Loved the Lake Como setting. Really liked the main character Stefania Valenti, as well as many of the supporting characters. It was a police procedural that wasn't "hard-boiled." The reason the book didn't get more stars from me was that so much of the mystery was dealt with by characters relating long narratives. ( )

I knew going into this that it was a translation and I may not get the next in the series soon if ever but I jumped right in anyway. And now I'm hoping when the next will come or if it will.

The setting of Como was just lovely to read about and the food sounded enticing as well. I read this on vacation and was immersed in it while I sat on the beach. I quite enjoyed the mystery and also investigator Valenti. I wanted more of her backstory but as this is the first in a series, I expect there's more to come. The mystery itself had a foot in the past and present and while some of the outcomes weren't a real surprise, they were well done in the reveal. Also as this was a translation, some of the transitions were abrupt from one scene to the next. Still, I didn't think it diminished the reading of the story itself.

Recommended especially if you're a mystery lover who likes something outside the usual destinations. ( )

Cocco and Magella's first Stefania Valenti mystery as translated by Stephen Sartarelli is steeped in the history of Lake Como in northern Italy. Stefania is forty-five, divorced with an eleven-year-old daughter Camilla who's a bit spoiled. As the investigation continues, readers see how determined she is and to what lengths she'll go to solve a case.

And the case is a puzzling one that has everything to do with actions taking place during World War II. The secrets surrounding the young man's death have been very well kept because only one person knows the truth.

You can't have a mystery set in Italy without descriptions of mouth-watering food, and Shadows on the Lake is no exception. Do not read this book when you're hungry, or you'll be placing a huge order with your favorite Italian restaurant. You have been warned!

If I have any complaint at all with this book, it's with the secondary cast, which does not make a strong enough appearance. This book is Stefania's show. Carboni may be her boss. Lucchesi and Piras may be her underlings. She may be romantically inclined toward Luca while Giulio is romantically inclined toward her, but we get to know Stefania much better than all these other characters. I hope this changes in the next book because I'm certainly going to be reading it. Shadows on the Lake is a strong, enticing blend of history, culture, and an intriguing main character. More, please! ( )