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The Homeswappers #0.5
Castelmezzano, The Witch Is Dead
Some people dream of a gentle retirement enjoying crochet or cricket, but for two sexagenarians, a more cadaverous future awaits…
Newly retired teachers, Etta and Dora, take a walk along an old mule track connecting their mountain-top villages, each hoping to soothe the distress she feels at the paltry pension she will receive. Meeting at the fabled Witches’ Cave, they put aside their woes – the naked body of Sibilla, Castelmezzano’s beautiful witch, lies dead at the foot of the old oak tree. Did she plummet from the sky during a Sabbath flight as the superstitious locals are whispering? Or was the far more worldly evil of a human hand involved?
When suspicions fall on Cassandra, Sibilla’s sister in the Art of Witchcraft, Dora and Etta fear the carabinieri have fallen prey to prejudice and local folklore. While Dora remains convinced of Cassandra’s innocence, Etta’s hunch takes her to a completely different conclusion, but could the truth really be so devious? And can she stop the killer before she becomes the next victim?
•••
Fans of cosy mysteries won’t want to miss this intriguing tale of deceit and betrayal, new from the author of the thrilling An Italian Village Mystery series.
Castelmezzano, The Witch is Dead is the prequel to the The Homeswappers Mysteries a humorous cosy series from Italian author Adriana Licio exploring the most delightfully murderous European travel destinations on and off the beaten track.
Each book can be read as a standalone or you can enjoy the whole series:
0. Castelmezzano, The Witch is Dead – An Italian Cosy Mystery (A Prequel Novella)
1. The Watchman of Rothenburg Dies – A German Cosy Mystery
2. A Wedding and a Funeral in Mecklenburg – A German Travel Mystery
3. An Aero Island Christmas Mystery – A Danish Cosy Mystery
4. Prague, Secrets from the Past – A Czech Travel Mystery (to be released in Spring 2021)
(More books and more adventures to come!)
Written in British English, this is a clean cosy mystery series with no violence, sex or strong language.
Newly retired teachers, Etta and Dora, take a walk along an old mule track connecting their mountain-top villages, each hoping to soothe the distress she feels at the paltry pension she will receive. Meeting at the fabled Witches’ Cave, they put aside their woes – the naked body of Sibilla, Castelmezzano’s beautiful witch, lies dead at the foot of the old oak tree. Did she plummet from the sky during a Sabbath flight as the superstitious locals are whispering? Or was the far more worldly evil of a human hand involved?
When suspicions fall on Cassandra, Sibilla’s sister in the Art of Witchcraft, Dora and Etta fear the carabinieri have fallen prey to prejudice and local folklore. While Dora remains convinced of Cassandra’s innocence, Etta’s hunch takes her to a completely different conclusion, but could the truth really be so devious? And can she stop the killer before she becomes the next victim?
•••
Fans of cosy mysteries won’t want to miss this intriguing tale of deceit and betrayal, new from the author of the thrilling An Italian Village Mystery series.
Castelmezzano, The Witch is Dead is the prequel to the The Homeswappers Mysteries a humorous cosy series from Italian author Adriana Licio exploring the most delightfully murderous European travel destinations on and off the beaten track.
Each book can be read as a standalone or you can enjoy the whole series:
0. Castelmezzano, The Witch is Dead – An Italian Cosy Mystery (A Prequel Novella)
1. The Watchman of Rothenburg Dies – A German Cosy Mystery
2. A Wedding and a Funeral in Mecklenburg – A German Travel Mystery
3. An Aero Island Christmas Mystery – A Danish Cosy Mystery
4. Prague, Secrets from the Past – A Czech Travel Mystery (to be released in Spring 2021)
(More books and more adventures to come!)
Written in British English, this is a clean cosy mystery series with no violence, sex or strong language.
162 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 30, 2020
333 people are currently reading
232 people want to read
About the author
Adriana Licio
33 books109 followersAdriana lives somewhere stuck on the Apennine mountains in southern Italy not far from Maratea, the Mediterranean setting for her cozy series "An Italian Village Mystery".
