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An Italian Village Mystery #3.5
When the Clock Chimes Two: A Short Story
Zoe Zerbino, sobbing, downtrodden and taken for granted, discovers the power of a perfume to change her life for the better. That is, until she finds herself accused of murder.
Filled with newfound confidence, Zoe is enjoying the respect she is receiving all of a sudden from the inhabitants of the beautiful coastal village of Maratea in southern Italy. But just how far will her determination to take control of her life go? When she is discovered standing over the dead body of her bullying boss, the murder weapon in her hand, it looks as though it has gone way too far.
When the local carabinieri regard the case as solved, travel writer and part-time sleuth Giò Brando investigates further, disturbed by her sister Agnese’s distress at having sold Zoe the scent that apparently transformed her into a killer. But it appears all the other suspects have watertight alibis for the time of the killing.
With her shrewd granny’s words “A wolf is always a wolf, a lamb is always a lamb” echoing in her mind, Giò is sure that Zoe remains the gentlest of lambs. And then a chance remark in Leo’s Bar leads her to the truth – a truly heartless plan was put into action as Maratea’s clock struck two.
◆◆◆ Cosy mystery fans, synchronise your watches and grab yourself a cappuccino. It’s time to help Giò investigate murder most horrid and make sure everyone gets what they deserve ◆◆◆
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"When the Clock Chimes Two" is a short story in the heart warming and compelling "An Italian Village Mystery" series. Beloved by fans of Rhys Bowen, Agatha Christie, MC Beaton.
Each book can be read as a standalone or enjoyed in sequence.
Book 0 (prequel) - And Then There Were Bones
Book 1 - Murder on The Road
Book 2 - A Fair Time for Death
Book 3 - A Mystery Before Christmas
Book 4 - Peril at the Pellicano Hotel
Filled with newfound confidence, Zoe is enjoying the respect she is receiving all of a sudden from the inhabitants of the beautiful coastal village of Maratea in southern Italy. But just how far will her determination to take control of her life go? When she is discovered standing over the dead body of her bullying boss, the murder weapon in her hand, it looks as though it has gone way too far.
When the local carabinieri regard the case as solved, travel writer and part-time sleuth Giò Brando investigates further, disturbed by her sister Agnese’s distress at having sold Zoe the scent that apparently transformed her into a killer. But it appears all the other suspects have watertight alibis for the time of the killing.
With her shrewd granny’s words “A wolf is always a wolf, a lamb is always a lamb” echoing in her mind, Giò is sure that Zoe remains the gentlest of lambs. And then a chance remark in Leo’s Bar leads her to the truth – a truly heartless plan was put into action as Maratea’s clock struck two.
◆◆◆ Cosy mystery fans, synchronise your watches and grab yourself a cappuccino. It’s time to help Giò investigate murder most horrid and make sure everyone gets what they deserve ◆◆◆
---
"When the Clock Chimes Two" is a short story in the heart warming and compelling "An Italian Village Mystery" series. Beloved by fans of Rhys Bowen, Agatha Christie, MC Beaton.
Each book can be read as a standalone or enjoyed in sequence.
Book 0 (prequel) - And Then There Were Bones
Book 1 - Murder on The Road
Book 2 - A Fair Time for Death
Book 3 - A Mystery Before Christmas
Book 4 - Peril at the Pellicano Hotel
69 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 24, 2021
197 people are currently reading
174 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 43 reviews
May 12, 2021
I love visiting Maratea. This was a short quick visit, but I liked meeting Zoe Zerbino. It seems like Mr. Salzcane was a deeper character than I expected. I would have liked a little more time with him, but this is a short story.
March 4, 2021
A Wolf is a Wolf
A quick and charming read. Agnese helps an unhappy customer with selecting a scent. When the customer's employer is murdered, Gio steps in to solve the murder.
A quick and charming read. Agnese helps an unhappy customer with selecting a scent. When the customer's employer is murdered, Gio steps in to solve the murder.
