Book Review: Murder in Chianti (Armstrong and Oscar Cozy Mystery #2)
When I first came across Murder in Chianti by Dam Armstrong, I was instantly intrigued. The title itself conjured images of sun-drenched vineyards, rolling hills, and a gripping mystery simmering under the Tuscan sun. Having loved the first installment, I was eager to dive back into the world of Dan Armstrong and his lovable companion, Oscar. Little did I know, I was in for quite the ride!
The story kicks off with the shocking discovery of Rex Hunter, a local millionaire, found dead on his own golf course. The sight of his bashed head paints a grim picture, making it abundantly clear that we are dealing with a murder mystery at its core. Hunter, a notorious womanizer and bully, had more than his fair share of foes, and as the list of suspects grows, the plot thickens in wonderfully unexpected ways.
Dan Armstrong’s journey continues as he effectively trades his retirement for a role that pulls him back into the fray of crime-solving. His dynamic with the local police chief and his skillful intuition makes for an engaging reading experience. With first-person narration, Armstrong’s voice feels authentic and relatable, allowing us to cheer him on as he attempts to piece together the puzzle alongside his furry sidekick, Oscar. I found myself chuckling several times at Oscar’s antics—this delightful black Labrador isn’t just a pet; he’s practically a co-investigator with a nose for trouble!
One aspect of the book that stood out to me was its array of characters, each colored with their distinct backstories, motives, and quirks. I found it easy to keep track of who was who, despite the increasing number of suspects. It’s a testament to Armstrong’s skill in character development that I was deeply invested in uncovering the killer’s identity, even managing to make a few of my own guesses along the way. Interestingly, while I got only one right, the reveal felt crafted thoughtfully and aligned perfectly with the narrative’s engaging tone.
However, I must admit that long chapters posed a bit of a challenge. The pacing sometimes dragged on, which I believe would benefit from shorter, snappier sections to keep the cozy mystery vibe flowing smoothly. After all, when you’re engrossed in a whodunit, you want to keep that momentum going!
As we near the conclusion, I appreciate how Armstrong hints at new developments in Dan’s life, suggesting a well-rounded journey ahead. While Murder in Chianti is an entertaining cozy mystery, I do hope the next book introduces a fresh theme to keep readers like me eagerly awaiting the unfolding story.
To sum it up, if you’re a fan of cozy mysteries laced with vibrant settings, quirky characters, and a touch of humor, you’ll likely enjoy Murder in Chianti. It’s an engaging read perfect for curling up with a warm drink on a lazy afternoon. Armstrong and Oscar’s adventures keep the pages turning, even if the pacing stumbles here and there. For those of us enamored with the charm of cozy mysteries, this book is a delightful addition to our shelves. Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the eARC. Happy reading!
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