MURDER ON THE VINE

When murder is on the menu, it’s best to have a seasoned detective on hand to serve just deserts to the killer.

Retired New York City detective Nico Doyle has settled into a quiet, idyllic life in the charming Tuscan village of Gravigna with his faithful canine companion and sleuthing sidekick, OneWag. His reputation has made Nico the go-to for locals in distress. So naturally his friend Perillo, Gravigna’s “maresciallo” (civilian police chief), comes to him when Cesare Rinaldi, the faithful, elderly bartender at the Hotel Bella Vista, has been missing for three days. Hotel owner Laura Benati is understandably distraught. Nico, of course, agrees to help. Trinchieri, who in the course of her series has expanded and deepened her portrait of Gravigna, points out in a prefatory note that Perillo and his impulsive assistant, Daniele, are the backbone of the series along with Nico. They’re on hand every step of the way, more Abbott and Costello than Holmes and Watson. Jimmy, the co-owner of Bar All’Angolo, Nico’s hangout and de facto office, calls Nico for help when his car breaks down on a trip home from Florence. After OneWag smells something odd in the trunk, the men find the body of Cesare, wrapped in plastic. This expands the circle of amateur sleuths to the cafe staff, leading to a probe that is lively if often discursive. Laura emerges as a prime suspect. Could she possibly be guilty, or is she hiding something else? A lengthy list of characters is provided to help readers keep it all straight.

A clever, colorful cozy with a decidedly Italian flavor.