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A brand new cozy crime series set in gorgeous Tuscany...It's murder in paradise!

Murder in broad daylight…

When millionaire magnate, Rex Hunter is found with his head bashed in on the eighth hole of his prestigious golf and country club in beautiful Chianti, it’s a clear case of murder. Hunter was rich and successful and the envy of many, so retired DCI Dan Armstrong thinks the case will be a hole in one to solve….

A despised victim…

But as Dan and his trusty sidekick Oscar begin to dig deeper into Hunter’s lifestyle, they discover a man despised by many. A renowned womaniser, ruthless boss and heartless family man, it seems no one is particularly sorry to see Hunter dead. And the list of possible suspects is endless…

A murderer covering their tracks.

Dan is determined to catch this clever killer, but it seems every new lead brings another dead end. Will this be one case Dan and his canine companion won’t solve?

A gripping new murder mystery series by bestselling author T.A. Williams, perfect for fans of Lee Strauss and Beth Byers.

250 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 27, 2023

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About the author

T.A. Williams

41 books431 followers
Firstly, my name isn't T A. It's Trevor. I write under the androgynous name T A Williams because 65% of books are read by women. In my first book, "What Happens in Devon" one of the (female) characters suggests the imbalance is due to the fact that men spend too much time getting drunk and watching football. I couldn't possibly comment. Ask my wife...
I've written all sorts: thrillers, historical novels, short stories and now I'm enjoying myself hugely writing romance and Cozy Mysteries. Romantic comedies are what we all need from time to time. Life isn’t always very fair. It isn’t always a lot of fun, but when it is, we need to embrace it. If my books can put a smile on your face and maybe give your heartstrings a tug, then I know I’ve done my job.
I‘ve lived all over Europe, but now I live in a little village in sleepy Devon, tucked away in south west England. I love the place. That’s why you’ll find leafy lanes and thatched cottages in most of my books. Oh, yes, and a black Labrador.
I've been writing since I was 14 and that is half a century ago. However, underneath this bald, wrinkly exterior, there beats the heart of a youngster. My wife is convinced I will never grow up. I hope she's right.

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5 stars
1,982 (49%)
4 stars
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3 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 180 reviews
Profile Image for Srivalli Rekha.
Author 18 books554 followers
October 22, 2023
Publication Date: 27th Jan 2023

3.7 Stars

One Liner: Entertaining and fun

Rex Hunter, a millionaire, is found dead on his golf links. The sight of his bashed head is enough to show that it’s murder. But who wants to kill the owner of a prestigious golf and country club in Chianti?

Turns out that Hunter had a thing for women. He was a bully, a womanizer, and a heartless man disliked and loathed by many. With the number of suspects increasing every hour, the case doesn’t look simple anymore.

Being retired doesn’t mean Dan can spend the rest of his life away from crime, right? Dan agrees to help the local chief and his friend Virgilio catch the killer. Can Dan and Oscar (black Labrador) solve the case in time? Will there be more deaths to deal with?

The story comes from Dam Armstrong’s first-person POV.

My Thoughts:

Dan Armstrong and Oscar are back in action in the second book of the series. This reads very well as a standalone despite the continuing personal track from book one. There’s enough information for the readers to get the gist.

My issue with long chapters continues in this one too. Please, once again, divide the chapters into smaller ones. It shouldn't take so much time to read a 250-page book (for a cozy mystery). Though the plot is different, I couldn’t help but find parallels in both books.

The central plot is engaging with an array of suspects and new developments. The numerous characters are easy to track and remember. With most of them hating the dead man, it’s interesting to figure out the killer. I admit only one of my guesses is right. The reveal made sense and fit with the theme, so no complaints.

Oscar is an adorable buddy and seems to be a ladies’ man. ;) I also like that Oscar isn’t just a pet but has an important role in the book.

There will be new developments in Dan’s life next, and I’m looking forward to seeing where it goes. I like the way the track is progressing. It feels natural.

To summarize, Murder in Chianti is an entertaining cozy mystery (albeit a slower one) and a solid continuation of the series. Of course, I’m hoping for a fresh theme in the next book.

Thank you, NetGalley and Boldwood Books, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.

