Lorenzo CarcaterraCritiques

What a fun and charming mystery set on the lush and warm island of Ischia just off the coast of Naples, Italy.

Given the tight-knit community on Ischia, nothing goes unseen and everyone looks after one another. When strangers are in their midst, beyond the usual day-tripping tourists, the locals are quietly watching. This watchfulness is particularly keen when nefarious strangers have one of the locals in their sites. Meanwhile, the granddaughter of a notorious jewel thief, whose memory is filled with fantastical stories shared by her now-deceased grandfather, discovers a map among his things. Could this be a map to his quarry? Rumors have been floating about among the treasure hunters for years about the famous Paolino Iacone's hoard. But none has yet found it. Can Rita attain her legacy before the treasure hunter's seize it for themselves? Can carabinieri Captain Murino capture the nefarious strangers before anyone gets hurt or worse?

Mr. Caraterra has done a wonderful job of creating a beautiful setting for this series. One hears the cry of seagulls and the crashing waves on the rocks; one smells the tang of the ocean and the enticing aromas of fabulous cuisine cooked by the magical hands of local women for those whom they love; and one sees the looming castle built into the cliff high above the port. The writing is rich and the characters well developed. The interaction among the characters and affection exuded among the locals is palpable. The tension builds gradually to a spectacular climax and and then gently eases leaving the reader with a warmth for the local characters, a satisfied feeling, and a desire to book their next trip to the Amalfi Coast.

I am grateful to Bantam Books for having provided a complimentary uncorrected proof of this book through NetGalley. Their generosity, however, has not influenced this review - the words of which are mine alone.

Publisher:‎ Bantam Books
Publication Date: ‎ May 7, 2024
No. of pages: ‎ 288
ISBN-13:‎ 978-0593499214

Review of Advance Reader’s Uncorrected eBook File

Maurizio Carnale sits in an outdoor café ion the island of Ischia waiting for his double espresso. No one knows he has come to this place for the specific purpose of killing a man.

Meanwhile, Nonna Maria is enjoying her espresso in the company of two of her granddaughters. At their insistence, she tells them [yet again] a special story, the story of the creation of Ischia.

When Paolino Iacone dies, he leaves his granddaughter, Rita, with a secret map showing the location of her inheritance. She asks Nonna Maria for help finding the treasure hidden in the rocky coastal caves.

Will Nonna Maria and Rita find the hidden treasure before others are able to snatch it away? And will the assassin succeed in his murderous quest?

=========

The third of the Nonna Maria tales, the book has sufficient backstory to work as a standalone. One of the strengths of the story is the focus on loyalty and friendship.

The delightful island setting, charming main character, and intriguing mystery all work together to draw the reader into the telling of the tale from the outset. Expect ruthless treasure hunters, pirates, and criminals as the unfolding story takes readers on an exciting adventure of discovery.

Aside from the treasure hunt, the tension and suspense of the hired assassin stalking Captain Murino keeps the pages turning as fast as possible.

Readers who enjoy adventure, mystery, and strong friendships will find much to appreciate here.

Highly recommended.

I received a free copy of this book from Random House Publishing Group – Ballantine, Bantam and NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
#NonnaMariaandtheCaseoftheLostTreasure #NetGalley

Widowed grandmother hears all the gossip on her small island and helps those who need it. A woman wanting to back out of a sudden engagement, a young man suspected of having killed his employer to inherit his ship. A bit repetitive--yeah, I got it, she has lived here her entire life, the island has changed from poor backwater to tourist destination, Nona is very wise. Solutions were good though.

Miss Marple in Italy.

Grandma Maria is an elderly woman living on Ischia island not far from Naples. She was raised, married, raised a family, and buried her husband on Ischia. She knows everyone and everyone knows her and they come to her for help with all of the questions of life.

