Murder in Chianti (Armstrong and Oscar Cozy Mystery #2) by T.A. Williams

Murder in Chianti (Armstrong and Oscar Cozy Mystery #2) Reviews

• 
  Srivalli Rekha

  Publication Date: 27th Jan 2023
  
  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 Oscar (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 Oscar 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.
  
  Oscar is an adorable buddy and seems to be a ladies’ man. ;) I also like that Oscar 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.
  
  #NetGalley # MurderinChianti
• 
  Mairita (Marii grāmatplaukts)

  Arī otrā šīs sērijas grāmata nepievīla. Dens ar Oskaru iedzīvojušies Toskānā, bauda gardu ēdienu un dzērienus, uzspēlē tenisu ar savu draugu inspektoru, raksta grāmatu, dodas pastaigās. Idille. Tad uzrodas līķis un jautrība var sākties.
• 
  Javier

  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 the blog tour.
• 
  Veronica Barton

  When retired detective, Dan Armstrong is asked to help with a recent murder investigation, he finds plenty of suspects. The owner of the local golf club has been murdered, and had a personality and actions despised by family members, friends, and those who live around the course.
  
  Motives are plentiful as Dan delves through the clues and learns more about the suspects and their feuds with the murdered man. A shocking admission takes the case down an unexpected path. Will the surprising twist cause the killer to strike again?
  
  Author Williams weaves yet another thrilling whodunnit in this latest book. Family dramas and dark secrets will keep you guessing 'til the end. I've become a huge fan of the retired detective and his newfound life in the beautiful Italian countryside. An intriguing cozy mystery tale, highly recommended!
• 
  Christine Goodnough

  The victim was your typical bullying, nasty sort, found to be involved with several different local women. Retired DCI Dan Armstrong, who's settled in the area, is invited by his Italian detective friend to help solve the case.
  
  A compelling, well written mystery. Details not only of the crime but also some description of that part of Italy and Italian wines. Apart from the crime, Dan faces frustrations and decisions in his personal life.
• 
  Bibliophileverse

  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.
  
  Read more on
  https://bibliophileverse.blogspot.com...
• 
  Joy

  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.
• 
  Alison

  When the Australian owner of a swanky golf and tennis country club in Tuscany is found battered to death on his own golf course Inspector Virgilio ropes in Dan Armstrong (ex-pat retired British detective) to nose about and glean the gossip from the predominantly Australian/English staff by taking a few tennis lessons. Dan discovers that the victim Rex Hunter was not a popular man, recently remarried to a young woman half his age he had a reputation for pestering female staff, shady business practices, cheating at golf, and firing anyone who beat him. In fact the list of suspects keeps growing and no-one has a reliable alibi.
  
  I enjoyed this second novel in the series. It has bedded down nicely with Dan's ability to speak both English and Italian an asset to the local police force. I look forward to reading the next one.
  
  Read on my Kindle Unlimited subscription.
• 
  Katherine Hayward Pérez

  It's some time since I reviewed a T.A. Williams novel, and the first time I've reviewed a book by him in a genre that's not women's fiction/romance. I adore his women's fiction and romance and he's one of the best authors I know at depicting Italy. I still have not been to Italy.
  
  I was very intrigued to find out where this book would take me
  
  There are still Trevor's fantastic signature descriptions of Italy and a feeling of being fully immersed in the country, culture, sights, sounds and food. But then there's a mystery, and challenge to solve who murdered Rex Hunter. My curiosity kept me interested in this and I'm glad to have experience how T.A.Williams writes in this genre.
  
  Unfortunately, I missed the first book, but on a positive note, it means I can catch up.
  
  Thanks to T.A. Williams, Boldwood Books and Rachel's Random Resources for my eARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary revoew.
  
  4 stars.
• 
  Mary

  A really enjoyable mystery great characters especially the delightful Oscar.
• 
  Alison

  Audio book. Free download.
  Thoroughly enjoyable second instalment of this gentle series. I will listen to more but will leave it a while as there were clear formulaic similarities between books one and two.
  The detective and his dog are very likeable and the Italian setting pleasant. Although this story was set around a golf club it was to all intents and purposes a locked room murder mystery - unloveable victim and many people with a reason to want him dead, yet at the same time only a limited number with an opportunity to kill him. I only solved part of it and was still guessing by the final chapter. The ending was satisfying.
• 
  Elizabeth M.

