Italy, Italia, “The Boot,” to some; it’s one of the top vacation destinations in the world, legendary for its history, culture and cuisine. But what about a book destination, for thriller readers in particular?
For better or for worse, stories of Italy and crime have gone hand in hand in media for some time. But amid the inundation of mafia thrillers, a handful of mysteries manage to rise above the rest. Whether you’re looking for a change of pace from your average read or if you enjoyed the 2023 film A Haunting in Venice, we’re here to offer a selection of fresh, exceptional reads that stand out from your run-of-the-mill thrillers. Consider this like a wine tasting, but for crime novels — none of the generic grocery-store boxed stuff, but instead a bespoke glass of something straight from the vine, red and dark as blood.
The Sicilian Inheritance by Jo Piazza
The newest release from international bestselling author Jo Piazza, The Sicilian Inheritance tells the story of Sara Marsala, a woman unmoored by her divorce, the failure of her business and the death of her beloved great-aunt. But Aunt Rosie left Sara far more than just the family’s plot of land back in Sicily — she also left behind a shocking secret. It seems that the family matriarch Serafina, Sara’s own great-grandmother, may not have died from illness after her husband left for America; Rosie seemed to think she’d been murdered.
Determined to find the truth in her beloved great-aunt’s theory, Sara traverses the scenic Italian countryside hunting down clues. But despite the century between Serafina’s death and the present, Sara may be closer to danger than she realizes. An examination of modern-day Italy, Piazza’s novel tackles legacy, la famiglia and the dangers that come with challenging the status quo.
The Taste of Datura by Lorenzo Petruzziello
Described as “an alluring affair in Napoli,” The Taste of Datura takes inspiration from the noir fiction of old to tell a sumptuous story of treasure and intrigue. Main protagonist Nick has an antique bracelet in his possession, one he’s eager to find more information about. He crosses paths with Laura, an amateur medium with intense visions she can’t seem to escape, and her unique power gives Nick the lead he needs to find out the bracelet’s origin — but closing in on that knowledge comes with an unexpected price. Now pursued by others who would gain possession of the bracelet at any price, Nick and Laura must work together and race to discover the truth before it’s too late. Readers eager to explore the winding streets of Naples, rejoice — Petruzziello’s vivid writing makes The Taste of Datura a feast for the imagination and an unforgettable adventure through one of Italy’s most sought-after destinations.
The Lion’s Den by Katherine St. John
Staying in the vein of vacations, we’re hitching a ride on a yacht through the Mediterranean Sea with Katherine St. John’s The Lion’s Den. This delicious slow-burn mystery follows Belle, a struggling actress who’s accepted the invitation to hop onto her best friend’s boyfriend’s yacht for a European tour. But all is not as it seems; from the moment the characters first reach the Italian shorefront, it’s clear Belle and Summer could be better described as frenemies — and almost immediately, Belle notices that there’s something off about the people on this trip.
With writing chops described as being “as layered and decadent as a slice of tiramisu” by Emily Henry, it’s no wonder that Katherine St. John wows with her rich descriptions and intricate plotlines. A sprinkling of clues leads readers through the serpentine mystery, in between juicy interpersonal drama — creating the kind of book that reads like a guilty pleasure, simply because it’s so wickedly enthralling.
For More on The Lion’s Den, read our full review here.
I Will Have Vengeance: The Winter of Commissario Ricciardi by Maurizio de Giovanni (translated by Annie Milano Appel)
When Publishers Weekly name-drops Agatha Christie in a book recommendation, we listen. A finalist for the Crime Writers Association International Dagger Award, I Will Have Vengeance is the first of the ten-book Commissario Ricciardi series, featuring a crime noir-style detective in 1931 Naples. Commissario Ricciardi bears the burden of being plagued by visions of victims in the final moments of their violent ends — which, while unfortunate, does give him essential insight into some of Naples’ most disturbing crimes. And when the world’s greatest tenor (and universally hated man) Maestro Arnaldo Vezzi is found dead, it’s up to Ricciardi to close the case and save the livelihoods of those at the San Carlo opera.
Translated from Italian, the Commissario Ricciardi series gives incredible insight into how an Italian author views the city in the shadow of Vesuvius. Perhaps it also gives some insight into a hidden meaning behind the city’s motto, “vedi Napoli e poi muori” — a.k.a., “see Naples and die!”
The Last Mona Lisa by Jonathan Santlofer
Stretching across two timelines, The Last Mona Lisa follows the iconic painting, her captor and that captor’s descendant. In August of 1911, the Mona Lisa is stolen from the Louvre by Vincent Peruggia — and even when it reappears two years later, many wonder whether the miraculous rediscovery was merely an excellent forgery. Now in present-day, art professor Luke Perrone is desperate for information on his infamous ancestor, and whether the real Mona Lisa is still elsewhere. His search catches the attention of an Interpol detective, and soon Perrone’s circle of truth-seekers has grown. But the more they search, the hotter the trail gets — and the more danger they risk bringing down on themselves. Tumbling headfirst into the criminal world of art theft and forgery, Perrone’s search for the truth might end up being a dying wish.
