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Armstrong and Oscar Cozy Mysteries #12
Murder on an Italian Island
Don't miss a BRAND NEW instalment in the page-turning Armstrong & Oscar Cozy Mystery series by bestselling author T.A. Williams. Gorgeous Tuscany, a gripping murder mystery featuring a retired DCI and his loyal companion, Oscar.🐶 It really is murder in paradise! A holiday island…
When private investigator, Dan Armstrong, and his girlfriend, Anna, are invited to the gorgeous island of Elba for a much-needed break, he jumps at the chance. The thought of sun-drenched shores makes Dan promise Anna he won't “play detective” for a whole week…
A luxury hotel…
Their luxurious hotel, with its wonderful food and picturesque seaside views, seems the perfect escape, especially with Dan's best friend Virgilio and his wife joining them. But the calm shatters with a sinister encounter and a sudden, suspicious death...
A decades old case…
Virgilio’s past connection to the victim casts a long shadow, pulling Dan into a decades-old case. But beneath Elba’s beauty lie secrets and resentments. The victim was universally hated, but was his death the result of foul play or just a tragic accident?
With his faithful canine companion, Oscar, Dan must unravel the island's mysteries, a task that soon takes a decidedly personal and unsettling turn.
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
When private investigator, Dan Armstrong, and his girlfriend, Anna, are invited to the gorgeous island of Elba for a much-needed break, he jumps at the chance. The thought of sun-drenched shores makes Dan promise Anna he won't “play detective” for a whole week…
A luxury hotel…
Their luxurious hotel, with its wonderful food and picturesque seaside views, seems the perfect escape, especially with Dan's best friend Virgilio and his wife joining them. But the calm shatters with a sinister encounter and a sudden, suspicious death...
A decades old case…
Virgilio’s past connection to the victim casts a long shadow, pulling Dan into a decades-old case. But beneath Elba’s beauty lie secrets and resentments. The victim was universally hated, but was his death the result of foul play or just a tragic accident?
With his faithful canine companion, Oscar, Dan must unravel the island's mysteries, a task that soon takes a decidedly personal and unsettling turn.
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
234 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 5, 2025
683 people are currently reading
183 people want to read
About the author
T.A. Williams
49 books609 followersFirstly, 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 113 reviews
August 9, 2025
4 Stars
One Liner: Mystery and history
Dan and his girlfriend Anna are invited to the island of Elba, which they happily accept to get a break from sleuthing. Their friends, the Commissioner Virgilio and his wife, also join them, and they have a good time at the hotel until a death shatters their peace.
Given Virgilio’s past connection to the case, Dan has little choice but to dig into it with dutiful Oscar at his side. With the victim being hated by just about everyone, Dan has a tough job ahead to find the killer.
The story comes in Dan’s first-person POV.
My Thoughts:
So, the 12th book in the series should work as a standalone. Go ahead and grab them all if you want to read the rest. It’s like going on a virtual tour of Italy.
This time, we travel to Elba, a beautiful island with a history that dates back to the early times. Like many tourist places, the island has both benefited and suffered from becoming a popular location for holidays.
I like how we also learn something about the situation in the region with every book in the series. This time, it talks of how thriving occupations like farming, winery, etc., were replaced by tourism and its adjacent industries. By catering to tourists, many locals lost their family lands and professions and had to adjust. Sadly, this has become a common pattern around the world.
The mystery is nice enough with resolutions we can guess as more clues are revealed. It is still low-stakes, though there are some interesting developments and other departments involved for a while.
Oscar, the adorable black Lab, is his usual best – being cuddled by everyone and fed treats coz he has the best ‘I’m starving’ face. Of course, our dog is also a hero who can save lives.
And food, there’s loads of it. The Italians (like Indians) serve food in generous proportions, so there’s more than enough for the characters and the readers! If only they developed AI that made it possible to grab an ice cream from the book instead of writing a story for me. I can do my writing. Give me food!
To summarize, Murder on an Italian Island is a lighthearted and quick mystery set on a lovely island. It combines history, mystery, and entertainment with ease. The windsurfing scenes were hilarious.
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
One Liner: Mystery and history
Dan and his girlfriend Anna are invited to the island of Elba, which they happily accept to get a break from sleuthing. Their friends, the Commissioner Virgilio and his wife, also join them, and they have a good time at the hotel until a death shatters their peace.
Given Virgilio’s past connection to the case, Dan has little choice but to dig into it with dutiful Oscar at his side. With the victim being hated by just about everyone, Dan has a tough job ahead to find the killer.
The story comes in Dan’s first-person POV.
My Thoughts:
So, the 12th book in the series should work as a standalone. Go ahead and grab them all if you want to read the rest. It’s like going on a virtual tour of Italy.
This time, we travel to Elba, a beautiful island with a history that dates back to the early times. Like many tourist places, the island has both benefited and suffered from becoming a popular location for holidays.
I like how we also learn something about the situation in the region with every book in the series. This time, it talks of how thriving occupations like farming, winery, etc., were replaced by tourism and its adjacent industries. By catering to tourists, many locals lost their family lands and professions and had to adjust. Sadly, this has become a common pattern around the world.
The mystery is nice enough with resolutions we can guess as more clues are revealed. It is still low-stakes, though there are some interesting developments and other departments involved for a while.
Oscar, the adorable black Lab, is his usual best – being cuddled by everyone and fed treats coz he has the best ‘I’m starving’ face. Of course, our dog is also a hero who can save lives.
And food, there’s loads of it. The Italians (like Indians) serve food in generous proportions, so there’s more than enough for the characters and the readers! If only they developed AI that made it possible to grab an ice cream from the book instead of writing a story for me. I can do my writing. Give me food!
To summarize, Murder on an Italian Island is a lighthearted and quick mystery set on a lovely island. It combines history, mystery, and entertainment with ease. The windsurfing scenes were hilarious.
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
October 5, 2025
This is the twelfth book in the series but the first one I have read. It seems I have a lot of catching up to do even though this book can be read as a standalone.
I have read a couple of the author's contemporary, vacation romances and he really knows how to describe a vacation spot/place in such a fabulous way that makes you want to visit it. This book is no different and I was interested in seeing what areas of Elba the protagonists visited while solving a murder or two on their vacation.
My thanks to the publisher Boldwood Books and author for the widget I received via NetGalley.
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
I have read a couple of the author's contemporary, vacation romances and he really knows how to describe a vacation spot/place in such a fabulous way that makes you want to visit it. This book is no different and I was interested in seeing what areas of Elba the protagonists visited while solving a murder or two on their vacation.
My thanks to the publisher Boldwood Books and author for the widget I received via NetGalley.
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
October 23, 2025
I liked this 12th book of this series more than the previous handful of books I have read from this author. It had the usual combination of dog love, partner love, attractive Italian setting and partnering up with the local police to assist in murder investigation. Cozy? Yes.
Kindle Unlimited
Kindle Unlimited
August 5, 2025
Happy publication day to the newest installment of my favorite cozy mystery series- and it’s the best one yet!
At the start of the story, Dan is experiencing writer’s block when he’s invited on a vacation with his friend Virgilio, known to the reader from previous books in this series. Dan and his partner Anna head to the island of Elba with Virgilio and his wife Lina. Dan is determined to have a relaxing, work-free holiday, but unsurprisingly, the quartet (plus Oscar of course!), gets pulled into the orbit of a murder investigation within a day of arriving to the island.
