizharrisauthor

Bluesky handle:  @lizharris.bsky.social

Instagram Handle:  liz.harris.52206

Website:  https://lizharrisauthor.com

Facebook: Liz Harris

My Review

Firstly, I was intrigued by the setting as Jaipur is on my list to visit. Liz Fielding has done an amazing job of blending fact and fiction, filling in gaps where there is no evidence, for example, the description of the houses, and for this the notes at the back of the book were very useful.

Having been successfully transported to Jaipur of the 1930s, it was the lifestyle and the characters that stood out for me, perfectly portrayed of their era with of course a carefully hidden secret about to shatter the lives of the small ex-pat community.

This is an interesting and informative read and will appeal to anyone interested in India or indeed history.

 

A Scottish teashop in Napoli

 

A Scottish Teashop in Napoli

A tender and funny novel that combines the best of Scottish and Italian culture with the joys of female friendship and a cast of characters reminiscent of Jenny Colgan and Sophie Kinsella.

When Lucy's childhood sweetheart stands her up on their wedding day, leaving her alone on a plane eloping to the tropical location of his choosing, their dream – now feeling like just her dream - of their bairn filled future disappears in a heartbeat (or the time it takes for her to listen to the rambling drunken voicemail he left calling off the wedding).

In Naples, Elena is recently widowed and struggling to keep her husband's family's beloved and centuries old mozzarella factory afloat, whilst running her language school and bringing up their son. At risk of losing both businesses- and adding even more disruption to their life - she advertises a job and hopes for the best.

The stars seem to align and Elena and Lucy, each suffering from a very different sort of loss and loneliness, set about trying to lift the struggling business and each other.

A charming, tender and funny novel about the power of female friendships, the importance of letting go and the joys of eating pasta!

Purchase Links

https://bedfordsquarepublishers.co.uk/book/a-scottish-teashop-in-napoli/ 

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Scottish-Teashop-Napoli-Jane-Lambert-ebook/dp/B0DNDFHJSB/

https://www.amazon.com/Scottish-Teashop-Napoli-Jane-Lambert-ebook/dp/B0DNDFHJSB/ 

Author Bio – Jane Lambert was brought up on the west coast of Scotland, studied Modern Languages at Stirling University, then taught English in Vienna. Her love affair with Italy began when she married an Italian chef from Naples. Her debut novel, THE START OF SOMETHING WONDERFUL, was published by HarperCollins in 2018 and inspired by her rollercoaster transition from globe-trotting cabin crew to aspiring actor.

Social Media Links – [X twitter] @JaneLambert22 / Jane Lambert | Facebook                               [Insta] @janealexandralambert

My Review

A lovely story that warms the cockles of your heart as you follow the lives of two strangers who become friends. Both Elena and Lucy are feeling alone for different reasons but as their friendship

 develops, they each discover a new zest for life. Set between Scotland and Naples, this book gives the reader the best of both worlds. Tenderly written and can thoroughly recommend.

The Cruise Club

 

The Cruise Club

Because the best adventures are still to come…

Escape to the sun with the #1 bestselling author of The Cruise in a feelgood romcom full of romance, fun and mischief, which will sweep you away to the azure waters of the Mediterranean with every turn of the page…

Set sail on the Diamond Star for sunshine, romance – and just a little bit of mischief…

Cosy crime writer Carmen Cunningham is in trouble. Her inspiration has vanished, her deadline is looming, and her meddling elderly mother Betty consumes her every waking moment. Hoping to revive her creativity, Carmen books a dream cruise, featuring workshops with her literary idol, Ruskin Reeve. It’s the perfect plan – until Betty insists on tagging along…

However, as the Diamond Star sails through sun-soaked ports and magical Mediterranean islands, Carmen finds the escape she needs as she discovers new friendships, and unexpected sparks with the grumpy, but charming, Ruskin.