  Lovely charming whodunnit detective and dog duo!
  
  Cozy mystery, twists and turns, kept me reading cause I wanted to know whodunnit! Recommend it to lovers of cozy mysteries and detective series lovers and dog lovers.
• 
  Karen

  Murder in Chianti by T A Williams
  (This is Book 2 in the Armstrong and Oscar Cozy Mystery series, but works as a standalone.)
  Retired DCI Dan Armstrong (56) and his black Labrador dog Oscar live in Italy. They have made a new life in a new country, Dan now being divorced with a grown up daughter and he has settled well into a new community. His best friend in Tuscany is Inspector Virgilio Pisano, who works as a detective in the murder squad.
  One day, Virgilio rings Dan to tell him some news – the millionaire Rex Hunter has been found dead on a golf course at the Acquarossa Country Club he owned, apparently murdered. As Rex was Australian, Virgilio asks Dan to help as interpreter for Rex’s family. And possibly do a bit of undercover work for him too…
  It seems Rex has plenty of enemies and few people seem to be mourning his loss. The area is filled with family, employees and apparent sexual conquests! These characters are all well-drawn and authentic too. I especially loved the neighbouring farmer Luigi Signese and would love to try his wines and olive oils!
  Will Inspector Virgilio and his colleague Sergeant Innocenti find out who actually committed the crime? Helped by Dan, we follow them as they do their interviews, make their enquiries and pick up clues. It is rather like Agatha Christie in that we try to work it out alongside them and I do enjoy that aspect of the book.
  I really enjoy T A Williams’s writing style. It’s easy to read, chatty, warm and I was interested in the characters and the story straight away. The novel is well-paced too, it doesn’t ever become boring and is the perfect novel to escape into. We have the Italian climate, the food, the drink, the scenery… what more could you ask for? Cute dog? Yes, that too! I’ll look forward to reading more in this series.
  
• 
  Bridget

  This is the second book in the Armstrong and Oscar Cozy Mystery seies by T A Williams and easily read as a stand-alone. Dan Armstrong, a recently retired and divorced Metropolitan Police DCI, is living in Italy. In this novel, an Australian millionaire, Rex Hunter is found dead on his golf course. Can Dan and his Labrador, Oscar solve the mystery?
  
  There's reason for plenty of chuckles in this delightful cosy mystery and the plotting is great. Very highly recommended.
  
  I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Boldwood Books via NetGalley and this review is my unbiased opinion.
• 
  Stormy McDonald

  Great characters and plot
  
  The second book in the Armstrong and Oscar mystery series was a ton of fun. Great characters, wonderful editing, and a mystery that keeps you guessing to the very end. I look forward to continuing the series!
• 
  Penelope

  MURDER IN CHIANTI is bk2 in the Armstrong and Oscar (black lab) Mystery series and I again loved it. I highly recommend the audiobook performed by Simon Mattacks.
  
  MY RATING GUIDE: 5 Stars. I was again delighted with this new to me author and the audio performance by (also new to me) Simon Mattacks.
  1= dnf/What was that?; 2= Nope, not for me; 3= This was okay/cute; 3.5= I enjoyed it; 4= I liked it a lot; 5= I LOVED THIS; IT WAS GREAT! (I seldom give 5 Stars).
  
  MURDER IN CHIANTI features recently retired former Scotland Yard Homicide Detective Chief Inspector (DCI) Dan Armstrong, 56 yrs old. Dan retired early, then moved to Italy when it became evident that his marriage couldn’t be saved. Dan had enjoyed Italy previously and quickly adjusts to his new life with its new possibilities. One of Dan’s new friends is a Italian police officer who includes Dan in his investigations as an interpreter and also respects Dan’s perspective regarding the cases. This arrangement suits Dan wonderfully around his other activities - writing his first historical mystery, walking his new dog Oscar, getting acquainted with his neighbors and surroundings and refining his Italian. In MURDER IN CHIANTI, the womanizing owner of a upscale nearby golf club is discovered dead on the grounds. Upon investigation, it becomes evident that the man was disliked by nearly everyone. But who among them had a motive, means and the opportunity?
  