This is a nicely written mystery that is a bit too cozy for me but will be enjoyed by anyone who wants something gentle.

food, island-life, assassins, secrets, lies, investigations, protection, Italy, Italian-customs, historical-places-events, historical-research, historical-setting, history-and-culture, friendship, friends, local-law-enforcement, local-gossip, cozy-crime, widow, senior-citizens, amateur-sleuth, septuagenarian, relationships, relatives, family-history, family, false-identities, caves, revenge*****

I've been waiting for this! This is NOT an unbiased review as I love each book in series and will make sure to get the audio because print copies have a way of walking away with friends and family. Nonna Maria has two major issues going on plus we get a detailed history lesson of people and deeds done on the island during WW2 (and smugglers anytime). The story has it all: revenge, romance, carabinieri, assassins, friendship, false identities, and fascinating aspects of history. Terrific read!
I requested and received a free temporary EARC from Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, Bantam via NetGalley. Thank you!
Available 07 May 2024 #NonnaMariaBk3

Thriller

Suspense

This is fast paced action novel that gives an interesting view on what would happen if (or maybe when) organized crime would cross its path with the religious terrorists. Novel reads like fast paced action manga (Crying Freeman comes to mind when you read this) and I am sure readers who like more serious approach to gangsters wont like the way they are presented here (although to claim that organized crime does not exist in international scope is also stuff of fiction).

So keep in mind this novel is meant to entertain.

Recommended for fans of action and shadowy organizations.

What an utterly charming story! Not only is the mystery well-crafted, it's imbued with the gentle nature of the title character. Better yet, the island setting of the book is beautifully realized.

It’s the month of July and tourism season is thriving on the island of Ischia, eighteen miles off the coast of Naples. But two separate crimes create a stir in the community and local law enforcement will have their hands full. Arianna Conte, one of the guests at The Grand Hotel Excelsior, accuses one of the cleaning staff, a local girl, of stealing a valuable necklace. In addition to the case of the the missing necklace, the discovery of the body of the unidentified woman of the side of the curved road in Barano has the carabinieri scrambling to find out who and/or what caused her death.

A lifelong islander in her seventies with a penchant for solving crimes in order to assist those who require her help, Nonna Maria is known for her wisdom, her knowledge of the island and her network of personal contacts. Paolo Murino, the Carabinieri captain trusts and respects her and they often collaborate, Nonna Maria assisting the investigation in an unofficial capacity, of course. Nonna Maria has a personal interest in both cases case because the girl accused of theft is Loretta, her goddaughter and a young man, a friend of Nonna Maria, believes he might be responsible for the accident that caused the death of the unidentified woman. Nonna Maria also suspects that the dead woman might be someone with a personal connection to the island.

With its charming setting, fluid narrative and interesting cast of characters, Nonna Maria and the Case of the Stolen Necklace is an engaging read and a worthy addition to Lorenzo Carcaterra’s Nonna Maria series. Nonna Maria is an endearing character. I had so much fun following her as she went about unraveling the two mysteries on hand. This septuagenarian is smart, perceptive and resourceful and manages to glean more information between sips of wine and cups of strong coffee (that recipe for her special brew is tempting!) faster than the local carabinieri on the job. Her vast network of children, grandchildren, friends and allies from all walks of life is beyond impressive and once again does not fail her as she endeavors to get to the truth behind both incidents that have shocked her community. The mysteries in this series might not strike you as particularly complex (they lean toward the cozy mystery genre), but what draws you in is not just the mystery but the settings and the characters. The vivid imagery and captivating descriptions of the island and the lives of the islanders and their community and the history, traditions and culture truly enrich the narrative and transport you to the island of Ischia. I can't wait for the next installment in this series. I was intrigued by the lead-in for the next story in the final chapter of the book. Though this is the second book in the series, it can be read as a standalone novel, but I would recommend reading the first book too if you enjoy this one.

Many thanks to Random House Publishing Group- Ballantine and NetGalley for the digital copy of this novel. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Connect with me!