Get a taste of Adriana's world reading "And Then There Were Bones" the prequel to her series, exclusive to subscribers on her mailing list - https://adrianalicio.com/murderclub
She loves loads of things: traveling, reading, walking, savouring good food, exploring small villages, and home swapping. She runs her family perfumery shop, and between a dark patchouli and a musky rose, she reads and writes cozy mysteries.
She resisted writing as long as she could; fearing it might open doors to her already galloping imagination. But one day she found an alluring blank page and the words flowed in that weird English she'd learned in Glasgow...
Adriana finds peace for her restless, enthusiastic soul when she walks in nature, with her adventurous dog Frodo and her hubby Giovanni.
Get a taste of Adriana's world reading "And Then There Were Bones" the prequel to her series, exclusive to subscribers on her mailing list - https://adrianalicio.com/murderclub
She loves loads of things: traveling, reading, walking, savouring good food, exploring small villages, and home swapping. She runs her family perfumery shop, and between a dark patchouli and a musky rose, she reads and writes cozy mysteries.
She resisted writing as long as she could; fearing it might open doors to her already galloping imagination. But one day she found an alluring blank page and the words flowed in that weird English she'd learned in Glasgow...
Adriana finds peace for her restless, enthusiastic soul when she walks in nature, with her adventurous dog Frodo and her hubby Giovanni.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
June 5, 2023
Individually walking up the old track toward the Witches' Cave, the screams of one sent the other rushing to the top. Finding the naked body of a young woman, Sibilla, was a shock to both Etta and Dora, and as she lay beneath an old oak tree, their call to the carabinieri saw them arrive to take over the search for answers. Both ladies had recently retired from their teaching jobs, and both were disgusted about the pensions they'd receive after their devoted duty of forty years. How could they live on that pittance?
Etta and Dora decided to solve the mystery of Sibilla's death, while working out how they could manage, even having a small holiday or two. But could they? The carabinieri had a suspect, but the women knew they were wrong...
Castelmezzano, the Witch is Dead is #0.5 in The Homeswappers series by Adriana Licio and was quite amusing, while being a little silly. I admired Etta and Dora, with Etta being the stronger of the two women, but Dora was an excellent cook. The elderly ladies worked their plans well together. Recommended.
Etta and Dora decided to solve the mystery of Sibilla's death, while working out how they could manage, even having a small holiday or two. But could they? The carabinieri had a suspect, but the women knew they were wrong...
Castelmezzano, the Witch is Dead is #0.5 in The Homeswappers series by Adriana Licio and was quite amusing, while being a little silly. I admired Etta and Dora, with Etta being the stronger of the two women, but Dora was an excellent cook. The elderly ladies worked their plans well together. Recommended.
August 2, 2020
Castelmezzano, The Witch is Dead by Adriana Licio is the prequel for The Homeswappers. Dora and Etta are newly retired teachers who each learned that their pensions are less than expected. They both had plans to travel, but now they will barely be able to make ends meet. The two women go for a walk and encounter each other. They discover a naked dead woman who happens to be the local witch. They cannot help but do a little investigating. Castelmezzano introduces to new lively characters who live in Italy. These two women taught for many years looking forward to the day they retired and could see a little of the world. They knew each other when teaching, but they were not close friends. Now Dora and Etta find themselves involved in a murder investigation. Humor ensues as they investigate the victim and search for the killer. I thought Castelmezzano was well-written with steady pacing. I enjoyed the mystery. Dora and Etta are entertaining sleuths. I enjoyed watching Dora and Etta go from acquaintances to friends. They are different from each other, so they balance each other out. Things are never dull when they are together. Castelmezzano is a lively start to The Homeswappers series.
April 13, 2022
Concetta Natale Passolino "Etta" and Dorotea Ros Pepe "Dora" are both Italian teachers who have recently retired. Finding their pensions are not enough to do the traveling they both dreamed of doing, Dora sells her house and moves in to Etta's larger home. Then Dora teaches Etta about the European homeswapping program that will allow them to travel much more cheaply and actually live for a given time in whatever place they desire to travel. But when out for a walk, Etta and Dora discovered a dead body they get embroiled in their first mystery together that begins this new cozy mystery series that will take them around the European continent.
