Murder at the Ponte Vecchio

Armstrong and Oscar Cozy Mysteries #11

by T.A. Williams

Let bestselling author T.A. Williams whisk you away to gorgeous Tuscany in this cozy murder mystery featuring a retired DCI and his loyal companion, Oscar. 🐶 It really is murder in paradise! An iconic bridge... 🌉

Private investigator, Dan Armstrong, lives and works in Florence and knows the world famous Ponte Vecchio well. Usually a magnet for tourists, on this occasion it is the scene of an unexplained death, and Dan finds himself involved in the intriguing case.

An uncompromising man... 😠

Dan quickly discovers that the victim, an elderly jeweller, was every bit as hard as the diamonds he sold in his shop on the bridge. Few people liked him, not even his adult children, and his business dealings look murkier than the waters of the River Arno. Dan suspects more secrets lie hidden…perhaps inside the massive safe in the old man's luxury villa…

A complex case. 💎🔍

As the evidence begins to mount up, so too do the suspects with their different motives. With a fortune in gold bullion and precious stones involved, Dan thinks the only way to catch the killer is to lay a trap, but might he be caught in the killer’s sights? Fortunately, he has Oscar, his canine wingman at his side, always eager to prove that he's as good as gold. 🐶

Can Dan and Oscar sniff out the killer’s tracks or will this case be a bridge too far?

Praise for T A

'A fun mystery and a good read with descriptions of Portofino that made me want to go book a flight. Dan and Oscar are a great team and kept me guessing!' Bestselling author Anita Davison

'T A Williams whisked me away to the beautiful Italian riviera in the company of an ex-pat private investigator and his gorgeous doggy sidekick on the case of a missing teacher. What a team, and what an adventure!!' Bestselling author Kate Wells

'The perfect combination of character, setting and plot, heralding an addictive new cozy mystery series!' Bestselling author Debbie Young

'Watching unassuming detective Dan Armstrong wheedle the truth out of folks is great fun. Highly Entertaining read!' Bestselling author Kelly Oliver

'Dan and Oscar are great company in a sun-drenched mystery that keeps you guessing right till the end.' Bestselling author Michelle Salter

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Fiction, Italy, Audiobook, Detective, Contemporary

226 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 4, 2025

About the author

Firstly, my name isn't T A. It's Trevor. I write under the androgynous name T A Williams because 65% of books are read by women. In my first book, one of the (female) characters suggests the imbalance is due to the fact that men spend too much time getting drunk and watching football. I couldn't possibly comment. Ask my wife...
I've written all sorts: thrillers, historical novels, short stories and now I'm enjoying myself hugely Cozy Mysteries. I lived and worked in Italy for a number of years, married an Italian, and fell in love with the country. I set almost all my books in Italy and I hope that my love from the country shines through my work.
I‘ve lived all over Europe, but now I live in a little village in sleepy Devon, tucked away in south west England. I love the place. That’s why you’ll find leafy lanes and thatched cottages in most of my books. Oh, yes, and a black Labrador.
I've been writing since I was 14 and that is well over half a century ago. I'm now approaching 1 million books sold worldwide and I find it wonderful that people as far away as India and New Zealand are reading and enjoying my work. Thank you to everybody who reads my stuff.

Reviews

[Srivalli (Semi-Hiatus) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.2 Stars

One Liner: Three-in-one mysteries!

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.

My Thoughts:

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-story 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 the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.

#NetGalley

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have read other books from this author and thought I would give this one a shot to get me through a sleepless night. The focus was conflict diamonds as far as the crime aspect goes. The other major focus was the city of Florence itself with many fond descriptions of specific locations I enjoyed since I have had the pleasure of visiting that city. There is rather a bang-up conclusion to the investigation with a load of awkward phrasing. Got me through the night. Thank you Florence.

Kindle Unlimited

[Jillian Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another cozy mystery from one of my favorite authors of that genre, T.A. Williams! I’m so glad I picked up the first book in this series on a whim, because the adventures of Armstrong and Oscar continue to be quietly satisfying and perfect to escape into during times of stress or anxiety. These books never fail to provide exactly what I’m looking for- a low stakes mystery, lovable characters, and plenty of references to Oscar, one of my favorite literary pets.

