Books : The Villa in Italy

Rating: - What a disappointment!
I bought this book to read on holiday and, had it not been the only novel I took with me, I would not have persevered. The story is all right, and just about worth plodding through, and the flavour suitably Italian, but the style? Oh dear! I found the writing style and use of vocabulary poor and ponderous. Instead of sharing this book with my group of friends, as we generally do with novels we have enjoyed, I left it in a hotel in Italy - not worth bringing home! I shall not be tempted by any other novels by this author, when there are so many others who write better.

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Rating: - Complex Mystery
Ive recently read this book, and enjoyed it very much. It is very well written and researched, and the location of the Villa Dante is described beautifully. The author goes to great lengths to build a visual image of the villa, the town, beach and other areas, which truly sets a wonderful scene. The story itself if well thought out, and is complex in areas, but can be followed easily. Again it is full of small details which make it more realsistic. The characters are all very well developed, and we get a good insight into what they are all like at home, and in this unusual situation. I do agree with a previous reader that the only flaw is they do seem to 'gel' together awfully quickly and with great ease, even though they are complete strangers in a country unfamilar to them in this possible dangerous situation. The ending I felt was good, but seemed rushed. The whole book is full of long description and detail, and then suddenly the end is revealed to us in a matter of paragraphs, and is not what you expect. Still a very satisfing ending though.

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Rating: - a really great read
I took this book on holiday to sardinia with me which made it even more enjoyable. Couldnt wait to get settled in the sun to continue with the story which didnt disappoint right to the end. Took another of elizabeth edmondson books with me to, the frozen lake, and thoroughly enjoyed that as well.

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Rating: - Great Story
This story was a wonderful experience of observation and a great build up to the final chapter, you feel as though the characters are your friends or even your relatives going through this wonderful Italian mystery, the story is told in such a way that you feel as though you are lay on the terrace watching everything unfolding, I was never once disappointed with the twist and turns of the story.
The author has spent just the right time on each characters, you know how they will react to a situation,the details that they see are explained in such an in depth exciting way that you can see them too!
A fabulous read that unfolds and captures you to the very last page.

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Rating: - Cleverly done. Lovely tale of delightful intrigue
Having just finished reading "The Villa in Italy", quite honestly I wish I hadn't. It had become a restful yet highly entertaining companion for those private relaxing moments which are so special in life. It also gave me food for thought, which is always an excellent diet.
The four main characters are drawn to the Villa Dante by being named in the will of the deceased owner, a lady who is a complete stranger to them all. Beatrice Malaspina soon becomes a richly engrossing enigma and her cleverly laid plan creates an atmosphere where they begin to interact with each other at a deeper level, and to shine a torch into all the dusty corners of their lives. Gradually, as the mystery starts to unravel amid the magnificent yet tranquil magic of the Italian coastal landscape, the characters learn the truth about the whens, whys and wherefores of their visit. Then the healing can begin and the myriad gifts contained in the will can be discovered and accepted.
This author writes with a gently flowing style which is totally absorbing and the story is populated with well drawn characters who are easy to become attached to and interested in. What isn't easy is the predictability of any of the outcomes. Ms Edmondson never telegraphs much about the details of her plot before they are revealed, providing the reader with a constant flow of surprises to keep the pages turning.
This is the second of Elizabeth Edmondson's books I have read, and I relish her style and great ability to weave a clever mystery.
If I have one complaint it would be that I find it hard to believe that these characters could suddenly take so much time off from their daily lives at such short notice to spend a month or so in Italy. There again I think that could be just plain old jealousy!!