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Rick Montoya Italian Mystery #5
A Funeral in Mantova
The body rolled off the planks and slipped into the water with barely a splash, quickly embraced by the steady current flowing toward the city of Mantova. It comes to rest against rocks overlooked by the grim ramparts of Castello di San Giorgio as the river Mincio flows on towards the Po and the Adriatic Sea.
Lombardy was once hotly disputed by the cities of Venice and Milan. Today it is famed for its food rather than war. But the murder of the elderly fisherman, for so it proves to be, reveals battles still rage within the region's controlled agribiz, the manufacture of cheese and cured meats by generations of local families, as well as over the best use for a parcel of land owned by the victim, Roberto Rondini, and now passing to his heirs.
Rick Montoya, an American from New Mexico self-employed as a translator in Italy, soon receives a call from the States. The US Embassy in Rome has recommended his services to wealthy Angelo Rondini, cousin to Roberto. Angelo, age seventy-eight and born in nearby Voglia, has been invited to the funeral by Roberto's daughter, Livia Guarino. Out of respect, Angelo has agreed to connect with the Italian family he hasn't seen since he was a very young boy.
Rick hires on as interpreter. And soon receives another assignment - a local cop, Inspector Crespi, linked to Rick's uncle, Commissario Piero Fontana of the Roman Questura, leads the murder investigation and asks Rick to observe and report. Rick agrees, if Angelo accepts his working undercover. And so Rick once again puts his linguistic skills to use for the local law in solving a crime.
Despite the joys and distractions of the city and its watery setting, its glorious art and architecture, and the temptations of the local cuisine and cheese culture, the investigation must probe the life of Roberto and the history of the Rondinis as well as the rivalries of the locals. Yet with all this on display, the story is stolen by two women: Angelo's American executive assistant, and Livia, the Rondini clan's new matriarch.
Lombardy was once hotly disputed by the cities of Venice and Milan. Today it is famed for its food rather than war. But the murder of the elderly fisherman, for so it proves to be, reveals battles still rage within the region's controlled agribiz, the manufacture of cheese and cured meats by generations of local families, as well as over the best use for a parcel of land owned by the victim, Roberto Rondini, and now passing to his heirs.
Rick Montoya, an American from New Mexico self-employed as a translator in Italy, soon receives a call from the States. The US Embassy in Rome has recommended his services to wealthy Angelo Rondini, cousin to Roberto. Angelo, age seventy-eight and born in nearby Voglia, has been invited to the funeral by Roberto's daughter, Livia Guarino. Out of respect, Angelo has agreed to connect with the Italian family he hasn't seen since he was a very young boy.
Rick hires on as interpreter. And soon receives another assignment - a local cop, Inspector Crespi, linked to Rick's uncle, Commissario Piero Fontana of the Roman Questura, leads the murder investigation and asks Rick to observe and report. Rick agrees, if Angelo accepts his working undercover. And so Rick once again puts his linguistic skills to use for the local law in solving a crime.
Despite the joys and distractions of the city and its watery setting, its glorious art and architecture, and the temptations of the local cuisine and cheese culture, the investigation must probe the life of Roberto and the history of the Rondinis as well as the rivalries of the locals. Yet with all this on display, the story is stolen by two women: Angelo's American executive assistant, and Livia, the Rondini clan's new matriarch.
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Published March 6, 2018
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About the author
David P. Wagner
15 books56 followersDavid P. Wagner is a retired foreign service officer. Among his overseas assignments were nine years in Italy where he learned to love things Italian, many of which appear on the pages of his books.
After retirement he spent several years writing tourist materials for small Italian towns before deciding he wanted to add his own stories to those fascinating places. The result was the mystery series featuring dual-national translator Rick Montoya,
The eighth book in the series, out in August, takes Rick to Assisi and confirms his belief that you can't solve a mystery on an empty stomach.
David and his wife live in Pueblo, on Colorado's front range, with their cat Mitzi.
You can find out more about both David and Rick at the website above.
After retirement he spent several years writing tourist materials for small Italian towns before deciding he wanted to add his own stories to those fascinating places. The result was the mystery series featuring dual-national translator Rick Montoya,
The eighth book in the series, out in August, takes Rick to Assisi and confirms his belief that you can't solve a mystery on an empty stomach.