In The Murder at Ponte Vecchio, we are introduced to a number of characters at the start of the book, and the layered mysteries come together in a very pleasing way as the book moves along. I particularly enjoyed seeing Dan’s success with his writing, his increasingly important role in helping the Italian detectives, and his unexpected involvement in the theater. As always, the descriptions of the landscapes and cuisines of Italy provide a lovely texture to the narrative and I just adore the way that Williams includes the mundane details of Armstrong and Oscar’s day to day movements and interactions with all the various people in their circle. Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood books for providing an e-galley in exchange for my honest thoughts!

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! I've been to Italy twice but it feels like a lifetime ago. I also have a fondness for French and British culture. But my next destination oversees (if it happens) will be Barcelona, Spain. I need to invest in language learning again. Get ready for a cozy murder mystery, entertaining protagonist (smart/humorous) with a dog. Retired detective. Interweaving story. Food descriptions! TA Williams would you consider Spain? Best, Molly

[Mike Stuart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great story in the Armstrong series. Lots of plot lines, making the book interesting and a quick read. Resolution comes about a bit quickly.

[Alison · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this might be the best one yet.

Dan is riding high professionally, when he is called in to assist the Italian police talk to the family of an elderly jeweller found hanged from the Ponte Vecchio. His family are Dutch and speak fluent English but no Italian. Although initially thought to be suicide, the post-mortem shows it was murder.

Meanwhile the Mayor, also a writer, has asked Dan to investigate his daughter's boyfriend. They've been dating for a while but, unlike her previous boyfriends, she hasn't introduced him to her parents or even divulged his name.

Finally, Dan's old friend Virgilio is acting distracted, his wife Lina, Dan's assistant is concerned and asks Dan if he can winkle out what is troubling him.

I'd say there are lots of red herrings, but actually there is just speculation (as with any mystery) about various characters' possible motives which get discounted over time.

I loved it - my only gripe is that the food descriptions weren't quite as delectable as usual.

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley.

Available on Kindle Unlimited.

Bumped for release.

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.

Murder at the Ponte Vecchio is the eleventh Armstrong and Oscar cozy destination mystery by T.A. Williams. Released 4th May 2025 by Boldwood Books, it's 226 pages and is available in hardcover, paperback, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free. The other books in the series are also currently available on KU.

This time, expat former policeman Dan Armstrong and his trusty canine sidekick Oscar are drawn into helping solve criss-crossing cases of corruption, smuggling, and murder in Florence. Dan's ostensibly along to facilitate translations in English for the police and witnesses, but his insights are valuable and he and Oscar are, as always, central to the story. It's lovely to read a series where the main character is healthy, honorable, intelligent, and straightforward in his dealings with his customers, colleagues, and friends.

The plotting is solid and the dialogue and characterizations are well controlled and believable. The mystery, denouement, and resolution are self contained in this volume, so it works well enough as a standalone, but the writing and mystery are so well planned and executed, that it would make an excellent binge or buddy read. The series has really found its feet and continues to move from strength to strength.

It's not derivative at all, but it reminded me in a lot of good ways of Leon's exceptional Brunetti books as well as Walker's lovely Bruno, chief of police books. Fans of those authors will find a lot to enjoy here.

Four and a half stars. Highly recommended.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally reviewed for Chick Lit Central (www.chicklitcentral.com)

It’s another fun crime caper from the best investigative duo, (Dan) Armstrong and Oscar!

This time, Dan has been tasked with finding out what really happened to an elderly jeweller whose crime scene initially presents itself as a possible self-inflicted scenario. Despite how disliked the jeweller had been when he was alive, trying to find a concrete motive proves difficult for Dan and the police. The jeweller had a falling out with his children years ago, so could it be a disgruntled family matter that led to an untimely death? Or could it be sinister dealings in the diamond industry? It could even be a dirty cop that muddies the waters, making the list of suspects a mile long.

