Traditional Mystery…
The eighth entry in the Rick Montoya series of Italian mysteries finds Rick filling in for a missing tour guide in Assisi. The gig sounds perfect to Rick - the food, the sun and the atmosphere of Umbria are irresistible. Nothing is as it seems, however, and the job soon turns deadly when a body makes an appearance. A traditional mystery well done and with the benefit of a beautiful and well described setting, delicious food and an engaging protagonist. A worthy addition to this enjoyable series.

art-theft, Italy, Italian-customs, translators, murder-investigation, murder, amateur-sleuth, friendship, friends, family, relatives, tour, interpreter, clergy, ex-marine, new-to-me-author, local-law-enforcement, detective-fiction*****

This is the first book of the Rick Montoya murder mystery series that I've read and I enjoyed it immensely. Professional multilingual translator/interpreter Rick Montoya and his girlfriend Dottoressa Betta Innocenti, an "art cop" from the Ministry of Culture are the ongoing characters in a mystery series that made me drool with the descriptions of the foods eaten.
A rather dodgy minor translator and more (crook) goes missing and is found dead. The man had been recommended to a small tour group led by an old friend from Rick's college days (the man is a former US Marine and is now a priest). Rick has frequently worked with police investigators, but this police inspector is new to him. The characters are all very interesting, the plot does not detract from the travelogue (it enhances it!), and the whole is absolutely delightful. Now I'm off to read more in this series!
I requested and received an EARC from Poisoned Pen Press via NetGalley. Thank you!