‘Murder in Chianti’ sees Dan and Oscar back in action and it is soaked full of the Tuscan heat, packed with intrigue and our favourite Italian cop, Virgilio is back with a new case that he needs their help with! This very easily can hold up as being a stand-alone read but I would read the first book if you can as you do get a bit of background regarding Dan’s past career and his family. However, if you are a reader that only really cares about the crime aspect then it's easy enough to pick up the threads from the first book in this one! I found this to be an engrossing and entertaining read. Normally as a blogger, I am very unorganised and am still reading the book a few days before my review date but this one I instantly read this one as soon as it became available! A sign that I absolutely loved the first book and I couldn't wait to dive into it's follow-up. I was not disappointed. It's a fabulous ‘cosy’ crime with a great sense of location, brilliant characters and a very entertaining narrative. Plus there is a dog so of course I have fallen for it!

Dan and Oscar have just begun to get settled into their Tuscan lives. When Rex Hunter is found dead at the eighth hole in the golf course that he owns it is a clear case of murder. Dan is asked by local inspector Virgilio to interpret for the family and also put those detection skills of his to use! When it becomes clear that not even Rex’s own family liked him it evolves into a complicated case that will stretch all their limits as they keep hitting upon dead ends. Will they solve it?

This has very quickly become one of those series you know you will read each book that comes out without even reading the blurb. I have fallen for the combination of Tuscany, squirrely detection from Dan and a canine sidekick in Oscar! It is desperately making me want to visit even more - this might end up being my September holiday. The standard of writing is superb as it makes you feel immersed in the story and location and its excellent story is strong, believable and has enough twists, turns and dead ends to keep the reader guessing.

Roll on book three!

I really like a cosy mystery, as you’d know if you’ve followed me for a while, and this was a really good one. Set in the heart of the Tuscan Chianti region, we find Dan who is a retired English detective that can’t let the job go. He helps the Italian detectives with translation and looking for clues with his trusty sidekick, Oscar.

This book seemed to see more people being murdered as it went on rather the initial crime being solved! But this made for a page turning interesting novel, one that I read in just a couple of days. I enjoyed the descriptions of the Italian countryside, having visited it a few times myself - it’s nice to read somewhere familiar and bought back some good memories.

Other than murder, there is loads going on in this book - love, festivals, food and of course wine! Loads to keep you intrigued and guessing to the end.

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.

I love all this authors books and was keen to read a new theme of 'cosy' murder mystery. I love the way he writes and this is written in the same easy read format and I loved it.

I haven't read the first book in the series and it didn't matter. I was immediately hooked and love it when a book does this to me.

Good story and plot, several twists along the way with a touch of Italian thrown in. Good introductions to the characters and their stories and linking in to the murder and I was sure I'd guessed right but, no, I had to guess again. I loved reading this and look forward to the next one.

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

This story is a delightful mix of Italian cuisine, people, and scenery with an intricate murder mystery and a likeable amateur sleuth team comprising Dan Armstrong, a retired detective, and Oscar, the lovely labrador. Engaging the reader is drawn into the Italian lifestyle with believable characters, friendships, and a host of suspects for the crime.
I love the plot's intricacies, the ethos, and the lovely partnership of Armstrong and Oscar, perfect for readers who like Italy and murder mystery stories.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

Upon his retirement from the police, British Dan Armstrong was given a week at a writing retreat in Tuscany. He didn't read the fine print and arrived to find the retreat was for writers of erotic fiction. He made the best of it and helped solve a murder, made friends, bought a house and adopted a dog named Oscar.
In this second title Dan is happily living the dream and his first novel has been accepted for publication. The only cloud in his sky is that his wife has divorced him.
When his friend Virgilio, the local police chief calls to to ask his help investigating a brutal murder Dan doesn't hesitate. Rex Hunter owner of the local golf and country club has been found with his head bashed in on the 8th hole. There's no shortage of suspects. Hunter was a womanizer and few of his staff liked him. His family felt no sorrow at his death either. Most of the action involves Dan interviewing club staff, Hunter's neighbor whose land Hunter wanted and his family. There's lots of dog related action , some of it funny. The setting is the star of the series. The author's descriptions of Tuscany and the marvelous food will leave you ready to book a flight immediately.
Thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this title. It's available on Kindle and in audio but it looks as though hardback and paperback editions will appear eventually.