Dan is very methodical. Ordinarily, that isn’t my approach when I engage in crime thrillers, but it works for Dan and with Dan. I like how the reader is given the evidence, layer by layer, allowing for the opportunity to form our own opinions and thoughts on who we might think the culprit could be. For a while, I went down one avenue, but quickly discovered I was wrong. Then I hit a dead end. It very much paralleled what Dan experienced, too, while he tries to narrow down the list of suspects.

When the truth is finally revealed, it was a touch and go scene that was pretty exhilarating! Up to this point, and having read most of the Armstrong and Oscar Cozy Mystery series books, it’s never been as physical as this. I couldn’t believe the showdown Dan finds himself in, but I was there for every moment of it!

As with all of T.A. Williams’s books, the reader gets to delve into cinemagraphic scenery, but this time, I focused more on the delicious food highlighted within various scenes. Just thinking about the fresh seafood and cheeses in different dishes makes me hungry. As always, I also want to travel to Florence. I’ve been saying it for years, so maybe at some point, I should pull that trigger and make it happen. But until then, I can live vicariously through Dan and Oscar. Murder at the Ponte Vecchio was yet another great addition to this book series, a definite five-star read!

[Marcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this, characters, plot, mysteries, narrator completely. I would not really call it a cozy mystery however. Cozy adjacent maybe. Main character, Dan Armstrong is not really an amateur sleuth. He is a retired murder cop from England, now a private investigator living in Florence, Italy. He works closely with the local carbinieri and is actually best friends with the Commisario (equivalent to a DCI on the British force.
I hopped into this thinking it was the first in the series, but it was #11, the first of the three in a bundle I got on Chirp. Still, it works as a stand-alone and the story is great. It opens with Dan and his black lab, Oscar running into an ambush of tigers, who are actually a group of British women in Florence for a "hen" party. Turns out one, Amy knows Dan's partner. He invites her to attend a party that evening to celebrate the Italian language release of his best selling book. he really retired to Florence to write novels, but got a bit side-tracked. Before the party ends, a jewelry store owner asks Dan to stop by the next evening to discuss helping him with a situation. Next day, the man is discovered hanging from the Ponte Vecchio bridge. One thing leads to another as Dan and the Commisario, Virgilio investigate this death and several others, all related to a corrupt police official.
Along the way, Dan takes on a few other cases including one that involves him portraying a role in an amateur play production.
The narrator of this book is my favorite audio book narrator to date. He does an amazing job of using nuance to indicate a change of character as opposed to trying to make his voice sound like that of a woman. I found it much more effective. The story moved along at a good clip and kept me guessing as to who the bad cop really was until almost the end. Looking forward to the next in my trio of books!

[Scilla · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great series. Dan Armstrong was in the Murder Squad at Scotland Yard. When he retired he was given a writing class in Tuscany as a gift, and near the end of the class, there is a murder and Dan helps the police and then adopts the leader's Chocolate Labrador, Oscar. He decides to buy a house and continues to help the police. Now, in the 11th book, Dan has his own detective agency and a companian, Anna, who teaches in Florence.

In this book, we have 2 murders for Dan plus a few other things to look into. When Dan is giving a talk to introduce his first book which is now coming out in Italian, he meets two men. The mayor wants his help, and so does a man with a jewelry shop on the Ponto Vecchio. The mayor wants to find out who his college daughter is dating, and the jewelry man won't name his problem until they meetat his store the next day. However, when Dan gets to the bridge the next day, he finds that the man appears to have hung himself. When the family arrive, they don't seem to like their father very much and it gradually appears that his business is pretty shady. Since they don't speak Italian, Dan is the interpreter for the police with the family. When the man's business colleague arrives to collect his money for the VERY valuable cigar box in the safe, he is also killed shortly after arrival. Meanwhile, Virgilio, Dan's friend in the police also has a problem with records of police cases dissappearing. Dan has his work cut out to keep track of all the cases. Even with Oscar's help, can he solve all the problems?

This is a great addition to the series, and I can't wait for the next book. I thank Netgalley and boldwood books for the ARC so that I could read the book before publication.

[Emily Pankhurst · Rating 4 out of 5]

Netgalley Review

The writing was descriptive, with little thoughts from the main character that, whilst seeming random, ended up linking back to the main story and embellishing it.