Instagram
My Blog
The StoryGraph

Set in the Island of Ischia, eighteen miles off the coast of Naples, the story begins with a young woman by the name of Anna sharing her troubles with Nonna Maria –lifelong resident of the island in her seventies with a penchant for strong coffee and good wine - who never turns down anyone asking for her assistance. Engaged to Andrea Bartoli, who is new to the island, Anna expresses her doubts about her fiancé and feels that she is being manipulated into marrying him. Captain Murino of the carabinieri is also suspicious of Bartoli and has prior knowledge of his possible misdeeds and teams up with Nonna Maria to expose him while keeping Anna out of harm’s way. Besides helping Anna, Nonna Maria and Captain Murino are also working together in trying to find out the truth behind the mysterious death of eighty-five-year-old tour boat captain Pasquale Favorini, who presumably drowned after falling overboard in a drunken state. Nonna Maria, who knew Pasquale, is not convinced that this was an accident.

Though he has concerns for her safety, Captain Murino is respectful of Nonna Maria and her knowledge of the island and its residents. Nonna Maria is no Sherlock Holmes (or so she claims, though the residents of the island frequently compare her to him) and her “sleuthing” involves listening to people’s troubles and providing assistance in any way she can which earns her the trust and respect of everyone around her including the local carabinieri. She knows everyone on the island and has a vast network of children, grandchildren, friends and allies who keep her informed of what’s happening around her. As the narrative progresses, we follow Nonna Maria as she uses her wit, wisdom and her network of fellow islanders to unravel these two mysteries.

Overall, Nonna Maria and the Case of the Missing Bride by Lorenzo Carcaterra is an entertaining mystery full of heart, humor and an interesting cast of characters. Though it is a slow-paced read, the narrative is fluid and engaging and at no point did I lose interest in the plot. I loved the vivid descriptions of the island, the folklore, the community and the culture. Smart and resourceful, Nonna Maria is so much fun to be around! I can’t wait to read the next book in the series!

Connect with me!
My Blog
Instagram

I have been putting off this review for days and well all I really have to say is - it was a cute little not so very mysterious cozy kind of we know who did it book. There is a terrific setting, lots of food to go with every situation, a self-proclaimed elderly detective who knows everything and everyone on her patch and multiple crimes that need to be solved. It was a serene little turn around the island of Ischia as logic, experience and local knowledge is employed by our Nonna Maria to crack the cases and right the wrongs.

Thanks to Random House/Bantam Books and NetGalley for a copy.

In this second book in a series, Nonna Maria assists with solving two mysteries: a "stolen" necklace and the death of an unidentified woman. When a necklace belonging to a client at the Hotel Excelsior disappears, Nonna Maria's goddaughter comes under suspicion, since she serves as a chambermaid there. Nonna Maria works with the carabinieri to set a clever trap to catch two criminals involved in the missing necklace. She is also involved in helping to identify the body of a woman who has been murdered, and in the process some past secrets are revealed and wrongs are righted.

Set on a beautiful island off the coast of Italy, this mystery novel shows readers that the elderly are a force to be reckoned with! Nonna Maria commands the respect and cooperation of a network of friends, as she gathers information to help Captain Murino solve two very different mysteries.

The descriptions of the island, its inhabitants, and its foods and settings make this book a joy to read. The character of Nonna Maria takes center stage along with the Captain, while other characters play some cameo roles. While there are many twists and turns throughout the story, all is resolved in the end. Readers who enjoy mystery novels and interesting characters will find this a welcome addition to the mystery genre. Although it is second in a series, the book can be read as a standalone. The intriguing novel lacks descriptive violence, intimacy, and strong language. I am looking forward to more novels about Nonna Maria.

I received this book from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own.