I loved how opposite the two ladies are yet they play off one another well. Dora is sweet natured and loves animals. Etta is a bit caustic in her relations with other people and very set in her ways. I loved how they ended up with their Bassett Hound Napoleon aka Leon. Enjoyable kick off for this cozy mystery series.
I loved how opposite the two ladies are yet they play off one another well. Dora is sweet natured and loves animals. Etta is a bit caustic in her relations with other people and very set in her ways. I loved how they ended up with their Bassett Hound Napoleon aka Leon. Enjoyable kick off for this cozy mystery series.
July 31, 2020
DING DONG the witch is dead . . . but that's really NOT a good thing!
Dora and Etta have each just recently discovered that after many long years teaching the children of their villages, their government pensions won't do much towards the traveling they had been looking forward to, in fact, they will barely make ends meet!
Top that with their discovery of a naked dead body - formerly known as the local witch - and you've got the makings of an extraordinary friendship! Dora and Etta remind me of myself and my roommate. Me a bit rigid in my "things go where they go", she with her artsy, airy, loving, and easy way. And we're close in age to these ladies too, so that made it even more fun to read!
Determined that the Maresciallo in his haste, has arrested the wrong person, the two ladies set out to investigate this murder, while also trying to find solutions to their financial straits. Inventive in both aspects, I had no doubt Etta and Dora would get their culprit. The devilment they get into along the way had me laughing out loud!
When they resolve their retirement the way I had been rooting for them to, it's the icing on the cake!
The Prequel book to Licio's Homeswapper's Mysteries, The Witch is Dead has all the elements you'll look for in a new series to get into. A beautiful setting; it's Italia after all! Characters you will love and want to continue to get to know. And the promise of travel all over Europe, while getting themselves embroiled in all kinds of adventures along the way. I'm already waiting impatiently for Book One!
[Though I gratefully received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from the author, I was not required to write a review. The opinions expressed herein are entirely my own.]
Dora and Etta have each just recently discovered that after many long years teaching the children of their villages, their government pensions won't do much towards the traveling they had been looking forward to, in fact, they will barely make ends meet!
Top that with their discovery of a naked dead body - formerly known as the local witch - and you've got the makings of an extraordinary friendship! Dora and Etta remind me of myself and my roommate. Me a bit rigid in my "things go where they go", she with her artsy, airy, loving, and easy way. And we're close in age to these ladies too, so that made it even more fun to read!
Determined that the Maresciallo in his haste, has arrested the wrong person, the two ladies set out to investigate this murder, while also trying to find solutions to their financial straits. Inventive in both aspects, I had no doubt Etta and Dora would get their culprit. The devilment they get into along the way had me laughing out loud!
When they resolve their retirement the way I had been rooting for them to, it's the icing on the cake!
The Prequel book to Licio's Homeswapper's Mysteries, The Witch is Dead has all the elements you'll look for in a new series to get into. A beautiful setting; it's Italia after all! Characters you will love and want to continue to get to know. And the promise of travel all over Europe, while getting themselves embroiled in all kinds of adventures along the way. I'm already waiting impatiently for Book One!
[Though I gratefully received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from the author, I was not required to write a review. The opinions expressed herein are entirely my own.]
September 2, 2020
Magical beginning of the series
Castelmezzano, (TWID), is a
spectacular prequel for this new series by Adrianna Licio.
The polar opposite personalities between the two main characters has shown, even this early in the series, to be a source of humor, and of strength we wouldn't have guessed the character to have. This happened when Dora refused to get rid of her old, blue Fiat. I was absolutely charmed by the towns and their architecture. These were beautifully created, and written so vibrantly, that I felt I was there amongst them. These "more mature" ladies were a refreshing change from the typical 20 or 30 something years old main characters I often encounter in cozy mysteries, and I enjoyed their wit and humor. I look forward to getting to know more about these characters, and what kinds of "trouble" they get themselves into. I wholeheartedly recommend this book, and any further books in the series. Adriana Licio is an incredible weaver of tales, and her different series illustrate her ability to build worlds that pull the reader in, and keep them engrossed until the last page.
