This most recent addition to the Nonna Maria mystery series combines elements of gothic novels, mystery, and suspense. Nonna Maria relies on her large network of friends to help her search for missing treasure, and to prevent the demise of Captain Murino of the military police on the island of Ischia, where she lives. Along the way she encounters mob members, widows, thieves, and pirates, handling them all with her usual calm conpetence. Nonna always offers her best food dishes and wine to those who become involved in helping with her various projects. The fast-moving story includes many twists, turns, and surprises, and also warm occasions with family and friends. This novel is a welcome addition to the Nonna Maria series and can be read as an enjoyable standalone. However, readers should be warned that the novels are addictive, and reading this one will prompt a reader to go back and read the first ones in the series. This novel contains no strong language or physical intimacy, and just enough action to prove interesting. Highly recommended!

I received this novel from the publisher and from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. (Thank you!) The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own. ( )

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. ( )

What a fun and charming mystery set on the lush and warm island of Ischia just off the coast of Naples, Italy.

Given the tight-knit community on Ischia, nothing goes unseen and everyone looks after one another. When strangers are in their midst, beyond the usual day-tripping tourists, the locals are quietly watching. This watchfulness is particularly keen when nefarious strangers have one of the locals in their sites. Meanwhile, the granddaughter of a notorious jewel thief, whose memory is filled with fantastical stories shared by her now-deceased grandfather, discovers a map among his things. Could this be a map to his quarry? Rumors have been floating about among the treasure hunters for years about the famous Paolino Iacone's hoard. But none has yet found it. Can Rita attain her legacy before the treasure hunter's seize it for themselves? Can carabinieri Captain Murino capture the nefarious strangers before anyone gets hurt or worse?

Mr. Caraterra has done a wonderful job of creating a beautiful setting for this series. One hears the cry of seagulls and the crashing waves on the rocks; one smells the tang of the ocean and the enticing aromas of fabulous cuisine cooked by the magical hands of local women for those whom they love; and one sees the looming castle built into the cliff high above the port. The writing is rich and the characters well developed. The interaction among the characters and affection exuded among the locals is palpable. The tension builds gradually to a spectacular climax and and then gently eases leaving the reader with a warmth for the local characters, a satisfied feeling, and a desire to book their next trip to the Amalfi Coast.

I am grateful to Bantam Books for having provided a complimentary uncorrected proof of this book through NetGalley. Their generosity, however, has not influenced this review - the words of which are mine alone.

Publisher:‎ Bantam Books
Publication Date: ‎ May 7, 2024
No. of pages: ‎ 288
ISBN-13:‎ 978-0593499214 ( )

Review of Advance Reader’s Uncorrected eBook File

Maurizio Carnale sits in an outdoor café ion the island of Ischia waiting for his double espresso. No one knows he has come to this place for the specific purpose of killing a man.

Meanwhile, Nonna Maria is enjoying her espresso in the company of two of her granddaughters. At their insistence, she tells them [yet again] a special story, the story of the creation of Ischia.

When Paolino Iacone dies, he leaves his granddaughter, Rita, with a secret map showing the location of her inheritance. She asks Nonna Maria for help finding the treasure hidden in the rocky coastal caves.

Will Nonna Maria and Rita find the hidden treasure before others are able to snatch it away? And will the assassin succeed in his murderous quest?

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The third of the Nonna Maria tales, the book has sufficient backstory to work as a standalone. One of the strengths of the story is the focus on loyalty and friendship.

The delightful island setting, charming main character, and intriguing mystery all work together to draw the reader into the telling of the tale from the outset. Expect ruthless treasure hunters, pirates, and criminals as the unfolding story takes readers on an exciting adventure of discovery.

Aside from the treasure hunt, the tension and suspense of the hired assassin stalking Captain Murino keeps the pages turning as fast as possible.

Readers who enjoy adventure, mystery, and strong friendships will find much to appreciate here.

Highly recommended.

I received a free copy of this book from Random House Publishing Group – Ballantine, Bantam and NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
#NonnaMariaandtheCaseoftheLostTreasure #NetGalley ( )

food, island-life, assassins, secrets, lies, investigations, protection, Italy, Italian-customs, historical-places-events, historical-research, historical-setting, history-and-culture, friendship, friends, local-law-enforcement, local-gossip, cozy-crime, widow, senior-citizens, amateur-sleuth, septuagenarian, relationships, relatives, family-history, family, false-identities, caves, revenge*****

I've been waiting for this! This is NOT an unbiased review as I love each book in series and will make sure to get the audio because print copies have a way of walking away with friends and family. Nonna Maria has two major issues going on plus we get a detailed history lesson of people and deeds done on the island during WW2 (and smugglers anytime). The story has it all: revenge, romance, carabinieri, assassins, friendship, false identities, and fascinating aspects of history. Terrific read!
I requested and received a free temporary EARC from Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, Bantam via NetGalley. Thank you!
Available 07 May 2024 #NonnaMariaBk3 ( )