The chapters were fairly long which meant that you got a good chunk of the story before moving on. Each chapter was clearly labelled with the day that you were reading about, which grounded the story well and gave the story a good pace.

There was a good flow to the story. Whilst there were the little embellishments, they balanced well with what was happening and you moved through the story well.

The characters were great. There were different groups of characters with their own things going on that cleverly all came together at the end. Whilst a lot of different things were going on, I was able to keep up and enjoyed reading about them all.

I particularly liked the canine sidekick and the behaviours of the other characters around him that came with that. It added something different to the story by making it feel more real and relatable.

There were a few different options as to who the murderer could be and which characters were related to which crimes. It kept me engaged and I liked how everything tied together at the end.

Lastly the settings. There were some lovely descriptions of Florence and the food that the characters enjoyed. I like it when food is involved, again I felt that it added a layer of realism and relatability to the story, fleshing it out and bringing it to life.

Overall a good story with lots of different offshoots and layers.

[Pj Ausdenmore · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a big fan of British cozy mysteries with protagonists of a certain age, quirky villagers, and a twisty (usually murder) mystery to solve. Midsomer Murders marathons have been known to on occasion occupy my entire weekend. That's the same vibe T.A. Williams brings to Murder at the Ponte Vecchio. However, instead of rural England, Dan Armstrong, his British ex-pat P.I. has landed in the culturally, historically, and atmospherically rich Tuscany region in and around Florence, Italy, a setting so vividly depicted it becomes a character in its own right.

I enjoyed the dry British wit of Dan, the joyous enthusiasm of his best canine buddy, Oscar, Italian police officers who may - or may not - be hiding secrets, and an array of intriguingly colorful supporting characters, some of whom bring out unexpected, entertaining facets of Dan's character. The pace is leisurely while also maintaining the strength of the mystery and offering up several possible villains along the way. It took me a while to figure out just who the bad person was.

This is the eleventh book of the Armstrong and Oscar Cozy Mystery series and while there were a few times where I felt like I was missing pieces of Dan's past, I was able to thoroughly enjoy this book without having read the previous ten books. If cozy mysteries are your jam, and you enjoy traveling to new places through the pages of a book, give this one a try.

ARC received from publisher via NetGalley
Fair and Unbiased opinion
Tour Review: Rachel's Random Resources

[Mary Polzella · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love almost any book set in one of my favourite places in the world - Italy 🇮🇹❤️!

In this story, PI Dan Armstrong, previously a police officer in the UK, is living and working in the beautiful city of Florence alongside his canine sidekick Oscar and his beautiful partner, Anna. While walking Oscar along the famous Ponte Vecchio one evening, he comes across the scene of an elderly man who has suicide over the bridge. When it turns out to be a wealthy jeweller who had asked to meet with him in his PI capacity, Dan suspects foul play in the jeweller's death. Evidence seems to suggest his suspicions are correct and his local police friends ask him to assist with their investigations. The case becomes more complex when the dead man's colleague is also found dead in suspicious circumstances.

A beautiful setting, interesting and engaging plot makes for a great read - while this book is part of a series, it reads very well as a standalone so don't be worried if you haven't read any of the other books. Dan is forced to juggle multiple cases throughout this book and the layered storylines are complimented with incredible descriptions not only of this wonderful city and countryside but of the amazing and delicious local foods.

A really enjoyable read with great characters set on a romantic, wonderful part of the world. I will definitely be reading the back catalogue.

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the opportunity to read and review this book.

[Avid · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is my first Armstrong & Oscar series and I was pleasantly surprised by how readable this book is. There is a kind of slow, lulling pace to the book which is nicely coupled with the fast paced mystery part and I really enjoyed this combination – the long, meandering walks of Dan & Oscar and the sharp sleuthing skills of Dan.

The story opens with the discovery of a jeweler found dead on the Ponte Vecchio (a very famous tourist spot in Florence). Dan is called in to assist the Italian police, serving as an interpreter for the victim’s Dutch family, who speak no Italian. However, a post-mortem quickly reveals that the death was no suicide, but a murder with unclear motive. As Dan digs deeper, he uncovers a web of shady dealings involving people beyond the victim’s family. What appears to be disconnected incidents and threads neatly come together in the end.