But mischief is afoot on board the ship, with talk of items going missing and a secret club that’s got everyone talking… Will the cruise reignite Carmen’s writing muse or plunge her into the biggest plot twist of her life? Because, as she's about to find out, anything can happen at sea…

Purchase Link - https://mybook.to/CruiseK

Author Bio – 

Caroline James is the celebrated author of later-life fiction, including THE CRUISE, the #1 best-seller that has captivated readers and cruise ship passengers worldwide, earning its reputation as Girl Power for the Over-Sixties! Her eagerly anticipated follow-up novel, THE CRUISE CLUB, is set to make waves when it launches in 2025.

Caroline’s vibrant storytelling stems from her colourful career. Before becoming a full-time writer, she carved out a fascinating path in the hospitality industry, owning a charming country house hotel and a lively pub. As a media agent, she worked closely with celebrity chefs, giving her an insider’s perspective on the glitz, glamour, and grit of the culinary world. When she finally turned her focus to writing, she discovered her true calling, penning best-selling novels that have garnered her legions of fans.

When she’s not writing in Venus, her holiday home on wheels, Caroline enjoys tranquil walks with Fred, her lovable Westie, and swims in a local lake. As a member of the Romantic Novelists’ Association, the SoA, ARRA, and the Society of Women’s Writers & Journalists, Caroline is a passionate advocate for the written word and a champion of life-long creativity.

Social Media Links – 

www.carolinejamesauthor.co.uk

X: @CarolineJames12

Bluesky: CarolineJamesAuthor

My review

Having read the first book and really enjoyed it, I had no hesitation in picking up the second. Cruise entertainer, Dickie, is back and just as full of life along with some new cruisers. Although Carmen is the main character, it's her mum Betty who grabs the reader's attention - for all the wrong reasons. Betty is manipulative, demanding, rude and controlling so it's a miracle nobody pushed her overboard. 

I enjoyed watching Carmen's transformation, as she gains in self-confidence, not only about her writing but also in herself.

Dastardly Dickie is up to his old tricks but manages to redeem himself at the end. With some naughty goings-on and a mystery to solve, this book is funny, life-enhancing and a damn good read.

Not my Greek wedding

 

She might not be the bride, but could this wedding be the start of her perfect future?

Mia is reeling from a breakup with her fiancé. And now her best friend Tasha is getting married on the beautiful Greek island of Santorini – where Mia once planned on having her own wedding.

Arriving at the resort, Mia’s breath catches at the sight of the sun-soaked terrace and vases overflowing with pink and white blooms. And with guests like local hunk, Christos, walking around like statues of Greek gods come to life, there’s even more to celebrate… so Mia promises to put her own heartache aside and make sure everything is perfect for Tasha – especially as she’s the Maid of Honour!

But with embarrassing speeches, champagne corks popping everywhere, and guests getting caught up in the energetic Greek dancing, there are too many problems to tackle alone. If she opens her heart, can Mia and Christos make sure the day runs smoothly, and could she even start her own new love story in Greece?

This absolutely gorgeous and unputdownable beach read is perfect for fans of Kate Frost, Mandy Baggot and Holly Martin. Pack your bags and get ready to be swept away to the stunning beaches of Greece!

 

Author Bio:

Sue Roberts lives in Lancashire with her long term partner Derek and has had a lifelong love of writing, encouraged by winning a school writing competition at the age of 11.

She always assumed that ‘one day’ she would write a book, always having a busy household and a job, the idea remained firmly on the back burner but never forgotten.

The inspiration for her first novel came to her on a holiday to a Greek village. Her daughters had left home and suddenly the time had come to write that book!
https://www.instagram.com/suerobertsauthor/
https://twitter.com/suerobertsautho

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Buy Link:

Amazon: https://geni.us/B0F4KD2C6Bsocial

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My Review

There are a lot of things to like about this book, for me the descriptions of stunning Santorini really evoke the island bringing back many memories. In the beginning I loved the descriptions of the tavernas and the delicious food but to be honest, after a while I was hoping for something more.

