Scan barcode
srivalli's review
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
slow-paced
3.75
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 Oliver (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 Oliver 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.
Oliver is an adorable buddy and seems to be a ladies’ man. ;) I also like that Oliver 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.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Infidelity, and Mental illness