Reading the book was like a walk down the memory lane for me since my visit to Florence last year is still fresh. I could visualize the places like Ponte Vecchio, the Duomo and the other spots as I read about them in the book. The city is more than a backdrop – it’s a living character that shapes the story’s atmosphere.

Whether you are a newbie to this series like me or a fan of this series, this new addition to the series is a delightful read. And if you plan to visit Florence, then this is a must-read.

[Karren Hodgkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another really great read.

Dan (the retired DCI, PI and author) and Oscar (his best mate and Labrador) are both so likeable. Once again, the story unfolds in an easy to read, easy to follow style. It's intriguing and a little complicated. Just the way I like it. It makes for an interesting murder mystery read whilst still managing to be a relatively gentle one.

Dan and Oscar are always part of a team, who work together (including the Italian police) and have a great sense of comradré. I enjoy the very special combination; an interesting murder mystery, some smaller ancillary storylines and ongoing exploration of Tuscany, the history, the food and the culture and the evolving personal relationships.

Once again, I've no sooner finished this one that I'm looking forward to the next. I recommend each one, and have read each one numerous times
Well done again to TA Williams and Boldwood Books.

It's five out of five for me (or maybe that's six out of five)

With thanks to Netgalley, Boldwood Books and the author for my advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dan & Oscar, the consummate working pair!

4.5🌟 stars
A great addition to a murder mystery series with a great Italian setting and a retired British policeman expat who just can't stay away when the Italian police need his experience and expertise. Dan has more energy and initiative than many his age and he doesn't seem to take a break. And I love how Dan's Labrador Oscar gets involved in these murder mysteries in such an integral way. Apart from the chuckles he provides with his unending appetite and constant begging, Oscar is always there to protect Dan and winnow the good guys from the suspect characters and LURVS the ladies. Just a great character and sidekick.

The murders here of two Dutch dealers in valuable gems gave plenty of latitude for speculation and a good array of suspects. And I think it was effective to have migrant smuggling, illegal trade, police corruption and a local modern Romeo and Juliet-type romance woven into the plot.

Thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm reviewing this via NetGalley, as part of a tour with Rachel's Random Resources.

This is an Armstrong and Oscar cosy mystery. The protagonist, private investigator Dan Armstrong, lives in Florence with his partner Anna and loyal Labrador Oscar. He meets a jeweller who seems somewhat preoccupied, and takes an interest in his services. The following day, the same man is discovered dead, and Dan soon learns that a lot of people disliked him, including members of his own family. Dan must investigate to discover who disliked this man enough to want him dead, and why.

I've read a few books from this series, and I always enjoy them. The Italian setting feels like an escape, and I always enjoy how the author brings it to life. Dan is a very likeable protagonist, and Oscar is the perfect sidekick. This was another entertaining mystery that kept me guessing as I turned the pages. If you haven't read any of the previous books, these work well as standalones. They're always enjoyable, I think they're easy to read in one sitting too.

Thank you to NetGalley, Rachel's Random Resources, Boldwood Books, and to the author, for the opportunity to read and review this.

[Rachel Gilbey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great instalment in this long running series featuring Oscar and Dan.

I always give Oscar top billing as he is one very smart Labrador and I absolutely love his emotional intelligence and his intuition.

Although in fairness to Dan, Dan definitely put in a lot of work this time around, and the various threads of this story were brought together in a way that I probably should have seen coming, but totally didn't.

I enjoyed seeing how all the thread came together in this rather intriguing story. I was never quite sure which way it would go.

It's also good to see more of Dan and Anna's relationship, and seeing how Anna has useful contacts for Dan this time around. And then there is the rather intriguing Zebra, and a side plot that was rather entertaining.

I can't believe that this is book 11 already in the series, feels like only yesterday that I was reading the first one And it is still as entertaining as when it started. I can't wait to see what Dan gets up to next.

Thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dan Armstrong spent years on the Murder Squad in London and it cost him his marriage. Now he has relocated to Italy and is a PI in addition to working with local police by helping with translations for English speakers among other things. Oscar is his Black Labrador clue collector and calmer of witnesses (and bottomless pit when it comes to food). Not an unbiased review as I love Oscar and the whole series. Murders and smuggling are the main theme of this episode and of course the wonderful travelogue that goes with everything. Great read!
I requested and received a temporary uncorrected eGalley from Boldwood Books courtesy of NetGalley.
#MurderAtThePonteVecchio by #tawilliamsbooks #ArmstrongAndOscarCozyMysteryBk11 #theboldbookclub #NetGalley #goodreads #bookbub #librarythingofficial #barnesandnoble ***** Review #booksamillion #bookshop_org #bookshop_org_uk #kobo #Waterstones #privateDetective #MurderInvestigations #exMurderSquad #expat #FlorenceItaly #excop #familydrama #foodie #blooddiamonds Pub date May 04, 2025

[Lynda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 11 in the Armstrong and Oscar Cozy mystery Series and in this latest instalment Dan Armstrong and his ever hungry and lovable black Labrador Oscar are asked to help the local police when the body of a jeweller is found hanging from the Ponte Vecchio in Florence. Is it suicide or murder? I’ve been to Ponte Vecchio and the jewellery shops there are to dies for! Pun intended.

Briefly, with the dead jeweller case ongoing Dan is trying to help his friend Commissario Virgilio Pisano, who believes there is a traitor within the ranks of the police force. Then the middle of his investigations, as if he had nothing else to do, Dan talks himself into a part in an amateur theatre production.

As Dan works his way through the plot lines and learns his last minute role for the play we follow the clues which are presented alongside some extremely tasty sounding Tuscan food dishes! And talking of food did I ever mention I love Oscar! A good storyline and written in the usual easy read style. A delight to read as always.

[Jeannie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting! Very Intriguing!

This latest Dan and Oscar adventure was truly riveting and enjoyable. Mystery, murder, dodgy police, and snuggled diamonds. Added into the mix was a high ranking official with the need of a private investigator and a theater director with more problems than she she could handle.

Smack dab in the middle is where we find our Dan Armstrong and his trusty Labrador Oscar. It seems that Dan is juggling multiple balls in the air at one time and trying to keep them all aloft and in sync. Fast paced, well written as always and most entertaining as our dynamic duo once again get to the bottom of things and save the day. Oscar always makes me smile especially when he puts on the "I'm starving over here, they don't feed me" face. And Dan has not lost his chief Detective Inspector persona left over from his years at the Met.

Good friends, good food, excellent wine and multiple story lines all converge for another fantastic read. Highly recommend, you won't be disappointed!
Kudos to Mr. Williams, you've done it again! 🎉🎉👏👏🌟🌟🌟💞

[Bruce Retallack · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a decent fast read, but without much that is memorable. Our hero is an English-speaking PI working in Florence, who gets 3 different cases within 48 hours, seemingly at random. I think we are meant to assume he is the ONLY English PI available but, if so, more should have been made of that fact. One of the cases is pure subplot, and has nothing to do with the 2 clearly related murders, while the 2nd, apparently unrelated subplot intersects with the main plot to bring us to a conclusion.
In all fairness, I think the basic premise of the main plot is really good, and the resolution quite cool. There's just too much in the way of getting there/ The descriptions of Florence are fine, but bloodless, as is the writing overall. And the titular dog, Oscar, has little real role to play until the very end.
Still and all, it is an easy fun read and I finished it with no problem, although I am unlikely to read it again.

[Jane Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

At the Italian book launch of his second murder mystery, two men request private investigator Dan's help. When one of these is found dead in suspicious circumstances, Dan and Oscar, the intuitive and always hungry Labrador, are drawn into another investigation. Dan notices that his friend, the commissario, is notably distant, and when he reveals why, Dan offers to help. As this cosy crime reveals its web of betrayal and greed, there is a definite menacing undercurrent. I like the detailed investigation that allows the reader to become part of it. I appreciated the evocative descriptions of Italian culture, food, places, and the multilayered characters. I listened to this on audiobook, and it was like meeting old friends due to the relatable characters and expert narration.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher and purchased a copy of the audiobook on publication day.

[Elaine - Splashes Into Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another brilliant read from an author who is a favourite of mine.
With fascinating cases and a plot sublime.
This is a great addition to this series I adore
Now I can’t wait to read even more!

