Bria Bartolucci #3
I have had the pleasure of reviewing Michael Falco’s Bria Bartolucci mysteries since the first book’s debut, and am delighted to be able to do so again. In this series, readers are transported to the lovely town of Positano on the Amalfi coast. Bria Bartolucci runs a B&B there known as Bella Bella, living with her son Marco and their dog Bravo. She’s truly living the dream that she and her late husband Carlo had hoped to achieve. She’s had many adventures already, making friends, integrating into the community, and solving mysteries along the way. There were even some new adventures she didn’t see coming, such as a blooming romance with local police Chief Luca Vivaldi, who also happens to be the brother of her best friend and partner in sleuthing, Rosalie.
Bria cannot believe how happy she is with her life now — watching Marco thrive, working for Bella Bella’s success, and even managing to establish a deeper friendship with her mother-in-law Imperia. Her connection to the town grows with every day, and she really does feel like this is truly her home now. However, having seen plenty of big events in town result in tragedy, Bria is more than a little wary when she receives word that famous opera singer Carlotta Incantaro is coming to town. This is to be her first and last public appearance after about ten years of retirement. Not everyone is excited for her return – apparently, she left quite a wake of bad feelings and resentment when she departed the village all those years ago. Bria reserves her own judgment until she meets the diva, only to find out upon meeting her that she truly does have quite the abrasive personality. Even so, as a guest at Bella Bella, Bria does her best to make the diva feel as welcome and comfortable as possible while she prepares for her concert. Carlotta’s pianist is at least cordial and kind, if not a little flustered, apologizing for her behavior and helping to smooth things over as much as possible. Bria cannot shake this sense that something bad is coming, and unfortunately she is proven correct when she finds a corpse in the piazza. Bria is back on the case, but she has no idea how dramatic this case will end up becoming and how much turmoil she will have to personally face before it’s over.
Murder in an Italian Piazza will have readers unable to put the book down as they speed to the intense conclusion. The ending twist was a real surprise and brings the book to a theatrical conclusion worthy of an opera. Those who have read the series before will be delighted, and new readers will not have any difficulty following the plot or engaging with characters, as Michael Falco is able to set the scene and introduce characters in an effective and easy to follow manner. However, given some of the relationship developments and drama I do suggest reading the previous books to truly be able to appreciate the nuances of character and story. For me, being able to see Bria grow and make a life for herself despite devastating personal tragedy is inspiring. There are also plenty of Italian phrases and cultural details to enjoy, as in all of the Bria Bartolucci mysteries, and I appreciate the Italian mental vacation it provides. – Carla Schantz