Book Synopsis:
An isolated castle, a deadly crime. Is this real or a nightmare?
In a remote castle high up in the Tuscan hills secrets are simmering among its glamorous English residents:
The ailing gentleman art-dealer
His dazzling niece
Her handsome Fascist husband
Their neglected young daughter
The housekeeper who knows everything
and Connie, the English widow working for them.
Every night, Connie hears sinister noises and a terrible wailing inside the walls. Is she losing her grip on reality?
Or does someone in the castle want her gone?
My Review:
Murder Under The Tuscan Sun is an absorbing, gripping book from one of my favourite mystery writers.
Firstly I loved the author’s stunning descriptions of Italy that were often so vivid I felt like I was actually there, walking the gardens and seeing all the beautiful scenery for myself. I’ve always wanted to visit Italy and this book has definitely made me more determined to get there – though I might not stay in an isolated castle.
I really liked the main character Connie, not least because she was a slightly older lady who I enjoyed watching get a new lease of life after her husband’s death. It was initially exciting to watch her explore her new life and learn to discover who she was outside of her family. I did feel sorry for her at times though being in the difficult situation of companion and not knowing if she was a servant or a friend. It was heartbreaking to see her doubt herself or her ability and I wished I could go into the book to give her a hug. Her relationship with Nora, the somewhat neglected daughter, was heartwarming to read about and I enjoyed watching it develop throughout the book as the two became closer.
The story starts off slowly as the author sets the scene but gradually gets faster as it becomes clear that everything is not as idyllic as it first appears. I liked the gradual way the author puts doubt into the readers mind as strange things happen in the castle. The tension gradually increases as Connie starts investigating what’s going on and my heart was in my mouth in some of the scenes as she puts herself in precarious positions to try to discover the truth. The story kept me guessing until the end which I always love. I had plenty of different theories and think I suspected everyone at one point, unable to completely decide on one until the very end.
The ending was brilliant and I liked the way everything is gradually revealed to the reader. It was especially nice that the author includes an epilogue so the reader can discover what happened to all the characters. I’m very excited to read more from this author in the future.
Huge thanks to Anne Cater for inviting me onto the blog tour and to Transworld for my copy of this book.
About The Author:
Rachel Rhys is the pseudonym of psychological thriller writer Tammy Cohen. Her debut, Dangerous Crossing, was a bestselling Richard and Judy Book Club pick and was followed by A Fatal Inheritance and Island of Secrets. Rachel’s latest novel, Murder Under the Tuscan Sun is once again superb historical suspense crime, this time with an irresistible Italian 1920s setting.
She lives in North London, with her three (allegedly) grown up children and her neurotic rescue dog.
Over The Rainbow Blog 
Thanks for the blog tour support x
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