The books in this series always have an Italian setting, but generally close to Dan’s home base in Tuscany, so an island getaway was a fun variation. The murder that Dan and Virgilio find themselves investigating is very compelling in that it’s a seemingly straightforward case that turns out to be much more complex, with connections to illegal trafficking of Etruscan artifacts.
Dan’s canine sidekick Oscar gets the chance to save the day in this story, which was my favorite part. I also loved the way that Dan and Anna’s relationship has grown over the books and is proven to be stronger than ever by the end of this one. Dan’s journey as a writer added a fun meta-fictional element as usual. I am so emotionally connected to these characters at this point, so I hope there are more books to come!
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the opportunity to be an early reader of this title, available now!
At the start of the story, Dan is experiencing writer’s block when he’s invited on a vacation with his friend Virgilio, known to the reader from previous books in this series. Dan and his partner Anna head to the island of Elba with Virgilio and his wife Lina. Dan is determined to have a relaxing, work-free holiday, but unsurprisingly, the quartet (plus Oscar of course!), gets pulled into the orbit of a murder investigation within a day of arriving to the island.
The books in this series always have an Italian setting, but generally close to Dan’s home base in Tuscany, so an island getaway was a fun variation. The murder that Dan and Virgilio find themselves investigating is very compelling in that it’s a seemingly straightforward case that turns out to be much more complex, with connections to illegal trafficking of Etruscan artifacts.
Dan’s canine sidekick Oscar gets the chance to save the day in this story, which was my favorite part. I also loved the way that Dan and Anna’s relationship has grown over the books and is proven to be stronger than ever by the end of this one. Dan’s journey as a writer added a fun meta-fictional element as usual. I am so emotionally connected to these characters at this point, so I hope there are more books to come!
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the opportunity to be an early reader of this title, available now!
July 31, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½ (4.5/5 stars)
Ebook ARC received via NetGalley.
This series just keeps delivering! Murder on an Italian Island brought together sun-drenched charm, hidden grudges, and the kind of emotional tension that made me whisper, “oh no they didn’t” at my Kindle.
Dan and Oscar return for another Italian getaway—and, naturally, someone doesn’t make it out alive. This time the stakes feel more personal, with a locked shed full of antiquities, old rivalries, plus a second suspicious death. Yes, it’s cozy… but it also has real emotional weight. Dan and Anna’s argument stressed me out— and I usually just read for the dogs and the wine.
If you love your mysteries with a side of travel, cast chemistry, and heartfelt stakes, this one hits the mark.
Ebook ARC received via NetGalley.
This series just keeps delivering! Murder on an Italian Island brought together sun-drenched charm, hidden grudges, and the kind of emotional tension that made me whisper, “oh no they didn’t” at my Kindle.
Dan and Oscar return for another Italian getaway—and, naturally, someone doesn’t make it out alive. This time the stakes feel more personal, with a locked shed full of antiquities, old rivalries, plus a second suspicious death. Yes, it’s cozy… but it also has real emotional weight. Dan and Anna’s argument stressed me out— and I usually just read for the dogs and the wine.
If you love your mysteries with a side of travel, cast chemistry, and heartfelt stakes, this one hits the mark.
January 14, 2026
Good storyline, beloved characters (as always). Very good but not a favorite of the series.
August 18, 2025
I'm a big fan of T. A Williams Armstrong and Oscar Cozy Mystery series. I read this as soon as it came out and as usual it did not disappoint. Set on the Italian island of Elba, Dan and his partner Anna are on holiday in a small. exclusive hotel with his friend Virgilio and his wife. Of course Oscar, Dan's faithful black labrador is accompanying him. Dan is rather hoping that the holiday will help inspire him as he has 'writer's block'. Anna has arranged windsurfing lessons for Dan - now that provides a few laughs and an interesting strand. Naturally, there is a murder and when Virgilio finds himself under suspicion Dan is determined to discover the truth. Elba is famed for its Etruscan history and also a flourishing black market trade in antiquities - not all genuine. An intriguing plot which kept me turning the pages to discover whodunnit. Another winner from Trevor. Roll on the next one.
July 20, 2025
I really like this enjoyable and entertaining crime series of books by Trevor, with each story set in a different town in Italy. Wherever Dan goes, even on holiday, a murder occurs. There’s plenty of intrigue, and some lively windsurfing. Elba, known for it’s Etruscan past, is where ancient art treasures re-surface and are being trafficked. Can Dan and Virgilio piece together what has happened and why? I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley and Boldwood Books. I have written a voluntary and honest review.
December 15, 2025
I really loved the location in this one—the Italian island setting gave the story a great sense of atmosphere and made it a fun escape. I've travelled a lot in Italy, but have not been to the Island of Elba. The plot follows a former police detective who has reinvented himself as a writer, only to find himself drawn back into an investigation when a murder occurs during his vacation. I thought the mystery itself was well-constructed and kept me guessing without dragging. I laughed at him learning to windsurf, as that was totally my experience. I was in the water more than out of it. Overall, a solid mystery with a great sense of place that made it a very enjoyable read. I was also relieved that it doesn't matter if you have never read any of the books in the series. I have not and did not find it to be difficult to connect with Armstrong. Will go back and read some of the other books in the series. Recommended summer read!
Thanks to Netgalley for the E-Arc.
Thanks to Netgalley for the E-Arc.
August 10, 2025
Originally reviewed for Chick Lit Central (www.chicklitcentral.com)
Dan and Oscar are at it again! Only this time, it’s personal. Adding that elevated element to Murder on an Italian Island really brought Dan’s experiences to a whole other level. Often, he’s researching possible crimes that while satisfying when the truth has been revealed, it’s something he can walk away from at the end of it all. But when it involves close friends and loved ones, it makes for a truly unique experience. I also appreciated the beginning of it all, with Dan working on his latest novel. For me, it felt a little meta, because I imagined the author within the pages of this particular murder mystery, putting in his own thoughts and feelings into what it takes to research and learn about the inner nuances of crime investigation and potential murder mysteries.
For Dan, he’d made a promise to his partner Anna that he’d have nothing to do with murder. For the entirety of their relationship, she’s witnessed just how engrossing it can be for Dan when he’s out to solve a mystery, and he really wanted nothing more than to give her that time away from his investigations. But when a victim is discovered and Dan’s own good friend Virgilio is considered a suspect, all bets are off. Dan has to get involved–and fast, in order to prove Virgilio’s innocence. It’s in the research and discoveries that Dan finds a lot more than he ever bargained for, ultimately adding to the risk.
While I’ve read plenty about Anna in the other Armstrong and Oscar Cozy Mysteries series, I felt there was more to delve into with the relationship between Dan and Anna in this latest installment. She was often viewed as more of a background character for me, but this time, she is front and center. It was nice to see more development for her–given the type of past Dan has had with his ex where his love of investigation is concerned, it’s nice to see someone like Anna who supports Dan’s passion.
Can we highlight the star of the show? It’s always Oscar, and it’s always welcome! Who wouldn’t love a sidekick like him? He adds great comedic timing to the pages of this book, while also offering emotional support when someone needs it, and in times of chaos, he’s right there, taking care of business! He’s just too cute for words. I know I also mention the scenic backdrop and the food (my goodness, always the food!) when it comes to a T.A. Williams read, but it will always bear repeating because both subjects are important characters that really bring the scenes to life. Maybe I was more hungry this time around while I read Murder on an Italian Island, but I could not get over the delicious dishes mentioned during Dan’s meal experiences. It made me jealous! As much as I’ve talked about it in the past, I’ve yet to travel to any of the locations mentioned, but one of my kids has traveled to Italy and confirmed for me that the food experience there is like none other. It is truly legit.