#NetGalley # MurderinChianti
Profile Image for Mairita (Marii grāmatplaukts).
590 reviews189 followers
June 12, 2024
Arī otrā šīs sērijas grāmata nepievīla. Dens ar Oskaru iedzīvojušies Toskānā, bauda gardu ēdienu un dzērienus, uzspēlē tenisu ar savu draugu inspektoru, raksta grāmatu, dodas pastaigās. Idille. Tad uzrodas līķis un jautrība var sākties.
Profile Image for Javier.
975 reviews258 followers
January 28, 2023
T.A. Williams has proven time and time again that he can write charming and lovable rom-coms set in the Italian countryside, and with Murder In Chianti, second installment in the Armstrong and Oscar Mysteries series, he proves he can move just as well in the cozy mystery genre.

Retired DCI Dan Armstrong (now turned writer) is living the good life in Italy along his trusty sidekick Oscar (yes, that’s Oscar on the cover). When millionaire Rex Hunter is found murdered in the golf course of his country club, Dan’s help will be enlisted by the Italian police to solve the case but, with a victim despised by many, will they be able to unmask the killer?

While book one took some time to take off having to intrude the characters, here we already know the main players, so we jump straight into the mystery. And it was a nice one! A despicable victim, plenty of suspects with tons of motives to want him dead and lots of red herrings to keep you on your toes until the whodunit is revealed.

Williams writes in such an easy and engaging way, you will get immediately drawn into the story. You may not have a big interest in Italy or never been there, but he will make you feel like you need to take a plane right now to go and see those gorgeous views and try that delicious tasty food he describes. His love of the country was more than tangible in his rom-coms, and it’s still present in his mysteries.

All the main characters are such a delight to read about. You already know about my weakness for dogs as another player in the story, and Oscar is not only another character, he’s the Watson to Dan’s Sherlock. Make him a bit naughty, especially when he’s around female dogs, and you’ll have lots of funny and sweet moments.

Murder In Chianti is a great follow up in the series, and its ending opens the door for small changes in next installments I’m really curious to see how they turn out.

Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review and to Rachel´s Random Resources for my spot on the blog tour.
Profile Image for Veronica Barton.
Author 16 books70 followers
March 1, 2023
When retired detective, Dan Armstrong is asked to help with a recent murder investigation, he finds plenty of suspects. The owner of the local golf club has been murdered, and had a personality and actions despised by family members, friends, and those who live around the course.

Motives are plentiful as Dan delves through the clues and learns more about the suspects and their feuds with the murdered man. A shocking admission takes the case down an unexpected path. Will the surprising twist cause the killer to strike again?

Author Williams weaves yet another thrilling whodunnit in this latest book. Family dramas and dark secrets will keep you guessing 'til the end. I've become a huge fan of the retired detective and his newfound life in the beautiful Italian countryside. An intriguing cozy mystery tale, highly recommended!
Profile Image for Christine Goodnough.
Author 4 books17 followers
January 8, 2024
The victim was your typical bullying, nasty sort, found to be involved with several different local women. Retired DCI Dan Armstrong, who's settled in the area, is invited by his Italian detective friend to help solve the case.

A compelling, well written mystery. Details not only of the crime but also some description of that part of Italy and Italian wines. Apart from the crime, Dan faces frustrations and decisions in his personal life.
Profile Image for Bibliophileverse.
577 reviews45 followers
January 28, 2023
I just loved it....................

Murder In Chianti by T.A. Williams is a fast paced murder mystery which is going to absorb you right from first page. It was a delight reading the book. The mystery takes a new turn with every page. Also, you are definitely going to love the characters. The twists and turns were marvelous. I could not take my eyes away from the plot even for a second. The climax was a totally an unexpected one.

Definitely 5 stars for the book. Thanks to Boldwood Books and Rachels Random Resources for providing me with an opportunity to be a part of the blog tour.

Read more on https://bibliophileverse.blogspot.com...
Profile Image for Joy.
727 reviews
January 24, 2023
Pro:
* Setting - who doesn’t love Tuscany?
* Oscar is a great sidekick. I hope he gets more focus in future books.
* A bilingual main character gives readers a feasible look into the investigation.
* Solid mystery with enough red herrings to keep the reader guessing to the end

Con:
* Still feels like the first book in series with characters being introduced and finding a place in the overall design.
* Odd combo of elements from cozy, PI, and police procedural perspectives. This could become a positive element that sets the series aside from other, more formulaic ones.