March 11, 2021
This book falls neatly into the category of cozy mystery. In particular, the kind of location-based story where it is as much about the inhabitants, places and food of a particular town. In this case the town is Maratea, in Italy.
As is common in such stories, we spend a relatively large amount of the story on “local colour” - descriptions of architecture, landscapes, and food. In this case I think the balance is general about right, and it does feel that the author is familiar with the place rather than having just visited for a quick vacation, and the essence of Italian small-town life does shine through.
The story jumps about from character to character a bit. We start by seeing things through the eyes of local parfumier Agnese, a somewhat thinly-veiled proxy for the author herself, it seems. This introduces Zoe, who we spend the next chapter with, as it seems a new perfume and a bit of pop psychology has turned her from anxious people-pleaser to assertive woman-about-town. Just as I thought I had a grip on how the book was going to go, Zoe arrives at work to find her domineering boss dead at his desk. Everyone assumes Zoe, with her new-found self-confidence, was the murderer.
With Zoe in jail, the story now changes viewpoint again. It seems that the next chapter will be back to Agneses, but mid-way through it slips to local sleuth Gio, via some wise old bird pontificating from her Granny. For most of the rest of the book we follow Gio, as she tries to resolve the complicated motives of the potential suspects and reassure Agnese that suggesting a new perfume for Zoe did not actually push her over the edge into murder.
The investigation is all going well until the final chapter when, with no warning or lead-up Gio and friendly cop Paolo make a bunch of arrests. This last chapter felt confusing and muddled, as if the author had got bored with the story and just wanted it to come to an end. This feeling is reinforced by the presence of an epilogue, introduced by the conceit of Agnese writing in her diary, which sums up the missing penultimate chapter in what seems for all the world to be the author’s notes, complete with bullet points!
If it wasn’t for the car-crash of an ending this would have been a pleasant and evocative little cozy mystery, but it really needed a good development edit by someone who understands the conventions and expectations of a mystery story. I can’t really recommend it in its current state, though.
As is common in such stories, we spend a relatively large amount of the story on “local colour” - descriptions of architecture, landscapes, and food. In this case I think the balance is general about right, and it does feel that the author is familiar with the place rather than having just visited for a quick vacation, and the essence of Italian small-town life does shine through.
The story jumps about from character to character a bit. We start by seeing things through the eyes of local parfumier Agnese, a somewhat thinly-veiled proxy for the author herself, it seems. This introduces Zoe, who we spend the next chapter with, as it seems a new perfume and a bit of pop psychology has turned her from anxious people-pleaser to assertive woman-about-town. Just as I thought I had a grip on how the book was going to go, Zoe arrives at work to find her domineering boss dead at his desk. Everyone assumes Zoe, with her new-found self-confidence, was the murderer.
With Zoe in jail, the story now changes viewpoint again. It seems that the next chapter will be back to Agneses, but mid-way through it slips to local sleuth Gio, via some wise old bird pontificating from her Granny. For most of the rest of the book we follow Gio, as she tries to resolve the complicated motives of the potential suspects and reassure Agnese that suggesting a new perfume for Zoe did not actually push her over the edge into murder.
The investigation is all going well until the final chapter when, with no warning or lead-up Gio and friendly cop Paolo make a bunch of arrests. This last chapter felt confusing and muddled, as if the author had got bored with the story and just wanted it to come to an end. This feeling is reinforced by the presence of an epilogue, introduced by the conceit of Agnese writing in her diary, which sums up the missing penultimate chapter in what seems for all the world to be the author’s notes, complete with bullet points!
If it wasn’t for the car-crash of an ending this would have been a pleasant and evocative little cozy mystery, but it really needed a good development edit by someone who understands the conventions and expectations of a mystery story. I can’t really recommend it in its current state, though.