A book launch party with guests to greet
Dan’s surprised when two there ask to meet.
When one of them is found dead he’s shocked to discover
Suicide is suspected, not death at the hands of another.

This triggers an investigation full of intrigue
Just the kind of read that I need!
With twists galore, family drama and secrets, too
No wonder I highly recommend it to you!

There are fantastic descriptions of delicious meals
Italian cuisine with all the mouthwatering feels!
Links to other cases, dangers and suspicions, too,
You have to hope Oscar will help them win through!

For my copy of this book I say a huge thank you
As I share with you this, my honest review.

[Allison Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This new book, Murder at the Ponte Vecchio, is a great addition to the Armstrong & Oscar Cozy Mystery Series. Set in beautiful Tuscany, the author has written the setting in such a way that I always feel as if I’m visiting Italy. I very much enjoy this series, and find myself thinking about each book long after I have finished it.

This is an intriguing mystery involving murder at the famous Ponte Vecchio bridge, murdered jewelers, disgruntled heirs, smuggling, and an astounding fortune in gold bullion and precious stones. Dan Armstrong and his sidekick Oscar are on the case, one which turns out to be very puzzling. The ending is definitely a shocking twist…but I’m not going to give it away, so I encourage Cozy Mystery fans to read the book!

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for letting me read the advanced copy. I happily leave my honest review.

[Euge Fernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oscar and Dan are in Firenze, the ancient city with history in every corner.
Dan Armstrong, former London Police, now a PI is asked to find out who the mayor’s daughter is dating. His help is also requested to investigate as somebody in the Florence police force has been tampering with the files. Meanwhile an old man named David Berg required Dan’s services before he is found hanging from the the famous Ponte Vecchio.
Turn out he was a successful jeweler who had his shop among others along the bridge.
I love all things Italian, the food, the scenery, the beautiful city, and I loved that Oscar is enjoying every bit of it all.
I Loved this mystery series, wish it would never stop reading about their adventures! 🐶😍
Thanks to the author, Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the advanced copy.

[zoe Hitchen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dan and Oscar are back again in the beautiful setting of Tuscany .
There is an unexplained death at the Ponte Vecchio.
The dead man telephoned Dan the night before wanting to meet him and ask Dan’s advice .
Dan does’n’t think that the dead man would have killed himself , however his death is made to look like suicide .
This case also involves the death of asylum seekers , missing files and the strong suspicion of a corrupt member of the Italian police force .
Plenty to keep the readers interest , and the book is full of likeable characters.
Another great read from TA Williams .
An enjoyable cosy mystery read .
I highly recommend this series .
Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books.

[Kate Hardy · Rating 5 out of 5]

First book I've read in the series and I'll definitely go back and read the others.

Retired DCI Dan has moved to Florence to be with the woman he loves, and now works as a private investigator. When a jeweller asks him for help, but is found dead before he can make the appointment, Dan has to help his friends in the Florence police force solve the crime.

Good storyline, covering inequality, immigration, difficult family relationships and corruption - and there are quite a few red herrings. Fabulous descriptions of Florence (including the food). And Oscar the Labrador is just perfect :)

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC.

[Pietro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another clever mystery and more unexpected aspects of Italy. I loved the way that this book merged such different aspects of Florence—the jewelry shops on the Ponte Vecchio frequented by tourists and a theater on the outskirts just trying to keep the stage lights on. Dan and Oscar have their work cut out for them when some unsavory things come to light, but they manage to figure it all out. I enjoyed every minute of this book; this is a fantastic series that I hope does not end anytime soon! Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the ARC and the opportunity to provide an honest review.

[Chryssa.reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book from the author, that I read, but it was a great reading. I enjoyed the plot and the characters, and of course Oscar. Such an interesting ideea, a P.I. and a dog solving mysteriouses cases.
In this story I liked how the events are described, it gived me the feeling of being there present. And I enjoyed that I didn't guess the culprit until the end.
So the suspense and the mystery of the murder kept me going through the pages faster.
For sure I will be reading other stories from the author.

I received a free copy of this book via Netgalley from Boldwood Books and am voluntarily leaving a review.