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Nonna Maria #3
Nonna Maria and the Case of the Lost Treasure
Nonna Maria, "one of the most charming amateur sleuths ever created" (Tess Gerritsen), dodges assassins and hunts for hidden treasure in this transporting mystery from #1 New York Times bestselling author Lorenzo Carcaterra.
As Nonna Maria's longtime friend and sometimes colleague, Captain Murino of the Ischian caribineri never wanted to see harm brought to the doorstep of everyone's favorite espresso-brewing, counsel-giving amateur sleuth. But when you live a long life, you're bound to make a few enemies. And when those enemies come calling, you have to rely on friends. Faced with an assassin seeking revenge for a decades-old grudge, Captain Murino has no choice but to turn to Maria, who must use all her neighborly resources, clever faculties, and web of connections to save him from his perilous predicament.
On the other side of the island, a second mystery begins to unfold from the deathbed of another of Maria's old friends, when he hands his granddaughter a yellowed map and tells her of a treasure to be found in one of Ischia’s secret caverns, known as the Magician’s Cave. There are traps and pits. There will be others with sinister motives who will do all they can to make the treasure their own. But this map is a guide—the only gift he has to give. When the granddaughter needs help cracking the code, she turns to her grandfather's most trusted Nonna Maria.
From battling foes in medieval castles to exploring the notorious caverns where smugglers hid their goods, Nonna Maria and her friends—some old, some new—embark on their most swashbuckling adventure yet.
As Nonna Maria's longtime friend and sometimes colleague, Captain Murino of the Ischian caribineri never wanted to see harm brought to the doorstep of everyone's favorite espresso-brewing, counsel-giving amateur sleuth. But when you live a long life, you're bound to make a few enemies. And when those enemies come calling, you have to rely on friends. Faced with an assassin seeking revenge for a decades-old grudge, Captain Murino has no choice but to turn to Maria, who must use all her neighborly resources, clever faculties, and web of connections to save him from his perilous predicament.
On the other side of the island, a second mystery begins to unfold from the deathbed of another of Maria's old friends, when he hands his granddaughter a yellowed map and tells her of a treasure to be found in one of Ischia’s secret caverns, known as the Magician’s Cave. There are traps and pits. There will be others with sinister motives who will do all they can to make the treasure their own. But this map is a guide—the only gift he has to give. When the granddaughter needs help cracking the code, she turns to her grandfather's most trusted Nonna Maria.
From battling foes in medieval castles to exploring the notorious caverns where smugglers hid their goods, Nonna Maria and her friends—some old, some new—embark on their most swashbuckling adventure yet.
280 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 7, 2024
About the author
Lorenzo Carcaterra
38 books657 followersNumber-one New York Times bestselling author Lorenzo Carcaterra's highly successful career spans more than 25 years of writing for the diverse fields of fiction, non-fiction, television, and film.
Born and raised in New York's Hell's Kitchen neighborhood, Carcaterra landed his first job in the newspaper business as a copy boy for The New York Daily News in 1976. He worked his way up to entertainment reporter before leaving the paper in 1982, heading for the green pastures of then-Time Inc. and TV-Cable Week, as senior writer. Nine months later, the magazine folded, leaving him unemployed. A four-month stint at People magazine was followed by an odyssey of writing for a string of start-up publications—Picture Week, Entertainment Tonight Magazine, Special Reports Magazine—and freelancing for dozens of others—The New York Times Sunday Magazine, Newsday Sunday Magazine, Family Circle, Ladies Home Journal, and Twilight Zone Magazine among them.
In 1988, Carcaterra turned to television as a Creative Consultant for the syndicated weekly series Cop Talk: Behind the Shield, produced by Grosso-Jacobson Productions. That led to a job as Managing Editor for the CBS weekly series Top Cops, also with Grosso-Jacobson Productions. Running for four seasons, from 1990 to 1994, the show is still in syndication today worldwide. In addition, he worked on a dozen other pilots, one of which––Secret Service (NBC)––made it to air. It was while at Grosso-Jacobson Productions that Carcaterra wrote and published his first two books, A Safe Place and Sleepers.
First published in hardcover in 1993, A Safe Place: The True Story of a Father, a Son, a Murder, attracted widespread critical acclaim, with Newsweek calling it, “unforgettable—a remarkable book.” Currently in its 14th printing, it has been sold to 11 foreign countries and has sold close to 220,000 copies.
The 1995 publication of Sleepers, which was a #1 New York Times bestseller in both hardcover and paperback, catapulted Carcaterra to national attention. Sold to 35 foreign countries and now in its 38th printing in the United States, the book has sales exceeding 1.8 million copies. In 1996, Sleepers was made into a feature film starring Brad Pitt, Robert DeNiro, Dustin Hoffman, Kevin Bacon, Minnie Driver, and Jason Patric. Carcaterra served as co-producer on the project, which was directed by Academy Award winner Barry Levinson. To date, the movie has earned in excess of $500 million worldwide in combined box-office, video, DVD, and TV sales.
Carcaterra made a smooth transition into writing fiction with his first novel, Apaches, a New York Times bestseller in both hardcover and paperback. Published in a 14 foreign countries, the book has sold more than 450,000 copies and been optioned by producer Jerry Bruckheimer.
He followed that with Gangster, published in hardcover in 2001. The book has sold over 375,000 copies since its 2002 release as a Mass Market Paperback. The novel has been optioned by Joe Roth and been sold to 15 foreign countries.
Carcaterra then wrote Street Boys, a World War II saga inspired by an incident which occurred in Naples, Italy, in 1943. Warner Bros. and Bel-Air Entertainment bought the rights to the story in March 2001 before it was written, and developed the project for director Barry Levinson. Carcaterra wrote the screenplay. The paperback was released in July, 2003 and has since sold 150,000 copies.
Carcaterra's next novel Paradise City was published in hardcover by Ballantine in September 2004 with the paperback following a year later. To date, the novel has sold over 100,000 copies and was optioned by Fox Television to be developed as a weekly series.
In 2007, Carcaterra published Chasers, a sequel to his bestseller Apaches. The paperback version was published in the spring of 2008 and movie rights to the story are once again controlled by Jerry Bruckheimer Productions.
With that, Carcaterra took a different turn and has just completed hi
Born and raised in New York's Hell's Kitchen neighborhood, Carcaterra landed his first job in the newspaper business as a copy boy for The New York Daily News in 1976. He worked his way up to entertainment reporter before leaving the paper in 1982, heading for the green pastures of then-Time Inc. and TV-Cable Week, as senior writer. Nine months later, the magazine folded, leaving him unemployed. A four-month stint at People magazine was followed by an odyssey of writing for a string of start-up publications—Picture Week, Entertainment Tonight Magazine, Special Reports Magazine—and freelancing for dozens of others—The New York Times Sunday Magazine, Newsday Sunday Magazine, Family Circle, Ladies Home Journal, and Twilight Zone Magazine among them.
In 1988, Carcaterra turned to television as a Creative Consultant for the syndicated weekly series Cop Talk: Behind the Shield, produced by Grosso-Jacobson Productions. That led to a job as Managing Editor for the CBS weekly series Top Cops, also with Grosso-Jacobson Productions. Running for four seasons, from 1990 to 1994, the show is still in syndication today worldwide. In addition, he worked on a dozen other pilots, one of which––Secret Service (NBC)––made it to air. It was while at Grosso-Jacobson Productions that Carcaterra wrote and published his first two books, A Safe Place and Sleepers.
First published in hardcover in 1993, A Safe Place: The True Story of a Father, a Son, a Murder, attracted widespread critical acclaim, with Newsweek calling it, “unforgettable—a remarkable book.” Currently in its 14th printing, it has been sold to 11 foreign countries and has sold close to 220,000 copies.