Thank you to T.A. Williams, Boldwood Books, and NetGalley for an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Alison.
3,436 reviews131 followers
August 2, 2023
When the Australian owner of a swanky golf and tennis country club in Tuscany is found battered to death on his own golf course Inspector Virgilio ropes in Dan Armstrong (ex-pat retired British detective) to nose about and glean the gossip from the predominantly Australian/English staff by taking a few tennis lessons. Dan discovers that the victim Rex Hunter was not a popular man, recently remarried to a young woman half his age he had a reputation for pestering female staff, shady business practices, cheating at golf, and firing anyone who beat him. In fact the list of suspects keeps growing and no-one has a reliable alibi.

I enjoyed this second novel in the series. It has bedded down nicely with Dan's ability to speak both English and Italian an asset to the local police force. I look forward to reading the next one.

Read on my Kindle Unlimited subscription.
Profile Image for Katherine Hayward Pérez .
1,425 reviews74 followers
January 29, 2023
It's some time since I reviewed a T.A. Williams novel, and the first time I've reviewed a book by him in a genre that's not women's fiction/romance. I adore his women's fiction and romance and he's one of the best authors I know at depicting Italy. I still have not been to Italy.

I was very intrigued to find out where this book would take me

There are still Trevor's fantastic signature descriptions of Italy and a feeling of being fully immersed in the country, culture, sights, sounds and food. But then there's a mystery, and challenge to solve who murdered Rex Hunter. My curiosity kept me interested in this and I'm glad to have experience how T.A.Williams writes in this genre.

Unfortunately, I missed the first book, but on a positive note, it means I can catch up.

Thanks to T.A. Williams, Boldwood Books and Rachel's Random Resources for my eARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary revoew.

4 stars.
Profile Image for Pam Robertson.
1,272 reviews8 followers
August 16, 2024
The second in the series has all the hallmarks we saw in the first. The gorgeous Tuscan scenery dominates and Dan Armstrong is the Englishman abroad. He observes, charms, judges and deduces. Oscar, the lovely Labrador, plays a part in the story and I love their partnership.

You are presented with a whole range of suspects as to who is behind Hunter’s death. Right up until the very end, you are deducting alongside Armstrong. I enjoy a cozy crime story and find this series to be so appealing. As Armstrong settles into his new life, you can’t help but wonder what he will do next and who he will befriend.

In short: a Tuscan whodunnit
384 reviews
June 2, 2023
Great Summer Read

The plot development has you guessing. With twists that are unexpected, you may not solve this until the very end. Also, you learn enough about Tuscany that you can't wait to visit.
Profile Image for Mary.
1,552 reviews5 followers
May 30, 2024
A really enjoyable mystery great characters especially the delightful Oscar.
Profile Image for Alison.
394 reviews7 followers
April 24, 2024
Audio book. Free download.
Thoroughly enjoyable second instalment of this gentle series. I will listen to more but will leave it a while as there were clear formulaic similarities between books one and two.
The detective and his dog are very likeable and the Italian setting pleasant. Although this story was set around a golf club it was to all intents and purposes a locked room murder mystery - unloveable victim and many people with a reason to want him dead, yet at the same time only a limited number with an opportunity to kill him. I only solved part of it and was still guessing by the final chapter. The ending was satisfying.
Profile Image for Elizabeth M..
42 reviews4 followers
March 17, 2023
Lovely charming whodunnit detective and dog duo!

