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The Homeswappers #2

A Wedding and a Funeral in Mecklenburg

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As two young people from different worlds are joined together in marriage, the murmuring among the guests is that the relationship is doomed. But only one knows the form that doom will take.

Etta and Dora, retired teachers from the South of Italy, arrive with their Basset Hound, the strong willed, loveable Leon, for a home swap holiday in a German mansion, just in time for the celebrations following the wedding of their hosts’ son to a beautiful Parisienne socialite. But the festivities come to an abrupt end when the bride falls face first into the wedding cake, a bullet in her heart.

Although the culprit looks obvious – the groom’s business partner stands in shock, a gun in her hand – indisputable forensic evidence clears her name. Calling on her burgeoning talent as a sleuth, Etta launches her own investigations in parallel with those of the police. But with matters of the heart seeming to play a prominent role, it’s the more sentimental Dora who comes to the fore to fill in the gaps. Still, there’s something elusive, some crucial little detail…

Then the truth strikes. And it is so diabolical that even the pragmatic Etta is left reeling.


◆◆◆ Pack your bags, mystery fans. It’s time to join Etta, Dora and Leon on the road – there’s a crime to solve before they can enjoy their latest cosy homeswap. ◆◆◆


A Wedding And A Funeral In Mecklenburg is the second book in the compelling The Homeswappers a new cozy travel mystery series from Italian author Adriana Licio.

It can be read as a standalone or you can enjoy the whole series:

0 – Castelmezzano, The Witch is Dead: an Italian Cozy Mystery (A Prequel Novella)

1 – The Watchman of Rothenburg Dies: a German Cozy Mystery

2 – A Wedding and a Funeral in Mecklenburg: a German Travel Mystery

3 – An Aero Island Christmas Mystery: a Danish Cozy Mystery

356 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 15, 2020

145 people are currently reading
97 people want to read

About the author

Adriana Licio

33 books109 followers
Adriana 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.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
Profile Image for Lyn.
Author 121 books588 followers
March 20, 2023
I rarely give five star reviews, but this book insisted I do! I have been enjoying the Homeswappers, cozy, mystery series by Adraiana Licio, but this is the best so far. Dora and Etta, two, retired Italian teachers swap homes with people in other countries in Europe, so in spite of their small pensions, are able to tour Europe. I love these two characters, Dora, so sweet and Etta so tart (grin). And their basset hound Leon who has his own point of view but never masquerades as a human. He is all basset hound, stubborn and opinionated. This book provides an amazing setting, distinct and intriguing characters and a real murder mystery puzzle that kept me guessing to the end! I highly recommend this mystery.Thanks, Adriana Licio!
Profile Image for Roxx Tarantini.
574 reviews4 followers
October 15, 2020
After their first house sitting adventure in Rothenburg, the two retired teachers - with their newly acquired Basset Hound Napoleon - set off directly for their next house sit, in Mecklenburg; where they've also been invited to a wedding. Or at least, they start out in that direction. But issues with the Fiat and its battery get in the way. They DO arrive, but they're only barely in time for the wedding supper. AND in time to see the bride fall over dead. Into the wedding cake!

Of course, Etta can't help herself but start delving into the case; with both Dora and Leon doing their fair share to help out.

As Licio is masterful at, she'll lead you on a merry chase of tangents, thinking you can beat the ladies to the solution. If you're like me, it won't happen. The Wedding at Mecklenburg delivers a surprise ending this reader did not anticipate!

One thing I do know, however; I will wait impatiently for their next adventure. Imagine driving all over Europe in a Fiat 500, and with a Basset Hound who adopted you? I cannot wait to see where they're headed next!

[I was fortunate to receive an Advance Reader Copy of the book from the author. I was not, however, required to write a review. the opinions expressed herein are entirely my own, and given freely.]
Profile Image for Nadine.
1,905 reviews2 followers
October 20, 2020
Well, this series just got even better!