The 1995 publication of Sleepers, which was a #1 New York Times bestseller in both hardcover and paperback, catapulted Carcaterra to national attention. Sold to 35 foreign countries and now in its 38th printing in the United States, the book has sales exceeding 1.8 million copies. In 1996, Sleepers was made into a feature film starring Brad Pitt, Robert DeNiro, Dustin Hoffman, Kevin Bacon, Minnie Driver, and Jason Patric. Carcaterra served as co-producer on the project, which was directed by Academy Award winner Barry Levinson. To date, the movie has earned in excess of $500 million worldwide in combined box-office, video, DVD, and TV sales.
Carcaterra made a smooth transition into writing fiction with his first novel, Apaches, a New York Times bestseller in both hardcover and paperback. Published in a 14 foreign countries, the book has sold more than 450,000 copies and been optioned by producer Jerry Bruckheimer.
He followed that with Gangster, published in hardcover in 2001. The book has sold over 375,000 copies since its 2002 release as a Mass Market Paperback. The novel has been optioned by Joe Roth and been sold to 15 foreign countries.
Carcaterra then wrote Street Boys, a World War II saga inspired by an incident which occurred in Naples, Italy, in 1943. Warner Bros. and Bel-Air Entertainment bought the rights to the story in March 2001 before it was written, and developed the project for director Barry Levinson. Carcaterra wrote the screenplay. The paperback was released in July, 2003 and has since sold 150,000 copies.
Carcaterra's next novel Paradise City was published in hardcover by Ballantine in September 2004 with the paperback following a year later. To date, the novel has sold over 100,000 copies and was optioned by Fox Television to be developed as a weekly series.
In 2007, Carcaterra published Chasers, a sequel to his bestseller Apaches. The paperback version was published in the spring of 2008 and movie rights to the story are once again controlled by Jerry Bruckheimer Productions.
With that, Carcaterra took a different turn and has just completed hi
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 129 reviews
April 26, 2024
Lorenzo Carcaterra returns with the third book in this cozy mystery series. The author’s endeavor to cast Maria, the main character, as a friend, mother, grandmother, aunt, and great-grandmother to many continues to work for me. While others say she is a sleuth, she says she doesn’t solve crimes, but helps friends and family when they’re in trouble.
Once again, two cases are intertwined in the plot. Rita, the granddaughter of an old friend comes to Nonna Maria seeking help. Her grandfather left her a map to treasure hidden in one of Ischia’s caverns. The caverns are full of pits, traps, and other hazards. However, he died before he could give her more specifics. The other case involves Captain Paolo Murino, the lead federal law enforcement officer assigned to the island of Ischia, Italy. Paolo created a powerful enemy years ago in Naples. An assassin has come to the island seeking revenge.
Maria is charming, patient, a friend to many, and has a web of connections. She has intuitive instincts and is nurturing and caring for those she knows and loves. Her character has significant depth. Captain Murino has grown over the series. He relies not only on himself and his skill, but on Maria and her circle of contacts. The other characters have a variety of depths and many of them are memorable. Which ones will show up in future books?
I was immediately drawn into the story and the main characters were likeable and relatable. This is a book to be savored. It is not a fast-paced book, but it brilliantly portrays the island, the local people, the sites, and the customs on the island, bringing them to life. The writing flows well and is very descriptive, but the mysteries were a little predictable. The atmosphere and world-building are excellent. The author managed to provide fantastic insight into the characters’ thoughts, behaviors, and actions toward others. There are also interesting insights into local food, how news is spread on the island, and how children learn life lessons from their elders. Weaving love, survival, family, friendship, family dynamics, found family, revenge, death, marriage, and much more into the story, the author keeps me reader turning the pages.
Overall, this is a moving, charming and enjoyable cozy mystery with great characterization as well as some pivotal stressful and emotional moments. It is also a celebration of friendship and community. I thoroughly enjoyed it. The author’s writing style is easy to connect with and draws me into his stories. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
Random House Publishing Group – Ballantine – Bantam and Lorenzo Carcaterra provided a digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently expected to be May 07, 2024. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
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My 4.04 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon.
Once again, two cases are intertwined in the plot. Rita, the granddaughter of an old friend comes to Nonna Maria seeking help. Her grandfather left her a map to treasure hidden in one of Ischia’s caverns. The caverns are full of pits, traps, and other hazards. However, he died before he could give her more specifics. The other case involves Captain Paolo Murino, the lead federal law enforcement officer assigned to the island of Ischia, Italy. Paolo created a powerful enemy years ago in Naples. An assassin has come to the island seeking revenge.
Maria is charming, patient, a friend to many, and has a web of connections. She has intuitive instincts and is nurturing and caring for those she knows and loves. Her character has significant depth. Captain Murino has grown over the series. He relies not only on himself and his skill, but on Maria and her circle of contacts. The other characters have a variety of depths and many of them are memorable. Which ones will show up in future books?
I was immediately drawn into the story and the main characters were likeable and relatable. This is a book to be savored. It is not a fast-paced book, but it brilliantly portrays the island, the local people, the sites, and the customs on the island, bringing them to life. The writing flows well and is very descriptive, but the mysteries were a little predictable. The atmosphere and world-building are excellent. The author managed to provide fantastic insight into the characters’ thoughts, behaviors, and actions toward others. There are also interesting insights into local food, how news is spread on the island, and how children learn life lessons from their elders. Weaving love, survival, family, friendship, family dynamics, found family, revenge, death, marriage, and much more into the story, the author keeps me reader turning the pages.
Overall, this is a moving, charming and enjoyable cozy mystery with great characterization as well as some pivotal stressful and emotional moments. It is also a celebration of friendship and community. I thoroughly enjoyed it. The author’s writing style is easy to connect with and draws me into his stories. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
Random House Publishing Group – Ballantine – Bantam and Lorenzo Carcaterra provided a digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently expected to be May 07, 2024. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
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My 4.04 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon.
May 9, 2024
4.5⭐
Delightful and riveting in equal measure, Nonna Maria and the Case of the Lost Treasure by Lorenzo Carcaterra is simply unputdownable! When the granddaughter of an old friend approaches Nonna Maria for her assistance in locating treasure hidden by her deceased grandfather in Ischia’s caves, Nonna Maria taps into her knowledge of the history of the island and enlists the help of two islanders who have experience navigating the dangers within the caves. Parallelly, Nonna Maria’s vast network of friends and family also helps her track the movements of a group of criminals who have ventured onto the island to assassinate her friend (with whom she frequently collaborates) Carabinieri Captain Paulo Murino for reasons which are gradually revealed.
There is a lot to unpack in this novel, but the narrative is engaging and at no point do you feel overwhelmed or find the plot(s) difficult to follow. I should mention that this installment is relatively more intense than the preceding books and the author strikes a perfect balance between the parallel storylines. The writing is descriptive, but I enjoyed revisiting Ischia and getting to know more about the characters (old and new) and the history and mythology of the island. Descriptions of the delectable cuisine will make your mouth water. What I wouldn’t do for a peek into Nonna Maria’s black tote! Witty and wise, with a heart of gold, Nonna Maria is a fascinating character! It was a joy to follow this spirited septuagenarian on her latest adventures.
Though the books in this series can be read as standalone, I’d definitely recommend reading all of them! I can’t wait to read the next book in this series.
Many thanks to Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for the digital review copy via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Connect with me! ✏ Instagram ✏ My Blog ✏ The StoryGraph
Delightful and riveting in equal measure, Nonna Maria and the Case of the Lost Treasure by Lorenzo Carcaterra is simply unputdownable! When the granddaughter of an old friend approaches Nonna Maria for her assistance in locating treasure hidden by her deceased grandfather in Ischia’s caves, Nonna Maria taps into her knowledge of the history of the island and enlists the help of two islanders who have experience navigating the dangers within the caves. Parallelly, Nonna Maria’s vast network of friends and family also helps her track the movements of a group of criminals who have ventured onto the island to assassinate her friend (with whom she frequently collaborates) Carabinieri Captain Paulo Murino for reasons which are gradually revealed.
