Slain Over Spumoni
By Tessa Floreano
Mamma mia! Here's a mystery treat for readers to savor. Delight in vivid sights and sounds of old Italy of 1920, review a line up of suspects rivaling the luscious variety of gelato flavors at the gelateria, and even possible discover amore. It's shortly after World War I in Grado, Italy and Violetta Pelicani helps her favorite uncle run his iconic, flavorful gelatos. The world is looking hopeful as the War ends, then Violetta's dear uncle is found dead, under very troubling circumstances. Violetta investigates and discovers if you go looking for trouble, it may find you. Now she's concerned about the police accusing her of the murder, as a result of her sleuthing. Throw into the mix a handsome visiting American attracted to Violetta, but with secrets of his own. Now you see the mysterious allure to read Slain Over Spumoni.
Violetta is a massage therapist working at a spa. Her uncle, Zio Fabri is poisoned after visiting the spa. Once alerted, the police cast a wide net, and she is in it too. As she struggles to prove her innocence, she meets John Baxter who is visiting from America. There is an aura of mystery about him, and he is vague about why he is in Italy. One thing is clear though, he is smitten from the moment he meets Violetta. Feelings are mutual, but does he have ulterior motives? Time will tell.
If you savor a mystery, this one sizzles with extra garlic. The romantic duo are hot on the trail of clues, analyzing motives, and deliberating on suspects' alibis. They're hopping all over town, and never seem to have the time to introduce John to the renowned spumoni from the gelateria. The promise of a savory dish of spumoni, and of a sweet romance swirl around the mystery of who poisoned Uncle Zio. And what will happen if Violetta discovers John's secret?
Author Tessa Floreano has created an engaging, exciting mystery with characters you'll love. Woven into their intense situation is such a wonderful humor that absolutely delights. The sweet romance brings a beautiful accent of amore, and an added dimension to this tight plot. The historical setting is so well researched by the author, it leaps off the pages as facts are skillfully woven into the story so seamlessly. Pacing of the plot is artful, and the final reveal is very well written. Will the visiting American ever get the chance to indulge in the amazing spumoni, and share a dish with the love of his life? There's more than one way to be Slain Over Spumoni.
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