O Segredo de Altamura

by Dick Rosano, Amanda Torres (Translator)

Following the success of Tuscan Blood and Hunting Truffles, Dick Rosano has published The Secret of Altamura: Nazi Crimes, Italian Treasure. It is 1943 and the Nazis control large swaths of Italy. Colonel Anselm Bernhardt devotes his attention to stealing Italian art - and violating Italian women - but there is one great treasure that he covets most. In modern times, his grandson is sworn to make amends for Bernhardt's crimes, but he is bitten by the same temptation and averts his focus on reparation to search for the mysterious and historically vital treasure in southern Italy, a secret that if revealed could alter the course of history. Based on historical events, The Secret of Altamura will take you back to the cloud of terror that hung over wartime Italy and invite you to explore the secrets and treasures that were hidden from the Nazi invaders. See more at www.DickRosanoBooks.com

Genres: Historical Fiction, War

246 pages, Paperback

Published February 1, 2020

About the author

Also writes under D.P. Rosano

Reviews

[Dick Whittington · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick read, okay story and descent character development. Describes Nazi soldier's search for buried treasure in southern Italy during WWII and current day descendent doing the same under guise of finding works of art and antiquities the WWII soldier confiscated or hid then returning them to their rightful owners...while all the while seeking the buried treasure described in his journals. Nothing special and not something I would recommend highly or read again.

[Irene Wittig · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having lived and traveled in Italy, I enjoyed revisiting Matera and the surrounding area through Mr. Rosano's knowledgeable descriptions. The Word War II history and the mystery of hidden art treasures were intriguing, though I must admit to sometimes being distracted by Mr. Rosano's mouth-watering descriptions of traditional Italian food. The ending came as a surprise, as every good mystery should. I'm ready for another visit to Italy.

[anne pizzuto · Rating 3 out of 5]

Disappointed in the ending

The book on the whole was interesting and I kept waiting for the big moment when I 'd find out something spectacular. Didn't happen. The two main men Characters fizzled away and left me thinking--and so? I would have liked a few more chapters to do some " 'splanin". Won't read a y more of this author's stuff

[Sharon Leff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lost or Safe?

Perhaps, what matters most is the treasures of humanity that survived Nazi persecution. If the sacred vestments of church remain “lost”, at least they have remained safe from Nazi plunder and degradation or desecration.

The very real places of Italy are these hidden treasures of community, creativity, and compassion. Priceless treasures.

[Mercedes Prieto · Rating 4 out of 5]

Family

The route of many immigrants draws them back to the longing of their homeland. Although a bit repetitive this is a charming story of southern Italy and it's struggles during WWII.

[Carol Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

History lesson

Southern Italy. Two main characters from 1943. Two main characters with significant supporting roles from modern times. And the "first-person" history of WWII that most of we Americans truly cannot comprehend.

My new favorite author.

[Judy Bonn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story!

I loved this story. I’m a fan of WWII historical fiction. Goin back and forth in time held my interest. Characters. We’re awesome.

[Francesca McInerney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Salute

This is an accurate picture of the life in Italy during the war. As I am 1st generation Italian from southern Italy I can relate to importance of family.

[Derek Dunne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyed the book nice quick read. But it is not a book that will stick in my mind it was ok