Cozy mystery, twists and turns, kept me reading cause I wanted to know whodunnit! Recommend it to lovers of cozy mysteries and detective series lovers and dog lovers.
Profile Image for Karen.
Author 40 books67 followers
February 1, 2023
Murder in Chianti by T A Williams
(This is Book 2 in the Armstrong and Oscar Cozy Mystery series, but works as a standalone.)
Retired DCI Dan Armstrong (56) and his black Labrador dog Oscar live in Italy. They have made a new life in a new country, Dan now being divorced with a grown up daughter and he has settled well into a new community. His best friend in Tuscany is Inspector Virgilio Pisano, who works as a detective in the murder squad.
One day, Virgilio rings Dan to tell him some news – the millionaire Rex Hunter has been found dead on a golf course at the Acquarossa Country Club he owned, apparently murdered. As Rex was Australian, Virgilio asks Dan to help as interpreter for Rex’s family. And possibly do a bit of undercover work for him too…
It seems Rex has plenty of enemies and few people seem to be mourning his loss. The area is filled with family, employees and apparent sexual conquests! These characters are all well-drawn and authentic too. I especially loved the neighbouring farmer Luigi Signese and would love to try his wines and olive oils!
Will Inspector Virgilio and his colleague Sergeant Innocenti find out who actually committed the crime? Helped by Dan, we follow them as they do their interviews, make their enquiries and pick up clues. It is rather like Agatha Christie in that we try to work it out alongside them and I do enjoy that aspect of the book.
I really enjoy T A Williams’s writing style. It’s easy to read, chatty, warm and I was interested in the characters and the story straight away. The novel is well-paced too, it doesn’t ever become boring and is the perfect novel to escape into. We have the Italian climate, the food, the drink, the scenery… what more could you ask for? Cute dog? Yes, that too! I’ll look forward to reading more in this series.
Profile Image for Bridget.
2,788 reviews122 followers
January 30, 2023
This is the second book in the Armstrong and Oscar Cozy Mystery seies by T A Williams and easily read as a stand-alone. Dan Armstrong, a recently retired and divorced Metropolitan Police DCI, is living in Italy. In this novel, an Australian millionaire, Rex Hunter is found dead on his golf course. Can Dan and his Labrador, Oscar solve the mystery?

There's reason for plenty of chuckles in this delightful cosy mystery and the plotting is great. Very highly recommended.

I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Boldwood Books via NetGalley and this review is my unbiased opinion.
1,008 reviews46 followers
January 1, 2023
Another fantastic addition to my favorite series. I have only praises and more of it for this fantabulous, engrossing and entertaining cozy mystery. Not to forget, a dash of humor always makes a cozy mystery interesting and enjoyable.

I was eagerly waiting to see what's next for Dan and Oscar. In the first installment, we saw Dan deciding to move to Italy for good - he even purchases a house and owns a dog. Murder in Chianti begins with the groundskeeper and his son finding Rex Hunter's dead body. Virgilio takes up the case and asks Dan for help. The victim and his family were originally from Australia and Virgilio could use Dan's help as an interpreter.

Dan readily agrees. As Dan starts to investigate and dig deeper into the victim's personal life, he realizes a lot of people hated the victim. He was ruthless, a womanizer, and heartless. Did his children kill him? Or, was it his newly wedded wife who's half his age. Then, there is the question of Rex's will - who receives his estates? One must not forget the locals that Dan harassed - including the staff at his country club.

The story is peppered with humor. Oscar's antics are giggle-worthy. We also have some development when it comes to Dan's personal life - and his new professional life. He's retired and moved to Italy to be a writer. Will he be successful? Only time will tell.

The mystery behind the murder kept me guessing till the end. Just when i thought, aha! I know who the killer is - there's a twist in the story. There went my plan to play a (smart) detective. So, if you are planning to read this book (you better be!), do yourself a favor and don't play detective. Let Dan do what's he known for while you chill, sip some wine and read his sleuthing adventures.

Murder in Chianti is, no doubt, another fantastic addition to the series. Excellent storytelling. Exceptionally brilliant character portrayal and a mystery that keeps one guessing till the end.

Profile Image for Stormy McDonald.
Author 7 books6 followers
August 5, 2024
Great characters and plot

The second book in the Armstrong and Oscar mystery series was a ton of fun. Great characters, wonderful editing, and a mystery that keeps you guessing to the very end. I look forward to continuing the series!
Profile Image for Penelope.
1,211 reviews9 followers
September 8, 2023
MURDER IN CHIANTI is bk2 in the Armstrong and Oscar (black lab) Mystery series and I again loved it. I highly recommend the audiobook performed by Simon Mattacks.

