jbronderbookreviews

Shadows on the Lake by Giovanni Cocco and Stephen Sartarelli

A new atmospheric Italian mystery novel set in Lake Como, introducing the clever and captivating Inspector Stefania Valenti
During the construction of a new road to the Swiss border in the mountains above Lake Como, the remains of a young man are unearthed on the powerful Cappelletti family’s property. On the case is Stefania Valenti, forty-five, divorced with a young daughter, and a brilliant, determined police inspector.
Her investigation takes her back to World War II and deep into the history of the region, a place that during the war attracted smugglers, deserters, secret agents, and fleeing Jews. Steeped in the beautiful atmosphere of Northern Italy, Valenti’s investigation brings to light a family’s secret, a tragic romance, and reveals a fascinating piece of Italian history.

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Author’s Bios

GIOVANNI COCCO was born in Como in 1976. AMNERIS MAGELLA was born in Milan in 1958. They are married and live in Como, Italy.

My Review

4 stars

A new road is being build above Lake Como, Italy. A body is discovered on the Cappelletti’s property. The Cappelletti’s are a powerful family and have a rich history. Stefanie Valenti is the one assigned the case and has to figure out how old the body is. It turns out the body dates back to World War II and that there is history of smugglers, deserters, and so much more. The more Stefanie digs into the past, the more of the Cappelletti’s history is revealed and some dark secrets are going to be shown the light.

This is a great story that was very easy to get into about a rich family with lots of secrets that could cause so many problems. The discovery of a body during construction draws the attention of the police. I love the story of the past. It was so easy to feel right there as people are trying to save themselves and doing whatever they could to survive. But some secrets cannot stay buried and this has the chance to do some serious damage.

If you like your mysteries with history and lots of secrets look no further. You will be kept guessing at where this story is heading and will be surprised by the ending.

I received Shadows on the Lake from the publisher for free. This has in no way influenced my opinion of this book.