What a fun, five-star read!
Dan and Oscar are at it again! Only this time, it’s personal. Adding that elevated element to Murder on an Italian Island really brought Dan’s experiences to a whole other level. Often, he’s researching possible crimes that while satisfying when the truth has been revealed, it’s something he can walk away from at the end of it all. But when it involves close friends and loved ones, it makes for a truly unique experience. I also appreciated the beginning of it all, with Dan working on his latest novel. For me, it felt a little meta, because I imagined the author within the pages of this particular murder mystery, putting in his own thoughts and feelings into what it takes to research and learn about the inner nuances of crime investigation and potential murder mysteries.
For Dan, he’d made a promise to his partner Anna that he’d have nothing to do with murder. For the entirety of their relationship, she’s witnessed just how engrossing it can be for Dan when he’s out to solve a mystery, and he really wanted nothing more than to give her that time away from his investigations. But when a victim is discovered and Dan’s own good friend Virgilio is considered a suspect, all bets are off. Dan has to get involved–and fast, in order to prove Virgilio’s innocence. It’s in the research and discoveries that Dan finds a lot more than he ever bargained for, ultimately adding to the risk.
While I’ve read plenty about Anna in the other Armstrong and Oscar Cozy Mysteries series, I felt there was more to delve into with the relationship between Dan and Anna in this latest installment. She was often viewed as more of a background character for me, but this time, she is front and center. It was nice to see more development for her–given the type of past Dan has had with his ex where his love of investigation is concerned, it’s nice to see someone like Anna who supports Dan’s passion.
Can we highlight the star of the show? It’s always Oscar, and it’s always welcome! Who wouldn’t love a sidekick like him? He adds great comedic timing to the pages of this book, while also offering emotional support when someone needs it, and in times of chaos, he’s right there, taking care of business! He’s just too cute for words. I know I also mention the scenic backdrop and the food (my goodness, always the food!) when it comes to a T.A. Williams read, but it will always bear repeating because both subjects are important characters that really bring the scenes to life. Maybe I was more hungry this time around while I read Murder on an Italian Island, but I could not get over the delicious dishes mentioned during Dan’s meal experiences. It made me jealous! As much as I’ve talked about it in the past, I’ve yet to travel to any of the locations mentioned, but one of my kids has traveled to Italy and confirmed for me that the food experience there is like none other. It is truly legit.
What a fun, five-star read!
July 7, 2025
First of all: I'm a fan of the series. I haven't read all the installments, but I think I've read most of them :-) They're not the most profound crime novels I know, nor are they the ones with the most ingenious plot twists or cryptic storylines, but I love the whole cast, and I love the settings. Private detective Dan, formerly a cop with London's Metropolitan Police, has built a new life for himself in Tuscany, and the cases all take place in wonderful Italian holiday destinations. Here, in the latest case, we're on Elba. I know the island myself from various holidays (yes, Germans love to holiday there, hahaha, the author recognized that well :-) ), and it was really fun strolling there with Dan, Anna, Virgilio, Lina, and of course Oscar. The quartet of two couples who are friends went there to holiday too. And to learn to windsurf – hehehe, the way Dan makes his first attempts on the board is described very authentically! Of course, a murder occurs – wherever Dan and Labrador Oscar appear, there's always a murder, at least one, that's as certain as amen in church, no matter how idyllic the setting, and Dan always becomes more or less voluntarily involved in the murder investigation. This time, however, Dan has a personal interest in solving the case, because he and Virgilio found the dead man quite alive the night before, and it seems Virgilio was the last person to find him alive... and so Virgilio's innocence must also be proven.
We also have a serious background here: the dead man has a rather nasty criminal background, and his passing doesn't leave much sadness behind.
And another interesting subplot – Elba is known for its Etruscan past, and ancient art treasures keep turning up on the island, often sold under the table. I found that very exciting, and this trafficking of ancient art also plays a role in Dan and Virgilio's murder investigation over the course of the crime story...that was well done.
The book is only 232 pages long, so—like all the crime novels in this series—it's not too long, and I won't give anything more away :-)
As I said, I like the series. Williams' novels are super fast and enjoyable to read, it's always fun to be part of it; you can read the books independently of each other, and it's like any series: it's nice to meet old friends again. The charm here lies in the protagonists and the Italian atmosphere, which the author captures so wonderfully. Each book is like a short vacation—and this one was on Elba, and I highly recommend it!
Many thanks to the publisher for the review copy!
We also have a serious background here: the dead man has a rather nasty criminal background, and his passing doesn't leave much sadness behind.
And another interesting subplot – Elba is known for its Etruscan past, and ancient art treasures keep turning up on the island, often sold under the table. I found that very exciting, and this trafficking of ancient art also plays a role in Dan and Virgilio's murder investigation over the course of the crime story...that was well done.
The book is only 232 pages long, so—like all the crime novels in this series—it's not too long, and I won't give anything more away :-)
As I said, I like the series. Williams' novels are super fast and enjoyable to read, it's always fun to be part of it; you can read the books independently of each other, and it's like any series: it's nice to meet old friends again. The charm here lies in the protagonists and the Italian atmosphere, which the author captures so wonderfully. Each book is like a short vacation—and this one was on Elba, and I highly recommend it!
Many thanks to the publisher for the review copy!
August 28, 2025
Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.
Murder on an Italian Island is the 12th (!!!) Armstrong and Oscar cozy destination mystery by T.A. Williams. Released 5th Aug 2025 by Boldwood Books, it's 234 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, although this book is *not* currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow, the first 11 books in the series are currently available on KU, so readers who hate to start in the middle will be able to access the previous books without trouble.
This is a beautifully descriptive and well written destination mystery set in locations around Italy. Expat former policeman Dan Armstrong and his trusty canine sidekick Oscar are set up as private PIs, but also assist local constabulary in solving crimes, especially ones involving the expat community/foreigners. Dan's usually along to facilitate translations in English for the police and witnesses, but his insights are valuable and he and the lead detective have a good rapport and friendship. In this case, a possible murder/suicide/accidental death has Dan & his inspector friend Virgilio trying to sort out the death of a reviled former criminal on Elba whilst on holiday (and of which Virgilio was briefly under suspicion).
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 long binge or buddy read.
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. Very highly recommended. Clever, likeable, engaging, and well engineered mystery with stunning scenery and lovely food descriptions.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Murder on an Italian Island is the 12th (!!!) Armstrong and Oscar cozy destination mystery by T.A. Williams. Released 5th Aug 2025 by Boldwood Books, it's 234 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, although this book is *not* currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow, the first 11 books in the series are currently available on KU, so readers who hate to start in the middle will be able to access the previous books without trouble.
This is a beautifully descriptive and well written destination mystery set in locations around Italy. Expat former policeman Dan Armstrong and his trusty canine sidekick Oscar are set up as private PIs, but also assist local constabulary in solving crimes, especially ones involving the expat community/foreigners. Dan's usually along to facilitate translations in English for the police and witnesses, but his insights are valuable and he and the lead detective have a good rapport and friendship. In this case, a possible murder/suicide/accidental death has Dan & his inspector friend Virgilio trying to sort out the death of a reviled former criminal on Elba whilst on holiday (and of which Virgilio was briefly under suspicion).
