Sneak Peek: Minestrone Mischief

Book 4 of the Italian Kitchen Mysteries, Minestrone Mischief, is now underway. The main character in my series, Victoria Rienzi, is herself a mystery writer. In Minestrone Mischief, the reader gets a small glimpse of of Victoria’s famous sleuth, Bernardo Vitali, when she does a reading at her local library. Bernardo can best be described as an Italian Poirot. He’s known for his Panama hats, white linen suits, black patent leather shoes, and sharp detective brain. In the following excerpt, Vitali and his sidekick, Inspector Morelli, have discovered a body:

Bernardo Vitali frowned, gesturing at the body lying at the men’s feet. “His ensemble, it is interesting, no?”

“Interesting!” Inspector Morelli exclaimed. “My God, sir, he’s dressed exactly like you: the same hat, the same suit, the same shoes. It’s disturbing, that’s what it is.”

“I agree, Inspector. It is disturbing.” Vitali flicked the cuff of the man’s trousers with a gloved finger. “The tailoring is hideous,” he said, tossing his head and smoothing the lapels of his immaculate white linen suit. “I would not be caught dead in such rags. However, as this man was caught dead in them, we have a task in front of us, do we not?”

Morelli circled the body, noting its position, as well as the large knife stuck in the chest. “Bernardo,” he said thoughtfully, “regarding this man’s imitation of you, I have something of a theory—”

“And do you think the great Vitali has time for your nonsensical theories?” the sleuth interrupted. “My dear Inspector, you do not seem to understand: My notes, my thoughts, my deductions—indeed, my fine mind—are all I need to solve this distressing murder. So, il mi amico, save your petty theories. And now,” he said, glancing at his gold pocket watch, “I sense it is time for the cocktails, as murder always gives one a great thirst.”