My Rating:⭐⭐⭐⭐
Set in the Island of Ischia, eighteen miles off the coast of Naples, the story begins with a young woman by the name of Anna sharing her troubles with Nonna Maria –lifelong resident of the island in her seventies with a penchant for strong coffee and good wine - who never turns down anyone asking for her assistance. Engaged to Andrea Bartoli, who is new to the island, Anna expresses her doubts about her fiancé and feels that she is being manipulated into marrying him. Captain Murino of the carabinieri is also suspicious of Bartoli and has prior knowledge of his possible misdeeds and teams up with Nonna Maria to expose him while keeping Anna out of harm’s way. Besides helping Anna, Nonna Maria and Captain Murino are also working together in trying to find out the truth behind the mysterious death of eighty-five-year-old tour boat captain Pasquale Favorini, who presumably drowned after falling overboard in a drunken state. Nonna Maria, who knew Pasquale, is not convinced that this was an accident.
Though he has concerns for her safety, Captain Murino is respectful of Nonna Maria and her knowledge of the island and its residents. Nonna Maria is no Sherlock Holmes (though the residents of the island frequently compare her to him) and her “sleuthing” involves listening to people’s troubles and providing assistance in any way she can which earns her the trust and respect of everyone around her including the local carabinieri. She knows everyone on the island and has a vast network of children, grandchildren, friends and allies who keep her informed of what’s happening around her. As the narrative progresses, we follow Nonna Maria as she uses her wit, wisdom and her network of fellow islanders to unravel these two mysteries.
Overall, Nonna Maria and the Case of the Missing Bride by Lorenzo Carcaterra is an entertaining mystery full of heart, humor and an interesting cast of characters. Though it is a slow-paced read, the narrative is fluid and engaging and at no point did I lose interest in the plot. I loved the vivid descriptions of the island, the folklore, the community and the culture. Smart and resourceful, Nonna Maria is so much fun to be around! I can’t wait to read the next book in the series!
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