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 long binge or buddy read.
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. Very highly recommended. Clever, likeable, engaging, and well engineered mystery with stunning scenery and lovely food descriptions.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
August 6, 2025
A well-earned holiday, as Dan and partner Anna head to the island of Elba – together with friends Virgilio and Lina and, of course, the irrepressible Oscar. But Dan’s holidays have rather a history of not being quite as relaxing as he hopes. First there are the windsurfing classes that Anna’s arranged – and she’s rather better at it than he is. And then there’s a particularly unpleasant encounter over their evening meal – a drunken man, Ignazio Graziani, recently released from prison after a series of particularly vicious abductions. Virgilio was involved in his capture and conviction – and when the man is found dead at the bottom of a cliff the following morning, comes under suspicion when he can’t account fully for his movements the night before.
Things get more complicated when Ignazio’s brother Aldo, the owner of the resort where Dan is learning to windsurf and with a less than savoury reputation of his own, is also found dead – if the first death really was a murder, might it have been a case of mistaken identity? And then there’s the presence on the island of a couple of carabinieri investigating the theft and distribution of Etruscan works of art – might there be a link there? There’s no way two experienced investigators can resist supporting the police investigation – although their involvement proves to have an edge of danger that they really weren’t expecting, with some particularly edge-of-the-seat moments.
The mystery, as always, is nicely convoluted – with an ever-changing list of suspects and an increasingly complicated set of possible motives – and I found it as fascinating as ever, and as impossible to second guess the outcome. I very much enjoyed the Elba setting, vividly described – that closed community with long memories, where so many had their reasons for not being entirely sorry about the brothers’ demise. The more dramatic moments are exceptionally well written – but there’s also plenty of the lightness that I always enjoy, often accompanied by food, and usually with Oscar as its focus. And my goodness, this time he really earns his steak – a critical and particularly timely intervention that Lassie would have been proud of.
An excellent and challenging plot, a gripping read, but as completely enjoyable as ever – a wonderful addition to this long-running series, and very much recommended.
Things get more complicated when Ignazio’s brother Aldo, the owner of the resort where Dan is learning to windsurf and with a less than savoury reputation of his own, is also found dead – if the first death really was a murder, might it have been a case of mistaken identity? And then there’s the presence on the island of a couple of carabinieri investigating the theft and distribution of Etruscan works of art – might there be a link there? There’s no way two experienced investigators can resist supporting the police investigation – although their involvement proves to have an edge of danger that they really weren’t expecting, with some particularly edge-of-the-seat moments.
The mystery, as always, is nicely convoluted – with an ever-changing list of suspects and an increasingly complicated set of possible motives – and I found it as fascinating as ever, and as impossible to second guess the outcome. I very much enjoyed the Elba setting, vividly described – that closed community with long memories, where so many had their reasons for not being entirely sorry about the brothers’ demise. The more dramatic moments are exceptionally well written – but there’s also plenty of the lightness that I always enjoy, often accompanied by food, and usually with Oscar as its focus. And my goodness, this time he really earns his steak – a critical and particularly timely intervention that Lassie would have been proud of.
An excellent and challenging plot, a gripping read, but as completely enjoyable as ever – a wonderful addition to this long-running series, and very much recommended.
July 6, 2025
This is a great addition to the Armstrong and Oscar series. Dan and Anna go to a hotel on the island of Elba with Virgilio and his wife Lina. Of course, Oscar is also invited. Virgilio's neice is the recepionist at the very nice hotel on the waterfront with a beautiful view. Anna is exciting to do windsurfing lessons at a nearby beach and convinces Dan to try it. At dinner, a man comes by their table and dumps Virgilio's glass of wine in his lap. The man was Ignazio Graziani, who Virgilio helped to put in jail in Pisa over 20 years before after raping several women. He has very recently been released and come back to his home on Elba. The next morning, a man finds a man floating in the water. Of course, Virgilio and Dan have to help the local police.
Ignazio's brother, Aldo, is the owner of the company from whom Anna and Dan are taking their windsurfing lessons and owns a large camp on the hillside above the surfing site. They also find out that there is a fair amount of trafficing ancient Tuscan Art works in the area. The police finally decide that Graziani may have just fallen off the cliff because he had been very drunk that night.
Then, Aldo is found dead. Dan sees something floating and swims out to find Aldo and bring him to shore. Aldo has been hit on the back of his head, and was definitely murdered.
Dan and Oscar go up on the hill above the camp, and find a locked building which looks unused. However, when Anna and Oscar go there, she is pushed through an opening in the floor and been knocked out. Oscar runs back to the hotel and Dan and Virgilio go to the shed, find her, and call for an ambulance and police. Anna spends the night in the hospital, but seems to be recovering and goes back to the hotel the next day. The shed turns out to be a place to hide Tuscan Art works. Gradually, the local police with the help of Virgilio and Dan manage to figure out all the bad guys, and who did what to whom.
This book was very exciting. I enjoy the fact that the books in this series mostly take place in a different town in a different venue. I thank Netgalley and Boldwood books for the ARC so that I could read the book before publication.
Ignazio's brother, Aldo, is the owner of the company from whom Anna and Dan are taking their windsurfing lessons and owns a large camp on the hillside above the surfing site. They also find out that there is a fair amount of trafficing ancient Tuscan Art works in the area. The police finally decide that Graziani may have just fallen off the cliff because he had been very drunk that night.
Then, Aldo is found dead. Dan sees something floating and swims out to find Aldo and bring him to shore. Aldo has been hit on the back of his head, and was definitely murdered.
Dan and Oscar go up on the hill above the camp, and find a locked building which looks unused. However, when Anna and Oscar go there, she is pushed through an opening in the floor and been knocked out. Oscar runs back to the hotel and Dan and Virgilio go to the shed, find her, and call for an ambulance and police. Anna spends the night in the hospital, but seems to be recovering and goes back to the hotel the next day. The shed turns out to be a place to hide Tuscan Art works. Gradually, the local police with the help of Virgilio and Dan manage to figure out all the bad guys, and who did what to whom.
This book was very exciting. I enjoy the fact that the books in this series mostly take place in a different town in a different venue. I thank Netgalley and Boldwood books for the ARC so that I could read the book before publication.
July 20, 2025
T.A. Williams returns with another enjoyable murder mystery in the Armstrong and Oscar series this time set on the island of Elba, the island that was once the home of the exiled Napolean Bonaparte but is now a most desirable place to have a holiday when in Italy.
Dan is facing writers block having found his victim at the base of the tower with no plausible reason as to how they got there no matter ow hard he tries to find one that will work.
When Virgilio, his best friend in Tuscany also a Commissario in the Police Department, asks whether he and Anna would like to join he and his wife Lina for a week’s holiday on Elba he decides this is the answer to his writer’s block.
Unfortunately, they are only one day into their holiday, enjoying their first delicious meal when an incident occurs, a man is later found dead, and Virgilio is being held as the man most likely to have committed the murder.
Between eating wonderful food, Oscar naturally getting his share, learning to kite surf, trying not to be a detective or even a Private Investigator, Dan and Oscar manage to become embroiled in the investigation into the death of Ignazio Graziani, a thoroughly despicable man.
