A Bria Bartolucci Mystery
2 primary works
Book 2
With her new B&B in the gorgeous Italian village of Positano proving a success, young widow Bria Bartolucci is enjoying her new life in paradise. But when a celebrity chef filming nearby suddenly dies, Bria has her hands full with a most unsavory murder . . .
Though she still misses her late husband, Carlo, Bria couldn't be happier that their dream bed and breakfast, Bella Bella, is humming along nicely. Of course, even on the stunning Amalfi Coast, things seldom run smoothly. Like Bria's mother and mother-in-law dueling over a suitable communion site for Bria's eight-year-old son Marco. Bria's also juggling the demands of the famous Chef Lugo, his producer, Massimo, and Pippa, a member of the production crew who is staying at Bella Bella for a nice, long-term stay . . .
Until Lugo mysteriously dies on-camera, a victim of apparent murder. But finding out who wanted him gone is no stroll on the beach. Bria soon learns that Chef Lugo's multi-media empire is at a make-or-break tipping point, and Lugo himself had racked up any number of enemies—financial, professional . . . and very personal. Now to save her friend's café from a ruined reputation, Bria must delve into the glittering surface of false alibis, pretty lies, and not-so-glamourous hidden identities to catch a murderer determined to serve up another victim . . .
Though she still misses her late husband, Carlo, Bria couldn't be happier that their dream bed and breakfast, Bella Bella, is humming along nicely. Of course, even on the stunning Amalfi Coast, things seldom run smoothly. Like Bria's mother and mother-in-law dueling over a suitable communion site for Bria's eight-year-old son Marco. Bria's also juggling the demands of the famous Chef Lugo, his producer, Massimo, and Pippa, a member of the production crew who is staying at Bella Bella for a nice, long-term stay . . .
Until Lugo mysteriously dies on-camera, a victim of apparent murder. But finding out who wanted him gone is no stroll on the beach. Bria soon learns that Chef Lugo's multi-media empire is at a make-or-break tipping point, and Lugo himself had racked up any number of enemies—financial, professional . . . and very personal. Now to save her friend's café from a ruined reputation, Bria must delve into the glittering surface of false alibis, pretty lies, and not-so-glamourous hidden identities to catch a murderer determined to serve up another victim . . .
Book 3
The sea, sunshine, and sleuthing have given Bria Bartolucci a new lease on life since her husband’s passing, and her southern Italian B&B is running as smoothly as her love life. But, just like the Amalfi Coast, some relationships can be rocky—and some can be downright deadly . . .
After solving a couple of murders, Bria is now known in the village as the “Italian Miss Marple,” which could cause problems in her budding romance with the local police chief. But for now, all of Positano is abuzz with the homecoming of a star now that Carlotta Incantaro, a famous opera diva, is coming out of retirement to make one last public appearance.
Not all the locals are happy about Carlotta’s return and Bria soon begins to hear stories about the singer’s petty past. She destroyed one woman’s music career and tried to sabotage her rival’s chances in a beauty pageant. With Carlotta staying at her bed and breakfast, Bria learns firsthand just how high-maintenance and demanding the woman can be. Even though Carlotta’s loyal pianist tries his best to smooth things over by blaming her nerves on her daughter’s upcoming wedding to a former soccer player, Bria senses something is terribly wrong.
And once again, Bria’s right. Carlotta’s swan song is just the beginning of the drama—after the performance, a dead body is found in the piazza. Bria is quickly drawn into a tragedy worthy of any opera, uncovering a family’s darkest secrets and deadly passions . . .