4.2 Stars

Dan and Oscar are happy solving cases as private investigators in Florence. As a resident, Dan is familiar with the iconic bridge, Ponte Vecchio, and walks across it often. However, when an old diamond merchant who was as hard as the stones he sold is found dead on the bridge and the case is ruled a murder, Dan once again has to help the police find the killer. 

Soon, it’s clear that nothing easy as it seemed to be. The motive could be something they hadn’t considered so far! Can Dan and his adorable black Lab solve the case? 

The story comes in Dan’s first-person POV. 

That’s book 11 in the series, but works as a standalone since there isn’t any disturbance in the personal track. 

This book has not one but three (or is it four) mysteries that start at various points. While there’s a decently long cast, it is easy to track the cases separately. 

I like that the books are short (200-270 pages) and ideal for reading in a couple of sittings. I’m used to the author’s style by now, so the pacing is good too! I’m no longer worried about chapter lengths. 

Every book takes us on a virtual tour of a different place in Italy. This time, we remain in Florence but read about Ponte Vecchio. I googled it to see the pictures (love the ones during sunset and night). It’s not just a bridge. It is a three-storied structure with tiny stores packed tight from one end to another! 

We also get descriptions of delicious food (never mind that I’m a vegetarian and eat none of it in real life) and the generous quantities they serve. This is something I relate to. Apart from a few places, Indians love to serve large portions of food. We’ll feed you until your tummy bursts open. ;) 

The mystery starts like every other case, but it becomes a bit more complex as new details emerge. Things start to come together in the last quarter, and finally, we have the reveal and showdown! 

Oscar is his usual best, obviously! Everyone falls in love with him, and he is delighted with all the attention (and food). Can there be a better life than that? I don’t think so! 

To summarize, Murder at the Ponte Vecchio is a steady-paced and entertaining book. It continues the series’ momentum and takes us on a virtual tour of Florence with a dead body or two! 

Thank you, Rachel's Random Resources and Boldwood Books, for eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. 

#NetGalley