It is not until the unpleasant truth begins to surface, they all realise that there is more than one party invested in what is definitely looking like murder especially when a second, highly suspicious death occurs, that of Ignazio’s brother. Aldo.
Murder on an Italian Island is the perfect cozy murder, to while away an afternoon practicing amateur sleuthing skills, as Dan and Oscar once again make solving a murder or two somewhat of an adventure Italian style. Even though this is a part of a series it is also a stand-alone book.
Dan is facing writers block having found his victim at the base of the tower with no plausible reason as to how they got there no matter ow hard he tries to find one that will work.
When Virgilio, his best friend in Tuscany also a Commissario in the Police Department, asks whether he and Anna would like to join he and his wife Lina for a week’s holiday on Elba he decides this is the answer to his writer’s block.
Unfortunately, they are only one day into their holiday, enjoying their first delicious meal when an incident occurs, a man is later found dead, and Virgilio is being held as the man most likely to have committed the murder.
Between eating wonderful food, Oscar naturally getting his share, learning to kite surf, trying not to be a detective or even a Private Investigator, Dan and Oscar manage to become embroiled in the investigation into the death of Ignazio Graziani, a thoroughly despicable man.
It is not until the unpleasant truth begins to surface, they all realise that there is more than one party invested in what is definitely looking like murder especially when a second, highly suspicious death occurs, that of Ignazio’s brother. Aldo.
Murder on an Italian Island is the perfect cozy murder, to while away an afternoon practicing amateur sleuthing skills, as Dan and Oscar once again make solving a murder or two somewhat of an adventure Italian style. Even though this is a part of a series it is also a stand-alone book.
September 16, 2025
In the latest Armstrong and Oscar cozy mystery, a detective-turned-novelist gets a little too much real-life inspiration when his current story seems to come to life. Dan Armstrong has been enjoying a much-needed vacation on the island of Elba with his girlfriend Anna and dog Oscar. But days of windsurfing lessons and nights sampling the local fare are interrupted by the death of a notorious local... and at first, it seems that Dan's best friend Virgilio is the most likely suspect.
Considering the victim was persona non grata after a string of crimes 20 years prior, just about everyone has a motive. But things get more complicated when a second body turns up under equally suspicious circumstances. Has the killer struck again? Was one of the murders a case of mistaken identity? Or could these two killings really simply be accidents? Despite attempts to enjoy his vacation, Dan soon finds himself swept up in solving the case—at first because it could put a pin in his writer's block, but eventually because it seems someone has dragged Anna into proceedings.
If you've never read an Armstrong and Oscar mystery, you won't feel too adrift. It's clear that the core cast has a history, but all you need to know is that Dan Armstrong is British, he writes murder mysteries, and his dog Oscar is the best. While the final act suffers a bit from characters blurting out facts where they might not ordinarily, the book itself is broadly enjoyable. It's a relaxing summer read with just enough intrigue to keep you turning the pages.
(Reviewed on karadennison.com)
Considering the victim was persona non grata after a string of crimes 20 years prior, just about everyone has a motive. But things get more complicated when a second body turns up under equally suspicious circumstances. Has the killer struck again? Was one of the murders a case of mistaken identity? Or could these two killings really simply be accidents? Despite attempts to enjoy his vacation, Dan soon finds himself swept up in solving the case—at first because it could put a pin in his writer's block, but eventually because it seems someone has dragged Anna into proceedings.
If you've never read an Armstrong and Oscar mystery, you won't feel too adrift. It's clear that the core cast has a history, but all you need to know is that Dan Armstrong is British, he writes murder mysteries, and his dog Oscar is the best. While the final act suffers a bit from characters blurting out facts where they might not ordinarily, the book itself is broadly enjoyable. It's a relaxing summer read with just enough intrigue to keep you turning the pages.
(Reviewed on karadennison.com)
July 7, 2025
This is personally one of my favourite series in the cozy mystery genre, and I never, ever get tired of Dan and Oscar's adventures through Tuscany.
I think that's largely because Dan is such a likable lead character, with the author avoiding all of the usual eye-rolling tropes.
Instead, we always get a solid and well-rounded puzzle to solve, characters that are authentic, and a raft of food descriptions and locations that genuinely make me want to retire in Italy (I wish!).
In 'Murder on an Italian Island', the 12th book in the series, Dan, Anna, Oscar, Virgilio, and his wife Lina have headed off to the Tuscan island of Elba (a stunningly beautiful real place, I googled it), for a bit of a holiday.
Things go awry on the first night when Virgilio encounters a particularly nasty criminal, he helped put away 20 years ago.
Fresh out of prison, and still as reprehensible as ever, it will come as no surprise that he is soon bumped off. The problem is that Virgilio is the last person seen with him, so he immediately falls under suspicion.
However, when the police rule the death an accident, Dan and Virgilio can't help but think that it might not be as clear-cut, leaving a murderer roaming around the island...
Loved it, loved it, loved it - keep 'em coming! And maybe make a TV series out of it as well!!!
With thanks to NetGalley for the early copy in return for an honest review.
I think that's largely because Dan is such a likable lead character, with the author avoiding all of the usual eye-rolling tropes.
Instead, we always get a solid and well-rounded puzzle to solve, characters that are authentic, and a raft of food descriptions and locations that genuinely make me want to retire in Italy (I wish!).
In 'Murder on an Italian Island', the 12th book in the series, Dan, Anna, Oscar, Virgilio, and his wife Lina have headed off to the Tuscan island of Elba (a stunningly beautiful real place, I googled it), for a bit of a holiday.
Things go awry on the first night when Virgilio encounters a particularly nasty criminal, he helped put away 20 years ago.
Fresh out of prison, and still as reprehensible as ever, it will come as no surprise that he is soon bumped off. The problem is that Virgilio is the last person seen with him, so he immediately falls under suspicion.
However, when the police rule the death an accident, Dan and Virgilio can't help but think that it might not be as clear-cut, leaving a murderer roaming around the island...
Loved it, loved it, loved it - keep 'em coming! And maybe make a TV series out of it as well!!!
With thanks to NetGalley for the early copy in return for an honest review.
June 17, 2025
Not an unbiased review as I love Oscar and the whole series. I think each could be read independently, but you'd be missing the fun of following them around and Oscar's antics.
Anna, Dan, and Oscar are on holidays with friends Virgilio (Italian cop) and his wife (Dan's office manager) at Virgilio's cousin's resort on Elba where Anna signs Dan up for windsurfing lessons (!). It doesn't take long before the first body is found in the water, but was it misadventure or murder? The dead man was a sexual predator newly out of prison and hated by many. His brother is only a little less slimy, but Dan finds his body another day. Meanwhile Anna and another guest are looking for things related to the Etruscans who predated the Romans on the island. Dan and Virgilio work with the local police to try to untangle the maze of clues and misdirections in the case. Another excellent read!
