Nonna Maria, “one of the most charming amateur sleuths ever created” (Tess Gerritsen), dodges assassins and hunts for hidden treasure in this transporting mystery from #1 New York Times bestselling author Lorenzo Carcaterra in his new book "Nonna Maria and the case of the lost treasure".

As Nonna Maria’s longtime friend and sometimes colleague, Captain Murino of Ischia’s carabinieri never wanted to see harm brought to the doorstep of everyone’s favorite espresso-brewing, counsel-giving amateur sleuth. But when you live a long life, you’re bound to make a few enemies. And when those enemies come calling, you must rely on friends.

Faced with an assassin seeking revenge for a decades-old grudge, Captain Murino turns to Maria, who must use all her neighborly resources, clever faculties, and web of connections to save him from his perilous predicament.

On the other side of the island, a second mystery begins to unfold from the deathbed of another of Maria’s old friends, when he hands his granddaughter a yellowed map and tells her of a treasure to be found in one of Ischia’s secret caverns. There are traps and pits. There will be others with sinister motives who will do all they can to make the treasure their own. But this map is a guide—the only gift he had to give. When the granddaughter needs help cracking the code, she turns to her grandfather’s most trusted friend: Nonna Maria.  

From battling foes in medieval castles to exploring the notorious caverns where smugglers hid their goods, Nonna Maria and her friends—some old, some new—embark on their most swashbuckling adventure yet. 

Praise for Lorenzo Carcaterra and the Nonna Maria Series
“One of the all-time greats.”—Jeffery Deaver, #1 internationally bestselling author of the Lincoln Rhyme series 

“One of my favorite writers in the world.”—Lisa Scottoline, New York Times bestselling author of Someone Knows

“Carcaterra offers armchair travelers a soothing vacation from daily strife.”—Publishers Weekly

“Carcaterra seems to have fun writing about his native Italy, and readers will have just as much fun with this new series. The essence of cozy with its low-key charm, clever plotting, and disarming storytelling, the book is also sharp and subtle. A winning mystery that promises a long run for the Nonna Maria series.”—Kirkus

“Nostalgia for Ischia’s simpler way of life, nearly lost in the face of the fast-paced modern world, combines successfully with a suspenseful plot and a feisty heroine who is as kind as she is steely.”—Booklist

“The brilliant Lorenzo Carcaterra has created his own irresistible genre: the literary cozy…Nonna Maria is Miss Marple and Sherlock Holmes combined into one wise and unforgettable character. Touching, charming, and delightful—do not miss this!”—USA Today bestselling author Hank Phillippi Ryan