I loved this second ‘adventure’ of Etta and Dora, and dog Leon. I love the character development. I’m liking Etta more and more, and Dora, who I liked from the start, also gets more real. And Napoleon (Leon) is just so cute, and his perspective added another layer to this twisty mystery! And I also loved the setting! Love love love, recommend, recommend, recommend! For the characters I would recommend starting with the prequel book 0.
Profile Image for Joanne Ernest.
70 reviews1 follower
October 4, 2020
A Wedding and Funeral in Mecklenburg by Adriana Licio

Concetta Natale Passolina (Etta) and Dorotea Rosa Pepe (Dora), together with their new Basset hound, Napoleon (Leon for short), are continuing their travels by traveling to Mecklenburg in their trusty Fiat 500 to visit a beautiful mansion in the 1000 Lakes areas of Northern Germany. In exchange for having their hosts' young son Eike stay in their house this next summer, they have been invited to attend a wedding at the home they are staying at. Unfortunately, they are late due to the battery in the Fiat dying in Rothenburg, and arrive just in time for the wedding dinner. After the delicious dinner they are served, they and the entire party are aghast to witness the bride fall into the wedding cake, dead! Of course this event causes Etta to begin investigating the facts into the mysterious death while Dora helps by understanding the interpersonal relationships between the family, friends and staff at the estate.

The best part of these books is the fact that neither of the women can solve the crime by themselves. Etta depends on Dora to explain how the people involved got on together and Dora, who is helpless with putting facts together relies on Etta to put everything together. The women are highly enjoyable to the reader with their constant back and forth squabbling. Etta feels that she must make up for Dora's naivete and enjoyment of everything she sees by always finding something that is grating about their surroundings or the people they are around. It is this exact strength on the part of each of the women that allows them to be so successful in always finding the culprit or culprits involved in the murders. I find them to be the perfect partnership in uncovering the murders wherever they may be, I am very much looking forward to their next home swap in An Aero Island Christmas mystery set in Denmark! Enjoy!
338 reviews4 followers
September 25, 2020
I love this series!

I love every book I have read from Adriana Licio and she just keeps getting better and better! This is my favorite story of this series thus far. I love Napoleon, nicknamed “Leon”. He is quite the four-legged character. The development of Dora and Etta’s friendship is wonderful. Etta is very observant and doesn’t miss a thing. Dora is the compassionate and understanding cohort that soothes the feathers of those affected by Etta’s abrasiveness. The first instance of Etta softening her edges I noticed in the series was in this story. Dora and Leon are a great influence on Etta, and likewise she is with them as well. The descriptions of the scenery are so vibrant that I feel as though I can see the beautiful scenery and smell the fragrant scents as if I were on location. There were plenty of red herrings to keep the mystery intriguing until the reveal.

Adriana Licio is a master storyteller that I can count on to deliver a well-written, entertaining, clean, cozy read. There is not foul language, no graphic violence, and no sexual scenes. I recommend this book to readers of any age who enjoy a great whodunit.