February 26, 2021
Everyone pushes Zoe around, her father, her sister-in-law and her boss. And obviously it upsets her, but she doesn't do anything about it. That is until she goes crying into Agnese's perfume shop. Agnese can't stand to see poor sweet Zoe in such pain and closes shop and brings Zoe in the backroom giving her a special perfume and tells her that it is to give her the confidence to say NO and stand up for herself. When it works, and she approaches her sister-in-law and tells her no she can't do her errands for her and her father and tells him to come down and have his breakfast in the kitchen, she will not cater to him, she feels the strength to tell her boss to stop taking advantage of her and then leaves for lunch. But when she is found holding a murder weapon over her dead boss, maybe she's gone too far. Did she kill him? When she is arrested and the police think it is a slam dunk case, Giò feels the need to investigate since she just can't believe that meek and mild Zoe murdered her boss. Something just isn't right! I loved this story and it is a quick read that keeps you turning pages! I received an ARC from the author but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.
February 28, 2021
Zoe goes to Agnese's perfume shop in tears. When Agnese asks what is wrong Zoe tells her how everybody takes advantage of her. Agnese goes on to explain how Zoe lets herself be treated like a doormat and she must learn to say no. She then suggests a new perfume made just for Zoe might give her the courage she needs. And it works. But maybe it worked too well. People coming back from lunch see the boss spread out over his desk and Zoe standing over him with a gun in her hand. Of course she is arrested for murder. Gio decides to investigate. Agnese is worried that it was the perfume that caused it. Gio has a friend on the police dept and she tells him what she knows and he helps her. They work together just as they did on another case. Who would have wanted to kill her boss and why?
Come along on this ride. See if you can figure out who the killer is before they do.
I voluntarily received a copy of this book from the author and I'm voluntarily posting a review.
My opinion is entirely my own.
Come along on this ride. See if you can figure out who the killer is before they do.
I voluntarily received a copy of this book from the author and I'm voluntarily posting a review.
My opinion is entirely my own.
February 28, 2021
This story was written for a collection, but is now published as a separate book, chronologically it sits between books 3 and 4 of the Italian Village Mysteries series, and features several characters from that series, so I think that it makes a better read if at least some of the other books have been read as they provide extra background, but this is not essential as it still makes a great stand-alone read.
The story revolves around a woman who is falsely accused of murdering her boss, but amateur sleuth Gio isn't convinced and sets about proving her innocence.
For a short story the plot is quite intricate, with lots of twists and although one of the twists is fairly predictable from the title, there are still plenty of surprises in the outcome. I also liked that the characters are well defined. I really enjoyed reading this book and it is a very welcome addition to the series.
The story revolves around a woman who is falsely accused of murdering her boss, but amateur sleuth Gio isn't convinced and sets about proving her innocence.
For a short story the plot is quite intricate, with lots of twists and although one of the twists is fairly predictable from the title, there are still plenty of surprises in the outcome. I also liked that the characters are well defined. I really enjoyed reading this book and it is a very welcome addition to the series.
March 20, 2021
Oops! Who Done It?
I somehow missed this little novella when I was reading the books in this series. It was great to see Gio and her family return to the pages of a story with the perfumery, Gio's sleuthing and of course Granny's input adds that extra punch of delight to the entire story. This time Paola is in charge of this particular homicide. However, the whodoneit may not be the one holding the gun over the dead body. Another delightful and easy read that fills some minutes and is very entertaining.
I somehow missed this little novella when I was reading the books in this series. It was great to see Gio and her family return to the pages of a story with the perfumery, Gio's sleuthing and of course Granny's input adds that extra punch of delight to the entire story. This time Paola is in charge of this particular homicide. However, the whodoneit may not be the one holding the gun over the dead body. Another delightful and easy read that fills some minutes and is very entertaining.
August 17, 2021
Delightful jaunt into Maratea once again. If Agnese's perfume shop is real, someday I MUST visit.
Even though this story was short, it still held all the elements of suspense and puzzling out "who done it" alongside of our lead character, Gio. I like how Licio gave Agnese a book of her own, showcasing more of who she is and what she does with her shop. Overall a sweet book that has a "treasure the people around you" message. At least, that's what I took away from the story.
Highly recommended!