There is a lot to unpack in this novel, but the narrative is engaging and at no point do you feel overwhelmed or find the plot(s) difficult to follow. I should mention that this installment is relatively more intense than the preceding books and the author strikes a perfect balance between the parallel storylines. The writing is descriptive, but I enjoyed revisiting Ischia and getting to know more about the characters (old and new) and the history and mythology of the island. Descriptions of the delectable cuisine will make your mouth water. What I wouldn’t do for a peek into Nonna Maria’s black tote! Witty and wise, with a heart of gold, Nonna Maria is a fascinating character! It was a joy to follow this spirited septuagenarian on her latest adventures.
Though the books in this series can be read as standalone, I’d definitely recommend reading all of them! I can’t wait to read the next book in this series.
Many thanks to Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for the digital review copy via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Connect with me! ✏ Instagram ✏ My Blog ✏ The StoryGraph
February 18, 2024
Publication Date: 07th May 2024
4 Stars
One Liner: A heartwarming read!
Nonna Maria’s long-time friend, Captain Murino of the Ischian caribineri, is in danger due to the cases he solved before coming to this tiny island. Nonna Maria is determined to save him, just as he is determined to keep her safe from the ruthless men.
Meanwhile, Rita, the granddaughter of Nonna Maria’s friend, comes to her for help. Her late grandfather gave her a map of lost treasure in the caves on the other end of the island. She needs help to find the treasure, and Nonna Maria knows many others want to grab the treasure first.
How will our dear old lady handle the cases while cooking, feeding dear ones, and making new friends?
The story comes in the omnipresent third-person POV.
My Thoughts:
Well, it’s not often that a mystery book gets called heartwarming. However, with Nonna Maria as the star lead, this can’t be anything less sweet despite all the action, mystery, and danger.
The book should work as a standalone. I’m yet to read the first book, but liked the second and enjoyed this (third). It is not a whodunit but more of a howdunit. We are told who the criminal is in advance. Now, the question is how will we get to the confrontation and what happens next.
The writing is easy to read and flows at a steady pace. The short chapters are highly convenient. There’s more ‘tell’ than ‘show’, but it works for the plot. A good author knows what to show and what to tell. Moreover, there are subtle bits of humor- not where you laugh out loud but smile or chuckle a little.
Of course, there are plenty of dishes mentioned throughout. While I don’t eat most of them, I still enjoyed the descriptions and the characters having a hearty meal.
The island of Ischia is easy to visualize. The alleys, the stone walls, the old castle, the caves, and locals with bittersweet history, everything enriches the plot. In fact, it is a core character in the book.
There are two tracks (as you see in the premise). That means we have two sets of characters to meet. Yet, it doesn’t get the least bit confusing. Even with someone knowing someone or being another relative, it is easy enough to follow the developments.
There’s no lead for the next book, but I hope the series continues. I’m sure many people will need Nonna Maria’s help.
The book ends with a sweet author’s note and leaves the reader with a smile.
To summarize, Nonna Maria and the Case of the Lost Treasure is a sweet cozy mystery set on a beautiful island and has some memorable characters. Pick it up if you want a relaxing mystery and have a couple of hours of free time.
Thank you, NetGallet and Random House Publishing Group- Bantam, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley #NonnaMariaAndTheCaseOfTheLostTreasure
4 Stars
One Liner: A heartwarming read!
Nonna Maria’s long-time friend, Captain Murino of the Ischian caribineri, is in danger due to the cases he solved before coming to this tiny island. Nonna Maria is determined to save him, just as he is determined to keep her safe from the ruthless men.
Meanwhile, Rita, the granddaughter of Nonna Maria’s friend, comes to her for help. Her late grandfather gave her a map of lost treasure in the caves on the other end of the island. She needs help to find the treasure, and Nonna Maria knows many others want to grab the treasure first.
How will our dear old lady handle the cases while cooking, feeding dear ones, and making new friends?
The story comes in the omnipresent third-person POV.
My Thoughts:
Well, it’s not often that a mystery book gets called heartwarming. However, with Nonna Maria as the star lead, this can’t be anything less sweet despite all the action, mystery, and danger.
The book should work as a standalone. I’m yet to read the first book, but liked the second and enjoyed this (third). It is not a whodunit but more of a howdunit. We are told who the criminal is in advance. Now, the question is how will we get to the confrontation and what happens next.
The writing is easy to read and flows at a steady pace. The short chapters are highly convenient. There’s more ‘tell’ than ‘show’, but it works for the plot. A good author knows what to show and what to tell. Moreover, there are subtle bits of humor- not where you laugh out loud but smile or chuckle a little.
Of course, there are plenty of dishes mentioned throughout. While I don’t eat most of them, I still enjoyed the descriptions and the characters having a hearty meal.
The island of Ischia is easy to visualize. The alleys, the stone walls, the old castle, the caves, and locals with bittersweet history, everything enriches the plot. In fact, it is a core character in the book.
There are two tracks (as you see in the premise). That means we have two sets of characters to meet. Yet, it doesn’t get the least bit confusing. Even with someone knowing someone or being another relative, it is easy enough to follow the developments.
There’s no lead for the next book, but I hope the series continues. I’m sure many people will need Nonna Maria’s help.
The book ends with a sweet author’s note and leaves the reader with a smile.
To summarize, Nonna Maria and the Case of the Lost Treasure is a sweet cozy mystery set on a beautiful island and has some memorable characters. Pick it up if you want a relaxing mystery and have a couple of hours of free time.
Thank you, NetGallet and Random House Publishing Group- Bantam, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley #NonnaMariaAndTheCaseOfTheLostTreasure
May 15, 2024
3.5 stars
In this third book in the Nonna Maria series, the shrewd Italian grandmother has two goals: to foil an assassination and to help a young woman find the treasure left by her grandfather. The book works fine as a standalone.
*****
Nonna Maria, who lives on the beautiful Italian island of Ischia, is in her seventies, walks with a slight limp, keeps her thick white hair in a bun, likes espresso coffee and white wine, loves to cook, and dines only at her own table - near a photo of her deceased husband Gabriel. Nonna Maria is always happy to help her friends, who include most of the locals on Ischia.
Ischia
Nonna Maria's friend, carabinieri Captain Paolo Murino, has been living and working on Ischia for five years.
Murino is happy on the island, where he performs his carabinieri duties and spends time with the love of his life, his fiancée Loretta D'Angelo.
Unfortunately, trouble has now followed Murino to Ischia. Eight years ago, when Murino was a cop in northern Italy, he took down the most dangerous criminal in Florence, mob leader Guido Ostino. Ostino has been stewing in prison ever since, planning revenge. Now Ostino has sent assassins to murder Murino.
Through an acquaintance form Naples, Nonna Maria learns of the threat to Murino and informs the carabinieri captain. Murino responds, 'Nonna Maria, you are my friend but I am asking, pleading to let me handle this on my own. The last thing I want to see happen is to have anyone bring harm to you because of me.'
Nonna Maria won't hear it and insists she and other friends will help Murino. These include il Presidente - a former thug who's become Nonna Maria's friend and protector;
and the Mourners - a group of women who work in the shadows.
So the battle is on: Ostino's criminal gang vs. Murino and his friends on Ischia.
Meanwhile, Nonna Marie gets a visit from a young woman named Rita whose grandfather recently died. Shortly before he passed, Rita's grandfather told her about a treasure he'd hidden in Ischia's caves.
It's well known that Ischia's caverns have been used for centuries, to store wine, grain, and flour; and by black marketeers, to hide cigarettes, whiskey, wine, and money. Rita's grandfather gave her a fragile old map, with lines and markings depicting the location of his treasure.
Ischia's caves are VERY dangerous however, with maze-like tunnels and traps in the entrances and walls. Nonna Maria agrees to help Rita find the treasure, and enlists the assistance of three friends familiar with the caverns: the Pirate, the Magician, and Pepe the Painter.