I received an advance reader copy of this book from the author. This gift did not affect my review of the book. This review is my voluntary and honest opinion.
Profile Image for Merry Chapman.
2,571 reviews23 followers
October 6, 2020
This is book 2 in a thoroughly enjoyable series! Retired teachers Etta and Dora are involvecd with a houseswapping agency and this time they are invited to not only stay in a cottage on the beautiful property, the Mecklenburg mansion and as a bonus, they are invited to a wedding of the son of the owner. So with their adopted Bassett Hound, Napoleon, Leon for short, Etta drives her very yellow fiat to the mansion. The descriptions the author gives us provides a wonderful movie in the mind as we read along. But Ette and Dora never expected the bride to be shot to death landing face down in the wedding cake. The author gives us a plethora of suspects who all seem to have alibis. Far be it for Etta and Dora to keep from investigating, they are on the case! With many clues, red-herrings, strange happenings and mixed feelings between the mourning groom and two women vying for his affections, we are taken on a wonderful ride. Also, we are treated to Leon's thoughts about his humans that just cracked me up! I can't wait to read the next adventure With Etta, Dora and Leon as they make their way to Aero Island for a Christmas mystery set in Denmark! Once you begin this book, you won't be able to put it down until you finish and are surprised at the ending! I received an ARC from the author, but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.
Profile Image for Pete.
895 reviews7 followers
October 13, 2020
This new series is shaping up really well, there are so many things that I like about this book, firstly there is the mystery, which is extremely well developed, sending the reader off on the wrong path and featuring some very clever misdirection by the killer. Then there are the characters, Etta and Dora are gradually becoming more rounded characters, which is great, but I also like the way that the other characters introduced for each location are drawn, enough that they are believable, but not so much that the story gets bogged down with long character descriptions. Then there is Leon the dog, who is gradually becoming a character in his own right, I love the way that his thoughts are shared with us.
Finally there are the descriptions of the locations, again this is very well judged, giving enough detail that I felt that I know quite a bit about the rather magical sounding town, but not so much that the book feels like a travel guide.
Ms Licio is developing as a writer with each book, becoming better at crafting very well conceived stories in a believable way, and keeping this reader thoroughly entertained with each book she writes,and for me this is the best so far.
I received an advance copy of this book, but have voluntarily written this honest review.
1,229 reviews11 followers
September 26, 2020
I really like Licio’s writing style and was delighted to receive an ARC of this book, the second in her Homeswappers mysteries! Etta and Dora are retired teachers who have combined their lives to live in one home and use their savings (and retirement funds) to travel. They travel from their first swap in Rothenburg to another a German city, Mecklenburg, where they will have the chance to attend a German wedding. But as usual for these two friends, things take an odd twist as the French bride, Collette, is murdered while cutting the wedding cake with her German groom, Phillip! Etta’s curious mind immediately begins to try and figure out who could have murdered Collette, especially when the prime suspect is proven innocent! As these two very different friends explore the sights of the surrounding area, they continue to investigate. I really enjoyed the sights tour along with them, and was surprised by the unveiling of the murderer! Another fun and entertaining mystery to read! I can’t wait till the next one!!
Profile Image for Sharon.
717 reviews7 followers
October 16, 2020
Etta and Dora travel to Mecklenburg, Germany for their next house swap. The owners of the house have invited them to attend their son's wedding. Due to a problem with the Fiat 500, they arrive just in time for dinner. When the bride starts to cut the wedding cake, she falls into it dead. Who would want to kill the bride? Etta and Dora start to investigate. Etta is good at putting facts together while Dora is best at finding out how people got together and how they get along with each other. Napoleon, the Bassett Hound, also known as Leon, expresses his opinion on many things including his humans. I love Leon and his thoughts.
Adriana's descriptions of the countryside are excellent. She can make you feel like you are right there. Even though these books are part of a series they can be read as stand-alones. Plots are well thought out and the stories are well written.
I voluntarily received a copy of this book from the author and I'm voluntarily posting a review. My opinions are entirely my own.
Profile Image for Carlin.
1,759 reviews18 followers
January 18, 2022
Dora, Etta and Leon are at it again: an adventure in a beautiful area of northeast Germany and, of course, another murder. Instead of their usual house swapping, in this book they agree that in exchange for their staying at a beautiful mansion their hosts' son can stay with them for a month in their home in Italy. This way they are able to connect with the hosts' family and friends on a deeper level and even attend a wedding of the oldest son.

I love the way the author describes Etta's thinking process as she hones in on the facts of a mystery and how Dora intuits answers based on her gut feelings and emotions. The two 60ish retired Italian school teachers are a perfect match especially with Leon the intrepid Bassett Hound at their side sniffing put clues (or just female dogs!). One reason I so enjoy these books is their locations are in real places, including in this one the Grand Hotel of Heiligendamm on the Baltic Sea. I can research the places online and find photos that help me envision the pair's travels. Can't wait to start the next book in this delightful series.
51 reviews2 followers
May 31, 2021
Etta and Dora find themselves pulled into another murder mystery as they homeswap around Europe. They have adopted Leo, a Basset Hound from book 1, and he makes the adventure all the more interesting. In this 2nd book in The Homeswappers Cozy Mystery series a wedding ends in the murder of the bride. Later the beloved groundskeeper is murdered when he discovers evidence. Etta and Dora work to solve the mystery before anyone else dies. Adriana Licio is gifted in describing Mecklenburg and the surrounding area. The reader is able to imagine they are visiting along with Etta and Dora. It could be a guide book for what to visit on a trip to Mecklenburg. A great touch in this book is seeing things from the viewpoint of Leo. His take on the humans caring for him adds a great element. Enough twists and turns are included to keep you guessing who the murderer is right to the end of the book.
784 reviews9 followers
June 24, 2021
This pair of house swappers are once again faced with a murder (or two?) as they arrive in Mecklenburg, Germany. However, with this swap they get an invitation to a wedding that will be taking place the day they arrive. Another delightful romp with "Etta" and "Dora" will keep you chuckling as Dora adores everything she sees with closed eyes to keep in her memory bank, while Etta keeps the story light and funny with her usual barrage of quips, quotes and "off handed insults". Add to this, the faithful hound, Napoleon affectionately called Leon, with a decidedly doggie personal opinion, who plays A Major role in this book. Another well written and enjoyable cozy by Adriana Licio that will leave you smiling. She just keeps getting better and better.