MY RATING GUIDE: 5 Stars. I was again delighted with this new to me author and the audio performance by (also new to me) Simon Mattacks.
1= dnf/What was that?; 2= Nope, not for me; 3= This was okay/cute; 3.5= I enjoyed it; 4= I liked it a lot; 5= I LOVED THIS; IT WAS GREAT! (I seldom give 5 Stars).

MURDER IN CHIANTI features recently retired former Scotland Yard Homicide Detective Chief Inspector (DCI) Dan Armstrong, 56 yrs old. Dan retired early, then moved to Italy when it became evident that his marriage couldn’t be saved. Dan had enjoyed Italy previously and quickly adjusts to his new life with its new possibilities. One of Dan’s new friends is a Italian police officer who includes Dan in his investigations as an interpreter and also respects Dan’s perspective regarding the cases. This arrangement suits Dan wonderfully around his other activities - writing his first historical mystery, walking his new dog Oscar, getting acquainted with his neighbors and surroundings and refining his Italian. In MURDER IN CHIANTI, the womanizing owner of a upscale nearby golf club is discovered dead on the grounds. Upon investigation, it becomes evident that the man was disliked by nearly everyone. But who among them had a motive, means and the opportunity?

Comments ~
1) MURDER IN CHIANTI could be read as a Standalone title but I absolutely loved book 1 in this series and recommend readers pick that one up as well. It is a good beginning to the series.
2) The voice performance by Simon Mattacks was excellent! He is a new voice for me and his accents and various character voices were spot-on! Mattack was the perfect selection for this book and for the seasoned main character’s voice. I am thrilled to see that the author is continuing with Mattacks in the forthcoming audios. I have already purchased the next audiobook based on my delight with MURDER IN TUSCANY and CHIANTI.
3) I am somewhat surprised to see this series described as Cozy. MIC certainly isn’t a dark or grim mystery, but neither is it a silly Cozy Mystery. This series sits between the two styles featuring a sincere, experienced and thoughtful protagonist, written with a subtle sense of humor and positivity. I really like the main character William’s has created. He seems very authentic and human - without angst or drama and very down-to-earth.
4) MURDER IN CHIANTI is my second TA Willam’s novel. I see he has novels in other genres as well. I read his bio and Williams seems to write with a philosophy I can appreciate - excellent writing which leaves his readers with a smile. I am delighted with this series and shall certainly check out TA Williams’ other titles as I continue reading his ARMSTRONG AND OSCAR mysteries. These have become a certain audiobook Buy for me. Highly recommended.

READER CAUTION ~ Suitable for most, if not all, Mystery readers.
PROFANITY - I don’t recall any.
VIOLENCE - G/PG. This is a murder mystery but not at all dark or graphic.
SEXUAL SITUATIONS - None.
59 reviews
September 11, 2023
another wild ride to find a murderer

Book 2 in this series is as good as the first one. I’m not familiar with this author, but in these first 2 books of the series, there is more than one murder and suspects galore. A truly vile man is killed. He has money galore, is unscrupulous in business dealings and is a known womanizer. As Dan and his best friend, who is a homicide detective, wade through interviews and evidence, the identity of the murderer remains a mystery.

Just like the first book, the murderer is revealed, but when they go to arrest him they are too late because obviously someone else has just killed him. So then another murderer has to be caught. Oh, and a third person is also dead.

So the It sounds like a violent plot, but there is no gore. (Think Agatha Christie.) Oscar, of course, plays a big part. Although Dan is attacked by the final murderer, Oscar jumps to his defense. He’s walloped too. That is “the worst” part of the book. When the murderer strikes Oscar with the heavy weapon she used to strike Dan, Oscar yelps, then whimpers, and then is still. To anyone who loves dogs, that brief scene will hurt. Oscar isn’t badly hurt. It could have been much, much worse. My favorite part was when Dan punched the murderer in the face for hitting his dog. Dan has a broken collar bone. Dan sits on top of the murderer until the police arrive.

The ending wrapped everything up nicely. I’m usually good at spotting the murderer in a book, but these 2 books gave nothing away.

I’m determined now to figure out Book 3 before the end.

I appreciate that these are truly whodunnits without foul language or sex scenes. No graphic descriptions of the murder victim.