The Pirate, who rides around on a motorboat, is a wiry barefoot old man who always wears a red Speedo;
the Magician is a tall muscular man (and talented thief);
and Pepe the Painter has been drawing Ischia's castle - which has secret openings into the caves - for decades.
Nonna Maria and her friends need to find the treasure ASAP, because news of Grandfather's secret has spread through Italy, and treasure seekers - both crooks and hobby hunters - are on their way to Ischia.
Nonna Maria is fearless, and though one might expect her to watch the action from a distance, Nonna Maria does no such thing. She goes right along to help Captain Murino escape the assassins, and to ensure Rita gets her treasure.
The story is accentuated by descriptions of the sights, sounds, and history of Ischia, along with mentions of tempting Italian delicacies. Nonna Maria loves to prepare food for her friends and relatives, and these goodies include veal cutlets with arugula; marinated artichokes; eggplant parmigiana paninis; tomatoes and red onion salad; pasta with grilled chicken; and more.
Veal Cutlets with Arugula
Marinated Artichokes
Eggplant Parmigiana Panini
Tomatoes and Red Onion Salad
Pasta with Grilled Chicken
I enjoyed the book and recommended it to fans of cozy mysteries in exotic settings.
Thanks to Netgalley, Lorenzo Carcaterra, and Ballantine for a copy of the book.
You can follow my reviews at https://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot.com
February 3, 2024
This was a charming quick and easy read with two mysteries going on at the same time. A hunt for hidden treasure and a search to stop an assassin. I loved the cast of characters and the beautiful setting of Ischia Italy. The descriptions of the food were mouth watering. This can be read as a stand alone which is what I did but I want to go back and read the other two books to learn more of the characters back story. Definitely a fun and enjoyable story and I can't wait to see what Nonna Maria and her friends do next.
Thank you Netgalley and Random House Publishing for and e-arc.
Thank you Netgalley and Random House Publishing for and e-arc.
April 24, 2024
This is the third in the series and I’ve loved them all. Nonna Maria is a Senior sleuth who gets involved by helping her friends. Captain Murino needs her help, so she inserts herself. Also, she is on a treasure hunt with a map. I feel this series would be more enjoyable if read in order. With each new book we’re introduced to more of her friends, family and allies. Their back stories are always interesting. I was blessed with a free ARC, and I’m leaving my review voluntarily. Set during contemporary time on a small island off the coast of Italy. Highly recommend.
February 15, 2024
Nonna Maria is an elderly widow living on the island of Ischia, off the coast of Italy. A young woman, Rita, comes to her for advice about some hidden treasure hidden in a cave that her recently deceased grandfather mentioned. Nonna gets some of her old local friends who are familiar with the caves to help. Meanwhile, another friend who is a carabiniere is the intended target of an organized crime figure he helped put in prison. Can Nonna really help? She is always there for her friends. In addition to being a captivating mystery, this story celebrates friendship, and shows that it isn’t always the younger people who save the day. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.
March 2, 2024
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. To her, though, it is not solving crimes, it is helping friends. She is quite resourceful. Everyone loves her; even the head of the Comorra.
Once again, there are two “cases” in which she becomes involved. Her good friend, the captain of the carabinieri, has become the target of assassins as revenge for his having arrested a crime lord years ago in Florence. She also teams up with some local characters to help the granddaughter of a deceased friend find treasure that he hid in one of Ischia’s caves years ago. Both cases place Nonna Maria in danger.
This is a cozy mystery Italian style with wine and espresso instead of tea. Nonna Maria is a beguiling older woman known not only for her wiles but also for serving wine, her special coffee, and delicious homemade food and pastries. She is surrounded by unique and equally charming characters.
This is the third in the series; it would work as a standalone. Read this book and the series not only for the mysteries, which are interesting, but also to savor island life and appreciate the special charm of Nonna Maria. And, oh, those descriptions of Italian food! Yum!
Thanks to @NetGalley and @randomhouse for the DRC.
Once again, there are two “cases” in which she becomes involved. Her good friend, the captain of the carabinieri, has become the target of assassins as revenge for his having arrested a crime lord years ago in Florence. She also teams up with some local characters to help the granddaughter of a deceased friend find treasure that he hid in one of Ischia’s caves years ago. Both cases place Nonna Maria in danger.
This is a cozy mystery Italian style with wine and espresso instead of tea. Nonna Maria is a beguiling older woman known not only for her wiles but also for serving wine, her special coffee, and delicious homemade food and pastries. She is surrounded by unique and equally charming characters.
This is the third in the series; it would work as a standalone. Read this book and the series not only for the mysteries, which are interesting, but also to savor island life and appreciate the special charm of Nonna Maria. And, oh, those descriptions of Italian food! Yum!
Thanks to @NetGalley and @randomhouse for the DRC.
Read
May 14, 2024This is an atmospheric mystery that takes place on the intriguing island of Ischia. It's third in a series, second one I read. I chose it specifically because of the island.
The main character Nona Maria is central to two mysteries going on at the same time in this novel, one is around a buried treasure and the other about an assassin gunning for Nona Maria’s best friend.
The characters were fun, Nona Maria is one-of-a-kind, and the descriptions of the island enjoyable--not nearly enough of those! It's an easy and uncomplicated read, with an emphasis on community, just what I want late at night.
The main character Nona Maria is central to two mysteries going on at the same time in this novel, one is around a buried treasure and the other about an assassin gunning for Nona Maria’s best friend.
The characters were fun, Nona Maria is one-of-a-kind, and the descriptions of the island enjoyable--not nearly enough of those! It's an easy and uncomplicated read, with an emphasis on community, just what I want late at night.
Shelved as '2024'
May 30, 2024📱 Thank you to NetGalley and Bantam
July 10, 2024
This is book three in this cozy mystery series featuring Nonna Maria, an elderly widow living on the island of Ischia. Nonna Maria is very protective of her friends, family, and this island they call home. In this third installment of this series, she is helping a dear friend to find a lost treasure.
There is a lot going on in this story between a revenge plot and the treasure hunt. Normally, in a cozy mystery, there aren't two separate plots happening at the same time, and this took a bit to get used to. Overall, though, it was easy to follow. I enjoyed this mystery and loved Nonna Maria as a character. I adore her loyalty and dedication to the people on the island and can't wait to see what she gets up to next!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.
There is a lot going on in this story between a revenge plot and the treasure hunt. Normally, in a cozy mystery, there aren't two separate plots happening at the same time, and this took a bit to get used to. Overall, though, it was easy to follow. I enjoyed this mystery and loved Nonna Maria as a character. I adore her loyalty and dedication to the people on the island and can't wait to see what she gets up to next!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.
May 7, 2024
Rita's grandfather mentions a treasure shortly before he dies, shortly before he dies, leaving her with so many questions. One big one, was he even lucid when he said that? Then she finds a map, and goes to Nonna Maria. They enlist some local treasure hunters and the hunt is on.
Meanwhile, assassins have been sent to murder Captain Murino. So, just another day for Nonna Maria lol
Treasure hunting and assassins and such really isn't the type of book I would really get into. I got this book as an ARC read and had already read the first two books in the series, and so I already know I loved the series.
Once again, if you are going to talk about all of the amazing foods your characters are eating, include some of those recipes. So very rude.
Meanwhile, assassins have been sent to murder Captain Murino. So, just another day for Nonna Maria lol
Treasure hunting and assassins and such really isn't the type of book I would really get into. I got this book as an ARC read and had already read the first two books in the series, and so I already know I loved the series.
Once again, if you are going to talk about all of the amazing foods your characters are eating, include some of those recipes. So very rude.
May 6, 2024
I had never heard of this author , the island of Ischia, or about this series before I received an advanced copy from the publisher and Netgalley. I now, of course must read the first two.
There are 2 simultaneous stories, both involving Nonna Maria(who is based on the authors grandmother and stories he was told).
