DESCRIPTION:
Amateur detective and bookshop owner Flora Steele, and her dashing new husband Jack Carrington, are finally embarking on the honeymoon of a lifetime. But will gorgeous gondola rides be ruined by their most heart-stopping case ever?
Venice, 1959: As Flora and Jack step onto the beautiful, historic streets of Venice, they vow to put sleuthing aside to finally enjoy their honeymoon. But on their very first sun-soaked morning, whilst enjoying sparkling wine and mouthwatering pastries, they’re interrupted when hotel receptionist, Franco Massi, is discovered floating face-down in the Grand Canal.
Remembering poor Franco’s kind demeanour when they checked into the Cipriani Hotel, Flora quickly realises her honeymoon phase is over: she must solve the case. She saw a hot-headed restaurant owner arguing with Franco the night he died. Could their mysterious argument have gone too far? Or could it have been Franco’s jilted ex-fiancée Bianca, who acted so coldly at news of his death? Was it a crime of passion that sent him tumbling into the waters?
When Flora learns from a priest that a priceless painting has disappeared from his church along with his elderly housekeeper, she begins to marry together the clues that will lead her to a dangerous family that will stop at nothing to get their revenge. Will Flora and Jack crack the case before the killer claims another victim? Or will it be ‘death do us part’ for this crime-solving couple?
A completely gripping and totally charming cozy murder mystery novel, perfect for fans of Agatha Christie, Faith Martin and J.R. Ellis!
Venice, 1959: As Flora and Jack step onto the beautiful, historic streets of Venice, they vow to put sleuthing aside to finally enjoy their honeymoon. But on their very first sun-soaked morning, whilst enjoying sparkling wine and mouthwatering pastries, they’re interrupted when hotel receptionist, Franco Massi, is discovered floating face-down in the Grand Canal.
Remembering poor Franco’s kind demeanour when they checked into the Cipriani Hotel, Flora quickly realises her honeymoon phase is over: she must solve the case. She saw a hot-headed restaurant owner arguing with Franco the night he died. Could their mysterious argument have gone too far? Or could it have been Franco’s jilted ex-fiancée Bianca, who acted so coldly at news of his death? Was it a crime of passion that sent him tumbling into the waters?
When Flora learns from a priest that a priceless painting has disappeared from his church along with his elderly housekeeper, she begins to marry together the clues that will lead her to a dangerous family that will stop at nothing to get their revenge. Will Flora and Jack crack the case before the killer claims another victim? Or will it be ‘death do us part’ for this crime-solving couple?
A completely gripping and totally charming cozy murder mystery novel, perfect for fans of Agatha Christie, Faith Martin and J.R. Ellis!
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Author: Merryn Allingham
Series: Flora Steele Mystery #11
Publisher: Bookouture
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Format: Kindle ARC
No. of Pages: 294
Date of Publication: May 9, 2025
My Rating: 4 Stars
MY THOUGHTS:
Flora Steele and her husband, Jack Carrington, are very much looking forward to enjoying their honeymoon together in the picturesque city of Venice. This trip should afford them the opportunity to not have to worry about solving any murders, which is something that they both excel at.
Shockingly, the receptionist at the hotel where they are staying, Franco Mancini, has been found dead in a nearby canal. Flora can’t ignore her penchant for crime solving, and quickly takes it upon herself to begin looking for answers.
From the very start, Flora can’t ignore evidence that more than one person could have wanted Franco dead, so she really digs deep to find Franco’s killer and to bring them to justice. However, Jack is fairly insistent that they make a better use of their time and enjoy beautiful scenery, the exquisite food and the gorgeous weather.
Flora can’t leave Franco’s murder to the police, especially when other crimes happen in quick succession. Instinctively, Flora just knows that all of these sudden crimes are connected. With the often-annoyed Jack by her side, Flora goes to any lengths to get to the bottom of things.
As a fan of cozy mysteries, I thoroughly enjoyed Merryn Allingham’s latest book. My dream vacation is to visit Venice, so it was delightful to immerse myself in the story alongside Flora and Jack as they explore the city and work together on their latest case.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Merryn lives in a beautiful old town in Sussex with her husband and one last cat, Bluebell. When she’s not writing, she tries to keep fit with adult ballet classes and plenty of walking.
https://merrynallingham.com/
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