Castelmezzano, (TWID), is a
spectacular prequel for this new series by Adrianna Licio.
The polar opposite personalities between the two main characters has shown, even this early in the series, to be a source of humor, and of strength we wouldn't have guessed the character to have. This happened when Dora refused to get rid of her old, blue Fiat. I was absolutely charmed by the towns and their architecture. These were beautifully created, and written so vibrantly, that I felt I was there amongst them. These "more mature" ladies were a refreshing change from the typical 20 or 30 something years old main characters I often encounter in cozy mysteries, and I enjoyed their wit and humor. I look forward to getting to know more about these characters, and what kinds of "trouble" they get themselves into. I wholeheartedly recommend this book, and any further books in the series. Adriana Licio is an incredible weaver of tales, and her different series illustrate her ability to build worlds that pull the reader in, and keep them engrossed until the last page.
July 25, 2020
What a lovely start to a very promising new series!
A great and exciting murder mystery! Two retired teachers come together to solve the murder of a witch. It was suspenseful and the outcome was surprising! It’s a novella, a quick read, but very well developed already. I loved the writing style. I think this really promises a lot for the rest of the series. I immediately liked Dora. I did have a little trouble taking to Etta, who is the kind of person who likes to be in control and who has some strong views on things. I was so happy that the softer, sweeter Dora didn’t let Etta dominate her! But I think that Etta will grow on me, in fact, at the end of the book I had already warmed up to her. Two very different people who are becoming friends and are bonding with each other, and also with me! And it was good for the variety, to have two women who are so different. I know there’s never going to be a boring moment! I really enjoyed this prequel, and I think this could be a great, fun new series!!!
A great and exciting murder mystery! Two retired teachers come together to solve the murder of a witch. It was suspenseful and the outcome was surprising! It’s a novella, a quick read, but very well developed already. I loved the writing style. I think this really promises a lot for the rest of the series. I immediately liked Dora. I did have a little trouble taking to Etta, who is the kind of person who likes to be in control and who has some strong views on things. I was so happy that the softer, sweeter Dora didn’t let Etta dominate her! But I think that Etta will grow on me, in fact, at the end of the book I had already warmed up to her. Two very different people who are becoming friends and are bonding with each other, and also with me! And it was good for the variety, to have two women who are so different. I know there’s never going to be a boring moment! I really enjoyed this prequel, and I think this could be a great, fun new series!!!
August 4, 2020
I just love these two retired teachers, Etta and Dora who were previously just teacher acquaintances but soon became good friends having both experienced seeing/finding the dead body of the town witch.
There weren't an overabundance of suspects, but being a novella that was to be expected. It was great how the showdown was set up. Etta wasn't too happy to be in danger for a few minutes, but it all turned out well, and now the new friends would be able to pursue their dream of travel by doing what the series name says, Home swappers. I think I'm going to enjoy this new series! I have a feeling the girls will end up running into murders no matter where they go, which should be interesting for sure. This was a great borrow on Kindle Unlimited.
There weren't an overabundance of suspects, but being a novella that was to be expected. It was great how the showdown was set up. Etta wasn't too happy to be in danger for a few minutes, but it all turned out well, and now the new friends would be able to pursue their dream of travel by doing what the series name says, Home swappers. I think I'm going to enjoy this new series! I have a feeling the girls will end up running into murders no matter where they go, which should be interesting for sure. This was a great borrow on Kindle Unlimited.
November 28, 2020
CASTELMEZZANO,
THE WITCH IS DEAD
An Italian Cozy Mystery
ADRIANA LICIO
Review by Author Roy Murry
Two Italian women, both retired teachers, meet on a path that leads from one village to another. The popular route presents the women with a conundrum - a dead naked woman's body they believe to be a witch.
This comical whodunit begins with tales of how witches die, particularly this one whom they know. When the ladies put their heads together, results happen.
All Etta and Dora’s and the local police investigations lead to a quick and exciting ending. It seems these ladies will join together for future sleuthing.