David and his wife live in Pueblo, on Colorado's front range, with their cat Mitzi.
You can find out more about both David and Rick at the website above.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
July 17, 2024
I really enjoy this series about Rick Montoya and his adventures around Italy. A Funeral in Mantova by David P Wagner is among the better ones in the series and once again our fearless translator is deeply involved in a murder mystery. In this series we also get food, drink and culture while sitting in our favorite reading spot. It really is amazing how you can travel with books.
August 28, 2025
A worthy addition to a tasty mystery series
The 5th installment of this series, finds Rick Montoya covertly investigating the mysterious death of his boss’s relative in Mantova, Italy.
As a part of the series, I enjoyed this book. It returned more to exploring the foods of Italy which I really enjoyed in the first book. Since I was in Italy last year, I also enjoyed a hint of Italy’s flavor even more than when I read the first four books without having known Italy directly. David Wagner has a special knack for capturing Italy, which is just as valuable to the series as the stories themselves.
This book was better than the last couple of books. But I did find a few things to be a bit unrealistic and too convenient. But those were lesser distractions overall.
I’m looking forward to book 6.
The 5th installment of this series, finds Rick Montoya covertly investigating the mysterious death of his boss’s relative in Mantova, Italy.
As a part of the series, I enjoyed this book. It returned more to exploring the foods of Italy which I really enjoyed in the first book. Since I was in Italy last year, I also enjoyed a hint of Italy’s flavor even more than when I read the first four books without having known Italy directly. David Wagner has a special knack for capturing Italy, which is just as valuable to the series as the stories themselves.
This book was better than the last couple of books. But I did find a few things to be a bit unrealistic and too convenient. But those were lesser distractions overall.
I’m looking forward to book 6.
January 6, 2026
This is the 5th book in Rick Montoya Italian Mysteries and it is very nice book. It is set in Mantova town in Italy and we get to know here about this town, its history and excellent food. In this book we get to know also a lot about cheese especially Parmigiano Regiano and how it is produced. And of course, there is a mystery to be solved. The book is very well written. I am looking forward to read next book in this nice serie.
June 22, 2018
The setting of this book takes place in Italy, which is on my bucket list to visit. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, even though this installment is the fifth in the series. Apparently, you can read as a stand a lone since I have not read any other books by this author. However, I plan on adding this series to my TBR pile. I love a good mystery, and this book had all of the components to keep my engaged and not want to do anything but devour until the end! Definitely a must read!
April 28, 2018
Rick Montoya travels from Rome to Mantova.It is a city full of art and fine food. A wealthy landowner has died. Was it an accident or murder? The victim's rich American cousin comes for the funeral and hires Rick as an interpreter at the same time the local police detective asks for his help.
Comment:
Another enjoyable book in this series.
Comment:
Another enjoyable book in this series.
August 12, 2018
The Bewitched Reader: A Funeral in Mantova (Rick Montoya Italian Mystery #5) by David P. Wagner
*The publisher provided this book in exchange for an honest review through NetGalley.*
Roberto Rondini dies in Mantova, his heir and daughter, Livia, invites his faraway Italian-American cousin Angelo Rondini to come to his funeral. Rondini ends up accepting the invite and goes to Italy, the country where he was born but does not remember.
Rick Montoya is an American with Italian roots who works as a translator for written work but also as an interpreter to Americans and soon receives a call from the wealthy Mr Angelo Rondini's office, hiring him, for his stay in Italy. Rick's job is to allow Mr Rondini to communicate with his relatives with ease since he does not speak any Italian and they do not speak much, or even any, English.
In the midst of all of this, the mystery of Roberto Rondini's death ends up worrying and bothering both Angelo and Rick, who start trying to find out more about it. While helping the local Questura, they start unveiling the Rondini family past, which was not always great. The more they learn about the circumstances of Angelo's death the more they are convinced that is was, indeed, a murder.
A mystery book is not something that I am used to reading. Agatha Christie and Dan Brown are about half of the experience I have with crime novels and, because of that, this was a nice change of pace.
This book accomplished one of the things that I believe are one of the most important in this genre: it was not predictable. I did not see the end coming, which is always nice. I hate when I solve a mystery novel too fast and this one allowed me to delve into the unknown for almost its entirety.
The characters were believable enough, even though I believe that there were a lot of Italian clichés in action through the book which were unnecessary. I liked Rick's character but there was something lacking, I blame that on the fact that I read this book as a standalone, even though there are five books in this series before this one. (I informed myself first, it is ok to read it as a standalone novel.)
Besides some lacks here and there, this is an interesting book and I am open to reading more of the kind in a near future. If you like crime novels, food and Italy I believe you will enjoy this book.
*The publisher provided this book in exchange for an honest review through NetGalley.*
Roberto Rondini dies in Mantova, his heir and daughter, Livia, invites his faraway Italian-American cousin Angelo Rondini to come to his funeral. Rondini ends up accepting the invite and goes to Italy, the country where he was born but does not remember.
Rick Montoya is an American with Italian roots who works as a translator for written work but also as an interpreter to Americans and soon receives a call from the wealthy Mr Angelo Rondini's office, hiring him, for his stay in Italy. Rick's job is to allow Mr Rondini to communicate with his relatives with ease since he does not speak any Italian and they do not speak much, or even any, English.
In the midst of all of this, the mystery of Roberto Rondini's death ends up worrying and bothering both Angelo and Rick, who start trying to find out more about it. While helping the local Questura, they start unveiling the Rondini family past, which was not always great. The more they learn about the circumstances of Angelo's death the more they are convinced that is was, indeed, a murder.
A mystery book is not something that I am used to reading. Agatha Christie and Dan Brown are about half of the experience I have with crime novels and, because of that, this was a nice change of pace.
This book accomplished one of the things that I believe are one of the most important in this genre: it was not predictable. I did not see the end coming, which is always nice. I hate when I solve a mystery novel too fast and this one allowed me to delve into the unknown for almost its entirety.
The characters were believable enough, even though I believe that there were a lot of Italian clichés in action through the book which were unnecessary. I liked Rick's character but there was something lacking, I blame that on the fact that I read this book as a standalone, even though there are five books in this series before this one. (I informed myself first, it is ok to read it as a standalone novel.)
Besides some lacks here and there, this is an interesting book and I am open to reading more of the kind in a near future. If you like crime novels, food and Italy I believe you will enjoy this book.
April 9, 2018
How have I managed to miss this wonderful series? This is the fifth book and the first I have read. So nice to know that I have the previous four to enjoy. The Italian setting, the awesome descriptions of food and the culture are the drivers of this story, the mystery is excellent but, oh, how I now want to take a trip to Lombardy and Mantova.
Rick Montoya is an American living in Rome and working as an interpreter. When Roberto Rondini, a local cheese maker, is found dead, it is ruled an accident. One of his American cousins decides to attend the funeral and meet his Italian relatives. He hires Rick to act as his interpreter and that would seem to be all there is to the story. Until murder is considered and Rick is asked by Insp. Crispi to keep his eyes and ears open to find any evidence of the crime and inform him. It turns out that Roberto wasn't beloved by all.
I liked the mystery but, most of all, I loved the setting, much as I love Venice when I read books by Donna Leon. David Wagner loves Italy in the same way. My thanks to Poisoned Pen Press and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
Rick Montoya is an American living in Rome and working as an interpreter. When Roberto Rondini, a local cheese maker, is found dead, it is ruled an accident. One of his American cousins decides to attend the funeral and meet his Italian relatives. He hires Rick to act as his interpreter and that would seem to be all there is to the story. Until murder is considered and Rick is asked by Insp. Crispi to keep his eyes and ears open to find any evidence of the crime and inform him. It turns out that Roberto wasn't beloved by all.
I liked the mystery but, most of all, I loved the setting, much as I love Venice when I read books by Donna Leon. David Wagner loves Italy in the same way. My thanks to Poisoned Pen Press and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
April 15, 2018
If you know Italy--or would like to--if you enjoy Italian food--or would like to--then A Funeral in Mantova is for you. Italian travel, architecture, art, and cuisine constitute only the back story of a murder ripe for solving by Rome-based translator/interpreter Rick Montoya.
The fifth in a series by former Foreign Service Officer David Wagner, the novels only get better as his protagonist inevitably finds himself faced with a crime that requires his erudition, wit, logic, and assistance from his uncle, Commissario Piero Fontana.
Read this book, and you'll be tempted to book a trip to Mantova (Mantua, as it's known in English). In addition to enjoying the enormous varieties of Italian food, you'll also confirm that Wagner knows his Italian restaurants and food. Example: "She pulled a piece of bread from the basket. It was mostly holes and had a thick crust darkened by the oven." (It won't be confused with French bread.) And, another: "There was a restaurant in Rome that used to serve spaghetti alla carbonara this way," (with the lucky person at the table invited to eat from the bowl in which the dish was served.)
Buon Appetito!
The fifth in a series by former Foreign Service Officer David Wagner, the novels only get better as his protagonist inevitably finds himself faced with a crime that requires his erudition, wit, logic, and assistance from his uncle, Commissario Piero Fontana.
Read this book, and you'll be tempted to book a trip to Mantova (Mantua, as it's known in English). In addition to enjoying the enormous varieties of Italian food, you'll also confirm that Wagner knows his Italian restaurants and food. Example: "She pulled a piece of bread from the basket. It was mostly holes and had a thick crust darkened by the oven." (It won't be confused with French bread.) And, another: "There was a restaurant in Rome that used to serve spaghetti alla carbonara this way," (with the lucky person at the table invited to eat from the bowl in which the dish was served.)
Buon Appetito!
February 22, 2018
Pretty darn good mystery in a terrific Italian setting. Who would expect that translator Rick Adler would find himself investigating the death of Roberto, a fisherman in Lombardy? Readers of this series would but it was new to me and gosh, I did enjoy it. The basic premise- a murder, an argument over land, and a family disagreement- are not unique but the characters are. Rick takes on the effort at the behest of Inspector Crespi. Remember that Italian law enforcement works differently than it is does in the US. Roberto's daughter Livia is fascinating. Thanks to the publisher for the ARC. This is hard to characterize as it's not a cozy or procedural but it's got a winning amateur in Rick and a well written plot.
March 12, 2018
Rick Montoya is an American translator/interpreter based in Rome. He's hired by Angelo Rondini, born in Lombardy, who was brought to America as an infant and who has never been back to Italy. He's returning now for the funeral of his cousin Roberto, and because he's growing old and has renewed interest in his roots. But Rick finds out that the police suspect Roberto was murdered, although the death was originally called an accident. With the help of the local policeman and Angelo's beautiful assistant Lexi, Rick tries to investigate. He finally gets a lead, just as the murderer decides to act again.
June 11, 2022
Another enjoyable book in this series. Good characters - ok plot although a little predictable.
This series is long on atmosphere. That is charming and one of the reasons I read these books. But there are a lot of sentences that should be cut. We don't need to know that a waiter opened a wine bottle with the corkscrew he kept in his apron or that a car stopped at a toll gate before speeding onto a highway. The author and editor apparently never heard Elmore Leonard's line that he simply left out the stuff people didn't want to read. I think the editor needs another espresso.
This series is long on atmosphere. That is charming and one of the reasons I read these books. But there are a lot of sentences that should be cut. We don't need to know that a waiter opened a wine bottle with the corkscrew he kept in his apron or that a car stopped at a toll gate before speeding onto a highway. The author and editor apparently never heard Elmore Leonard's line that he simply left out the stuff people didn't want to read. I think the editor needs another espresso.
March 12, 2025
This Rick Montoya mystery is just enough different from the others (so far) to make it stand out.
Once again, super descriptions of sites, meals, art in the Mantova (Mantua) region. Some economics, some ancestor searching, some cheese making, some nasty business to sort out.
A great story-- this one would make a terrific movie: changes of scene, changes of focal characters, heart-strings tugged..
Lagniappe: I've just created an Italian/Montoya-inflected menu for a church auction based on David Wagner's meals in Mantova (and elsewhere)
Once again, super descriptions of sites, meals, art in the Mantova (Mantua) region. Some economics, some ancestor searching, some cheese making, some nasty business to sort out.
A great story-- this one would make a terrific movie: changes of scene, changes of focal characters, heart-strings tugged..
