For Alberta Scaglione, her golden years are turning out much more differently than she expected—and much more deadly . . .
Alberta Scaglione’ s spinster aunt had some secrets—like the fortune she squirreled away and a secret lake house in Tranquility, New Jersey. More surprising: she’s left it all to Alberta. Alberta, a widow, is no spring chicken and she’s gotten used to disappointment. So having a beautiful view, surrounded by hydrangeas, honeysuckle, and her cat, Lola, sounds blissful after years of yelling and bickering and cooking countless lasagnas.
But Tranquility isn’t as peaceful as it sounds. There’s a body in the water—and it belongs to Alberta’s childhood nemesis. Alberta suspects foul play and when Alberta’s estranged granddaughter, an aspiring crime reporter, shows up, it only makes sense for them to team up and investigate . . .
Includes Italian recipes from Alberta’s kitchen!
Release Date: Jul 31, 2018
Series: A Ferrara Family Mystery
Book: 1
Publisher: Kensington
Price: $5.99
At age 64, Alberta Ferrara Scaglione has a new lease on life. She has been named the sole heir in her Aunt Carmela’s will and along with a large sum of money, has inherited a lake house at her childhood vacation spot. Alberta is optimistic for the first time in her life and loves her new home in Tranquility, New Jersey. However, her own tranquility is spoiled when her childhood nemesis, Lucy Agostino, is found murdered on her property. Alberta and her reporter granddaughter, Jinx, decide to work together and investigate Lucy’s death. When they add Alberta’s sister and sister-in-law to the team, nothing can stop this determined group of women from solving the crime.
Murder on Memory Lake is a well-written, entertaining debut to a new series. It’s great to see an older and younger woman investigating due as the main characters. adding in Alberta’s sister, Helen, and sister-in-law, Joyce, to help them get to the truth adds to the fun. The author does a great job of portraying Italian-American Alberta realistically. The book is filled with quirky characters, but they’re never so over-the-top as to come off as ridiculous instead of humorous. Alberta notices the details, which is how she knew Lucy’s death was a murder before the professional investigators did. Alberta’s granddaughter is full of energy and ambition and I love that the investigation gives her a chance to reconnect with her grandmother. Alberta, Jinx, Helen, and Joyce make an unexpected, but clever and quick-thinking, team of amateur detectives. None of the women are afraid to go undercover when necessary to get information about the case and their adventures are fun to read.
The part of the plot related to a stolen collection belonging to the victim is a little silly, but fits with the light tone of the book. Overall, the book is even-paced and enjoyable to read. Fans of Laura Levine or of Lisa Scottoline’s Rosato & DiNunzio series will want to get to know Alberta and the rest of the Ferrara family detectives.
~ Christine
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