  Comments ~
  1) MURDER IN CHIANTI could be read as a Standalone title but I absolutely loved book 1 in this series and recommend readers pick that one up as well. It is a good beginning to the series.
  2) The voice performance by Simon Mattacks was excellent! He is a new voice for me and his accents and various character voices were spot-on! Mattack was the perfect selection for this book and for the seasoned main character’s voice. I am thrilled to see that the author is continuing with Mattacks in the forthcoming audios. I have already purchased the next audiobook based on my delight with MURDER IN TUSCANY and CHIANTI.
  3) I am somewhat surprised to see this series described as Cozy. MIC certainly isn’t a dark or grim mystery, but neither is it a silly Cozy Mystery. This series sits between the two styles featuring a sincere, experienced and thoughtful protagonist, written with a subtle sense of humor and positivity. I really like the main character William’s has created. He seems very authentic and human - without angst or drama and very down-to-earth.
  4) MURDER IN CHIANTI is my second TA Willam’s novel. I see he has novels in other genres as well. I read his bio and Williams seems to write with a philosophy I can appreciate - excellent writing which leaves his readers with a smile. I am delighted with this series and shall certainly check out TA Williams’ other titles as I continue reading his ARMSTRONG AND OSCAR mysteries. These have become a certain audiobook Buy for me. Highly recommended.
  
  READER CAUTION ~ Suitable for most, if not all, Mystery readers.
  PROFANITY - I don’t recall any.
  VIOLENCE - G/PG. This is a murder mystery but not at all dark or graphic.
  SEXUAL SITUATIONS - None.
• 
  Julie

  Mystery, mayhem and murder abound in T A Williams second delightful Italian-set Armstrong and Oscar whodunnit, Murder in Chianti.
  
  Millionaire magnate Rex Hunter has been found with his head bashed in on the eighth hole of his country club in Chianti. Rich, successful and admired and reviled in equal measure, retired DCI Dan Armstrong and his trusty sidekick Oscar think this will be a hole in one to solve, however, as they begin to dig deeper, they discover a man with a long list of enemies who all had their reasons for wanting him dead. A renowned womanizer despised by his family and his employees, it seems easier to find someone who did not want Rex Hunter dead. Can Armstrong and Oscar get to the bottom of this case? Or will finding out whodunnit prove to be even more difficult than finding a needle in a haystack?
  
  Armstrong doesn’t give up easily and he vows to catch Rex Hunter’s clever killer – even though he seems to be going down one dead end after another. Armstrong is going to need all his tenacity if he is to find out who murdered the despised magnate. But as the case gets more and more tangled and the killer continues to remain at large, will this redoubtable duo manage to solve this case? Or will a killer in Chianti end up getting away with murder?
  
  A fabulously enjoyable cozy mystery perfect for readers looking for some sun-drenched escapism on a cold winter afternoon, Death in Paradise fans are not going to want to miss this fun, witty and nail-biting instalment of T A Williams’ Armstrong and Miller series, Murder in Chianti. Brilliantly plotted, delightful and packed with red herrings aplenty, readers will want to devour this cozy mystery in one sitting.
  
  I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
• 
  Carla

  Murder in Chianti is the second book in the Armstrong and Oscar Cozy Mystery series by T.A. Williams. I did not read the first book and had no issue following this story. Retired DCI Dan Armstrong is living the good life in Italy along his trusty sidekick Oscar. He is now a writer and enjoying his time in Italy. When millionaire Rex Hunter is found murdered on the 8th hole of the golf course, it is obvious it is murder. Dan is enlisted by the Italian police to help solve the case but, with a victim despised by many, it might be harder than they think to find the killer.
  
  Murder in Chianti was a wonderful mystery. There were so many suspects, but Dan is sure he will figure out who the murderer is. I love the inclusion of Oscar as Dan's partner. He also adds some humor to the story with his antics around female dogs. Dan is a talented investigator with great interrogation skills getting people to tell him things they hadn't planned on, including information that is surprising. With this twist, will there be another murder? With family drama and secrets in play, I was kept guessing until the final reveal. As in his romcoms, I love the Italian setting in this book. For an armchair traveler, his descriptions make me feel like I am in the Italian countryside. I am looking forward to the next outing where Dan and Oscar are in Florence.
• 
  Liz