I received an ARC copy of this book and this is my voluntary and honest review. VICKI FROM WYOMING
171 reviews1 follower
October 10, 2020
Etta and Dora are still doing their home swapping and this visit is in Mecklenburg. They are invited to stay there by the owners of the house as they will be hosting the couples son in their home in the summer. They were invited to the wedding happening the day they arrive. They have car trouble on the way and get to the house late. They make it there in time for the dinner and then the cake cutting. The fireworks start while the couple cut the cake and with the noise from the fireworks nobody realizes the the bride has been shot until she falls into the cake. So it is up to the women to learn more about the people involved and solve the murder. I really enjoy this series and can hardly wait for the next book. I was given a free ARC at my request and this is my honest review.
Profile Image for Rosa Cline.
991 reviews28 followers
February 26, 2022
5 stars
This series of books are written by an author that lives in Italy and like her characters loved to house swop. So she’s “been there done that “ except for the murders of course! She takes real life places and items and describes them in the book, she of course adds her own imagination to make a great mystery! At the back of the book she tells you what us real ( and what isn’t).
You don’t have to have read book one to read book two but you get to know these two retired women better by reading these in order. You won’t be disappointed if you like good mysteries! See if you can solve it before the women ( and the author reveals) the answer! Such a great book! The more I read by this author the more I like her!
480 reviews5 followers
September 27, 2020
I am loving this series even more with each book. The way the author describes the areas that Etta, Dora and Leon visit can be pictured perfectly in the mind's eye. The story was twisted and turned that I was unable to solve the murder mystery. I note that as a sign of a very well written murder mystery because more times than not I am able to solve them. Even at the very end, I was still guessing the wrong murderer. If you looking for a book that will keep you well entertained and awake long past your bedtime, pick up a copy and read for yourself.

I volunteered an honest review in exchange for an ARC copy of this book.
1,328 reviews4 followers
October 15, 2020
A real “trip"
This time Dora, Etta, and their trusted four-legged companion Leon find themselves involved in a murder in Germany. When the bride is murdered while cutting the wedding cake, they take over to solve the murder. In her wonderful way Ms. Licio keeps us guessing “who dun it” by leading us down the wrong path. The friends explore the beauty of the surrounding area while keeping themselves involved in solving the crime. I never guessed who the murderer really was and that made the book that much better. Thank you, Adriana!
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
866 reviews12 followers
January 28, 2021
This was one exciting homeswappers adventure! Etta and Dora arrive in Mecklenburg just in time to see the bride fall face first into the wedding cake. Well, they can’t just have fun on their vacation, they have another mystery to solve! As they travel around Mecklenburg to figure out who did it we join them on visits to the landmarks. Great descriptions and a personable Basset Hound, Leon, pull you into the story. As usual, Etta and Dora figure it out before I did! This is an enjoyable read with fascinating characters.
I received an copy of this book from the author, however, I voluntarily wrote an honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.
72 reviews1 follower
October 15, 2020
In A Wedding and a Funeral in Mecklenburg Etta and Dora with Leon, the Basset Hound, drive from Rothenburg to Mecklenburg where they are to participate in another home swap. Delayed by car trouble theyI arrive in time for the wedding reception of the owners' older son and his Parisian bride.
Before the festivities end there is a murder and Etta especially becomes entangled in the effort to identify the killer. Follow Etta, Dora, and Leon as they work to unravel the mystery before there is another victim.
146 reviews
October 21, 2020
I’m really enjoying this series. The variety of settings available with the home swapping theme is very interesting. I’m looking forward to reading about the next home swap adventure. This author has a way with descriptive passages and I feel I can really see the area. The main characters are well fleshed out and the dog is added fun. I feel like an armchair traveler who has made the acquaintance of two sleuthing ladies. Recommended. I received a copy of this book from the author and chose to leave this review.
27 reviews
April 26, 2022
A Great Story in a Beautiful Setting

