This is not your typical cozy mystery. First of all, it’s set in Italy with locals, not Americans visiting or living there. So you get all the fun that goes with sometimes stereotypical Italian families. And it is fun – the family arguments along with the closeness, especially at Christmas.

There are two mysteries here – but no dead bodies. The one has a satisfying and happy conclusion, the other…not so much. I can only assume that it will be solved in a later book, but it left me slightly unhappy that it was not settled.

Still, there are great characters and interesting settings. I will note that I had a little trouble getting into the story at first, but my attention was quickly caught up and I finished it in a single day.

Recommended for those looking for something different in their cozy mysteries.