Dan is 56 years-old, recently retired (in an attempt to save his marriage) and learning to be divorced. His job was the catalyst for destroying his marriage. His daughter, of course, hopes they’ll remarry. Both are reasonable so no big dramas play out.

At the end of this book, Dan’s book has been accepted to be published with a contract for 2 more. And he has decided to be a private detective. Plenty of room to add other books to this series.
Great author! Great series!
Profile Image for Julie.
2,426 reviews38 followers
May 21, 2023
Mystery, mayhem and murder abound in T A Williams second delightful Italian-set Armstrong and Oscar whodunnit, Murder in Chianti.

Millionaire magnate Rex Hunter has been found with his head bashed in on the eighth hole of his country club in Chianti. Rich, successful and admired and reviled in equal measure, retired DCI Dan Armstrong and his trusty sidekick Oscar think this will be a hole in one to solve, however, as they begin to dig deeper, they discover a man with a long list of enemies who all had their reasons for wanting him dead. A renowned womanizer despised by his family and his employees, it seems easier to find someone who did not want Rex Hunter dead. Can Armstrong and Oscar get to the bottom of this case? Or will finding out whodunnit prove to be even more difficult than finding a needle in a haystack?

Armstrong doesn’t give up easily and he vows to catch Rex Hunter’s clever killer – even though he seems to be going down one dead end after another. Armstrong is going to need all his tenacity if he is to find out who murdered the despised magnate. But as the case gets more and more tangled and the killer continues to remain at large, will this redoubtable duo manage to solve this case? Or will a killer in Chianti end up getting away with murder?

A fabulously enjoyable cozy mystery perfect for readers looking for some sun-drenched escapism on a cold winter afternoon, Death in Paradise fans are not going to want to miss this fun, witty and nail-biting instalment of T A Williams’ Armstrong and Miller series, Murder in Chianti. Brilliantly plotted, delightful and packed with red herrings aplenty, readers will want to devour this cozy mystery in one sitting.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Carla.
6,788 reviews158 followers
April 21, 2023
Murder in Chianti is the second book in the Armstrong and Oscar Cozy Mystery series by T.A. Williams. I did not read the first book and had no issue following this story. Retired DCI Dan Armstrong is living the good life in Italy along his trusty sidekick Oscar. He is now a writer and enjoying his time in Italy. When millionaire Rex Hunter is found murdered on the 8th hole of the golf course, it is obvious it is murder. Dan is enlisted by the Italian police to help solve the case but, with a victim despised by many, it might be harder than they think to find the killer.

Murder in Chianti was a wonderful mystery. There were so many suspects, but Dan is sure he will figure out who the murderer is. I love the inclusion of Oscar as Dan's partner. He also adds some humor to the story with his antics around female dogs. Dan is a talented investigator with great interrogation skills getting people to tell him things they hadn't planned on, including information that is surprising. With this twist, will there be another murder? With family drama and secrets in play, I was kept guessing until the final reveal. As in his romcoms, I love the Italian setting in this book. For an armchair traveler, his descriptions make me feel like I am in the Italian countryside. I am looking forward to the next outing where Dan and Oscar are in Florence.
Profile Image for Liz.
2,468 reviews3,348 followers
May 14, 2024
3.5 stars, rounded up
Murder in Chianti is the second in the Armstrong and Oscar series. It’s a lovely cozy mystery that takes place in the Tuscan countryside. It’s got the requisite descriptions of food, wine and landscape. Oscar is a black lab, so it’s perfect for dog lovers. He provides comic relief as well as contributing to the investigation.
This time around, the Australian owner of a golf country club is found murdered in a fairway trap. He wasn’t a nice man, so there are plenty of suspects, including his family, friends, girlfriend, neighbors and employees. As is often the case, he’s just the first of several murders.
The writing is pretty simplistic. If Daniel Armstrong mentioned how this or that person couldn’t be the murderer unless they were an excellent actor once, he said it a half dozen times.
It can be read as a stand-alone. Williams provides enough background that nothing is lost.
I recommend this for fans of Donna Leon’s Brunetti series or Martin Walker’s Bruno series, although this isn’t as deep or political as those two series. But it’s entertaining and the whodunit solution worked well.
Simon Mattuck is an excellent narrator and managed Italian, English and Australian accents.
Profile Image for Barbara Schultz.
3,595 reviews269 followers
March 19, 2023
Book Title: Murder in Chianti
Author: T.A. Williams
Series: Armstrong and Oscar Cozy Mystery #2
Narrator: Simon Mattacks
Publisher: Boldwood Books
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Pub Date: January 27, 2023
My Rating: 4 Stars