Murder in Chianti is the second book in the Armstrong and Oscar series of cosy crime stories set in modern-day Italy.

I thoroughly enjoyed book 1, and book 2 is even better. Now that Dan is living in Tuscany and is known as someone the local police can call on for assistance, the story can focus much more on the mystery to be solved.

And what a mystery this one is. For ages, it seemed as though no resolution could ever be found. Everything Armstrong and Oscar uncovered contradicted something else they already knew, and wow, there are many characters that the reader could suspect of the foul deed. There were several 'big reveal' moments, and when the 'big reveal' moment finally arrived for real, I was annoyed that I'd not thought of it before. After all, and looking back, the clues were certainly there, but very well concealed.

A thoroughly entertaining and well-plotted cosy mystery. Highly recommended.

My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for my review copy.

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.

Book 2 in the Armstrong and Oscar Cozy Mysteries Series and just as entertaining. Once again we meet George Armstrong, retired Met Police DCI and living in Tuscany along with his gorgeous black labrador Oscar. I’m a bit in love with Oscar he sounds just like my brothers black labrador Eddie, exactly the same personality.

Briefly, the owner of a golf course in found dead and George is asked by his friend Virgilio to assist with translating as there are some English suspects. However, they soon find out that the victim was very unpopular and as more deaths follow the number of suspects seem to increase.

Alongside the investigation there are some hilarious moments, particularly when Oscar loses control of himself over another dog! This is a wonderful read and the settings around Florence are really well described, I could almost imagine I was there. A lovely, well written, cozy mystery with some great red herring: very enjoyable. 4.5⭐️

I've been a fan of this author for a good while now and was very excited to hear that he was branching out into the 'cosy mystery' genre...and, boy, am I not let down!
Assuming this is the first in a new series (I believe so), then we're off to a great start. A great setting, lovely cast of characters and the itch for the next book is mounting!

⛳Totally outfoxed me!🍷🧀🍞

4.5🌟 stars
This really well-plotted whodunit kept me guessing from beginning all the way through to the climax. So many suspects, a wealthy Australian victim who seemed expert at rubbing people the wrong way, and a really personable Brit with some Italian roots, retired from U.K. law enforcement, who gets drawn in to assisting the Italian authorities with a difficult case.

While the murder mystery was good and constantly brought in new twists to keep the investigators frustrated with no clear lead, I also love the way the author builds the laid-back Tuscan country life that Dan Armstrong and his trusty Lab sidekick Oscar inhabit. The food, the wines, the countryside, small towns and occasional trip to lovely Florence: made me jealous!

Recommended.

Thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.

Murder In Chianti is the second book in the series featuring former police officer, Dan Armstrong and his beautiful labrador, Oscar. I'm so pleased to be back with them and I have been looking forward to their next adventure since I finished the previous book. I love that Dan cannot stay away from an active investigation and his enthusiasm for his work and his new life in Italy is almost infectious. TA Williams' writing is so easy to read, yet it takes us to the wonderful Italian setting immediately and I felt as if I was there myself, right in the heart of the action.

The victim in the murder investigation, Rex Hunter, was not a particularly popular person and this means there are a lot of suspects. The author builds a case for each one very well and I enjoyed trying to make my own guesses as the story went along.

As with all murder investigations, there are a number of secrets among the community and I was really intrigued as to what these would be. The author has plotted the story really well and I changed my mind about who had done what as the novel reached its ending.

Although I know this author is more prolific as a women's fiction author, I do hope he has more plans for Dan and Oscar as I definitely think they have more adventures to go on!

