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"This is a book for armchair travelers as much as it is for mystery lovers." - Publishers Weekly Next in David Wagners acclaimed Italian mysteries comes A Funeral in Mantova, which finds American translator Rick Montoya going undercover to dive into a local familys dangerous secrets ... Lombardy was once hotly fought over by the cities of Venice and Milan, though today it is famed for its food rather than war. But the murder of an elderly fisherman, Roberto Rondini, reveals the battles that still rage within the region. Rick Montoya, an American self-employed as a translator in Italy, soon receives a call from the States. The US Embassy in Rome has recommended his services to the Rondini funeral party, some of whose members have been living in the states and need a bit of help with their Italian. While Rick hires on as interpreter, he soon receives another assignment - a local cop, Inspector Crespi, leads the murder investigation and asks Rick to observe and report. So Rick once again finds himself throwing off the mantle of travel translator to solve yet another murder in Italy. The murder victim owned a parcel of land, and Rick soon learns that the lands use was a violent point of contention to the Rondinis. Is the murderer a part of the funeral party? Despite the joys and distractions of the city and its watery setting, its glorious art and architecture, and the temptations of the local cuisine, the investigation must probe the life of Roberto and the history of the Rondinis, as well as the rivalries of the locals. David Wagners Rick Montoya Mysteries will appeal to readers of Michael Dibdin, Donna Leon, and Martin Walker. And in the newest addition to the series, Rick Montoya becomes entrenched in a conflict with a local family - can a resolution be reached, or will things end in blood? Other books in the Rick Montoya Italian Mysteries: Cold Tuscan Stone Death in the Dolomites Murder Most Unfortunate Return to Umbria A Funeral in Mantova Read more Continue reading Read less REVIEW "Following Return to Umbria, Wagners fifth series outing features a likable amateur sleuth who carefully analyzes other people. Rich in details of the food and culture of Italys Lombardy region, this atmospheric mystery will be appreciated by fans of Martin Walkers French-flavored "Bruno" mysteries. Readers of Frances Mayess Under the Tuscan Sun may enjoy the colorful descriptions." -- Library Journal "Wagners fifth series entry provides his usual deft mix of art, travel, and suspense." -- Kirkus Reviews "...the many details of meals that Rick enjoys on his trip are a highlight, as are the authors appended notes on the food and wines of the area..." -- Henrietta Verma, BOOKLIST "This is a book for armchair travelers as much as it is for mystery lovers." -- Publishers Weekly --This text refers to the paperback edition. ABOUT THE AUTHOR David P. Wagner is a retired foreign service officer who spent nine years in Italy, learning to love things Italian. Other diplomatic assignments included Brazil, Ecuador, and Uruguay, as well as two hardship postings to Washington, D.C. He and his wife, Mary, live in Pueblo, Colorado. --This text refers to the paperback edition. Read more Continue reading Read less
About the Author
David Wagner is an emeritus professor of sociology and social work at the University of Southern Maine. He holds BA and MS degrees from Columbia University and a Ph. D. in Sociology from City University Graduate Center. He was awarded the C. Wright Mills award for his book Checkerboard Square, the Northeast Popular Culture Book Award for The New Temperance, and a Choice Outstanding Book award for Confronting Homelessness. He was a Distinguished Visiting Professor at California State University Dominguez Hills in 2009, and an adjunct professor there as well. See Dr. Wagner's website at davidwagnerbooks.net.
