No products in the cart.
Death In Bagheria (A Serafina Florio Mystery Book 3) by Susan Russo Anderson
In Susan Russo Anderson’s novel Death in Bagheria, set in 1870, Serafina is a well-known Sicilian midwife who is famed for solving crimes. Sister Genoveffa, a dismissive aristocrat, commissions Serafina to inquire into a possible murder of her mother. Serafina journeys to the Gold Coast of Sicily to conduct an investigation, but will she be able to survive long enough to identify the murderer? The third book in the Serafina Florio series is titled Death In Bagheria (A Serafina Florio Mystery).
Serafina is a well-written and likeable character. Despite being the third book in the series, Death in Bagheria worked well as an introduction to both the main character and the setting. Because Serafina is obviously a character the author is familiar with, the author can write about her without the awkwardness that frequently appears in the first novel as the character grows. David was motivated to read the remaining books in the series, so check back for his thoughts on whether the character developed or was strong from the beginning.
While some of the characters appeared to rely on rote learning, the majority seemed to have been carefully crafted and thought through. There was no sense of repetition amongst the characters, despite Serafina’s complicated relationships with several of them. They were all quite carefully balanced and strained in a way that made them all just more interesting to read.
The atmosphere of place and period in Death In Bagheria is highly distinct. With historical fiction, you can frequently remove the setting and simply change the period without changing the tone of the narrative. Not the case with this book. Although I’m not familiar with that period of history, I don’t know if Anderson did a thorough research on the historical period in Sicily, but there’s a genuine feeling to the way she’s written the setting as a second main character. The vibe of the book is extremely period piece in a way that I appreciated, much like the wonderful Canadian detective series “Murdoch Mysteries” (set at the turn of the twentieth century).
The writing style was powerful, and the mystery was complicated. Anderson doesn’t hold back much. Serafina is not a flawless person nor a perfect detective, yet she persists in the role and puts in a lot of effort. She has seven children, yet she is not a great parent. She is a young, widowed woman yearning for love when she meets an old sweetheart.
Although David thought the romance in the book was unnecessary, he really liked the mystery. The romance, as well as Serafina’s very human temperament and her need for connection, I found, brought flavour to the mystery. Fans of mysteries will like reading this. Fans of mysteries will like reading this.
About The Book
Serafina Florio investigates the suspicious death of a baroness and uncovers a dangerous plot to destroy the heirs to a large fortune. The adventure leads her to a palatial villa on Sicily’s gold coast where she pursues the truth despite demands at home, haunting peril, and a heady romance. Will love prevail?
Can she keep her family together? Will she have enough time to catch the killers before they destroy her? Meet Serafina Florio, a woman determined to uncover the truth against all odds. Serafina Florio is a widow and midwife-turned-sleuth living in nineteenth-century Sicily where she supports seven children and catches killers against insurmountable odds.
DEATH IN BAGHERIA is the third book in the Serafina Florio mystery series. Other books in this series: Death of a Serpent No More Brothers.
The Review
Death In Bagheria
9 Score
"Death In Bagheria" is the third book in the captivating Serafina Florio series by Susan Russo Andersen. Set in a financially troubled 1870's Italy with businesses closing resulting in large numbers of families immigrating to the New World, Serafina (Fina) Florio is commissioned by Sister Genoveffa to investigate her mother's suspicious death. Needing the money to support her family of seven and intrigued by the mystery surrounding the death of the baroness she readily takes on the assignment. With her friend,Rosa, the shrewd and witty former brothel owner, her innocent daughter Renata, an aspiring pastry chef, Fina travels to a palatial villa in Bagheria where she uncovers dark secrets, a murder, and illegal opium shipments.
PROS
- Intense & Captivating.
- Great Characters.
- Dark Secrets and a Mysterious Death.
- Italian Mystery.
CONS
- Poorly Written.
- Dull & Boring.
- Weak Characters.
- Disappointing Ending.
Related Posts
Queen of the Blood Throne by Rhiannon Hargadon
The captivating debut book "Queen of the Blood Throne" by Rhiannon Hargadon transports readers to a realm of magic, mystery,...
Stuck in Her Head by Kylie Wang
Kylie Wang's engrossing young adult book "Stuck in Her Head" explores the intricacies of adolescence, relationships, and mental health. Wang...
House of Bastiion by K.L. Kolarich
When I read a book and find myself thinking about the characters and the plot long after the final word,...
Starseer by Katya Hernández
Hernandez's "Starseer" takes readers to a meticulously constructed universe where time and space are put to the test. The narrative...
Trenzle
Where Trends are made and discovered
Trenzle is your official source of discovering the latest people, work, and ideas that deserve to trend. Discover Authors and their books, Creators and their work, People and their opinions, and Stories from around the globe.
Learn more