A Death in Tuscany

As you read this book, it becomes more and more obvious that the writer knows what he's talking about. He manages to capture the pace of life during harvest in an Italian vineyard. The characters, the landscapes, the food and especially the wine are all treated with understated reverence. Even the automobiles and their maintenance have their place in the story. Wine-making is mysterious to most Americans, but not to Italians who spend their lives working with the grapes. Before the reader realizes what's happening, he is sucked into this love affair with Tuscany and it's principal industry of creating great wines. The personalities of the workers of this miracle come through gently and inevitably as you keep reading. I had a wonderful time reading this book, slowing my pace of life to the gentle passage of time in Tuscany.

It lacked self awareness. The story is not very compelling. There is no sympathetic character to help move the story along. It is a mystery, but not one that the reader can invest in and solve. The clues are not there to be uncovered, instead, it has to be revealed. A LOT of this reads like a textbook on wineries and an Italian travel guide... But apparently that is where this author is most comfortable. The romance storyline was flat, boring and disingenuous. And finally, the hero is a man that left Italy as a child, but somehow knows and remembers everyone and how to drive to the police station, municipal center, and the hall of records. Everyone expects him to solve a crime, though they have not seen him for years and he has no experience investigating anything. Finally, it's a big leap to sympathize with a bland young man, that shows up and instantly inherits a castle, a business empire a Maserati and a house full of dutiful staff and employees without a hint of turmoil.

Well thought out book. Takes the reader right to Tuscany and emerges you in the countryside. Thoroughly enjoyed reading this mystery. Would recommend. Especially if you've had the opportunity to visit the area.

This book was first, a travelogue for wine connoisseurs and second, a mystery with some romance mixed in. The information about grapes and wine was fascinating, even though I am not a wine drinker. Mr. Rosano did his research well. The main characters were developed and believable. There was no profanity and no sex, although sex was implied several times in the book. No violence.

A most interesting story and travelogue for parts of Northern Italy. Of course, so much wine was consumed I was occasionally feeling drunk. A new concept, and we met some fascinating characters.

Reading this novel allowed a brief escape into another culture, almost another time, steeped in history and custom, with family as the overarching theme. Great read!

Book was quite enjoyable. Explaining life on a vineyard. A slower less frenzied way of living the good life. Italian customs and nuiances and picturesque scenes of Tuscany. Would recommend.

I enjoyed the book. I picked 4 stars due the the fact that the subject wasn'tcomplex or difficult. An enjoyable read.

This book was self-published and I can see why. If you want info on how to make wine, read it. If you want a good mystery, forget it.

Just the kind of gentle escapism you want.Pleasant and easy going who-and- why dun it!Not to mention the joy of Tuscany the wine, the food…where’s my passport!

Rambling,does not go anywhere, but does give restaurant menu suggestions.No tension no direction. Disappointing all round

Very good another great read

Since the vineyard was traditionally passed from grandfather to grandson it skipped a generation each time it passed and so Castello die Trantini in Tuscany passed from Nonno Fillipo, the grandfather, to Phil Trantino even though his family had moved to America when he was a young boy. His grandfather’s death appeared to be suspicious to the family although the police had treated it as an accident. Phil and the people at the winery felt they needed to investigate his grandfather’s death. As he became reacquainted with the food, wine, customs, and people around the vineyard he tried to determine the circumstances of his grandfather’s death. I really enjoyed this story and the food, the wine, and the countryside comments added to my enjoyment. I’d like to read more by this author.