Heather’s Bookshelf: Double Murder at the Grand Hotel Miramare
Author: Elena & Michela Martignoni
Released: 07/11/23
Genre: Adult Murder Mystery
“What a cast of suspects! It was like something in a classic detective novel, except instead of a dozen people locked in a country house, he had to sort through a hundred people, any of whom could disappear on the next train.”
“Double Murder at the Grand Hotel Miramare” introduces Deputy Assistant Chief of Police Luigi Berte as he is called to investigate a double murder in the Grand Hotel Miramare in Lungariva. This book is part of a murder mystery series, but is the first of Berte’s adventures to be translated into English.
Berte is called to the Grand Hotel Miramare and finds two bodies shot to death. The victims are the accountant, Roberto Sommariva, and secretary, Ornella Ferrari, to the Countess Van Der Meer. The countess is a wealthy and world-traveled widow with plenty of secrets. His supervisor calls in a forensics team led by Francesca Belli to help in the investigation with Berte’s sergeant Parodi.
The team work together to interview suspects and witnesses, follow leads, and gather clues all in an attempt to find the murderer. Will the team be successful or will the killer get away with their crimes?
Trigger Warning: violence, murder, adult language
Overall, I enjoyed this book. The setting is iconic and the descriptions of the hotel are so clear that I felt I could see the scenes like watching a movie. The story is told through the POV of the main protagonist, Berte. He’s experienced, logical, gifted, insightful, flawed, and rather funny in a dry-humor sort of way. He is also seriously appreciative of his food, which I found quite endearing, and caught in a complicated love connection with a married woman (Marzia) and an ex-girlfriend (Patty)- ex, at least according to him. He also talks to himself, often admonishing his choices or comparing himself to a stereotypical detective in a novel (quite meta of the authors). Another fun little anecdote included Berte’s secret love for writing and reading and the inclusion of another Kazabo Publishing book: Death in a Bookstore by Augusto De Angelis which I have previously reviewed here. Much of the story is told like a police procedural and the mystery of the story is revealed through interviews and insights as Berte discovers them. Intertwining stories of the main mystery and Berte’s personal life keep the story moving along and help the pacing. Many of the ancillary characters are also well-developed including Countess Van Der Meer, who jumps off the page of every scene she’s in. The story continues until it reaches a peak with the disclosure of the killer. The ending wraps everything up nicely while also setting up future stories. I’d love to read more of Berte’s cases and adventures!
I received a copy of this story in exchange of a fair and honest review.
OVERALL REVIEW:
A murder mystery in an iconic location with a memorable protagonist/detective. Humor and strong characters highlight this translated installment of an Italian series.
Want to learn more about the author?
Check out my interview with Elena & Michela Martignoni
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Find it for purchase here
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