Nonna Maria is quite the character with more quirks than your usual amateur sleuth. She doesn't drink water, only 14 espressos with chocolate and liquor during the day, and wine at night. She only eats her own food, and the descriptions of the food she cooks for her large family and friends are mouthwatering.
One of the stories is about an assassin who plans to murder the local police captain, and the other is a treasure hunt. There is a Pirate who only wears a red speedo, a shirt and a bandana at all times, IL Presidente, a retired assassin, other mafia characters, and many more quirky people. This is really a fun story.
This is my honest review, and I recommend starting with the first book, Nonna Maria and the missing bride.
There are 2 simultaneous stories, both involving Nonna Maria(who is based on the authors grandmother and stories he was told).
Nonna Maria is quite the character with more quirks than your usual amateur sleuth. She doesn't drink water, only 14 espressos with chocolate and liquor during the day, and wine at night. She only eats her own food, and the descriptions of the food she cooks for her large family and friends are mouthwatering.
One of the stories is about an assassin who plans to murder the local police captain, and the other is a treasure hunt. There is a Pirate who only wears a red speedo, a shirt and a bandana at all times, IL Presidente, a retired assassin, other mafia characters, and many more quirky people. This is really a fun story.
This is my honest review, and I recommend starting with the first book, Nonna Maria and the missing bride.
February 11, 2024
Thanks Netgalley for allowing me to read this book. Maria has some difficult decisions to make. Both her and her friends have some foes they gave to deal with. A nice read.
May 8, 2024
4.5 stars
Nonna Maria and the Case of the Stolen Treasure is the third mystery in the Nonna Maria cozy mystery series. This is such an unique, picturesque, charming series with a quaint, but arresting Italian island setting acting as a character unto itself. A strong sense of community and friendship are themes that run throughout these stories and each mystery in this series is highly distinct.
Nonna Maria is a captivating, one-of-a-kind character who has lived a full life, knows her own mind, is characterized by her no-nonsense approach to life with all of her quirky ways, and is known for her generosity and willingness to help her friends. She is a gifted chef and loves cooking for others. She is fearless and has come to terms with her own mortality, insists on eating only her own cooking, and exclusively drinking strong coffee and wine alternately (which is mentioned quite often).
In this story, some strange men show up on the island of Ischia and pose a threat to Nonna Maria’s good friend Captain Murino, the esteemed island carabineri. He has enemies from his past police work in Naples who have found their way to his current locale many years later and they are out to settle the debt of locking their boss up, once and for all. Alongside this threat, a friend asks Nonna Maria for help decoding a map her grandfather left her before his death; a map the details a supposed treasure found in the treacherous caves of the island.
We follow these two plot lines, and though I wouldn’t call it fast-paced, it is engaging, intriguing and quite cozy, despite the suspenseful crimes. There was a section in the middle that felt a bit overly drawn out, but otherwise, I’m absolutely enamored with these stories, the writing style, the setting and the people group. The culture, customs, closeness and lifestyle are fascinating, as is the home style approach to sleuthing. I eagerly look forward to the next!
Nonna Maria and the Case of the Stolen Treasure is the third mystery in the Nonna Maria cozy mystery series. This is such an unique, picturesque, charming series with a quaint, but arresting Italian island setting acting as a character unto itself. A strong sense of community and friendship are themes that run throughout these stories and each mystery in this series is highly distinct.
Nonna Maria is a captivating, one-of-a-kind character who has lived a full life, knows her own mind, is characterized by her no-nonsense approach to life with all of her quirky ways, and is known for her generosity and willingness to help her friends. She is a gifted chef and loves cooking for others. She is fearless and has come to terms with her own mortality, insists on eating only her own cooking, and exclusively drinking strong coffee and wine alternately (which is mentioned quite often).
In this story, some strange men show up on the island of Ischia and pose a threat to Nonna Maria’s good friend Captain Murino, the esteemed island carabineri. He has enemies from his past police work in Naples who have found their way to his current locale many years later and they are out to settle the debt of locking their boss up, once and for all. Alongside this threat, a friend asks Nonna Maria for help decoding a map her grandfather left her before his death; a map the details a supposed treasure found in the treacherous caves of the island.
We follow these two plot lines, and though I wouldn’t call it fast-paced, it is engaging, intriguing and quite cozy, despite the suspenseful crimes. There was a section in the middle that felt a bit overly drawn out, but otherwise, I’m absolutely enamored with these stories, the writing style, the setting and the people group. The culture, customs, closeness and lifestyle are fascinating, as is the home style approach to sleuthing. I eagerly look forward to the next!
May 25, 2024
Nonna Maria and the Case of the Lost Treasure is the third book in the cozy mystery series by Lorenzo Carcaterra. In this latest installment, Nonna Maria helps a young lady whose grandfather left her a “treasure map” on his deathbed and tries to keep her friend and local carabinieri Captain Murino from getting assassinated by an organized crime syndicate.
When former mob hitman Il Presidente spots a man in his old line of work on Ischia, he makes sure the man knows that if he does anything to hurt Nonna Maria or the people she cares about, there will be trouble. But Captain Murino of the local carabinieri crossed an organized syndicate when he worked in Naples, and they are out for revenge. While Nonna Maria calls on her friends to help Murino, she is also approached by the granddaughter of an old friend trying to understand a treasure map he left her. Nonna Maria reaches out to her old friend the Pirate and a mysterious figure known as The Magician to help her navigate the beach caves around Ischia to find the treasure.
Like the other books in the Nonna Maria series, this is a low-stress mystery where a widow beloved by her island is able to help her friends using her connections and calling in favors. I loved the details about the Castello Aragonese, its torture museum, and the Cemetery of Dead Nuns, which were deliciously gruesome. I always look forward to the Nonna Maria books because I know I’ll get some sleuthing on a beautiful Italian island.
When former mob hitman Il Presidente spots a man in his old line of work on Ischia, he makes sure the man knows that if he does anything to hurt Nonna Maria or the people she cares about, there will be trouble. But Captain Murino of the local carabinieri crossed an organized syndicate when he worked in Naples, and they are out for revenge. While Nonna Maria calls on her friends to help Murino, she is also approached by the granddaughter of an old friend trying to understand a treasure map he left her. Nonna Maria reaches out to her old friend the Pirate and a mysterious figure known as The Magician to help her navigate the beach caves around Ischia to find the treasure.
Like the other books in the Nonna Maria series, this is a low-stress mystery where a widow beloved by her island is able to help her friends using her connections and calling in favors. I loved the details about the Castello Aragonese, its torture museum, and the Cemetery of Dead Nuns, which were deliciously gruesome. I always look forward to the Nonna Maria books because I know I’ll get some sleuthing on a beautiful Italian island.
February 17, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and Bantam for this advanced reader copy of one of my most anticipated books of 2024. As with each book in the Nonna Maria series, I was firmly pulled in from chapter one and couldn't stop reading. This book in particular gave a rich back story to quite a few characters in prior stories, and was a much deeper and satisfying story than books one and two (which I also loved!). As always, new characters were added, who I hope to see again. There are few authors who can make me want to visit the setting of a book, but I am pretty determined to see the island of Ischia, Italy where Nonna has all her adventures. I'm hoping eventually the author may do a prequel and write about Gabriel and Ninja as a young married couple someday!
January 28, 2024
4.0 stars
DEFINITE RECOMMEND
I received a complimentary Kindle e-book in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own. Thank you to Lorenzo Carcaterra, Bantam, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
I thoroughly love this series. An Italian grandmother named Nonna Maria helps her friends which actually is solving a mystery. In this book, she helps a granddaughter find her deceased grandfather's hidden treasure. Also, a secondary plotline is an assassin trying to kill Captain Murino who is part of the carabinieri.
It was so great NOT to figure out the two plots and who the villain was. Lorenzo is very good at keeping me waiting until he reveals it in the book.
These books stand alone, but I recommend reading the other two previous books for so much pertinent background information and because they are so good!!
For a more detailed review, check out my blog - booksbydorothea:
https://booksbydorothea.blogspot.com/...
