Murder Under the Tuscan Sun: A gripping classic suspense novel in the tradition of Agatha Christie set in a remote Tuscan castle

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Set in a remote castle in the lovely Tuscan hills at the time Mussolini was introducing Fascism and was starting to get a hold on Italy's disgruntled workers, this cosy mystery gives both a little escapism to the warm Mediterranean climate, so different from the cold English weather and claustrophobic house that Constance has left behind, and an insight into a diverse range of characters that Rachel has created. William is a taciturn charge who puts up with her ministering to him but seems wary of everyone around him. She explores the castle and its grounds but Connie just can’t shake off the feeling that there is a lot left unspoken and that the residents are all hiding something. The tension in the castle really begins to pick up when Connie’s son arrives unexpectedly at the castle for a holiday, and he too notices that something strange is going on.

Rhys creates a vivid set of characters in and around this castle with some pretty loathsome characters, some pretty gruesome expat behaviour and a decidedly off kilter existence that overshadows everything that happens in this Tuscan idyll. Rachel’s latest novel, Murder Under the Tuscan Sun is once again superb historical suspense crime, this time with an irresistible Italian 1920s setting. The castle is said to be haunted by a young girl, a talented violinist, denounced as a witch and bricked up alive in the castle walls. Her position in the castle was ambiguous as she wasn’t treated like the luxurious Evelyn or like the working servant women. With strong characterization throughout, I found myself rooting for Connie and felt for her as her mental state deteriorated as events unfolded.Without giving away too much of the plot – a plot I thought was cleverly managed and one that kept me reading avidly – I think it’s worth noting that the novel’s title isn’t the most enlightening. The story is inspired by a real diary which the author discovered by accident while helping her mother move house. The Tuscan settings are beautifully described, I love Florence and it took me right back there, as are the local folk stories about witches.

I devoured this book in a few sittings and it strongly reminded me of the golden age crime from the period. Elements of the supernatural add to the psychological pressure and in the background, there is a legend of gothic horror which could come straight from straight from Edgar Allan Poe.They were tense and action packed, real edge of your seat stuff with your mouth agape at what was unfolding. Those who have read the book will understand when I say that I also loved Alina's story, the glamorous parties and the fabulous ending of the novel.

William was making good progress after his illness but then mysteriously begins to worsen and Constance appears to be responsible for this. We then jump back in time to 1927, and meet Constance, a widow disappointed by her life and grieving the loss of her daughter.Rachel Rhys should be everyone's summer reading * CLARE MACKINTOSH * A thorougly absorbing and compelling read * JANE FALLON * Rachel Rhys is in a league of her own, creating compelling, engrossing historical mysteries that grip readers by the throat every single time * LISA JEWELL * Rachel Rhys takes us to an isolated castle in 1920s Tuscany for a brilliant and Du Maurier-esque tale of dark secrets, rising menace and the importance of taking a leap of faith. I have read previous books by Rachel Rhys and “Murder Under the Tuscan Sun”is definitely every bit as good as her earlier novels. Connie strikes up a friendship with her as I felt she did with William the further the book progressed.