Nonna Maria, “one of the most charming amateur sleuths ever created” (Tess Gerritsen), sets out to clear her goddaughter's name and uncover the checkered past of an unidentifiable victim in this transporting mystery from #1 New York Times bestselling author Lorenzo Carcaterra. "Nonna Maria and the Case of the Stolen Necklace" will be available starting May 2.

Nonna Maria has a lot on her plate—and it’s not just fresh pasta. Two crimes have rocked the sun-drenched island of Ischia, and once again, the island’s denizens have called upon the espresso-brewing, sage counsel-giving sleuth.

A wealthy woman alleges a valuable necklace was stolen from her hotel room. The necklace, she claims, has been in her family for decades. She blames one of the young women working on the cleaning crew as the most likely suspect—a young woman who turns out to be Nonna Maria’s goddaughter. She takes the heat, but privately, she proclaims her innocence.

Nearby, the body of a woman found on a curved road near the borough of Barano. The woman is not known to anyone on the island. She has no purse, no identification. The one potential suspect is a young friend of Nonna Maria's who drove by the area that very night and thinks that he may have hit something—a pothole; an animal; or maybe, the woman in question.

It turns out, this woman has a history on the island, having left it decades ago. But why did she return, and more importantly, who killed her? Like the links of a beautiful, missing necklace, it’s up to Nonna Maria to string together the clues and solve these two mysteries before death comes for Ischia again.

About the Author

Lorenzo Carcaterra is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of A Safe Place, Sleepers, Apaches, Gangster, Street Boys, Paradise City, Chasers, Midnight Angels, The Wolf, Tin Badges, Payback, Three Dreamers, and Nonna Maria and the Case of the Missing Bride. He is a former writer/producer for Law & Order and has written for National Geographic Traveler, The New York Times Magazine, Details, and Maxim. He lives in New York City.

Praise for Nonna Maria and the Case of the Missing Bride

“An utterly delightful tale starring one of the most charming amateur sleuths ever created. Nonna Maria and the Case of the Missing Bride is so delicious it will make you want to pack your bags and move to Italy!” —Tess Gerritsen, New York Times bestselling author 

“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’s as kind as she is steely.” —Booklist 

“Italophiles wishing for a brief vacation in charming and clever company will revel in this love letter to Ischia.” —Publishers Weekly 

“The brilliant Lorenzo Carcaterra has created his own irresistible genre: the literary cozy. I fell in love with this wonderfully lyrical and completely entertaining novel, and most of all, its instantly iconic heroine. 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 

“Lorenzo Carcaterra has written a suspenseful tale, while bringing the history, traditions and colorful characters of the island of Ischia to life. The indomitable Nonna Maria shines throughout. Bravo!” —Camilla Trinchieri, author of the Doyle/Perillo Tuscan mystery series