DEFINITE RECOMMEND
I received a complimentary Kindle e-book in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own. Thank you to Lorenzo Carcaterra, Bantam, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
I thoroughly love this series. An Italian grandmother named Nonna Maria helps her friends which actually is solving a mystery. In this book, she helps a granddaughter find her deceased grandfather's hidden treasure. Also, a secondary plotline is an assassin trying to kill Captain Murino who is part of the carabinieri.
It was so great NOT to figure out the two plots and who the villain was. Lorenzo is very good at keeping me waiting until he reveals it in the book.
These books stand alone, but I recommend reading the other two previous books for so much pertinent background information and because they are so good!!
For a more detailed review, check out my blog - booksbydorothea:
https://booksbydorothea.blogspot.com/...
April 20, 2024
“Nona Maria and the Case of the Lost Treasure” by Lorenzo Carcaterra is a sweet mystery that takes place on the magical island of Ischia. The main character Nona Maria is a true force and once you become her friend you are her friend for life! There are two mysteries going on at the same time in this novel, one is around a buried treasure and the other about an assassin who is after Nona Maria’s best friend. The characters were fun and the descriptions of the island enjoyable. This is an easy and uncomplicated read, but for me it was too predictable.
Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
July 22, 2024
I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Like the first book, this one has delectable descriptions of food (which, I was relieved to learn, Nonna Maria actually eats in her kitchen) and charming, well-developed side characters; I felt like I could vividly picture Ischia and its surroundings. The mystery, while still cozy-feeling, has some tense moments as well.
Like the first book, this one has delectable descriptions of food (which, I was relieved to learn, Nonna Maria actually eats in her kitchen) and charming, well-developed side characters; I felt like I could vividly picture Ischia and its surroundings. The mystery, while still cozy-feeling, has some tense moments as well.
May 7, 2024
Nonna Maria and the Lost Treasure by Lorenzo Cacaterra takes us to the beautiful Italian island of Ischia. Nonna Maria is an amateur sleuth. This is her 3rd adventure and we’re looking for a lost treasure. A very easy and descriptive read which makes you want to visit Italy or at least have some Italian food! Thanks to NetGalley and Bantam books for letting me read this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 7, 2024
I thought this was another well written book in this series. I like Nonna Maria and all her friends who help her. Her cooking sounds amazing and made me hungry just reading what she made. Definitely looking forward to her next adventure.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the early copy
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the early copy
January 31, 2024
I love the Nonna Maria books! There always so much going on and so many fun characters, that I have trouble putting them down. And the descriptions of Ischia make me want to book a trip every time I read them. I'm looking forward to future adventures.
March 31, 2024
I love mysteries and I'm half Italian, so hope were high for this title. Unfortunately, the mystery side felt weak and predictable and the Italian side seemed overly focused on alcohol consumption (there is so much more to the Italian culture than this!). I could not connect with the main character as she kept coming off to me as full of herself, although she professes to really care about her family and friends. Perhaps, some of my poor experience is due the fact that I am jumping into the middle of a book series, having not read the previous titles. My experience with this one, however, has not spurred me on to continue to explore this series.
Thank you to Random House and NetGalley for an ARC copy of this book!
Thank you to Random House and NetGalley for an ARC copy of this book!
May 14, 2024
You can find the full review here: https://readwithme2018.com/2024/05/14...
I had a brain fart when I first read the blurb for Nonna Maria and the Case of the Lost Treasure (side note: for your sanity and to keep this review somewhat short, I will be using NM as an abbreviation). I quickly read the blurb and assumed that it was a middle-grade mystery. Please don’t ask me why because I don’t have an answer. My best answer is that my kids were asking me questions or fighting (more likely the latter), and I didn’t fully pay attention to the blurb. Anyway, I accepted, and I am glad that I did. NM was a good read.
NM is the third book in the Nonna Maria series. You can read it as a standalone, but as I always do, I recommend reading the first two books first. That way, you get a better understanding of the characters and their relationships.
I have a new location to add to my list of places to go. NM is set on the island of Ischia. I did a quick Google search, and oh boy, do I want to go there. The watercolor is fantastic, and I couldn’t get over how the beaches looked in the pictures. Plus, there is the castle (which does make an appearance in this book).
NM has two main storylines. One storyline centers around Nonna Maria, Captain Murino, and the assassin working for an outside mob boss. The other storyline centers around Nonna Maria, the map her deceased friend left his granddaughter, and the search for that. Each storyline was exciting and well-written. When the author merges them at the end of the book, it is almost seamless.
The storyline that centers around Nonna Maria, Captain Murino, and the assassin is interesting. The author goes back to years earlier when Captain Murino was part of an operation to bring down the mob in Florence. I got confused and had to reread the first couple of paragraphs to figure out what was happening. But that didn’t last long, and it was the only time in the book that it happened, so I let it slide. I wasn’t a big fan of Nonna Maria being put in the middle and used almost as bait. But it did lead to an exciting ending to that storyline.
The storyline that centers on Nonna Maria, the map, and the search for the treasure was also exciting. I did get a crash course on the island’s history and how the caves were used. The author also introduced two colorful characters, the Pirate and the Magician, and an American treasure hunter and his assistant. I couldn’t get enough of this storyline and was eager to see if the treasure was uncovered. Of course, there were hijinks (which Nonna Maria was left out of) that led to a race for that group to find the granddaughter’s treasure. Those hijinks were amped up to almost a fever pitch when this group figured out where the treasure was. The end of this storyline was interesting because it didn’t end. It was left up in the air and gave me a feeling that these characters and at least some of this storyline will appear in another book.
I liked Nonna Maria. She had eyes and ears everywhere and often got news faster than Captain Murino. She didn’t let her age slow her down. I also got a laugh that she only drank expresso and wine. But, most of all, I liked the devotion she had and that she inspired in other people.
The end of NM was interesting. While the two mysteries were solved, enough was left open on both to make me wonder if any of these storylines/characters would be reintroduced in another book.
Many thanks to Random House Publishing Group – Ballantine, Bantam, NetGalley, and Lorenzo Carcaterra for allowing me to read and review this ARC of Nonna Maria and the Case of the Lost Treasure. All opinions stated in this review are mine.
I had a brain fart when I first read the blurb for Nonna Maria and the Case of the Lost Treasure (side note: for your sanity and to keep this review somewhat short, I will be using NM as an abbreviation). I quickly read the blurb and assumed that it was a middle-grade mystery. Please don’t ask me why because I don’t have an answer. My best answer is that my kids were asking me questions or fighting (more likely the latter), and I didn’t fully pay attention to the blurb. Anyway, I accepted, and I am glad that I did. NM was a good read.
NM is the third book in the Nonna Maria series. You can read it as a standalone, but as I always do, I recommend reading the first two books first. That way, you get a better understanding of the characters and their relationships.
I have a new location to add to my list of places to go. NM is set on the island of Ischia. I did a quick Google search, and oh boy, do I want to go there. The watercolor is fantastic, and I couldn’t get over how the beaches looked in the pictures. Plus, there is the castle (which does make an appearance in this book).
NM has two main storylines. One storyline centers around Nonna Maria, Captain Murino, and the assassin working for an outside mob boss. The other storyline centers around Nonna Maria, the map her deceased friend left his granddaughter, and the search for that. Each storyline was exciting and well-written. When the author merges them at the end of the book, it is almost seamless.
The storyline that centers around Nonna Maria, Captain Murino, and the assassin is interesting. The author goes back to years earlier when Captain Murino was part of an operation to bring down the mob in Florence. I got confused and had to reread the first couple of paragraphs to figure out what was happening. But that didn’t last long, and it was the only time in the book that it happened, so I let it slide. I wasn’t a big fan of Nonna Maria being put in the middle and used almost as bait. But it did lead to an exciting ending to that storyline.