I requested and received a temporary uncorrected eGalley from Boldwood Books courtesy of NetGalley. Avail Aug 05, 2025
#MurderOnanItalianIsland by #tawilliamsbooks #ArmstrongAndOscarCozyMysteryBk12
@boldwoodbooksnl ***** Review #storygraph #bookbub #goodreads #privateDetective #exBritcop #MurderInvestigations #exMurderSquad #expat #elbaResort #excon #foodie #dachshound #witty #labradordog #Italiancops #etruscans #situationalhumor #illicitantiquitiestrade #windsurfing #mysterywriter
Anna, Dan, and Oscar are on holidays with friends Virgilio (Italian cop) and his wife (Dan's office manager) at Virgilio's cousin's resort on Elba where Anna signs Dan up for windsurfing lessons (!). It doesn't take long before the first body is found in the water, but was it misadventure or murder? The dead man was a sexual predator newly out of prison and hated by many. His brother is only a little less slimy, but Dan finds his body another day. Meanwhile Anna and another guest are looking for things related to the Etruscans who predated the Romans on the island. Dan and Virgilio work with the local police to try to untangle the maze of clues and misdirections in the case. Another excellent read!
I requested and received a temporary uncorrected eGalley from Boldwood Books courtesy of NetGalley. Avail Aug 05, 2025
#MurderOnanItalianIsland by #tawilliamsbooks #ArmstrongAndOscarCozyMysteryBk12
@boldwoodbooksnl ***** Review #storygraph #bookbub #goodreads #privateDetective #exBritcop #MurderInvestigations #exMurderSquad #expat #elbaResort #excon #foodie #dachshound #witty #labradordog #Italiancops #etruscans #situationalhumor #illicitantiquitiestrade #windsurfing #mysterywriter
August 3, 2025
Armstong and Oscar Cosy Mysteries #12
When private investigator, Dan Armstrong, and his girlfriend, Anna, are invited to the gorgeous island of Elba for a much-needed break, he jumps at the chance. The thought of sun-drenched shores makes Dan promise Anna he won't "play detective" for a whole week. Their luxurious hotel, with wonderful food and picturesque seaside views, seems the perfect escape, especially with Dan's best friend Virgillo and his wife joining them. But the calm shatters with a sinister encounter and sudden, and suspicious death.
This is the first book in this cosy murder mystery series that I've read. Virgillo and his wife Lina invite Dan and Anna to go to the island of Elba for a well-deserved break. Virgillo's niece is the receptionist at the hotel. It's only their first night there when a body is found on the beach. Then Dan finds another body. Are the deaths connected?
The is descriptively written and the characters are well-developed in this cosy murder mystery. There were lots of suspects to choose from. This is a quick and easy read, The book can be read as a standalone.
Published 5th August 2025
I would like to thank #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks and the author #TAWilliams for my ARC of #MurerOnAnItalianIsland in exchange for an honest review.
When private investigator, Dan Armstrong, and his girlfriend, Anna, are invited to the gorgeous island of Elba for a much-needed break, he jumps at the chance. The thought of sun-drenched shores makes Dan promise Anna he won't "play detective" for a whole week. Their luxurious hotel, with wonderful food and picturesque seaside views, seems the perfect escape, especially with Dan's best friend Virgillo and his wife joining them. But the calm shatters with a sinister encounter and sudden, and suspicious death.
This is the first book in this cosy murder mystery series that I've read. Virgillo and his wife Lina invite Dan and Anna to go to the island of Elba for a well-deserved break. Virgillo's niece is the receptionist at the hotel. It's only their first night there when a body is found on the beach. Then Dan finds another body. Are the deaths connected?
The is descriptively written and the characters are well-developed in this cosy murder mystery. There were lots of suspects to choose from. This is a quick and easy read, The book can be read as a standalone.
Published 5th August 2025
I would like to thank #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks and the author #TAWilliams for my ARC of #MurerOnAnItalianIsland in exchange for an honest review.
August 4, 2025
Beautiful island, wonderful food, and a cracking mystery
It should have been a perfect idyllic holiday for PI Dan Armstrong, his dog Oscar, and his girlfriend, Anna. A week on the beautiful sunny island of Elba with their good friends, Commissario Virgilio and his wife, Lina. Dan’s biggest worry should be surviving the windsurfing course Anna has convinced him to take. Until he confronts a despicable criminal from Virgilio’s past. When a dead body turns up on the beach below their hotel, all the guests and staff are under suspicion. Well, except for Oscar! Who would believe that a beautiful black lab could do anything wrong?
Since the residents of the island universally disliked the victim, there are many suspects. Even though Dan tries not to get involved, he is still drawn into the investigation. Oscar, his ever-faithful companion, plays a key role in this, the twelfth entry in the series. I love how the author draws a vivid picture of the island. The lush descriptions of the food and wine make this cozy a pleasure to read. The mystery is complex and kept me guessing to the end. The Etruscan history and art elements make this a perfect summer read. Armchair travellers and foodies alike will devour this cozy mystery.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the digital ARC!
It should have been a perfect idyllic holiday for PI Dan Armstrong, his dog Oscar, and his girlfriend, Anna. A week on the beautiful sunny island of Elba with their good friends, Commissario Virgilio and his wife, Lina. Dan’s biggest worry should be surviving the windsurfing course Anna has convinced him to take. Until he confronts a despicable criminal from Virgilio’s past. When a dead body turns up on the beach below their hotel, all the guests and staff are under suspicion. Well, except for Oscar! Who would believe that a beautiful black lab could do anything wrong?
Since the residents of the island universally disliked the victim, there are many suspects. Even though Dan tries not to get involved, he is still drawn into the investigation. Oscar, his ever-faithful companion, plays a key role in this, the twelfth entry in the series. I love how the author draws a vivid picture of the island. The lush descriptions of the food and wine make this cozy a pleasure to read. The mystery is complex and kept me guessing to the end. The Etruscan history and art elements make this a perfect summer read. Armchair travellers and foodies alike will devour this cozy mystery.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the digital ARC!
August 8, 2025
I've said it before and I'll say it once more
This is a series that I totally adore.
My advice, as always is to read this fantastic book
And at others in the series to do more than just look!
With Dan and his friends off on holiday
From murders and mystery can they stay away?
A luxurious hotel on Elba is where they go
Agreeing that to detecting they'll say no.
However, even the best laid plans can need change
As incidents make them plans to rearrange.
A threat, a death - but was it foul play?
Suicide is what the police seem to say.
However, Dan and Virgilio don't agree
And suspicions make them not want to let things be.
The victim has a horrific history
But what happened still remains a mystery.
With new places to see and chances to learn new things
Along with searching to see what the evidence will bring
What will the two couples eventually discover
Can the clues help them the truth to uncover?
With more incidents occuring adding to the mystery
And events from the past relating to local history
Family relationships under to spotlight, too,
So much for all of them to work their way through!
I can't recommend this brilliant read highly enough to you
And hope you'll read - and enjoy it - too!
For my copy of this fab book I say thank you
As I share with you this, my honest review.
This is a series that I totally adore.
My advice, as always is to read this fantastic book
And at others in the series to do more than just look!
With Dan and his friends off on holiday
From murders and mystery can they stay away?
A luxurious hotel on Elba is where they go
Agreeing that to detecting they'll say no.
However, even the best laid plans can need change
As incidents make them plans to rearrange.
A threat, a death - but was it foul play?
Suicide is what the police seem to say.
However, Dan and Virgilio don't agree
And suspicions make them not want to let things be.
The victim has a horrific history
But what happened still remains a mystery.
With new places to see and chances to learn new things
Along with searching to see what the evidence will bring
What will the two couples eventually discover
Can the clues help them the truth to uncover?
With more incidents occuring adding to the mystery
And events from the past relating to local history
Family relationships under to spotlight, too,
So much for all of them to work their way through!