Dan Armstrong is a fifty-six year old retired Brit Detective. He and his faithful black Labrador dog Oscar are living the good life in Tuscany, Italy. Dan is hoping to be a writer. He is divorced and has an adult daughter. His best friend in Italy is Inspector Virgilio Pisano.
Virgilio calls Dan requesting some assistance in finding who murder unlikeable millionaire Rex Hunter as he has been found dead on the golf course at the Acquarossa Country Club that he owned
Dan is willing to help but has concerns since Hunter is despised by many. He knows that narrowing down suspects and finding whodunit isn’t going to be easy!

Oh so true. There were so many suspects I was getting dizzy ~ oh wait it might have been the Chianti!

Narrator Simon Mattacks’ performance of the characters makes this story even more enjoyable

August 19, 2024
Dan Armstrong is back in the second of T.A. William's series of cozy crime novels.

We join him a few months after the first book ends when Dan is settling nicely into his new Tuscan home, making friends, still eating amazing food, and occasionally being called upon to help solve a murder.

This time around, the victim is Rex Hunter, owner of the local exclusive golf course. Found in one of his sand bunkers, there is seemingly no end to the list of suspects as Rex was not a very well-liked man. In fact, most people hated him.

So, with little in the way of evidence and a never-ending list of would-be-killers, whodunnit??

Murder in Chianti is another great novel from Williams, and this series is fast becoming one of my favourites, not least because the setting is spectacular and the lead character is so likable.

Throw in a tried and tested format of a good crime mystery and you have all the makings of another excellent book.
274 reviews2 followers
May 16, 2023
Sun drenched fizz.

Armstrong and Oscar ride again. A light, entertaining murder mystery set in Tuscany. Retired detective Armstrong and his faithful companion Oscar have settled in to their new home. Dan is hoping his first book will be published and meanwhile he continues to aid his friendly local cop. This time in, the case is about an Australian magnate murdered in his own golf course. Who did it? There are candidates in plenty. The dead man was hated. By the way Dan is is encouraged to become a Private Investigator. The story is well written with quite a few jokes. It moves along swiftly. There are no gory scenes, no explicit sex, but you do feel involved with Armstrong and Oscar. The perfect read when you want a puzzle but don't want to keep a sick bag handy. Recommended.
Profile Image for John Lee.
735 reviews11 followers
September 7, 2023
After being totally won over by the first book of this series, I carried straight on to Murder in Chianti .

Although I still enjoyed the description of the Tuscan lifestyle, the scenery and the character of Dan and his dog Oscar, I didnt think that this one was quite as good. The plot seemed a bit over complicated and with all the murders and attempted killings Montevolpone would give Midsommer a run for the title of 'Murder Capital'.

There were a couple of points in this story which jarred for me about the will. Even if Italian law is different to ours, I feel that Dan, as very recently retired DI from London, would have commented that a will is void on a subsequent marriage, as appeared to have happened here and that in the UK both witnesses have to be present when a will is signed.

Am I being too picky? I still enjoyed the book enough to move on to the third, next.
170 reviews
September 14, 2024
An easy to read, uncomplicated murder mystery

This novel is as much a destination novel as a murder mystery. For those of us who love all things Italian here is your chance to travel vicariously to Tuscany. The author is obviously very familiar with all its charms. On top of that if you are a dog lover you'll enjoy the exploits of Oscar the Labrador.

I enjoyed the book. The characters are interesting and varied. The plot is challenging enough to keep you guessing without keeping you awake at night.

I loved the little touch of Australian idiom - using the 'bush telegraph'. Given the first murder victim is an Australian I thought this was very cute..I wonder how many people knew what it means.

I'll look forward to reading more about PI Dan and his beloved Dr. Watson.

The plot is easy to follow and leaves you guessing to
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