The writing is polished, funny, and fast-paced—a quick read for afternoon enjoyment.
THE WITCH IS DEAD
An Italian Cozy Mystery
ADRIANA LICIO
Review by Author Roy Murry
Two Italian women, both retired teachers, meet on a path that leads from one village to another. The popular route presents the women with a conundrum - a dead naked woman's body they believe to be a witch.
This comical whodunit begins with tales of how witches die, particularly this one whom they know. When the ladies put their heads together, results happen.
All Etta and Dora’s and the local police investigations lead to a quick and exciting ending. It seems these ladies will join together for future sleuthing.
The writing is polished, funny, and fast-paced—a quick read for afternoon enjoyment.
August 4, 2021
Great Italian setting for a murder
Two retired teachers trying to make ends meet get their exercise by walking. Coming from different directions, they discover the body of a suspected witch, though the police are hesitant to go along with the village superstitions. With very different talents, the teachers figure out the most likely suspects and eventually convince the police to believe them. The most obvious suspects turn out to be guilty and the teachers work out their finances in the most logical way. Fun story but rather predictable, except for the details about the normal activities ofwitches. I enjoyed the descriptions of the village, the countryside, and the great family home of one of the teachers.
Two retired teachers trying to make ends meet get their exercise by walking. Coming from different directions, they discover the body of a suspected witch, though the police are hesitant to go along with the village superstitions. With very different talents, the teachers figure out the most likely suspects and eventually convince the police to believe them. The most obvious suspects turn out to be guilty and the teachers work out their finances in the most logical way. Fun story but rather predictable, except for the details about the normal activities ofwitches. I enjoyed the descriptions of the village, the countryside, and the great family home of one of the teachers.
May 5, 2021
This is the prequel to a great cozy mystery series, “The Homeswappers”. Two retired teachers realize that neither of them can live as they hoped on their pensions. They team together to live a live of retirement they hoped for as well as being caught up in a murder mystery. Their opposite personalities blend together to create a team of amateur sleuths the Carabinieri did not plan on. The characters, setting, and plot are described in enough detail that the reader can easily imagine they are part of the book. Full of humor and intrigue Etta and Dora work to solve the murder before the guilty get away with murder.
June 12, 2021
I have been reading this author's books since she published her first one and she just keeps getting better & better!
This particular story introduces us to Dora and Etta who are newly retired teachers trying to live on a ridiculously low pension. From there this story takes the reader through an array of suspects for the murder of the town witch. Incidentally, these two are the ones that come upon the body as they are taking a walk. There are so many hilarious, LOL moments, you should look around as you're reading! Don't want people questioning your sanity!! A delightful and easy read!
This particular story introduces us to Dora and Etta who are newly retired teachers trying to live on a ridiculously low pension. From there this story takes the reader through an array of suspects for the murder of the town witch. Incidentally, these two are the ones that come upon the body as they are taking a walk. There are so many hilarious, LOL moments, you should look around as you're reading! Don't want people questioning your sanity!! A delightful and easy read!
September 23, 2025
What a great start to a new (for me) series!
I didn't know what to expect as I had not read anything by this author yet.
But I was loving the setting immediately and the details of the Italian villages were well described.
I did get a feeling as if I was walking through it myself. I googled a few places as well to get an even more in depth feeling of the surroundings and views.
Meeting Dora and Etta was an immediate sense of finding new friends, I loved it!
(maybe because I'm retired myself, so I could relate to their worries and lifestyle LOL)
This was a nice mystery, an exciting ending and I am going to read more of this series!
I didn't know what to expect as I had not read anything by this author yet.
But I was loving the setting immediately and the details of the Italian villages were well described.
I did get a feeling as if I was walking through it myself. I googled a few places as well to get an even more in depth feeling of the surroundings and views.
Meeting Dora and Etta was an immediate sense of finding new friends, I loved it!
(maybe because I'm retired myself, so I could relate to their worries and lifestyle LOL)
This was a nice mystery, an exciting ending and I am going to read more of this series!
August 30, 2020
5 stars
Wonderful start to a new series!
