REVIEW - Nonna Maria and the Case of the Lost Treasure #3 ebook

 Nonna Maria and the Case of the Lost Treasure #3 by Lorenzo Carcaterra (ebook)

OVERVIEW

This is the third book in the Nonna Maria series. I love this series as it is just so fun and lovely. Nonna Maria helps her friends in need which involves her solving a mystery. This time it is a possible hidden treasure and an assassination. These books can be read as stand-alone novels, but I think that the previous two books add so much context and color that they make this third book more enjoyable. All three novels are so very good!

This book is primarily about a young woman named Rita who comes to Nonna Maria for help finding a hidden treasure that she believes her deceased grandfather has hidden. The secondary plot is about Captain Murino, a member of the carabinieri, and an assassin trying to kill him. Both stories interweave so beautifully and strongly. 

Normally, I am not into thrillers and mysteries because so many of them are so violent. But the Nonna Maria series is just lovely because Nonna Maria is lovely. 

OVERALL REVIEW: 4.0 stars

Writing: 4.5 stars

The writing is always so descriptive, yet concise. Lorenzo Carcaterra writes in short chapters which makes it so easy to find a good reading-stopping point. 

The author writes so beautifully about Ischia (an island about 20 miles off-shore from Naples). Each novel, including this one, is a love letter to the island and his Nonna. 

Also, I did not figure out who the villain was until the author revealed it. I love NOT figuring it out!!

Character development: 4.5 stars

There is one main character - Nonna Maria. Nonna Maria has lived her whole life on Ischia and knows everyone and everyone knows her. She is my dream grandmother! I think about the food that she prepares in this novel and want to visit Ischia just to experience food similar to what she prepares!

The secondary characters are Nonna Maria's friends, Captain Murino, Rita, and the villain. The story of these folks is so integral to the story and so well done with great backstories.

The tertiary character is Ischia. The people, the location, and the food/wine. 

Storyline:  4.0 stars 

This mystery-thriller is all about the hidden treasure search and the villain trying to kill Captain Murino. It got a little confusing to me with the multiple criminal alliances and the various levels in the castle. But, it was so much fun!

The main locations were Ischia and Florence, Italy. 

Memorable/Informative:  4.0 stars

I learned even more about Ischia with this novel. This time I learned about the island being invaded and controlled by Spain, Rome, Greece, Moors, and even more conquering forces. The island is so full of great history due to it's location to mainland Italy and North Africa.

Book cover: 4.0 stars

Very pretty. 

Book title: 4.0 stars 

I love Nonna Maria's titles!

DEFINITE recommend

EBOOK DETAILS

NetGalley ARC (ebook)

Nonna Maria and the Case of the Lost Treasure #3 by Lorenzo Carcaterra

288 pages

Bantam

Release date of 05/7/2024

INFORMATIONAL LINKS

Lorenzo Carcaterra

My Goodreads review

Bantam

NetGalley

Happy reading 📚! 

Dorothea 💜