This was more complicated than book 1 in my opinion, as it followed not only a case of the stolen necklace, but a long ago wrong that was done to one of Nonna Maria's friends.
When a necklace is allegedly stolen from a hotel room, and one of Nonna Maria's relatives is accused, Nonna steps in to help the police. Nonna questions whether a necklace ever existed. Additionally, a body is found in the roadway, but it isn't a car crash that killed the woman, but something worse. Nonna investigates this, as well, and uncovers some ugly secrets that the powerful in the town sought to conceal.
I hope there is a book 3, because the ending is a bit of a teaser!

This is the first book in the Nonna Maria series and it was very well done! I enjoyed reading about this elderly woman in town, who seems to know everyone, and even is friends with some dangerous characters.
Anna comes to Nonna Maria scared. She is now engaged to a man that she thought she loved, but realizes he is very dangerous, and may wish to harm her once they are married. Nonna Maria encourages Anna to disappear while she investigates what is happening.
Nonna relies on her wits and her friendships to save Anna.
Very enjoyable. Looking forward to the next book in the series!

island-life, senior-citizens, septuagenarian, widow, thriller, cozy-mystery, Italy, law-enforcement, theft, friends, friendship, family-drama, family-dynamics, murder-investigation, murder, food, fast-pace, secrets, lies, unputdownable, unpleasant-guests, series, hospitality-industry, dishonest-people*****

Nonna Maria is like everyone's favorite grandmother on the beautiful island of Ischia, and she has more common sense than most as well as a logical mind (I think it's the coffee). The publisher's blurb is an excellent hook and gives hints as to the sleuthing inside so no need to repeat that stuff. The story is interesting and believable (small towns are very similar regardless of country). Each of the characters are made very real, there are many surprises that kept me totally attentive. Loved it!
I requested and received an EARC from Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, Bantam via NetGalley. Thank you!

This is the second of the Nonna Maria mysteries I have read; it works well as a standalone.

Nonna Maria is a venerable woman whose goal in life seems to be to help and protect her friends and family….and feed them wonderful meals and savory coffee. Through the many contacts made through her years on Ischia, she has an uncanny ability to assist in solving crimes and the captain of the carabinieri is smart enough to rely on her. This time, there are two cases to be solved. A woman accuses a hotel worker of stealing her valuable necklace; the worker just happens to be Nonna Maria’s goddaughter. Another woman is found dead on the side of the street with no identification. It is determined that she has been murdered, but no one knows who she is. Ah! but Nonna Maria thinks she knows her identity.

This is a cozy mystery Italian style with wine and espresso instead of tea. Nonna Maria is enchanting. She is surrounded by unique and equally charming characters. There is humor and pathos in this story.

The book ends with a set up for what seems to be Nonna Maria’s next case; I am looking forward to it!

Thanks to #netgalley and #randomhouse #ballantine for the ARC.

Al comienzo de la historia conocemos a Gabe, un joven que a fines de los 90 se acerca a un hospital para visitar a un anciano moribundo, es el hombre que le acogió cuando era un chico abandonado y le dio un hogar. Esta persona es Ángelo Vestieri y fue el gángster más peligroso y poderoso en la historia de EE.UU.
Aparece en el hospital una misteriosa mujer llamada Mary, que conoció bien a Ángelo, y Gabe y ella se ponen a reconstruir la vida del mafioso. Así el lector toma contacto con una gran saga familiar que se inicia en 1.906, donde se narra el origen de la familia de Ángelo y los motivos oscuros por los que sus padres escaparon de Italia luego de tener un trágico incidente con la mafia siciliana. La historia describe cómo Ángelo se crió en las calles de Nueva York de comienzos del siglo 20, que estaban bajo control de organizaciones criminales, y que lo llevará a unirse a una “familia” que cambiará para siempre su vida.

Bored. Tried to make it yo 30% to give it a shot, but need to call it.
The epitome if "tell vs. show". Stilted sentences. I'm not really engaged.
Next!

A fast read, but cozy mysteries rarely grab me.