The storyline that centers on Nonna Maria, the map, and the search for the treasure was also exciting. I did get a crash course on the island’s history and how the caves were used. The author also introduced two colorful characters, the Pirate and the Magician, and an American treasure hunter and his assistant. I couldn’t get enough of this storyline and was eager to see if the treasure was uncovered. Of course, there were hijinks (which Nonna Maria was left out of) that led to a race for that group to find the granddaughter’s treasure. Those hijinks were amped up to almost a fever pitch when this group figured out where the treasure was. The end of this storyline was interesting because it didn’t end. It was left up in the air and gave me a feeling that these characters and at least some of this storyline will appear in another book.
I liked Nonna Maria. She had eyes and ears everywhere and often got news faster than Captain Murino. She didn’t let her age slow her down. I also got a laugh that she only drank expresso and wine. But, most of all, I liked the devotion she had and that she inspired in other people.
The end of NM was interesting. While the two mysteries were solved, enough was left open on both to make me wonder if any of these storylines/characters would be reintroduced in another book.
Many thanks to Random House Publishing Group – Ballantine, Bantam, NetGalley, and Lorenzo Carcaterra for allowing me to read and review this ARC of Nonna Maria and the Case of the Lost Treasure. All opinions stated in this review are mine.
February 10, 2024
"In Italy, they add work and life on to food and wine." (Robin Leach)
And nowhere is it done better than on the island of Ischia where Nonna Maria is in residence. Now in her seventies, Nonna is a widow who lives within the cluster of her children, grandchildren, and dear loyal friends. And no one is more loyal than Nonna herself.
This third edition to this series can definitely be read as a standalone, but you'll be drawn into checking out the prior two books. Once you've engaged with Nonna, you'll be a true fan. This one takes on a darker tone than the preceding two. We'll observe the shift in newly introduced characters who have come upon the island. Many of them walk in the shadows and try to mask their ill intent. But nothing gets past Nonna. Nothing.
Nonna has a multitude of friends from all walks of life. She's even taken in Il Presidente, a former hired professional hitman who has drastically changed his ways in retirement. And in the opposite lane is Captain Paolo Murina, a former member of the cabinieri likened to the FBI. Paolo has joined the locale police in Ischia and has also given up his intense life in Florence where he was responsible for putting away hardened criminals. But it seems that now someone has put a price on his head. A hired assassin is on his way.
Alongside this darkened avenue is a treasure hunt. Rita, one of the locales, contacts Nonna about her dying grandfather's wish. Paolino dealt in contraband back in the day when pricey items were hidden in the vast numbers of caves along the Ischia coast. There's something Paolino desperately wants to give to Rita before his death. And there's a roughly drawn map. Nonna contacts her friends, The Magician and The Pirate, who know these caves from their own days of crime.
Nonna Maria and the Lost Treasure is a splendid read. Lorenzo Carcaterra brings such life to Nonna and to her beloved island. The characters are fascinating and the storyline is rich in Italian flavor. It's a quick read combined with high crime, shifty individuals, and descriptors of this beautiful island life and even the scrumptious food in detail. What better way to spend some time on the sunny coast of Ischia wrapped in mystery and some added folklore. Book the time.
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley for an honest review. My thanks to Bantam Books (Random House) and to the talented Lorenzo Carcaterra for the opportunity.
And nowhere is it done better than on the island of Ischia where Nonna Maria is in residence. Now in her seventies, Nonna is a widow who lives within the cluster of her children, grandchildren, and dear loyal friends. And no one is more loyal than Nonna herself.
This third edition to this series can definitely be read as a standalone, but you'll be drawn into checking out the prior two books. Once you've engaged with Nonna, you'll be a true fan. This one takes on a darker tone than the preceding two. We'll observe the shift in newly introduced characters who have come upon the island. Many of them walk in the shadows and try to mask their ill intent. But nothing gets past Nonna. Nothing.
Nonna has a multitude of friends from all walks of life. She's even taken in Il Presidente, a former hired professional hitman who has drastically changed his ways in retirement. And in the opposite lane is Captain Paolo Murina, a former member of the cabinieri likened to the FBI. Paolo has joined the locale police in Ischia and has also given up his intense life in Florence where he was responsible for putting away hardened criminals. But it seems that now someone has put a price on his head. A hired assassin is on his way.
Alongside this darkened avenue is a treasure hunt. Rita, one of the locales, contacts Nonna about her dying grandfather's wish. Paolino dealt in contraband back in the day when pricey items were hidden in the vast numbers of caves along the Ischia coast. There's something Paolino desperately wants to give to Rita before his death. And there's a roughly drawn map. Nonna contacts her friends, The Magician and The Pirate, who know these caves from their own days of crime.
Nonna Maria and the Lost Treasure is a splendid read. Lorenzo Carcaterra brings such life to Nonna and to her beloved island. The characters are fascinating and the storyline is rich in Italian flavor. It's a quick read combined with high crime, shifty individuals, and descriptors of this beautiful island life and even the scrumptious food in detail. What better way to spend some time on the sunny coast of Ischia wrapped in mystery and some added folklore. Book the time.
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley for an honest review. My thanks to Bantam Books (Random House) and to the talented Lorenzo Carcaterra for the opportunity.
June 8, 2024
Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.
Nonna Maria and the Case of the Lost Treasure is the third cozy mystery featuring the wonderful, wise, and practical octogenarian Nonna Maria alongside a whimsical cast of secondary characters and featuring another cleverly constructed puzzle by Lorenzo Carcaterra. Released 7th May 2024 by Penguin Random House on their Bantam imprint, it's 288 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. Paperback format due out from the same publisher in first quarter 2025. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout.
This was such a relaxing and enjoyable read. It's redolent of the setting, with the local cuisine and lifestyle pace and rhythms of the island of Ischia off the coast of Naples and the charming and intelligent chief protagonist, Nonna Maria. Everyone knows her and she knows everyone and their extended family histories and interrelationships, so she's naturally sought out for advice and help when the locals don't need or want to go to the official police.
In some ways this reminded me of the pacing and atmosphere of the Bruno, Chief of Police, novels or Guido Brunetti, or even Bannalec's excellent Georges Dupin novels. The pacing is similar, the storytelling unhurried, but it's not at all derivative. The mysteries small and large entwine closer to a satisfyingly constructed climax and denouement.
Nonna Maria herself, though age and craftiness comparisons will surely be made to Miss Marple, strikes me as tough, resilient, and resourceful and more compassionate than Christie's inimitable sleuth who could be cold as ice and brilliantly calculating. Nonna Maria is thoroughly likeable and wonderfully warm and it's just an engaging and enjoyable read.
Readers who enjoy intelligent, well plotted cozies would be wise to have this author on their radar. It would make a nice choice for public library acquisition as well as for home use and mystery book club or buddy read.
Four stars. Very well done.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Nonna Maria and the Case of the Lost Treasure is the third cozy mystery featuring the wonderful, wise, and practical octogenarian Nonna Maria alongside a whimsical cast of secondary characters and featuring another cleverly constructed puzzle by Lorenzo Carcaterra. Released 7th May 2024 by Penguin Random House on their Bantam imprint, it's 288 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. Paperback format due out from the same publisher in first quarter 2025. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout.
This was such a relaxing and enjoyable read. It's redolent of the setting, with the local cuisine and lifestyle pace and rhythms of the island of Ischia off the coast of Naples and the charming and intelligent chief protagonist, Nonna Maria. Everyone knows her and she knows everyone and their extended family histories and interrelationships, so she's naturally sought out for advice and help when the locals don't need or want to go to the official police.
In some ways this reminded me of the pacing and atmosphere of the Bruno, Chief of Police, novels or Guido Brunetti, or even Bannalec's excellent Georges Dupin novels. The pacing is similar, the storytelling unhurried, but it's not at all derivative. The mysteries small and large entwine closer to a satisfyingly constructed climax and denouement.
Nonna Maria herself, though age and craftiness comparisons will surely be made to Miss Marple, strikes me as tough, resilient, and resourceful and more compassionate than Christie's inimitable sleuth who could be cold as ice and brilliantly calculating. Nonna Maria is thoroughly likeable and wonderfully warm and it's just an engaging and enjoyable read.
Readers who enjoy intelligent, well plotted cozies would be wise to have this author on their radar. It would make a nice choice for public library acquisition as well as for home use and mystery book club or buddy read.
Four stars. Very well done.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
May 11, 2024
The Italian island of Ischia has its’ share of mysteries and Nonna Maria is always there to help when her friends are involved. Captain Paolo Murino came to Ischia as the head of the carabinieri. He fell in love with the island, his fiancée Loretta and Nonna Maria, who considers him one of her family. Now his life is in danger. As a young officer in Florence, he took down a mob boss and went after the members of the organization. Now a group of assassins have arrived on the island. Murino begs Nonna Maria not to put herself in danger and let him handle it, but she has her own resources and insists on helping. A second story line involves the death of one of her friends. Before his death he passed a map to his granddaughter Rita. Somewhere in the caves beneath the island is a treasure that he wants her to find. There is no one better to help her than the Pirate, a former smuggler. He and his old partner the Magician used the caves to hide contraband, so they are enlisted to help. It does not take long for word to spread to treasure hunters, forcing them to move quickly.
Lorenzo Carcaterra fills his story with colorful characters. Beside the Pirate and the Magician, there is Pepe the painter and Shaw, the treasure hunter. Nonna Maria is always equipped with her black bag, usually containing food and a bottle or two of wine. She lives on espresso with a shot and several pieces of chocolate melted in it. It is an insult to offer her water. She leases a part of her home to Il Presidente, a former criminal who finds himself working to protect the carabinieri. He has become like a son to her and is there to protect Nonna as she helps others. While the assassins seem inept, there is someone else on the island who has gained Murino’s trust and presents a true danger. An annual festival provides cover for both the treasure seekers and an assassination attempt, with Nonna Maria in the center of everything. This is a story filled with mystery, family, love and lots of good food and wine that will delight cozy myster readers. Hopefully, Nonna Maria will be returning with another cup of espresso and more mysteries in the future. I would like to thank NetGalley and Random House - Ballantine for providing this book.
Lorenzo Carcaterra fills his story with colorful characters. Beside the Pirate and the Magician, there is Pepe the painter and Shaw, the treasure hunter. Nonna Maria is always equipped with her black bag, usually containing food and a bottle or two of wine. She lives on espresso with a shot and several pieces of chocolate melted in it. It is an insult to offer her water. She leases a part of her home to Il Presidente, a former criminal who finds himself working to protect the carabinieri. He has become like a son to her and is there to protect Nonna as she helps others. While the assassins seem inept, there is someone else on the island who has gained Murino’s trust and presents a true danger. An annual festival provides cover for both the treasure seekers and an assassination attempt, with Nonna Maria in the center of everything. This is a story filled with mystery, family, love and lots of good food and wine that will delight cozy myster readers. Hopefully, Nonna Maria will be returning with another cup of espresso and more mysteries in the future. I would like to thank NetGalley and Random House - Ballantine for providing this book.
April 26, 2024
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Lorenzo Carcaterra for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for Nonna Maria and the Case of the Lost Treasure coming out May 7, 2024. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.
As Nonna Maria’s longtime pal and sometimes colleague, Captain Murino, in charge of the local carabinieri, never wanted to see harm brought to the doorstep of everyone’s favorite espresso-brewing, counsel-giving amateur sleuth. But when you live a long life, you’re bound to make a few enemies. And when those enemies come calling, you have to rely on friends. Faced with an assassin seeking revenge for a decades-old grudge, Captain Murino has no choice but to turn to Maria, who must use all her neighborly resources, clever faculties, and web of connections to save him from his perilous predicament.
On the other side of the island, a second mystery begins to unfold at the deathbed of another of Maria’s old friends, as he hands his granddaughter a yellowed map and tells her of a treasure to be found in one of Ischia’s secret caverns. However, there are traps and pitfalls. There will be others with sinister motives who will do all they can to make the treasure their own. But this map is a guide—the only gift he has to give. When the granddaughter needs help cracking the code, she turns to her grandfather’s most trusted friend: Nonna Maria.
From battling foes in medieval castles to exploring the notorious caverns where smugglers hide their goods, Nonna Maria and her friends—some old, some new—embark on their most swashbuckling adventure yet.
I have the three books in this series, but this is the first one I’ve read. I received it directly from NetGalley. The map to buried treasure is a classic trope, but I loved the plot to this book. It felt like a cozy mystery with something more. It felt a little like the Italian version of Miss Marple. I loved the Agatha Christie vibes. Italy is a beautiful place, so I really enjoyed the setting. The Italian culture is lovely. I loved the writing in this book. I definitely need to go back to read the first two books. Hopefully there will be more books in this series.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys cozy Italy mysteries!
February 10, 2024
This is book three in this delightful series about Noona Maria. Although I recommend reading all of them, they can be read as a standalone.
Nonna Maria was born and lived her entire life on the island of Ischia in the Gulf of Naples, Italy. She is a friend to everyone she knows and meets. This charming grandmother has a way of getting involved in mysteries, and even helps to solve them. She’s never without her large, black tote back filled with many snacks, and even entire meals, plus of course plenty of wine. She generously hands out the food and drink to anyone who might be the slightest bit hungry or thirsty. Nonna Maria only eats at her own house, sitting with the portrait on the wall of her late husband Gabriel. She claims to never drinks water, and consumes fourteen cups of coffee each day.
Captain Murino, in charge of the local carabinieri, is a long-time friend of Nonna Maria. He calls upon her sleuthing skills when he learns he is faced with an assassin looking for revenge because he put away, for life, a long-time dangerous criminal, who it appears is still active from prison. Maria has many resources and knows many people so readily agrees to help save her friend, Captain Murino from the dangerous situation he is in.
In another part of the island, on his deathbed of another a good friend of Nonna Maria’s, gives his granddaughter a treasure map, advising her there is a treasure to be found in one of the many secret caves on the island. When the granddaughter needs help, figuring out the incomplete map, she calls upon her grandfather’s trusted friend, Nonna Maria.
The two mysteries Noona Maria is involved in are both heating up and prove to be dangerous, even to Maria, herself. There are many moving parts and delightful characters as this intriguing store progresses, however, as the author expertly weaves many situations seamlessly together, there is no way to guess the outcome until the very end.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All comments and opinions are my own.
Nonna Maria was born and lived her entire life on the island of Ischia in the Gulf of Naples, Italy. She is a friend to everyone she knows and meets. This charming grandmother has a way of getting involved in mysteries, and even helps to solve them. She’s never without her large, black tote back filled with many snacks, and even entire meals, plus of course plenty of wine. She generously hands out the food and drink to anyone who might be the slightest bit hungry or thirsty. Nonna Maria only eats at her own house, sitting with the portrait on the wall of her late husband Gabriel. She claims to never drinks water, and consumes fourteen cups of coffee each day.
Captain Murino, in charge of the local carabinieri, is a long-time friend of Nonna Maria. He calls upon her sleuthing skills when he learns he is faced with an assassin looking for revenge because he put away, for life, a long-time dangerous criminal, who it appears is still active from prison. Maria has many resources and knows many people so readily agrees to help save her friend, Captain Murino from the dangerous situation he is in.
In another part of the island, on his deathbed of another a good friend of Nonna Maria’s, gives his granddaughter a treasure map, advising her there is a treasure to be found in one of the many secret caves on the island. When the granddaughter needs help, figuring out the incomplete map, she calls upon her grandfather’s trusted friend, Nonna Maria.
The two mysteries Noona Maria is involved in are both heating up and prove to be dangerous, even to Maria, herself. There are many moving parts and delightful characters as this intriguing store progresses, however, as the author expertly weaves many situations seamlessly together, there is no way to guess the outcome until the very end.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All comments and opinions are my own.
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