I’ve read a few books by this author before and love how easy he makes it to get engrossed in the story. Obviously, the Italian setting helps with the escapism, but it’s more than a travel guide – though who wouldn’t want to escape to Tuscany after reading this, I do not know – the story is packed with truly great characters. From the wily locals who see and hear everything (and love to share over good food and grappa-fueled coffee) to those who have made their life in the area and come with baggage (usually ex-wives and numerous affairs that would test any Casanova worthy of the title).
Former (but for how long?) DCI Dan Armstrong doesn’t seem able to give up on his old life at the Yard, despite being in a new country, and despite having second thoughts over the breakdown of his marriage and subsequent divorce. Together with his dog, Oscar, Dan has become part of the community, and so when Australian millionaire and owner of the country club, Rex Hunter is murdered, it’s no wonder his good friend and local police inspector calls on him to help with “translations”.
The victim is not well-liked and the suspects mount up, but when further murders occur it’s clear this will be no easy case to solve. I loved how the author gives insight as to how Dan is thinking, who he suspects, and what he thinks has happened. However, even Dan has to admit feeling blind-sided by this mystery, and there are red herrings galore that misdirect the reader with great skill until the truth becomes apparent.
Peppered with glimpses of life in Tuscany, amusing antics with Oscar, and an array of fascinating encounters with locals, it’s easy to see why Dan is enamoured of the area. However, in this book, he starts to wonder how he might fill his time in the years to come. Dan can’t live by tennis matches and Chianti alone, so where does his future lie: as an author (his first book has been accepted by a London publisher) or as an investigator? Will he ever be able to put that part of his life behind him? I can’t wait to find out.
PS – I was gutted to find this is the second book in the series, but will be making up for it by grabbing a copy of book one – Murder in Tuscany – before the next in the series is ready.

This is the first book I have read from this author. I enjoyed the quirkiness. It had many red herrings which added to the suspense. Great premise and enjoyed the description of the location. Would definitely read the next offering. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the chance to review it.

This is an intriguing mystery which takes place in the gorgeous setting of Tuscany. Dan Armstrong is a retired DCI living not far from Florence who has become friends with the local police officer. It is logical that he is asked to help with translating in the latest murder investigation.

Dan is a very likeable character and his dog, Oscar is an engaging sidekick who has a significant part to play in this story. I love the Tuscan setting and the descriptions are detailed enough to give the reader a clear picture without being overwhelming.

The investigation centres around the murder of the Australian owner of the local golf course and leisure club. We rapidly find that he was a fairly unpleasant character which means that there are a whole host of possible suspects, including his children and a local farmer. The investigation proceeds at a steady pace which I really enjoyed as it gives the author plenty of time to flesh out the characters. This is the second book in this series but it could easily be read as a stand alone. I loved it and am definitely looking forward to reading about Dan and Oscar’s next adventure.

Thank you to Net Galley and Boldwood books for my ARC in exchange for my honest review.

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.

T. A. Williams, you wily author you.. you have completely outfoxed me in this latest book.

I had absolutely no idea who the murder might be and never would have predicted the way things would turn out.

What is clear is that Rex Hunter, the victim was an unpleasant man, and many people had a reason to dislike him a lot.

It was great to catch up with Dan and Oscar, a year on from the previous book, where Dan is now helping the local police on a regular basis, despite being retired.

I loved the way he and the Italian detectives think, and was fascinated to see how they would solve this mystery.

Full of red herrings, untrustworthy suspects and with a real flavour of Chianti, this is a marvellous second book in this series, proving the author really is fabulous at whichever genre they are writing.

Thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

This is the second Armstrong and Oscar Cozy Mystery
Another brilliant read, I hope you'll agree!
With Dan Armstrong now at home in Italy,
Making friends and a life there you'll see.

This retired DCI can't resist joining in when he gets a call
And his friends in the police there appreciate him helping them all.
This time the investigation involves a murdered millionaire
Though one for whom very few really care!

What another great read with twists galore
So many suspects, surprises and so much more.
It had me enthralled, right from the start,
Wondering just who played the killer part.

A golf and country club with a despised owner who
Didn't seem to care who he upset, it is true.
A clever killer, great at covering their track
Thank goodness Oscar will be watching Dan's back!

I really enjoyed escaping to Italy once more
For the scenery, people, wine and food to adore.
Another great case for Dan, with added family drama for him, too,
A story to keep you guessing all the way through!

For my complementary copy of this book, I say thank you,
It's an intriguing murder mystery - and this is my honest review.

Retired British policeman gets caught up again in a murder at his now not so new home in Tuscany. Dan has moved to Italy and is loving the life there along with Oscar, everyone's favourite Labrador. He's fitting in well after a year of being there, friends with the local police and happy to help when the unpleasant Australian owner of the local spa/golf club is found bludgeoned to death in a bunker. Everyone seems to have disliked the dead man so there are plenty of suspects. Sadly, as Dan and Virgilio determine a prime suspect and all the indicative clues,that point them, they, too, turn up dead. Amongst the lovely Italian food and drink, and cheerfulness, there is a dark side. It's eventually solved of course, leaving Dan to consider which way to turn. Very much look forward to number 3.Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy.