Publication Aug. , 2026
I've grown to really enjoy my virtual visits with Private Investigator Dan Armstrong and his canine buddy Oscar. Even better this go-round, we get to spend a bit more time with his professor wife Anna. They're already planned to spend some quality time with their children over Christmas when a former client of sorts asks them to come to the luxurious Alpine resort she's staying at. Seems the man who invited her there to talk business is in fear of his life. They didn't hesitate long, especially when Oscar was also invited along. I won't detail the plot but needless to say there is a murder and Dan investigates. Heck, besides Oscar, even Anna gets into the action far more than I recall in any of the previous books. They make quite a team.
Since, despite Selena's concerns, it isn't quickly obvious who the victim will be, I'll leave it with "victim" and just say there is an uneasiness in the air and quite a few suspects, some family members. We're introduced to them more or less as Dan is, so it was relatively easy to sort out who was who and who was connected and how, so I didn't suffer my frequent frustration of keeping track of a fairly large cast. Much of the info shared is simply revealed in casual "getting to know you" style conversation between Dan and the rest, too, so it happens in a low key way with us learning about them as Dan does. Oscar, in the meantime, has found not just a new canine buddy but has sorted out who among them all will be soft touches for treats. The descriptions of the scenery and resort are well done, making you feel like you are right there taking it all in with Dan. Seriously, if I could conjure up the perfect tour guide for not just Italy but just about anywhere, he'd be the result. You feel as if you're sitting on the couch chatting with him or riding along or walking with him (and Oscar).
It's telling that Selena introduces Dan as a writer, not a private investigator. She obviously suspects foul play to come but doesn't seem to be able to pinpoint any one suspect. Without going into specifics of why our victim meets his death. let's just say there is a flood of family dynamics and drama going on, suspicious minds, mistrust, greed, and a sense of isolation that adds to the atmosphere. Not that there isn't lots to distract you, from food, oh, the food, and wine, lots of wine, gorgeous scenery, and don't forget that winding road Dan and Anna must navigate just to get there. There's even talk of how best to preserve the environment and wildlife, something that is a wedge between family members, I will note.
Bottom line, another thoroughly enjoyable adventure with Dan and Oscar. Oscar does have the knack of somehow knowing just when to insert himself into the action. Even some of the seemingly unlikable characters show grace and growth at the end, a plus to the story. And, as noted, liked seeing not just a bit more of Anna but her being in on the big reveal, so to speak. Thanks #BoldwoodBooks for introducing me to Dan Armstrong and the very intuitive Oscar. I'm already looking forward to taking my next virtual jaunt with them, no matter where it leads. Kinda nice to be able to be an armchair traveler in foreign to me lands.
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