Even though this story was short, it still held all the elements of suspense and puzzling out "who done it" alongside of our lead character, Gio. I like how Licio gave Agnese a book of her own, showcasing more of who she is and what she does with her shop. Overall a sweet book that has a "treasure the people around you" message. At least, that's what I took away from the story.
Highly recommended!
February 28, 2021
Zoe is me!!! I could SO relate! I’m all about kindness, but that also means that some people think they can walk all over me. Learning to say no is hard! Sometimes it is the best choice, though. But for Zoe, it has unexpected consequences… Excellent and exciting story! Very empowering. There are three POV’s in this short, and that seems like a lot, but the author make that work very skilfully.
March 1, 2021
Another 5 star read!
This prequel is just as compelling as Ms. Licio’s other books and definitely tantalizes the reader’s appetite! Zoe is the main character and Gió and her family with the addition of Agnese work to solve the case. The who and why are really interesting.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
This prequel is just as compelling as Ms. Licio’s other books and definitely tantalizes the reader’s appetite! Zoe is the main character and Gió and her family with the addition of Agnese work to solve the case. The who and why are really interesting.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
March 2, 2021
A perfectly charming murder mystery, in short story form. And an excellent introduction to the scene and style of Adriana Licio, if you haven't read any of her books yet. A murder in Maratea, an obvious criminal ... but our intrepid Gio feels that something isn't quite right. And the perfume "Passage d'Enfer" plays a role too! Do get this story and enjoy a good and relaxing mystery.
March 14, 2021
So very good!
Reviewed in the United States on February 26, 2021
Verified Purchase
I thoroughly enjoyed this quick mystery. The characters are so fun and the story has plenty of twists to keep me guessing until the end. A perfect companion for a quiet afternoon. I received an ARC and this is my honest opinion.
Reviewed in the United States on February 26, 2021
Verified Purchase
I thoroughly enjoyed this quick mystery. The characters are so fun and the story has plenty of twists to keep me guessing until the end. A perfect companion for a quiet afternoon. I received an ARC and this is my honest opinion.
March 27, 2021
Cute, short read
Gio is once again on the trail of a murderer. Agnese sells perfume to a meek, doormat of a woman. This, sets a series of events in place that incriminate the woman within 24 hours. Gio is convinced that the police have the wrong person in jail, and Gio is out to prove her theory. Another fun read by this prolific author.
Gio is once again on the trail of a murderer. Agnese sells perfume to a meek, doormat of a woman. This, sets a series of events in place that incriminate the woman within 24 hours. Gio is convinced that the police have the wrong person in jail, and Gio is out to prove her theory. Another fun read by this prolific author.
March 28, 2021
A nice little cozy mystery
I liked this book. It is a nice little cozy mystery. You can read it in one sitting. It was a little different from the other books I have read, but it was still a very good clean cozy mystery. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys reading a good clean cozy mystery.
I liked this book. It is a nice little cozy mystery. You can read it in one sitting. It was a little different from the other books I have read, but it was still a very good clean cozy mystery. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys reading a good clean cozy mystery.
May 29, 2021
Authentic Italian Village Flavor
When the Clock Chimes Two, an Italian Village Mystery, by Adriana Licio was a delightful short story about a crime that may have been caused by perfume. It has a wonderful, authentic Italian village flavor and entertaining characters, as well as a sneak peek at a charming village sleuth.
When the Clock Chimes Two, an Italian Village Mystery, by Adriana Licio was a delightful short story about a crime that may have been caused by perfume. It has a wonderful, authentic Italian village flavor and entertaining characters, as well as a sneak peek at a charming village sleuth.
May 3, 2022
Can a wolf and a lamb change their nature?
A short novel, but well plotted. Because it is so short it lacks the details in the other works of this series, but it is still safisfying. Agnese and her pIerfumes give a dormal of a woman the courage to finally stand up for herself. Hoerver, even they cannot turn a lamb into a wolf.
A short novel, but well plotted. Because it is so short it lacks the details in the other works of this series, but it is still safisfying. Agnese and her pIerfumes give a dormal of a woman the courage to finally stand up for herself. Hoerver, even they cannot turn a lamb into a wolf.