Reviewed in the United States on July 31, 2020
Etta and Dora are wonderful characters in a quick fast mystery. The setting of the two villages act as characters in their own right - such gorgeous descriptions of them. The story was well written and had plenty of twists and humor. I cannot wait for the next adventure in this series! Well done, Ms. Licio - I recommend this book to everyone that likes to get in on the first in a series and/or loves a good cozy! I received an ARC and this is my honest opinion.
Wonderful start to a new series!
Reviewed in the United States on July 31, 2020
Etta and Dora are wonderful characters in a quick fast mystery. The setting of the two villages act as characters in their own right - such gorgeous descriptions of them. The story was well written and had plenty of twists and humor. I cannot wait for the next adventure in this series! Well done, Ms. Licio - I recommend this book to everyone that likes to get in on the first in a series and/or loves a good cozy! I received an ARC and this is my honest opinion.
May 26, 2021
Retired teachers
A veryinteresting story shared by two friends, while searching for truth and justice.
While solving their own predicament with each other, to inrich both their lives.
A aren't little mystery with rich characters and country in Italy. I read it from
Start to finnish, the old customs mixed in with the new modern age of living.
Gave it a very rich and enjoyable read, with some comical mixed in. I am looking
forward to reading the whole series, of these two friends and the mischief they
get themselves into and out of.
Debra H.
A veryinteresting story shared by two friends, while searching for truth and justice.
While solving their own predicament with each other, to inrich both their lives.
A aren't little mystery with rich characters and country in Italy. I read it from
Start to finnish, the old customs mixed in with the new modern age of living.
Gave it a very rich and enjoyable read, with some comical mixed in. I am looking
forward to reading the whole series, of these two friends and the mischief they
get themselves into and out of.
Debra H.
July 22, 2021
A Fun New Series of Adventures
Etta and Dora are newly retired teachers who discover their retirement income won’t let them enjoy much of a life after work as they had expected. After solving a local murder together, they decide they might live together and enjoy a traveling life style they had both hoped for thru homeswapping. A fun series to escape into as we follow these two intrepid ladies around Italy and beyond.
Etta and Dora are newly retired teachers who discover their retirement income won’t let them enjoy much of a life after work as they had expected. After solving a local murder together, they decide they might live together and enjoy a traveling life style they had both hoped for thru homeswapping. A fun series to escape into as we follow these two intrepid ladies around Italy and beyond.
August 29, 2021
A light mystery story with a great sense of place
Our two heroines live in Italian villages alive with a variety of quirky characters and the local color. The beautiful landscape, Italian words and traditions add reading enjoyment and fun. Our heroines solve the mystery using their knowledge of the people involved and their ability to learn related clues through conversation. In the process these two women create a new hobby (solving mysteries) and a new life for themselves.
Our two heroines live in Italian villages alive with a variety of quirky characters and the local color. The beautiful landscape, Italian words and traditions add reading enjoyment and fun. Our heroines solve the mystery using their knowledge of the people involved and their ability to learn related clues through conversation. In the process these two women create a new hobby (solving mysteries) and a new life for themselves.
January 5, 2022
This book is the introduction to the author's home swapping mystery series in which Etta and Dora decide to live together in Etta's house and share expenses, freeing up more of their meager teachers' pensions for traveling. Before that happens they hone their nascent sleuthing skills solving the murder of the village witch Sibilla.
I started this series by Italian author Adriana Licio with #4, and it was so good (set in Prague) that I decided to read the whole series.
I started this series by Italian author Adriana Licio with #4, and it was so good (set in Prague) that I decided to read the whole series.
August 2, 2020
Great introduction
This is a short quick read that gives us a great introduction to Etta and Dora. I love how fearless and opinionated Etta is. I love how caring and stubborn Dora is. They make a great pair and now they are set to travel Europe! I can't wait to read the next book.
Oh and there was a murder and I easy glad to see the murderer caught.
This is a short quick read that gives us a great introduction to Etta and Dora. I love how fearless and opinionated Etta is. I love how caring and stubborn Dora is. They make a great pair and now they are set to travel Europe! I can't wait to read the next book.
Oh and there was a murder and I easy glad to see the murderer caught.
August 13, 2020
An unlikely partnership of ex-school teachers living in this part of the Italian country side. An introduction to a new series where the two old colleagues meet up when they are both retired and put their heads together to help solve the murder of a local witch. A great story and looking forward to reading more from Adriana Licio
August 31, 2020
Murder and friendship
This charming and interesting prequel foreshadows a wonderful new series dealing with folklore and foreign locations. Two newly retired teachers, on their morning walks, discover a witch's body. As they explore this event, their friendship grows and their talents and needs compliment each other's.
This charming and interesting prequel foreshadows a wonderful new series dealing with folklore and foreign locations. Two newly retired teachers, on their morning walks, discover a witch's body. As they explore this event, their friendship grows and their talents and needs compliment each other's.
January 17, 2022
A cute start to a new series by an author that I haven't read before. I really liked the two retirees Dora and Etta and I loved the story line. The side line of practicing witches just made the book more fun. I really liked the setting of the book and I am looking forward to reading more in this series.
February 10, 2022
A fascinating setting in a small Italian village full of flavor and color. Two intriguing retired schoolteachers who have found themselves in a difficult spot when their pensions aren’t what they were expecting and a dead witch found after a full moon stirred altogether makes an entertaining origin story for Etta and Dora. I can’t wait to see where their houseswapping adventures take them!
October 14, 2022
Such fun reading how Etta and Dora meet which becomes the base of great adventures to come. Adriana Lucio has a gift of using her experience living or traveling to wonderful places to write good mysteries within a descriptive narrative of the places the ladies go. Okay can’t wait to see how Napoleon works his way into their lives
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 16, 2023
An entertaining read
Loved this book! The retired ladies remind me of my abuela and her sisters. The story was a bit predictable, but that did not detract from the story itself. Great characters, snappy dialog, and a charming setting. I look forward to reading more from this author.
Loved this book! The retired ladies remind me of my abuela and her sisters. The story was a bit predictable, but that did not detract from the story itself. Great characters, snappy dialog, and a charming setting. I look forward to reading more from this author.
May 19, 2023
Real feel of Italian village life!
Oh my, perfect solutions present themselves for these different as cats and dogs retired teachers! Great read with murder, of course, giving an inkling these 2 friends are meant to be roomies, and enjoy their lives. Well, written, and can't wait to read further books featuring Etta and Dora.
Oh my, perfect solutions present themselves for these different as cats and dogs retired teachers! Great read with murder, of course, giving an inkling these 2 friends are meant to be roomies, and enjoy their lives. Well, written, and can't wait to read further books featuring Etta and Dora.
August 3, 2020
FANTASTIC first book in a new series! Wonderful characters with her signature understanding of Italian villages, traditions, and human interaction. I read every Licio book I can find and I've loved them all! I heartily recommend Adriana Lucio and her well crafted mysteries.
August 13, 2020
A lovely prequel to a new cozy mystery series that I am happy to say I enjoyed. Italy is full of mystery with witches and superstitions so this fits right in to the mysteries. The home swappers series should be fun. The principal characters will be a hoot!
November 22, 2020
The beginning
This is a short introduction to Etta and Dora before they become home swappers. They find a dead woman in the path between their villages in southern Italy. It was delightful to learn a little about the area and one of its legends.
This is a short introduction to Etta and Dora before they become home swappers. They find a dead woman in the path between their villages in southern Italy. It was delightful to learn a little about the area and one of its legends.
December 10, 2020
Wonderful mystery
Two retired teachers find themselves in a mystery involving a murdered witch and a nefarious real estate salesman. A witch is accused but the heroines know better. I found the story short but loved learning about their Italian home.
Two retired teachers find themselves in a mystery involving a murdered witch and a nefarious real estate salesman. A witch is accused but the heroines know better. I found the story short but loved learning about their Italian home.
December 19, 2020
I received this Kindle book through the author's newsletter, and I liked it. It's a prequel to the series, and I have read the two that follow. It's very interesting since it's set it Europe, and this one is set in Italy. Recommended.
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