The 147 pages in this book flew by all too fast as we bumped down north German lanes in the little yellow Fiat 500 along with our two sleuths. Amurder at a wedding is such an unusual plot, but our two reliable Italian ladies followed clue after clue to put this crime to rest. Again a beautiful background that the reader can immerse themselves in. One can almost taste the pastries and coffee! I am anxious to acquire Doro and Etta's next adventure in houseswaping.
Profile Image for Brenda.
3,489 reviews46 followers
July 8, 2023
Etta and Dora, retired teachers from the South of Italy, arrive with their Basset Hound, the strong willed, loveable Leon, for a home swap holiday in a German mansion, just in time for the celebrations following the wedding of their hosts’ son to a beautiful Parisienne socialite. But the festivities come to an abrupt end when the bride falls face first into the wedding cake, a bullet in her heart. The bride is dead and no one is responsible. Who is the culprit? Will Etta and Dora solve the murder?
I borrowed this book from Kindle Unlimited. This in no way affects my opinion of this book.
964 reviews9 followers
October 12, 2020
Once again Etta & Dora are off on an adventure with their house swapping. This time they have their dog Leon with them too. Mecklenburg is in Germany very close to the Baltic Sea, so very different from Italy. They arrive in time to attend a wedding feast with a difference! Someone murders the bride as the cake is about to be cut. The Police don’t seem to be doing enough, so Etta puts her brain into gear & with a little help from Dora, solves the mystery.
Profile Image for Phthon.
2,313 reviews7 followers
October 15, 2020
A tragic murder greets our intrepid sleuths shortly after their arrival in Mecklenberg. I love how Etta’s mind works, she has quite the talent at solving these mysteries. I also loved the point of views from Leon! This point of view was refreshing because most time a pet doesn’t have a voice unless they are magical. I can’t figure out who the culprit is in these books so I just follow along and enjoy the read. I loved it!
Profile Image for Andrea.
1,789 reviews24 followers
November 30, 2020
The perfect amount of romance

A book with wedding in the title obviously has romance, but this is also a cozy mystery, so there is also murder. This book has a great mystery with a couple excellent twists in a totally new setting for me. So that was what I expected to enjoy. The unexpected treat was the romance! There is a romance that makes me happy because the characters end up happy. I really enjoyed visiting Mecklenburg and I'm glad to leave these characters happy. Now on to Aero Island!
401 reviews4 followers
December 3, 2020
A wedding and a murder.

Etta, Dora, and Leon head to Germany for their next homeswap just in time for a wedding, but when the bride falls fast first into the wedding cake, can our trio find the killer? Before anything else happens? Plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing in this one. The grounds of the mansion sound fantastic peacocks and all! Etta and Dora will need to work together to solve this one.

I received an ARC. This is my honest review.
Profile Image for Lauren Garcia.
Author 2 books4 followers
December 15, 2020
Rating: 3.5

Second in the series, very fun but not quite as good as the first one. I really enjoyed and appreciated seeing rural German life and wedding customs. It is not necessary at all to read number one before number two. The author does a good job of explaining what needs to be said for new readers without boring old readers, and she doesn't spoil anything from the previous novel either. I will continue with the series and did enjoy it.
Profile Image for Terry Polston.
813 reviews3 followers
February 15, 2023
A new vacation destination close to the Baltic Sea with a steam train to travel on. Etta is very much more cranky in this book. If share her views on churches and museums, everything just runs together after a point and the grounds are sometimes more interesting. The grooms reaction to his brides murder and indifference about everything had me wondering if he was actually gay but had not yet addressed it. I was wrong in this case.
Profile Image for Valeri Sullivan (vsulvn29).
874 reviews9 followers
April 1, 2025
‘I’ve basically been a puppet in these women’s hands’

Etta, Dora and Leon are off to Germany for their second full length Houseswappers mystery. This time they’re staying at an opulent estate while their hosts are in residence. As an added bonus they’re arriving just in time for a family wedding...and murder. Justice has never been as fun as seeing Etta and Dora thrive together (Along with Leon) in their 60s when not so long ago their futures’ looked so bleak. Highly enjoyable!
325 reviews
September 30, 2020
Fabulous book!
I still cannot believe that everybook written by Adriana is even better than the previous one.
The description of Leon’s behaviour and philosophy,
The whole plot of this story is so catching that you can’t avoid feeling sorry when you come to the last page
Please Adriana, keep writing. Your books are excellent
1,306 reviews16 followers
October 6, 2020
THIS CRIME DUO CAN'T BE BEAT. ETTA AND DORA ARE THE PERFECT POSITIVE-NEGATIVE MATCH. MS LICIO HAS WOVEN ANOTHER BEAUTIFUL STORY WITH LOTS OF INFORMATION ABOUT MECKLENBERG, AS IS HER WONT. THE CHARACTERS ARE INCREDIBLE, THE SCENERY GORGEOUS.
GRAB YOUR COPY NOW. YOU WON'T REGRET ONE MINUTE OF IT. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews

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