I think the problem is that as a reader I didn't really warm to either of the protagonists. That, together with a very light plot, meant that it just lacked a bit of conflict. Fortunately, things improved towards the end and I enjoyed the book, mainly because of the setting and the writing. With this book, it is not so much of working out what will happen but engrossing yourself in how it happens.

Perfect if you're looking for a beach or summer read set on a sun-drenched Greek island.

The Island of hopes and dreams

 

The Island of Hopes and Dreams

When the beginning of the end is just the start…

Newly single Lola Wild has had her fill of well-intentioned matchmaking friends. Her best friend Mirabel’s hen weekend highlights all that’s wrong with Lola’s life and she knows something has to change.

With Mirabel’s luxurious wedding in Sardinia fast approaching, Lola is looking forward to switching off, spending time with her friends and keeping her non-existent love life off everyone’s agenda.

Meanwhile, fellow wedding guest Rhys Strickland has his own problems. So when a chance encounter brings Rhys and Lola together they decide to help each other out.

To the idyllic backdrop of white sand beaches and azure bays, they bond over shared heartache, and friendship blossoms as they attempt to navigate the hurt and hard truths of past relationships.

Opening up their hearts and embracing change might be the last thing they expected, but what if a holiday of make-believe can turn into something real?

A heart-warming and uplifting story of vulnerability, self-renewal and finding love when you least expect to.

Purchase Link - https://mybook.to/TheIslandof

Author Bio – 

Kate Frost is the author of several bestselling romantic escape novels including A Greek Island Escape, and An Island in the Sun. She lives in Bristol and is the Director of Storytale Festival, a book festival for children and teens she co-founded in 2019.

Social Media Links –  

Facebook: @katefrostauthor

Twitter: @katefrostauthor

Instagram: @katefrostauthor

Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/KateFrostNewsletter

Bookbub profile: @KateFrost

My review

I loved being transported to Sardinia and Kate Frost captures the essence of a place so well that if you haven’t already visited, it will jump onto your bucket list.

The characters are skilfully drawn and the hurt Lola feels after being in a controlling relationship, will resonate with many readers. The classic fallout symptoms of guilt, shame and not being able to trust again are all sensitively dealt with and I enjoyed watching her blossoming relationship with Rhys.

Kate is a skilled novelist who offers an escape to a sun kissed island, a perfect summer read.

Beside the turquoise sea

 

Beside the Turquoise Sea

Now her children have moved out, Edie has begun to feel lonely in the home she shares with her husband. She hopes returning to Crete, where she and Ralph spent their honeymoon, will help heal the growing rift between them.

And when Edie stumbles upon the website for the Villa Ariadne, with its breathtaking views and peaceful surroundings, it feels like the perfect place to spend a week together, along with their closest friends Mac and Hannah. But then, Edie invites a fifth guest: her feisty, independent colleague Jessica, with unexpected consequences.

It's clear from the moment they arrive that the villa is special, and under the golden Greek sun, Edie hopes to rekindle the relationship she’s felt slipping away from her. But when conflict arises between two of her fellow guests, will Edie be prepared for revelations that could change her life forever?

Purchase Link 

https://mybook.to/BesidetheTurquoiseSea

Author Bio – 

Emma Burstall is the bestselling author of women’s fiction, including the Tremarnock series. Emma studied English at Cambridge University before becoming a journalist for local and national newspapers and women's magazines. She lives in London and has three children.

Social Media Links 

Facebook: @emmaburstallauthor

Twitter: @emmaburstall

Instagram: @emmaburstall

Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/EmmaBurstallNews

My Review

Really enjoyed this book, which embraced all the beauty of a Greek island yet with an undercurrent of suspense. The setting is wonderful but I particularly enjoyed the relationships between the characters and how the dynamic shifts during the course of the story. The book also deals with some difficult themes such as domestic  violence, which are treated with sensitivity by the author.

Great setting, great characters superbly told. 

Bookbub profile: @EmmaBurstall