Book Review: Murder on an Italian Island

By Sara Steven

When private investigator, Dan Armstrong, and his girlfriend, Anna, are invited to the gorgeous island of Elba for a much-needed break, he jumps at the chance. The thought of sun-drenched shores makes Dan promise Anna he won't “play detective” for a whole week…

A luxury hotel…

Their luxurious hotel, with its wonderful food and picturesque seaside views, seems the perfect escape, especially with Dan's best friend Virgilio and his wife joining them. But the calm shatters with a sinister encounter and a sudden, suspicious death...

A decades old case…

Virgilio’s past connection to the victim casts a long shadow, pulling Dan into a decades-old case. But beneath Elba’s beauty lie secrets and resentments. The victim was universally hated, but was his death the result of foul play or just a tragic accident?

With his faithful canine companion, Oscar, Dan must unravel the island's mysteries, a task that soon takes a decidedly personal and unsettling turn. (Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads)

Dan and Oscar are at it again! Only this time, it’s personal. Adding that elevated element to Murder on an Italian Island really brought Dan’s experiences to a whole other level. Often, he’s researching possible crimes that while satisfying when the truth has been revealed, it’s something he can walk away from at the end of it all. But when it involves close friends and loved ones, it makes for a truly unique experience. I also appreciated the beginning of it all, with Dan working on his latest novel. For me, it felt a little meta, because I imagined the author within the pages of this particular murder mystery, putting in his own thoughts and feelings into what it takes to research and learn about the inner nuances of crime investigation and potential murder mysteries.

For Dan, he’d made a promise to his partner Anna that he’d have nothing to do with murder. For the entirety of their relationship, she’s witnessed just how engrossing it can be for Dan when he’s out to solve a mystery, and he really wanted nothing more than to give her that time away from his investigations. But when a victim is discovered and Dan’s own good friend Virgilio is considered a suspect, all bets are off. Dan has to get involved–and fast, in order to prove Virgilio’s innocence. It’s in the research and discoveries that Dan finds a lot more than he ever bargained for, ultimately adding to the risk. 

While I’ve read plenty about Anna in the other Armstrong and Oscar Cozy Mysteries series, I felt there was more to delve into with the relationship between Dan and Anna in this latest installment. She was often viewed as more of a background character for me, but this time, she is front and center. It was nice to see more development for her–given the type of past Dan has had with his ex where his love of investigation is concerned, it’s nice to see someone like Anna who supports Dan’s passion. 

Can we highlight the star of the show? It’s always Oscar, and it’s always welcome! Who wouldn’t love a sidekick like him? He adds great comedic timing to the pages of this book, while also offering emotional support when someone needs it, and in times of chaos, he’s right there, taking care of business! He’s just too cute for words. I know I also mention the scenic backdrop and the food (my goodness, always the food!) when it comes to a T.A. Williams read, but it will always bear repeating because both subjects are important characters that really bring the scenes to life. Maybe I was more hungry this time around while I read Murder on an Italian Island, but I could not get over the delicious dishes mentioned during Dan’s meal experiences. It made me jealous! As much as I’ve talked about it in the past, I’ve yet to travel to any of the locations mentioned, but one of my kids has traveled to Italy and confirmed for me that the food experience there is like none other. It is truly legit. 

What a fun, five-star read! 

Thanks to Rachel's Random Resources for the book in exchange for an honest review.

Purchase Links:
Amazon US * Amazon UK

T. A. Williams is the bestselling author of the Armstrong and Oscar cozy mystery series. He studied languages at University and lived and worked in Italy for eight years, returning to England with his wife in 1972. T.A. and his wife now live in Devon.

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