dnf @ 20%

This series is unfortunately not for me. It's not bad by any means, but I was just not hooked by the book in general and did not have any interest in picking it up after initially starting it.

Thank you to Bantam and Netgalley for the advanced copy!

What a beautiful way to end a charming series. Nonna Maria and the Case of the Lost Treasure had everything I love—secrets, suspense, heart, and a whole lot of Italian flair. If the idea of a long-held family mystery, a decades-old grudge, a hidden treasure, and a secret cavern tucked away on the island of Ischia sounds like your kind of story… trust me, you’re in for a treat.

This series has always felt like a warm hug wrapped around a clever mystery, and this finale delivered all the good stuff. Nonna Maria, the beloved, no-nonsense widow who’s been quietly solving everyone’s problems with charm and wisdom, is at it again. I adore her. Truly—can someone adopt me into her circle?

The setting on Ischia is just chef’s kiss. Lorenzo Carcaterra paints the island so vividly—the food, the traditions, the people—it feels like you’re right there, soaking up the sun and watching the drama unfold. The world-building is so rich, it adds another layer to the mystery.

And speaking of mystery… we don’t just get one this time, but two! Both were so well-woven that I found myself flipping pages late into the night. I couldn’t stop. From the island’s hidden history to its colorful cast of locals, every detail pulled me deeper in.

I loved this story. I loved Nonna Maria. I loved the layered, heartfelt, twisty tale that made me smile, gasp, and wish I could visit Ischia tomorrow. Huge thanks to Random House and NetGalley for the advanced copy—now I need to go back and reread the first two books because I’m not ready to say goodbye!

**3-Star Review of *Nonna Maria and the Case of the Lost Treasure* by Lorenzo Carcaterra**

*Nonna Maria and the Case of the Lost Treasure* by Lorenzo Carcaterra is a cozy mystery with a charming and quirky protagonist in Nonna Maria, a sharp-witted grandmother with a knack for solving problems. Set in a small Italian town, the novel combines family dynamics, intrigue, and a dash of humor as Nonna Maria embarks on a quest to uncover a long-lost treasure. The sense of place is rich, with vivid descriptions of the Italian countryside, and Carcaterra does a good job of making the setting feel alive and central to the story.

Nonna Maria is a delightful character, strong, clever, and full of personality. Her relationships with her family and friends provide a heartwarming core to the novel, and the mystery, while lighthearted, is engaging enough to keep the reader’s attention. The plot, however, can feel a bit predictable, and the pacing sometimes lags, especially during the middle of the book. Some of the secondary characters don’t get as much development as they could, which makes their involvement in the story less impactful.

Overall, *Nonna Maria and the Case of the Lost Treasure* is an enjoyable and heartwarming read, perfect for those who enjoy cozy mysteries with a bit of family charm. While it doesn’t offer anything particularly groundbreaking, it’s a fun escape that fans of the genre will appreciate for its warmth and light mystery.

I love Nonna Maria! She is a breath of fresh air. A modern day Italian Miss Marple, which I found amusing after I thought this Miss Marple was mentioned to Nonna Marie. The story is entertaining and the description of the views, the food, wine and the island itself makes me want to visit Ischia. I hope there will be more tales about Nonna Maria and her friends.

Warning! Reading this book causes internet searches for Ischia maps and photos!

This book is well-grounded in its sense of place, and some of the characters seem like they could exist nowhere else. Nona Maria's community feels like a tight extended family where everyone knows everyone and anyone could drop by at any time. This is a place where you always help a friend, and your circle of friends is huge. Many call upon Nonna Maria for aid in this novel, and she, in turn, calls upon others to see this tale to its end. There are plenty of bad guys (although most not as bad as you might expect) scheming, and it's nice to see how the plot and subplots neatly work together to a satisfying conclusion.

Now that Nonna has cleared the island of villains, I'm mentally planning an incredible vacation!

Charming Characters and an Idyllic Setting

I love the Nonna Maria mystery series, and this latest installment—Nonna Maria and the Case of the Lost Treasure is no exception.

These books are as cozy as any mysteries I have ever read. Whether sitting on a beach in summer or by a fire on a lazy winter’s afternoon, Nonna Maria and the delightful people of Ischia are perfect companions.

Nonna Maria and the Case of the Lost Treasure is a charming and joyful read, perfect for fans of cozy mysteries with a touch of heart. As Nonna Maria unravels the clues, the story delves into themes of family, heritage, and the bonds that tie people to both their past and each other.

NetGalley ARC Educator 550974

A wonderful, read in one sitting book. We continue Nonna's story with another mystery on the Island of Ischia. Some of the characters you love are back along with some new you will love to hate. There's a treasure map, secrets, and wishes that the story won't end.

What's not to like about a book featuring a small Italian village, characters that bring character diversity and intrigue, and a widow-Nonna Maria who is loved by all and also happens to be a crime-solving-expert?? Add the great descriptive writing of Carcaterra bringing the scenery to your eyes and the smells of food to your senses ..... and you have another story that keeps the reader's interest all the way through a satisfactory conclusion. Thank you to Net Galley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine | Bantam for the opportunity to read and review this advance reader copy. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. #NetGalley #NonnaMariaandtheCaseoftheLostTreasure

The third book in the Nonna Maria series was an edge-of-your-seat adventure. I have enjoyed the first two books and think this one might have been the best so far. The setting on the Island of Ischia is such a delightful place and I want to visit there and meet all of the people who make up this beautiful village. The characters are so well developed and the two mysteries will have you biting your nails as you try to figure out whether the threat against Captain Paolo Murino will come to fruition and if granddaughter of one of Nonna Maria’s old friends can find the treasure her grandfather hinted about. Nonna Maria is such a stalwart figure and her dedication to her town, her family, and her friends is amazing. The writing is a little choppy in my opinion, but I so love the stories and the characters in this series that I will continue to return and experience life with the people of Ischia.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bantam for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

For more reviews, please visit my blog at: https://www.msladybugsbookreviews.com/. Over 1000 reviews posted!

Amateur Sleuth
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Enjoyed this one very much, another great cozy suspense from author Lorenzo Carcaterra. Never disappoints, highly recommend

The third book in this cozy mystery series, featuring Nonna Maria trying to help out her friends in thwarting an assassin and solving a treasure hunt. This can be read on it's own, although readers will get more background if they read the first two in the series. Readers who like descriptive settings will enjoy this one.

Always so nice to read about what Nonna and her friends are up to ,
In this adventure, she is helping a young lady find a treasure that was hidden in the caves. But, Nonna is also helping protect a friend that has been targeted by an assassin.
The Magician, the Pirate, Pepe, El Presidente and more friends hep her in this quest.
Lovely. A little mystery, a little danger, a little food and espresso, Lovable, charitable, kind and full of wisdom and humility…Nonna rides again and I can’t wait for the next chapter.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me this ARC.

This book is for people who love cozy mysteries full of abundant descriptions and interpersonal relationships and a slow reveal. This is the most intricate book in the series, but you still get to sit and chill with your favorite characters.

Thanks to Bantam for the free book. All opinions are my own.

I love Nonna Maria and her friends on the island of Ischia. Part of this story involves a treasure hunt, and part is about an attempt to foil a group of assassins. I was glad to see more of Captain Murino, and I'm always glad to see Nonna Maria with her quirks and her delicious food. This is such a good comfort read, as well as a fun adventure and mystery.

I have received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

"When she released her, there were tears in both their eyes. 'I feel the same as you do, little one,' Nonna Maria said. 'We don't always need words to tell someone what they mean to us.'"

Nonna Maria and the Case of the Lost Treasure is the third book in the series. I really hope it isn't the last one, because I just need more of Nonna Maria. Maybe I'm selfish but oh well. I absolutely love her, and the food sounded freaking amazing in this one. Well, it always does, if I'm being honest here. The food, the wine, and the sleuthing adventures she ends up on.

Just like the previous two books, I flew through this one and enjoyed every second of it. I just love how she connects with so many people and somehow solves mysteries on the side. Even if they are a little predictable, I still end up smiling because I just really enjoy these books. It's why I need more of Nonna Maria in my life.

In the end, I can't wait for the next adventure.

This, the third Nonna Maria novel, is like stepping back in time to spend it with family and friends you love. It has a mystery, some really evil bad doers, some not so evil bad doers, and a whole stack of neighbors and friends. I would also recommend reading these books sequentially even though each book is a terrific stand alone mystery, they are richer for knowing the characters. Thanks to Net Galley and Random House for an ARC for an honest review.

Another quality addition to this fantastic series; I always in love revisiting the characters on the island and it was so great to see the Captain’s and everyone else’s background.

This is book 3 in the Nonna Maria Series. Nonna Maria's longtime pal Captain Murino, in charge of the local carabinieri, must ask Nonna for help when he is being hunted by an assassin. As they work together to keep him safe, another friend, passes away & leaves a map to his granddaughter. When she comes to Nonna to ask for help, Nonna of course says yes, and as the two try to keep one step ahead of the people who want to steal the treasure, they encounter many problems. Can Nonna help both of her friends and keep everyone alive.

I really enjoyed this book in the cozy mystery series featuring Nonna Maria. This is the first book I’ve read in the series so I will definitely go back and read the others.

I found Nonna Maria to be charming and honestly she’s a grandma that kicks butt. I really enjoyed the story and how it flowed and the mystery kept me engaged and turning the pages.

I definitely look forward to the rest of the series as well as future books.