I can't recommend this brilliant read highly enough to you
And hope you'll read - and enjoy it - too!
For my copy of this fab book I say thank you
As I share with you this, my honest review.
August 2, 2025
This series just doesn't fail me! The murder mysteries are so interesting as are the settings they take place in. This time we're on the island of Elba, off the coast of Italy, and, once again, we get a mixture of the history of the island, a better understanding of the culture as well as the food, along with the cozy murder mystery.
Dan and Oscar are now "old friends' I just look forward to the next time we meet up. Dan (the retired DCI, PI and author) and Oscar (his best mate and Labrador) are both are just so likeable. And Oscar is not just a pretty face!
Unsurprisingly while Dan is supposed to be on holiday with girlfriend, Anna, and his friend, Virgilio, they all get entangled in a couple of mysterious deaths. Once again, it's a gentle read overall with a good balance of relationship development alongside the major plots.
I really enjoyed this story and I'm looking forward to the next in the series. 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
With thanks to Netgalley, Boldwood Books and the author for my advance reader copy, the opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Dan and Oscar are now "old friends' I just look forward to the next time we meet up. Dan (the retired DCI, PI and author) and Oscar (his best mate and Labrador) are both are just so likeable. And Oscar is not just a pretty face!
Unsurprisingly while Dan is supposed to be on holiday with girlfriend, Anna, and his friend, Virgilio, they all get entangled in a couple of mysterious deaths. Once again, it's a gentle read overall with a good balance of relationship development alongside the major plots.
I really enjoyed this story and I'm looking forward to the next in the series. 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
With thanks to Netgalley, Boldwood Books and the author for my advance reader copy, the opinions expressed are entirely my own.
July 10, 2025
The twelfth book in Armstrong and Oscar Cozy mystery series which is set in Tuscany, featuring ex Police officer and now author and PI Dan Armstrong and his black Labrador Oscar. I have read the first in the series and jumped right in again with this one and was able to follow along with no problems. Moving from their usual location to the island of Elba. Dan, his partner Anna
and best friend police officer Virgilio and his wife Lina go away to a luxurious resort. Dan promised Anna there will be no playing police detective for the whole week. Not long after they arrive a body is found at the bottom off a cliff. It turns out to be Ignazio Graziani who has a sordid past. Virgilio was the last to see him alive and the two have a connection and he and Dan set out to clear his name.
The mystery element turned out to have quite a number of suspects, another body and ends up being quite personal for Dan. I enjoyed the gorgeous scenery complete with windsurfing, Vineyards and Etruscan antiques and mines. Filled with fun characters and self-deprecating humour
I can’t wait to catch up on the others in the series.
and best friend police officer Virgilio and his wife Lina go away to a luxurious resort. Dan promised Anna there will be no playing police detective for the whole week. Not long after they arrive a body is found at the bottom off a cliff. It turns out to be Ignazio Graziani who has a sordid past. Virgilio was the last to see him alive and the two have a connection and he and Dan set out to clear his name.
The mystery element turned out to have quite a number of suspects, another body and ends up being quite personal for Dan. I enjoyed the gorgeous scenery complete with windsurfing, Vineyards and Etruscan antiques and mines. Filled with fun characters and self-deprecating humour
I can’t wait to catch up on the others in the series.
July 20, 2025
Although Murder on an Italian Island is book 12 in T. A. Williams's Armstrong and Oscar Cozy Mystery series it is easily read as a standalone novel, in fact this was my first book in the series and I found it quite enjoyable.
The main character, Dan, is a former police officer with the London Metropolitan Police turned author and private investigator now living in Tuscany. When he and his partner, and their friends take a vacation on Elba, they are drawn into solving two mysterious murders that occur while they are there.
I found the mystery of the murders in this book to be interesting. I think the author could have played up the connection between one of the victims and Dan's friend Virgilio a bit more, to make the story a bit more suspenseful. I felt like the police cleared him pretty quickly and didn't really put much effort into determining the cause of death of the first victim.
My favourite character in the book was Dan's dog Oscar. I loved that they included Oscar in their vacation plans, and it was a good thing they did because he became very important to the story.
A lot of the story was not focused on the mystery, but more on Dan's relationship with his partner Anna, and how he had been neglecting her. His efforts to stay out of the mystery in order to spend more time with her were not very successful, but Anna seemed to be very understanding for the most part.
This book was on the shorter side compared to a lot of books I've read lately, but I found it was fairly slow paced at times, so I did struggle a bit to stay involved with it. Still, I did enjoy the book overall, and am interested in reading other books in the series.
I would recommend this book to mystery lovers, especially if you have a lazy summer afternoon for reading.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The main character, Dan, is a former police officer with the London Metropolitan Police turned author and private investigator now living in Tuscany. When he and his partner, and their friends take a vacation on Elba, they are drawn into solving two mysterious murders that occur while they are there.
I found the mystery of the murders in this book to be interesting. I think the author could have played up the connection between one of the victims and Dan's friend Virgilio a bit more, to make the story a bit more suspenseful. I felt like the police cleared him pretty quickly and didn't really put much effort into determining the cause of death of the first victim.
My favourite character in the book was Dan's dog Oscar. I loved that they included Oscar in their vacation plans, and it was a good thing they did because he became very important to the story.
A lot of the story was not focused on the mystery, but more on Dan's relationship with his partner Anna, and how he had been neglecting her. His efforts to stay out of the mystery in order to spend more time with her were not very successful, but Anna seemed to be very understanding for the most part.
This book was on the shorter side compared to a lot of books I've read lately, but I found it was fairly slow paced at times, so I did struggle a bit to stay involved with it. Still, I did enjoy the book overall, and am interested in reading other books in the series.
I would recommend this book to mystery lovers, especially if you have a lazy summer afternoon for reading.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 5, 2025
Dan Armstrong, former cop turned private investigator and author, is having writer's block. So when his friend Virgilio, the commisario, invites Dan and his girlfriend Anna and of course Oscar the dog to join him and some well deserved vacations, Dan agrees. The sun is great, the hotel is gorgeous, the food is delicious and Dan and Oscar are having a good old time. It all comes to an end when Virgilio is threatened by Ignazio Graziana,a man he helped put in jail many years ago for committing horrible atrocities against women. Later, Ignazio's body is found lying on the rocks. Virgilio is the main suspect, and Dan must prove his innocence before it's too late. Later, Ignazio's brother is found dead, and more suspects come to light.
It was nice to read about Dan and Virgilio's friendship. They are both good cops and great at what they do. I enjoyed the ambiance and the beautiful scenery. Oscar was such a treat, such a sweet, good boy. Really enjoyed the pacing and how the secrets of each murdered brother came to light.
Thank you, Netgalley and Boldwood Books, for this ARC. All opinions are entirely my own.
It was nice to read about Dan and Virgilio's friendship. They are both good cops and great at what they do. I enjoyed the ambiance and the beautiful scenery. Oscar was such a treat, such a sweet, good boy. Really enjoyed the pacing and how the secrets of each murdered brother came to light.
Thank you, Netgalley and Boldwood Books, for this ARC. All opinions are entirely my own.