February 26, 2021
I love this book! As in all of Adriana Licio's books, you get captured on the very first page! Lots of twists and turns and complex, interesting and quirky characters make this a must read! I am on the author’s ARC team and have reviewed this book voluntarily.
February 28, 2021
Can a perfume turn a mild “doormat” into a killer? That is the question that this book answers. Naturally the police arrest the person holding the weapon but as Granny says “lambs do not become wolves”. So Gio sets out to prove the police wrong! A very enjoyable short story.
March 2, 2021
Like all the books by Adriana Licio, it’s very very good
A short story featuring the Brando sisters and their adorable granny with the beautiful background of Maratea.
In short, a very pleasant short story
A short story featuring the Brando sisters and their adorable granny with the beautiful background of Maratea.
In short, a very pleasant short story
March 5, 2021
The proof doesn't always clear the innocent?
One should always stand up for themselves. The innocent person should always betray themselves as sufficient reliable and dependable person
One should always stand up for themselves. The innocent person should always betray themselves as sufficient reliable and dependable person
March 8, 2021
The story written by Adriana Licio, WHEN THE CLOCK CHIMES TWO, is a delightful murder mystery set in southern Italy. Isn't murder often about money? Of course it is. The story may be short, but it is well-thought out.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 7, 2021
When the clock chimes two
reading with interesting characters and twists and turns to keep me reading. I would recommend this book and look forward to reading more of Adriana Licio's writings.
reading with interesting characters and twists and turns to keep me reading. I would recommend this book and look forward to reading more of Adriana Licio's writings.
May 6, 2021
Ok
Not earth shaking, but interesting. Short with very little development of plot or characters but it’s a short story. I did not like the summary at the end. If you have to explain a story you just told, there is a problem.
Not earth shaking, but interesting. Short with very little development of plot or characters but it’s a short story. I did not like the summary at the end. If you have to explain a story you just told, there is a problem.
June 17, 2021
Too many characters, too much plot written into just 69 pages. This would have been so much better if it was written out as a full book, then the characters and plot would have been richer and we could have enjoyed them more.
August 9, 2021
Becoming assertive
Zoe Zerbino opens the story for us as a much put upon woman. Shortly thereafter she's accused of murder.
With all of the characters involved it is a puzzle to get to the truth.
Zoe Zerbino opens the story for us as a much put upon woman. Shortly thereafter she's accused of murder.
With all of the characters involved it is a puzzle to get to the truth.
November 5, 2021
A new perfume helps Zoe stop being a doormat for her father, sister and boss. It's all going well until she gets back from lunch and is found with the gun that killed her boss.
Everybody wonders did her personality change go too far?
Quick and easy to read
Everybody wonders did her personality change go too far?
Quick and easy to read
March 26, 2022
Only complaint is that it was too short! It seemed to end abruptly at 57% read, but had an intro to #4 of this great series attached to the end. I'm returning to #2 and #3 in this series before I read #4!
May 1, 2022
This book was pretty much unusual on its cast of characters, especially the starring ones, and the story line was exciting to follow across carefully - whew! I even enjoyed the dramas among those characters down to the epilogue!! (Drat those flat keys in the computer keyboard!!)
November 10, 2022
whodoneit
A colorful location in a little Italian village, a wallflower finally shows grit, her unthankful boss is murdered, is she holding the smoking gun? Fun little short mystery that had me guessing.
A colorful location in a little Italian village, a wallflower finally shows grit, her unthankful boss is murdered, is she holding the smoking gun? Fun little short mystery that had me guessing.
February 7, 2024
Fun short story mystery
A fun short story to fill in some more characters in Maratea as well as more on Gió’s sister, Agnese and her mysterious perfumes. Do they lead to murder or just help someone find a new way of being in the village?
A fun short story to fill in some more characters in Maratea as well as more on Gió’s sister, Agnese and her mysterious perfumes. Do they lead to murder or just help someone find a new way of being in the village?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews