Tara Moss releasing a new novel is something I really get excited about.

Why? It’s more than the wonderfully resilient, feisty and diverse female characters she writes, the loyal, dashing men of substance drawn into their orbits, and the guarantee of some genuinely heart-pounding action sequences. It’s her crisp, clear writing style imbued with attitude and intelligence — it makes the reading experience effortlessly entertaining, and historical mystery enthusiasts confident they are in safe hands.

This Billie Walker PI historical mystery series, currently comprised of The War Widow (Book 1), The Ghosts of Paris (Book 2) and now The Italian Secret (Book 3), is particularly engaging as its post WWII setting is a rich tapestry of lingering societal upheaval, e.g. war wounds, gender roles and multicultural tensions. And, the fabulous Ms Billie Walker is a lady not easily cowered, and rather inclined to pull on a few threads just to see what might unravel…
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After gushing over Book 1 and thoroughly enjoying Book 2, I did wonder how Moss would keep the energy levels and romantic tension high in The Italian Secret, particularly while Billie was cloistered away on a historically accurate lengthy cruise from Sydney to Naples for a large part of it, but she pulls it off.

And upon arrival, neither her immersive, captivating depiction of both the beauty and destruction in post-war Naples, or the emotionally impactful Italian war experience and its linkage to her family, slowed down the story.

While not quite worthy of 5-stars, purely because I put the clues together a little earlier than was ideal, Tara Moss’ The Italian Secret is an uncommonly strong third-novel-in-a-series; a bestselling series that has a wonderful ensemble cast primed to take us on many more tales yet, I hope!

Yes, The Italian Secret can be read as a standalone. But honestly, you’d be mad not to start with Book 1 The War Widow (read my review) and take the full journey with Tara Moss’ indomitable Ms Billie Walker. 4.5 Stars

The Italian Secret by Tara Moss is a gorgeous story. This is the third Billie Walker Private Investigator story and will not disappoint. Combining glamour, history and mystery we follow Billie sailing from Sydney to Naples on the first post World War II luxury cruise.

This historical setting both in Sydney and Italy gives Billie the backdrop to shine and excel in her charming way, being both forthright and alluring she confronts the challenges thrown her way. Wonderful characterisation.

The plot has many threads that intertwine and keep the reader both interested and compelled to continue reading. When and where will this mystery finally unfold?


A cosy historical mystery that I would highly recommend.


This review is based on a complimentary copy from HarperCollins Australia via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

#TheItalianSecret #NetGalley

I am ever so happy to have been lost in Billie Walker’s world once more - my new historical female heroine! The Italian Secret is the third novel in the Billie Walker series by Tara Moss and I loved it! Although not necessary to have read the previous two (Tara does provide a catch up and some background) I highly recommend you do. This is a post WWII private investigator you will not want to miss out on!

’He was the one who had taught Billie to search out answers, to be curious about the world and the people in it. He had taught her to solve the whys of the world.’

These books are a gorgeous blend of mystery, history, and glamour! This time the setting is a cruise ship then the stunning backdrop of post-war Italy, this book had me hooked from the first page.

Moss paints a vivid picture of 1950s Rome, full of secrets, fashion, and intrigue. Billie, as always, is smart, stylish, and utterly captivating — think Audrey Hepburn meets Veronica Mars. If you're into vintage noir, strong female leads, and a little bit of danger wrapped in silk and shadows, The Italian Secret is a must-read.

I highly recommend this series and reading the books in order. The Italian Secret is such a wonderful historical mystery book filled with exciting, emotional and highly addictive storylines. I can't wait to see what Billie gets up to next! Perfect for fans of historical thrillers with a cinematic flair.

'So it is not an illness at all, you suspect?' She shook her head. 'No. I don't think so?
'You believe these deaths are connected?'
'Yes, I fear they are, she said. 'Almost certainly’




This review is based on a complimentary copy from the author in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.

Oh my goodness, Billie Walker is back!! It has been 3 years since The Ghosts of Paris and I have been eagerly awaiting this next book. Thank you Tara Moss for bringing us more from 1940s Sydney and the amazing Billie Walker PI.

The events in Paris certainly took their toll on our heroine and she is in desperate need of a break. The team have been working hard with the agency and things are going well. When Billie finally gets the courage up to clear out her father’s filing cabinets in the office, she comes across an old dusty box that holds a secret should could never have imagined. Billie being Billie can’t help but do some digging. This leads her to board the luxury cruise ship Luxor and head to Naples.

I just love stepping back in time to Sydney in the 1940s. Fascinating to learn about how things have changed and developed since then. And Billie, what can I say? She is a brilliant, strong woman, ahead of her time. She won’t back down from a fight, she is determined and sassy. I love going on adventures with her, and learning all about post-war life in Australia and beyond with her.

Thank you so much to Harper Collins Australia for allowing me to binge-read this one early. Such a pleasure! Publishes in Australia on August 26th.