August 6, 2025
"A beautiful Italian island, compelling characters and a complex mystery make for a great combination in the latest addition of the Armstrong and Oscar cozy mysteries. It looks like this will be a mystery that focuses on a decades old case when a newly paroled rapist is found dead at the bottom of a cliff. Accident, suicide or murder? Though Dan promises his girlfriend that he wouldn't play detective during their investigation, when a shadow of suspicion surrounds their friend Inspector Virgilio means Dan will do anything to clear him. But is it as simple as a bad man coming to a bad end? Much more is going on this beautiful island setting and Dan and Oscar will need all their detective wits to solve this one before someone they love has an ""accident.""
A nice complex mystery with a very satisfying end but what makes this an even stronger book are the characters and their relationships. I love how Dan and Anna's relationship has developed. And of course, who can't love the adorable Oscar."
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
A nice complex mystery with a very satisfying end but what makes this an even stronger book are the characters and their relationships. I love how Dan and Anna's relationship has developed. And of course, who can't love the adorable Oscar."
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
September 2, 2025
Huge thanks to Boldwood books for the gifted ARC of the 12th instalment in the Armstrong and Oscar Cozy Mysteries series.
I was so excited to return to Italy and reunite with one of my favorite detective duos—retired DCI Dan Armstrong and his loyal Labrador, Oscar. Their partnership is always a highlight: Dan’s sharp detective instincts balanced by Oscar’s charm and loyalty give this series its heart. Every time I pick up one of these books, it feels like visiting old friends.
The Italian setting is another star of the novel. This time we’re on the island of Elba, and T.A. Williams makes you feel like you’re right there—walking its winding streets, soaking up the sunshine, and indulging in mouth-watering food and wine. The atmosphere is so vivid it turns the mystery into a true “murder in paradise.”
I’ve read 5 of the 12 books so far, and this one has been my favorite yet. It has everything I look for in a cozy mystery: an engaging murder plot, a likeable and clever main character, a loyal dog sidekick, and a backdrop that practically begs you to book a holiday.
And while this is book #12, you don’t need to have read the rest to enjoy it. Each story stands on its own, though once you meet Dan and Oscar, you’ll likely want to go back and spend more time with them.
I was so excited to return to Italy and reunite with one of my favorite detective duos—retired DCI Dan Armstrong and his loyal Labrador, Oscar. Their partnership is always a highlight: Dan’s sharp detective instincts balanced by Oscar’s charm and loyalty give this series its heart. Every time I pick up one of these books, it feels like visiting old friends.
The Italian setting is another star of the novel. This time we’re on the island of Elba, and T.A. Williams makes you feel like you’re right there—walking its winding streets, soaking up the sunshine, and indulging in mouth-watering food and wine. The atmosphere is so vivid it turns the mystery into a true “murder in paradise.”
I’ve read 5 of the 12 books so far, and this one has been my favorite yet. It has everything I look for in a cozy mystery: an engaging murder plot, a likeable and clever main character, a loyal dog sidekick, and a backdrop that practically begs you to book a holiday.
And while this is book #12, you don’t need to have read the rest to enjoy it. Each story stands on its own, though once you meet Dan and Oscar, you’ll likely want to go back and spend more time with them.
July 2, 2025
In this book we go on vacation with the lovely labrador Oscar, private detective nad murder mystery writer Dan and his wonderful girlfriend Anna.
Dan is invited by his friend Virgilio on the island of Elba on a week getaway.They have plans to relax and enjoy these days with friends, and also to do some windsurfing.
And of course, they discover a body on the beach. The man that died is the same that Virgilio had an altercation the night before.
And Dan, now have to help his friend and solve this crime. I liked the fact that he has a girlfriend, and she is very supportive and understands him .
I think this was the first thing that I liked about the detective. ( because in most stories and movies, the detective is always single). And Oscar, always a pleasure to read about him.
It was a cozy and relaxing mystery story. I like how T A Williams writes.
A little bit to descriptive on some things that are not that important to the story plot, but still an enjoyable read.
So get ready for summer and vacation and read the book.
Dan is invited by his friend Virgilio on the island of Elba on a week getaway.They have plans to relax and enjoy these days with friends, and also to do some windsurfing.
And of course, they discover a body on the beach. The man that died is the same that Virgilio had an altercation the night before.
And Dan, now have to help his friend and solve this crime. I liked the fact that he has a girlfriend, and she is very supportive and understands him .
I think this was the first thing that I liked about the detective. ( because in most stories and movies, the detective is always single). And Oscar, always a pleasure to read about him.
It was a cozy and relaxing mystery story. I like how T A Williams writes.
A little bit to descriptive on some things that are not that important to the story plot, but still an enjoyable read.
So get ready for summer and vacation and read the book.
July 12, 2025
Thank you to Boldwood Books and Rachel’s Random Resources for the opportunity to join the blog tour for book 12 in the Dan Armstrong and Oscar cosy mystery series, Murder on an Italian Island by TA Williams. I’ve enjoyed reading the first 11 books over the past few years and you can read my last review here: https://mentoringmumof2bookreviews.ho...
Book 12 sees Dan, Anna, Oscar, Virgilio and Lina travel to Elba hoping for a relaxing week of holiday – but as regular readers of this series know, wherever Dan goes, then a murder or two will always happen.
This is another enjoyable cosy mystery book in my favourite series. Elba is famous as a place where Napoleon lived but it was nice to hear more about other history related to the island.
You don’t need to read the other 11 books in the series to enjoy this book, but I’m happy to recommend them. This is another enjoyable book – full of mystery, murder, delicious sounding food and Oscar the Labrador.
Book 12 sees Dan, Anna, Oscar, Virgilio and Lina travel to Elba hoping for a relaxing week of holiday – but as regular readers of this series know, wherever Dan goes, then a murder or two will always happen.
This is another enjoyable cosy mystery book in my favourite series. Elba is famous as a place where Napoleon lived but it was nice to hear more about other history related to the island.
You don’t need to read the other 11 books in the series to enjoy this book, but I’m happy to recommend them. This is another enjoyable book – full of mystery, murder, delicious sounding food and Oscar the Labrador.
July 28, 2025
Vacation! What vacation?!🏖
4.5🌟 stars
Another enjoyable murder mystery to investigate for expat Dan and his trusty Lab companion Oscar, but this time Dan's curse of never escaping the work of solving a murder even in leisure time is also passed on to his Italian police inspector friend Virgilio! A week's relaxing vacation on Elba is hijacked by death on the beach near their hotel. I love how their put-upon better halves Anna and Lina just resign themselves to going with the flow and not criticizing their guys for spending so much time on the case, especially since neither Dan nor Virgilio have any official role in the investigation.
Also great: no easy guess as to the killer, a bit of excitement for Anna, inimitable mooching from Oscar (who once again proves a hero!) and a surprise Dan move at the end.
Never a dull moment! This series never misses for me!
Thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
4.5🌟 stars
Another enjoyable murder mystery to investigate for expat Dan and his trusty Lab companion Oscar, but this time Dan's curse of never escaping the work of solving a murder even in leisure time is also passed on to his Italian police inspector friend Virgilio! A week's relaxing vacation on Elba is hijacked by death on the beach near their hotel. I love how their put-upon better halves Anna and Lina just resign themselves to going with the flow and not criticizing their guys for spending so much time on the case, especially since neither Dan nor Virgilio have any official role in the investigation.
Also great: no easy guess as to the killer, a bit of excitement for Anna, inimitable mooching from Oscar (who once again proves a hero!) and a surprise Dan move at the end.
Never a dull moment! This series never misses for me!
Thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
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