  3.5 stars, rounded up
  Murder in Chianti is the second in the Armstrong and Oscar series. It’s a lovely cozy mystery that takes place in the Tuscan countryside. It’s got the requisite descriptions of food, wine and landscape. Oscar is a black lab, so it’s perfect for dog lovers. He provides comic relief as well as contributing to the investigation.
  This time around, the Australian owner of a golf country club is found murdered in a fairway trap. He wasn’t a nice man, so there are plenty of suspects, including his family, friends, girlfriend, neighbors and employees. As is often the case, he’s just the first of several murders.
  The writing is pretty simplistic. If Daniel Armstrong mentioned how this or that person couldn’t be the murderer unless they were an excellent actor once, he said it a half dozen times.
  It can be read as a stand-alone. Williams provides enough background that nothing is lost.
  I recommend this for fans of Donna Leon’s Brunetti series or Martin Walker’s Bruno series, although this isn’t as deep or political as those two series. But it’s entertaining and the whodunit solution worked well.
  Simon Mattuck is an excellent narrator and managed Italian, English and Australian accents.
  
• 
  Barbara Schultz

  Book Title: Murder in Chianti
  Author: T.A. Williams
  Series: Armstrong and Oscar Cozy Mystery #2
  Narrator: Simon Mattacks
  Publisher: Boldwood Books
  Genre: Cozy Mystery
  Pub Date: January 27, 2023
  My Rating: 4 Stars
  
  Dan Armstrong is a fifty-six year old retired Brit Detective. He and his faithful black Labrador dog Oscar are living the good life in Tuscany, Italy. Dan is hoping to be a writer. He is divorced and has an adult daughter. His best friend in Italy is Inspector Virgilio Pisano.
  Virgilio calls Dan requesting some assistance in finding who murder unlikeable millionaire Rex Hunter as he has been found dead on the golf course at the Acquarossa Country Club that he owned
  Dan is willing to help but has concerns since Hunter is despised by many. He knows that narrowing down suspects and finding whodunit isn’t going to be easy!
  
  Oh so true. There were so many suspects I was getting dizzy ~ oh wait it might have been the Chianti!
  
  Narrator Simon Mattacks’ performance of the characters makes this story even more enjoyable
  
  
• 
  John Lee

  After being totally won over by the first book of this series, I carried straight on to Murder in Chianti .
  
  Although I still enjoyed the description of the Tuscan lifestyle, the scenery and the character of Dan and his dog Oscar, I didnt think that this one was quite as good. The plot seemed a bit over complicated and with all the murders and attempted killings Montevolpone would give Midsommer a run for the title of 'Murder Capital'.
  
  There were a couple of points in this story which jarred for me about the will. Even if Italian law is different to ours, I feel that Dan, as very recently retired DI from London, would have commented that a will is void on a subsequent marriage, as appeared to have happened here and that in the UK both witnesses have to be present when a will is signed.
  
  Am I being too picky? I still enjoyed the book enough to move on to the third, next.
• 
  Jillian

  I am sad to have finished this the day after I received my pre-order copy, since it’s likely I’ll have to wait months, if not longer, for the next one. All day I have been immersed in the landscape and small Tuscan community of Chianti, following the police (and hangers on) procedural.
  
  I’m a police procedural tragic and this fits the bill. To my satisfaction the romantic elements of the first in the series was missing. The aftermath of Dan’s divorce is handled well and deftly. Relationships are messy and treated respectfully and realistically.
  
  This is fundamentally a slightly cross-cultural police procedural with a lot of emphasis on collaboration. It won’t suit everyone - but I’m definitely hooked.
• 
  Karen

  A complex and captivating murder mystery
  Being a follower of British suspenseful thrillers and not much of a fan of “cozy” mysteries, I was delightfully surprised. I should have known: Simon Mattacks is always the best with his pitch-perfect vocal tones. I’m always on the search for British mysteries, I and have quite the Mattacks’ collection. We are treated to a few foreign dialects, each presented with skill. An issue I have with this series is that I wish each audiobook was at least 9 to 10 hours. However, I lucked out and found Books #1 and #2 at no cost in the Audible Plus catalogue. This proves that T.A. Williams is perfectly paired with Mattacks. We are treated to another murder mystery with his trusty canine, Oscar.