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Coming Home to Maple Lodge by Alison Sherlock #Review

  I am delighted to feature the first in Alison Sherlock's new series set in the Corswolds. Coming Home to Maple Tree Lodge was published by Boldwood Books on June 20th. A family and hotel in desperate need of help… Maple Tree Lodge has been the home of the Jackson family for over a century. But the hotel has never been a success and, following the sudden loss of his father, architect Ben Jackson soon discovers the hotel is close to financial ruin. Ben has to make some tough decisions if the hotel is to survive and his family are to keep a roof over their heads. With the hotel in urgent need of a renovation, Ben’s sister calls on the talents of her best friend, interior designer Lily Watson. Cash strapped Lily needs a successful project to prove to herself and her high-achieving parents that she can carve a successful career and Maple Tree Lodge sounds like just the place for Lily to showcase her talents. However, Lily’s vision for a cosy, country Cotswolds hotel is the com...

Murder in the Tuscan Hills by T A Williams #Review #ArmstrongandOscarCozyMystery10


 Welcome to another in the  Armstrong and Oscar Cozy Mystery series, Murder in the Tuscan Hills by T A Williams.It was published on February 2nd by Boldwood

It's murder in paradise!

A picturesque scene…

As grape harvest season rolls around, retired DCI Dan Armstrong and his beloved canine companion, Oscar, are looking forward to a nice quiet September. But when Dan is contacted about a mysterious death out in the Tuscan Hills, it seems that work must come before pleasure.

A suspicious find…

At first it appears that the body found lying outside a prestigious winery has been the result of a tragic hit and run. But then the police discover that this is a cover up for murder…but who would kill in such an idyllic spot and why?

A face from the past?

As Dan investigates, he meets famous ex rock star, Digger, owner of the winery and prestigious Podere Dei Santi hotel. Digger’s guests include wealthy businessmen, tourists, and, among them, suspected mafia hitmen. But more significant for Dan is a face he knows only too well from his own past and he soon finds that wine isn't the only thing fermenting around him.

Could this murder be the start of a gangland war, or do the killer’s motives lie much closer to home? Will complications from Dan's past return to trouble his future? Either way, Dan and Oscar must work around the clock to solve another mystery.


 My Thoughts

This is well up to the usual standard of cozy mysteries starring Dan Armstrong and the wonderful Oscar. By now, you always know that Oscar is two steps ahead of the police and that his instincts towards people are worth paying attention to! Dan is torn in this latest mystery between putting his partner, Anna first and getting involved in a loyal murder enquiry. For the most part, Anna is quite patient with him, even on her birthday but you can tell that there are tensions lurking.

    There are several story threads in this book and more than a few murders. Whether they are connected is not immediately clear and you have to follow the clues alongside Dan. It seems as a PI, Dan can find out information which might not be revealed to the police and he has a close relationship with the local detectives, full of mutual respect. Life in the Tuscan Hills is certainly busy but the beauty of the setting is always there. There are plenty of lively characters to work out, including a very familiar one who causes him to look back as well as consider his future life. 

In short: Cozy crime and a glorious setting

About the Author

T A Williams is the author of over twenty bestselling romances for HQ and Canelo and is now turning his hand to cosy crime, set in his beloved Italy, for Boldwood. The series will introduce us to retired DCI Armstrong and his labrador Oscar and the first book, entitled Murder in Tuscany, will be published in October 2022. Trevor lives in Devon with his Italian wife.

You can read my reviews of some of Trevor's books here: Dreaming of Christmas |  Dreaming of Florence   |   Dreaming of St Tropez| Dreaming of Rome | Dreaming of Verona | Dreaming of Italy
 
  
Thanks to T A Williams, Boldwood Books, and Rachel of Rachel's Random Resources for a copy of the book and a place on the event.
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