Nonna Maria has lived on the island of Ischia all her life and she is an institution for the villagers. If there are problems, disagreements, fights, the villagers will go to Nonna Maria to solve the issues fairly. As the story begins, a young woman asks Nonna Maria for help. She is supposed to be married in a few weeks but she is afraid of the man, she doesn't remember much about their courtship and doesn't love him. Nonna Maria helps her to disappear while the man can be investigated.

The story was so much fun! Nonna Maria has her own network of "agents" that can find out just about anything and then she has contacts on the mainland that are phenomenal.

Highly recommend for a good time read!

I was charmed by Lorenzo Carcaterra's Nonna Maria and the Case of the Missing Bride. I've seen depictions of old Italian women dressed in widow's weeds in movies and television programs for decades, and what Carcaterra has done is put a heart and soul into one such woman to bring her to life.

First of all, the setting is wonderful. I'd never heard of the island of Ischia before, and I found its history absolutely fascinating. When Carcaterra described one spot on the island in which you could stand and see Vesuvius to the left and Capri to the right, I immediately wanted to book a flight to see it for myself.

Nonna Maria is the perfect diamond to place in such a breathtaking setting. She has such strong opinions that, at first, she may be a bit intimidating, but once readers see the esteem in which she's held by fellow islanders, they should stop hesitating and let themselves melt right into her world. She may be strong, but she's also wise and compassionate. Anyone Nonna Maria doesn't know isn't worth knowing, and I loved watching her work with Captain Murino of the carabinieri, a man who has his own reasons for wanting to bring one of the cases to a resounding close.

How can one old woman be such a force on a small island, especially when she has no phone and no car? As she tells Murino, she only knows what she hears, and on an island filled with people who love to talk all she has to do is listen.

As much as I enjoyed watching Nonna Maria solve crimes, you'd think that I'd want to see this turn into a series, but you'd be wrong. Part of me wants this one book to stay a perfect snapshot of the life of a fairy godmother who has a solution for all of your problems. Read it for yourself and see what you think.

(Review copy courtesy of the publisher and Net Galley)

Nonna Maria has lived her entire life on the island of Ischia. She is familiar to all for her kindness, generosity, local knowledge, and ability to solve problems, particularly if they involve crimes. She is better at solving them than the carabinieri. To her, though, it is not solving crimes, it is helping friends.

There are two cases in which she is involved; the overboard drowning of a local tour guide and a recently engaged young woman who doesn’t know how she ended up betrothed.

A beguiling older woman who is known not only for her wiles in figuring out problems, but also for serving wine, her special coffee, and delicious homemade food, many of the ingredients coming from her garden.

Read this book not so much for the mysteries, which are interesting, but to savor island life and appreciate the special charm of Nonna Maria’s character.

As an aside, while I was reading this, I thought how Nonna Maria reminded me of an Italian Precious Ramotswe, of Alexander McCall’s No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency series, with her wisdom, knowledge of all the local goings on, and ability to solve a mystery. I would love her secret for her unparalleled coffee, of which there is much mention in the book.

As a cozy mystery, I give this five stars. I hope there will be more books featuring Nonna Maria.

Thanks to #Netgalley and #randomhouse for the DRC

fraud, friendship, family, family-dynamics, fast-pace, flim-flam, food, Italy, island-life, law-enforcement, situational-humor, verbal-humor, organized-crime, murder, murder-investigation, senior-citizens, septuagenarian, widow, thriller, cozy-mystery*****

What wonderful characters! Nonna Maria is like everyone's favorite grandmother on the beautiful island of Ischia, and she has more common sense than most as well as a logical mind (I think it's the coffee). The publisher's blurb is an excellent hook and gives hints as to the sleuthing inside so no need to repeat that stuff. The story is fast paced, has many humorous incidents, is solidly plotted, and gives a full view of this lovely Mediterranean island off the coast of Italy. I loved it, but I don't want to give it all away.
I requested and received a free e-book copy from Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, Bantam via NetGalley. Thank you!