Gina Rae Mitchell

The Case of the Missing Botticelli (A Massimo Domingo Mystery, Book 1) by Marilyn Baron | $20 Giveaway, Excerpt, & Review

A book blog tour from Goddess Fish Promotions.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and Marianne & Judy at Goddess Fish for providing me with the information for this tour.

Book Details

The Case of the Missing Botticelli by Marilyn Baron
Series: A Massimo Domingo Mystery Book #1
Published by The Wild Rose Press on January 24, 2022
Genres: Fiction, Cozy Mystery, Detective/Sleuth, Suspense
Format: eBook, Paperback
Pages: 208

In this cozy mystery, American art history major Hadley Evans joins an art detective agency in Florence, Italy, working for Massimo Domingo, once a major player, now the Inspector Clouseau of the art world.

Determined to save the flailing agency and prove her worth, Hadley and her sexy carabiniere boyfriend, Luca Ferrari, take on a mysterious client behind her boss's back.

While hot on the trail of a missing masterpiece, they discover a hidden cache of stolen Nazi art in a Venetian villa and encounter a dangerous enemy with a link to an evil past.

Source: Goddess Fish Promotions, Received from the author or publisher for review.

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Excerpt from The Case of the Missing Botticelli

“If you harm your sister, I will slash this painting and it won’t be worth anything to anyone.”

Matteo frowned, slightly loosening his hold on Isabella. His eyes flew to the painting. “You wouldn’t dare.”

“I would,” Hadley swore.

“Hadley,” Massimo said, calmly. “You don’t want to ruin that masterpiece. It’s invaluable.”

“So is Isabella’s life,” she stated.

“Matteo, we can talk this over, come to an agreement,” Luca said, straining to control his anger. Hadley held up the nail file and approached the masterpiece.

“Hadley, don’t!” Massimo shouted.

Hadley’s hands shook. Would she do it? Could she destroy the most beautiful work of art she’d ever seen? And if she did attempt to damage the masterpiece, would Luca shoot her, or Matteo throw the knife at her first? If it meant saving a life, maybe two, she would have no choice. “Let her go,” Luca urged, raising his gun. “Hadley, step away from the painting.” “Hadley,” Isabella pleaded. “Don’t ruin the painting. That was our grandmother’s legacy.”

Matteo’s glazed eyes were fixed on Hadley and the painting. He seemed to have momentarily forgotten about his sister. Suddenly, Isabella swirled around and turned the knife in her brother’s hand down and across, plunging it deep into Matteo’s ribs.

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Purchase Links for The Case of the Missing Botticelli

Amazon     Bookshop/IndieBound     Kobo

AppleBooks/iTunes     The Book Depository

Waterstones     GoogleBooks

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My thoughts on The Case of the Missing Botticelli

The Case of the Missing Botticelli is perfect for lovers of cozy mystery fiction and especially fans of the old masters of the art world.

I enjoyed the various threads running through the story. Will the romance between Hadley and Luca thrive or fizzle in the face of opposition from both sides of the families?

Can Hadley solve the mystery of the missing Botticelli? Will Signore Domingo begin to appreciate his assistant and her efforts to save his reputation?

There is so much to enjoy in the tale. The lush settings, the inside look at the art world, and the theft of so many treasures by Hitler and Mussolini during the war, all combine for compelling, fast reading.

There is a short continuation at the end of the book where Hadley takes on a new case about a missing Vermeer. It’s a nice bonus novella.

I received a copy of the book for the tour. This review is my honest, unbiased opinion.

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I love my Amazon Kindle Unlimited Subscription. So many books, so little time!

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Purchase The Case of the Missing Botticelli online from a local book store.

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Giveaway!

Marilyn Baron will be awarding a $20 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Visit more stops on this Goddess Fish tour for extra chances to win!

Official Tour Page

Full Tour Schedule

January 24: Mythical Books – promo
January 24: Hope. Dreams. Life… Love
January 31: Our Town Book Reviews
January 31: Notes From a Romantic’s Heart
February 7: The Avid Reader
February 14: Iron Canuck Reviews & More
February 14: Gina Rae Mitchell
February 14: Harlie’s Books

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