Lagniappe: I've just created an Italian/Montoya-inflected menu for a church auction based on David Wagner's meals in Mantova (and elsewhere)
April 13, 2018
Rick Montoya works as an interpreter in Italy, when he receives a call requesting his interpreting services for a wealthy American attending a relative's funeral in Mantova. Along the way, Rick learns that the local police feel that the dead man may have been murdered. Lots of suspects, lots of Italian culture, food and wine. Rick gets drawn into the investigation due to his job as the interpreter, ending up reporting to the local police and his employer for the week.
April 7, 2019
I love this series. It always has great mysteries and locations, wine and food that are so well described that they are characters in the stories just as much as Rick Montoya and everyone he meets and works with in each book. Funeral in Montova is no exception to this and I really look forward to the next book. I have even discussed them with my Italian tutor who is from and still lives in the Firenze Italy region.
February 18, 2021
I love these books by this author. It is good how he includes, good food, good wine, and mystery in one book. Then there is also the history! This series makes me want to go to Italy again and visit these places and enjoy the food like it is suppose to be eaten. When we were there before our daughters were teenagers so our diet was limited mainly to the pasta dishes.
May 19, 2022
3.5 stars. I liked the main character, the travelogue and foodie elements, as well as the fact that there is not much violence, no bad language and no sex - all that makes it somewhat of a cozy mystery. There were plot elements that did not make sense and the resolution was pulled out of a hat like a stunned rabbit. I will read another in the series but not right away.
May 3, 2023
I am loving this series and this was book #6 - Rick has traveled to Mantova up north in Lombardy. Hired as a translator for a rich Italian American, who is there for the funeral of his uncle, it is not long before the plot thickens. The uncle was murdered and the cast of suspects grows, but that doesn’t stop Rick from solving this one!
November 2, 2025
I’ve been reading these in a row bc they’re set in Northern-ish Italy and I love that BUT! This guy is a dick to his girlfriends! Just saying. Also when have you ever finished the primo and then the server brings you the menu again for secondo? I haven’t experienced that. The travelogue aspect otherwise is very good.
November 29, 2018
I have really enjoyed this series and I think this is the best mystery of them all. As with the others, ‘ a funeral in Mantova’ is mystery, travelogue and culinary delight all rolled into one enjoyable read. I do hope that Mr. Wagner is working on book #6.
February 18, 2020
Overall, I enjoyed it. It was a fun read and yet I didn’t see the twist at the end. I appreciated the details, especially food and architecture.
My only complaint is that sometimes the writing seemed...odd...stilted? Maybe another pass with an editor would have been good. Regardless, a fun read.
My only complaint is that sometimes the writing seemed...odd...stilted? Maybe another pass with an editor would have been good. Regardless, a fun read.
May 5, 2025
Another highly satisfying Rick Montoya mystery from David Wagner. I really enjoy this series not just for the stories, which are excellent, but for the food and location descriptions that make me long to be in Italy again.
August 11, 2025
Terrific
I know the area he writes about and he does it perfectly. His wine and restaurant recommendations are excellent aed he also writes a really wonderful mystery. It is a complete book: intriguing mystery, good character development and travelogue all rolled up into one.
I know the area he writes about and he does it perfectly. His wine and restaurant recommendations are excellent aed he also writes a really wonderful mystery. It is a complete book: intriguing mystery, good character development and travelogue all rolled up into one.
March 17, 2018
Love the Rick Montoya series and the lovely places in Italy to enjoy while reading. Will Have to put Mantova on my list of cities to visit there.
April 1, 2018
This book makes me want to go to Italy and eat expensive cheese.
April 15, 2018
Back to Italy
I fell like I've gone back to revisit a favorite spot in Italy when reading a David Wagner book. I hope he writes many more.
I fell like I've gone back to revisit a favorite spot in Italy when reading a David Wagner book. I hope he writes many more.
May 16, 2018
A pleasant entry in this series as Rick helps solve a mystery triggered by a client’s visit to the title’s city for a family funeral. Lots of the usual details on meals eaten and wines drank.
June 5, 2018
It was a good read, not super exciting, but the descriptions of food, art and Italy in general, made it more enjoyable.
January 3, 2019
Good food and wine wrapped around a good mystery.
March 25, 2020
Fun, fast read. I enjoy the talk about the food that they eat. My times in Italy, we didn't eat much fancy stuff like that
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January 30, 2022Enjoyable - loved the culture, scenic tour, food and wine ...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews