I absolutely love this series and I can't believe we've reached Book 12! Murder On An Italian Island is just as wonderful as the previous books in the series, with fabulously detailed descriptions of the scenery, food and characters that take me to Italy straight away and keep me immersed in the lifestyle there.

Although Dan and his partner, Anna, and their friends, Virgilio and Lina, are supposed to be relaxing on holiday, Dan and Virgilio cannot help but be drawn into the investigation when a man is found dead in the sea. I love Dan's determination to find answers and his instinct for trouble, which makes the investigation really intriguing. I must also mention Oscar, Dan's canine companion, who is extremely emotionally intelligent and often responds to difficult situations almost as if he were human. It's impossible not to love him!

As the novel is set in a hotel, we are faced with a group of suspects that appears quite closed, although it quickly becomes clear that no one is above suspicion. I enjoyed digging into the backgrounds of all these characters and trying to work out who the perpetrator of the murder was. TA Williams brings the investigation together really well, and at times, there is a definite sense of jeopardy and there are also a few surprises along the way.

TA Williams addresses some sensitive issues in Murder On An Italian Island which does make the story slightly darker than some of the others in the series, but it is handled with a lot of care and adds an extra layer to the story.

I was so happy with the ending of Murder On An Italian Island and I can't wait to see what happens next!

This was my first Armstrong and Oscar mystery and I found it to be a fun summer read.

Former investigator Dan has traveled to Elba with his partner, Anna and his doting black lab Oscar for what they expect to be a peaceful escape and windsurfing adventure at a luxurious hotel. But their dreams of relaxation quickly shatter when a man's body washes ashore.

As Dan delves into the unfolding mystery, he discovers the victim not only had a sinister past, he was not a welcomed visitor in the tiny close-knit community. What else will he discover?

This quick read whisks you away to the sandy shores of Italy, promising sun, suspense of of course, the love of a Labrador.

Thank you to Boldwood Books and Rachel’s Random Resources for the opportunity to join the blog tour for book 12 in the Dan Armstrong and Oscar cosy mystery series, Murder on an Italian Island by TA Williams. I’ve enjoyed reading the first 11 books over the past few years and you can read my last review here: https://mentoringmumof2bookreviews.home.blog/2025/05/10/murder-at-the-ponte-vecchio-by-ta-williams-tawilliamsbooks-boldwoodbooks-rararesources/

Book 12 sees Dan, Anna, Oscar, Virgilio and Lina travel to Elba hoping for a relaxing week of holiday – but as regular readers of this series know, wherever Dan goes, then a murder or two will always happen.

This is another enjoyable cosy mystery book in my favourite series. Elba is famous as a place where Napoleon lived but it was nice to hear more about other history related to the island.

You don’t need to read the other 11 books in the series to enjoy this book, but I’m happy to recommend them. This is another enjoyable book – full of mystery, murder, delicious sounding food and Oscar the Labrador.

Dan a private investigator has been invited to stay on Elba along with his girlfriend Anna. His friend Virgilio who's an Italian police officer has invited them but Dan's determined that he won't be doing any investigating but things don't always got to plan

The twelfth book in Armstrong and Oscar Cozy mystery series which is set in Tuscany, featuring ex Police officer and now author and PI Dan Armstrong and his black Labrador Oscar. I have read the first in the series and jumped right in again with this one and was able to follow along with no problems. Moving from their usual location to the island of Elba. Dan, his partner Anna
and best friend police officer Virgilio and his wife Lina go away to a luxurious resort. Dan promised Anna there will be no playing police detective for the whole week. Not long after they arrive a body is found at the bottom off a cliff. It turns out to be Ignazio Graziani who has a sordid past. Virgilio was the last to see him alive and the two have a connection and he and Dan set out to clear his name.

The mystery element turned out to have quite a number of suspects, another body and ends up being quite personal for Dan. I enjoyed the gorgeous scenery complete with windsurfing, Vineyards and Etruscan antiques and mines. Filled with fun characters and self-deprecating humour
I can’t wait to catch up on the others in the series.

Murder on an Italian Island by T. A. Williams
Virgillio an Italian police detective invites Dan Armstrong and his girlfriend Anna to join him and his wife for a trip to Elba Island. Dan is a former London police officer. He is currently a private investigator who also writes murder mysteries. His labrador, Oscar, always accompanies them.
When two brothers die within a short time of each other. Dan and Virgillio get involved with the investigation. Luckily Oscar always inserts himself into the mysteries.
With the first death, the local police quickly decide it was either an accident because the victim had been drinking, or it was suicide. Dan and Virgillio question this.
Because they are supposed to be on vacation, Anna encourages Dan to take wind surfing lessons with her.
Oscar gives everyone the poor-me dog look and gets plenty of attention as well as snacks while Dan and Anna are busy.
When the second brother is found dead, Dan and Virgillio find it difficult to step away from the investigation.
Both men were not well liked and seemed involved in plenty of sketchy stuff and there are several suspects.
This is a well plotted novel, and I loved the interaction between Dan and Oscar. He often reads Oscar’s mind for us. Oscar plays an integral part in the investigation.
This is part of a series, and a perfect beach read.
I would recommend this book to anyone who loves cozy mysteries.
This book will be released on August 5th.
Thanks to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for this advanced readers copy for my honest opinion.

First of all: I'm a fan of the series. I haven't read all the installments, but I think I've read most of them :-) They're not the most profound crime novels I know, nor are they the ones with the most ingenious plot twists or cryptic storylines, but I love the whole cast, and I love the settings. Private detective Dan, formerly a cop with London's Metropolitan Police, has built a new life for himself in Tuscany, and the cases all take place in wonderful Italian holiday destinations. Here, in the latest case, we're on Elba. I know the island myself from various holidays (yes, Germans love to holiday there, hahaha, the author recognized that well :-) ), and it was really fun strolling there with Dan, Anna, Virgilio, Lina, and of course Oscar. The quartet of two couples who are friends went there to holiday too. And to learn to windsurf – hehehe, the way Dan makes his first attempts on the board is described very authentically! Of course, a murder occurs – wherever Dan and Labrador Oscar appear, there's always a murder, at least one, that's as certain as amen in church, no matter how idyllic the setting, and Dan always becomes more or less voluntarily involved in the murder investigation. This time, however, Dan has a personal interest in solving the case, because he and Virgilio found the dead man quite alive the night before, and it seems Virgilio was the last person to find him alive... and so Virgilio's innocence must also be proven.

We also have a serious background here: the dead man has a rather nasty criminal background, and his passing doesn't leave much sadness behind.

And another interesting subplot – Elba is known for its Etruscan past, and ancient art treasures keep turning up on the island, often sold under the table. I found that very exciting, and this trafficking of ancient art also plays a role in Dan and Virgilio's murder investigation over the course of the crime story...that was well done.
The book is only 232 pages long, so—like all the crime novels in this series—it's not too long, and I won't give anything more away :-)

As I said, I like the series. Williams' novels are super fast and enjoyable to read, it's always fun to be part of it; you can read the books independently of each other, and it's like any series: it's nice to meet old friends again. The charm here lies in the protagonists and the Italian atmosphere, which the author captures so wonderfully. Each book is like a short vacation—and this one was on Elba, and I highly recommend it!

Many thanks to the publisher for the review copy!

This is personally one of my favourite series in the cozy mystery genre, and I never, ever get tired of Dan and Oscar's adventures through Tuscany.

I think that's largely because Dan is such a likable lead character, with the author avoiding all of the usual eye-rolling tropes.

Instead, we always get a solid and well-rounded puzzle to solve, characters that are authentic, and a raft of food descriptions and locations that genuinely make me want to retire in Italy (I wish!).

In 'Murder on an Italian Island', the 12th book in the series, Dan, Anna, Oscar, Virgilio, and his wife Lina have headed off to the Tuscan island of Elba (a stunningly beautiful real place, I googled it), for a bit of a holiday.

Things go awry on the first night when Virgilio encounters a particularly nasty criminal, he helped put away 20 years ago.

Fresh out of prison, and still as reprehensible as ever, it will come as no surprise that he is soon bumped off. The problem is that Virgilio is the last person seen with him, so he immediately falls under suspicion.

However, when the police rule the death an accident, Dan and Virgilio can't help but think that it might not be as clear-cut, leaving a murderer roaming around the island...

Loved it, loved it, loved it - keep 'em coming! And maybe make a TV series out of it as well!!!

With thanks to NetGalley for the early copy in return for an honest review.

I enjoyed this second in the series, though you don't have to have read the first book to understand everything going on here.

Williams has a great talent for character and for bringing Italy to life. I didn't know much about Elba before picking up the book and liked geting to know the island.

I love the Dan Armstrong and Oscar mystery series and this episode did not disappoint. Very well written . Lots of backstory which is very much my cup of tea. Had me guessing the ultimate culprit until the very end which is a plus. Plenty of suspense throughout. Look forward to the next offering.

This is a great addition to the Armstrong and Oscar series. Dan and Anna go to a hotel on the island of Elba with Virgilio and his wife Lina. Of course, Oscar is also invited. Virgilio's neice is the recepionist at the very nice hotel on the waterfront with a beautiful view. Anna is exciting to do windsurfing lessons at a nearby beach and convinces Dan to try it. At dinner, a man comes by their table and dumps Virgilio's glass of wine in his lap. The man was Ignazio Graziani, who Virgilio helped to put in jail in Pisa over 20 years before after raping several women. He has very recently been released and come back to his home on Elba. The next morning, a man finds a man floating in the water. Of course, Virgilio and Dan have to help the local police.

Ignazio's brother, Aldo, is the owner of the company from whom Anna and Dan are taking their windsurfing lessons and owns a large camp on the hillside above the surfing site. They also find out that there is a fair amount of trafficing ancient Tuscan Art works in the area. The police finally decide that Graziani may have just fallen off the cliff because he had been very drunk that night.
Then, Aldo is found dead. Dan sees something floating and swims out to find Aldo and bring him to shore. Aldo has been hit on the back of his head, and was definitely murdered.

Dan and Oscar go up on the hill above the camp, and find a locked building which looks unused. However, when Anna and Oscar go there, she is pushed through an opening in the floor and been knocked out. Oscar runs back to the hotel and Dan and Virgilio go to the shed, find her, and call for an ambulance and police. Anna spends the night in the hospital, but seems to be recovering and goes back to the hotel the next day. The shed turns out to be a place to hide Tuscan Art works. Gradually, the local police with the help of Virgilio and Dan manage to figure out all the bad guys, and who did what to whom.

This book was very exciting. I enjoy the fact that the books in this series mostly take place in a different town in a different venue. I thank Netgalley and Boldwood books for the ARC so that I could read the book before publication.

Given the ambiguous title I wasn’t sure which island would host Dan and Oscar’s latest adventure, but I was thrilled to see that it was Elba! As always, the descriptions of the coastal scenery, the food and wine, and even the difficult pursuit of windsurfing are top-notch. The fact that Dan thinks about describing the village on a late night walk, in deference to his publisher’s instructions, was a fun aspect in a book about a writer. The opening scenes and the murder that followed set the stage for a complex mystery that I couldn’t quite solve until the very end. I loved the setting and the fact that Anna, Virgilio, and Lina played a large role in this story, but the ending was the best! I’m so excited for the next book in the series. Thanks to the author, publisher (Boldwood Books), and NetGalley for the ARC and the opportunity to provide an honest review.

Murder on the Italian Island is a light, engaging mystery set against a gorgeous Mediterranean backdrop. T.A. Williams delivers exactly what you'd expect from a summer readThe mystery isn’t overly complex,with a touch of suspense and plenty of Italian charm. LOL

Thanks to Net galley for the advance copy

A classic murder mystery wrapped around romance set on an Italian island and abounding with detective types. A lovely light read with plenty of interesting food and ambience. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This was my first Armstrong and Oscar mystery. I really enjoyed but I wanted more! More about the characters, more about the island of Elba and more about the Etruscans. I found it very interesting, the various lines of investigation, fun and food. Oscar, of course is the star, although I spent a lot of time worrying about his gut health. When they fed him a bunch a meat from the table I expected a run to the emergency room. I look forward to reading more about Oscar and Dan.

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for this DRC.
#MurderonanItalianIsland #NetGalley

A cosy murder mystery for Dan, now a Private Investigator come want-to-be author, his now partner Anna and, of course, the lovable labrador Oscar. They are on holiday on Elba with friends Virgilio (police officer) and Lina - sun, sea, history and lots of lovely food and wine were on the menu. Not a dead body though. After an altercation in the restaurant between Virgilio and Ignazio, recently released thug, rapist and murderer, Ignazio's body is discovered. General verdict, he was drunk (true) and fell off a cliff during drunken meanderings. It soon became obvious that he and his family were not that liked, that grudges were held from offences caused decades ago and so on. A second body, Ignazio's more or less equally disliked brother turned up. Plenty of twists and turns - wind surfing, Etruscan treasures, dodgy deals and blackmail. A quick and easy read but a good one of the genre. Oscar is so true to life but all it really needs is a cat!

I’ve read all the previous Armstrong and Oscar cozy mysteries, so I was thrilled to get my hands on the latest instalment featuring this endearing detective duo.

Dan Armstrong, his partner Anna, and their faithful dog Oscar head to the island of Elba for a relaxing week-long holiday with friends Virgilio and Lina. But when an ex-convict confronts Virgilio over dinner at their luxury hotel—and is found dead on the beach the next morning—vacation quickly gives way to investigation.

Though Dan promised Anna there’d be no sleuthing while on holiday, he can’t help stepping in to prove Virgilio’s innocence. When the police rule the death accidental and close the case, a second body turns up—this time, the dead man’s brother—pulling Dan even deeper into a tangled mystery.

This novel ticks all the boxes: a layered mystery (or two!), vivid descriptions of Elba, mouthwatering Italian cuisine, touches of Etruscan history and the illicit antiquities trade, a bit of windsurfing, and of course, Oscar’s lovable antics.

I enjoyed the fresh angle of Dan’s writer’s block, and how the case becomes a source of unexpected inspiration. Despite the holiday setting, the story doesn’t shy away from exploring the emotional weight of crime and its ripple effects on victims and their families.

That said—I loved the ending!

Thank you to T.A. Williams. Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the advance reader copy.

I am filled with joy that there are so many more of these books un the series.
I really enjoyed the charachtera and the setting of the island was blissful. Loved the wine, the food and much more. These would be a wonderful tv series too.

In this book we go on vacation with the lovely labrador Oscar, private detective nad murder mystery writer Dan and his wonderful girlfriend Anna.
Dan is invited by his friend Virgilio on the island of Elba on a week getaway.They have plans to relax and enjoy these days with friends, and also to do some windsurfing.
And of course, they discover a body on the beach. The man that died is the same that Virgilio had an altercation the night before.
And Dan, now have to help his friend and solve this crime. I liked the fact that he has a girlfriend, and she is very supportive and understands him .
I think this was the first thing that I liked about the detective. ( because in most stories and movies, the detective is always single). And Oscar, always a pleasure to read about him.

It was a cozy and relaxing mystery story. I like how T A Williams writes.
A little bit to descriptive on some things that are not that important to the story plot, but still an enjoyable read.
So get ready for summer and vacation and read the book.

4 Stars
One Liner: History and mystery

Dan and his girlfriend Anna are invited to the island of Elba, which they happily accept to get a break from sleuthing. Their friends, the Commissioner Virgilio and his wife, also join them, and they have a good time at the hotel until a death shatters their peace.
Given Virgilio’s past connection to the case, Dan has little choice but to dig into it with dutiful Oscar at his side. With the victim being hated by just about everyone, Dan has a tough job ahead to find the killer.
The story comes in Dan’s first-person POV.

My Thoughts:
So, the 12th book in the series should work as a standalone. Go ahead and grab them all if you want to read the rest. It’s like going on a virtual tour of Italy.
This time, we travel to Elba, a beautiful island with a history that dates back to the early times. Like many tourist places, the island has both benefited and suffered from becoming a popular location for holidays.
I like how we also learn something about the situation in the region with every book in the series. This time, it talks of how thriving occupations like farming, winery, etc., were replaced by tourism and its adjacent industries. By catering to tourists, many locals lost their family lands and professions and had to adjust. Sadly, this has become a common pattern around the world.
The mystery is nice enough with resolutions we can guess as more clues are revealed. It is still low-stakes, though there are some interesting developments and other departments involved for a while.
Oscar, the adorable black Lab, is his usual best – being cuddled by everyone and fed treats coz he has the best ‘I’m starving’ face. Of course, our dog is also a hero who can save lives.
And food, there’s loads of it. The Italians (like Indians) serve food in generous proportions, so there’s more than enough for the characters and the readers! If only they developed AI that made it possible to grab an ice cream from the book instead of writing a story for me. I can do my writing. Give me food!

To summarize, Murder on an Italian Island is a lighthearted and quick mystery set on a lovely island. It combines history, mystery, and entertainment with ease. The windsurfing scenes were hilarious.
Thank you, NetGalley and Boldwood Books, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.