Chase does it again!

I am not a usual reader of mysteries, but I took advantage of an offer for a free book. More than that, I really enjoyed Cutting Right to the Chase, the previous book by Stefania Mattana. Mattana is an Italian born and raised writer living in Britain. Her character, Chase, is a British, born and raised former detective of Scotland Yard, now living in Italy. That little twist helps in the writing. I am not sure how she does it but you can almost hear the Italian accent in the Italian characters. Chase, the lone Brit, is very British. There is no mistaking that in his language. In many books it is relatively easy to forget the British characters nationality, not here, Chase probably sticks out quite a bit in the medieval city of Tursenia where he lives.

Chase is a former detective. The reason as why he is a former detective is a bit of a mystery. He hasn't even told his friend Inspector Angelo Alunni, who uses Chase as a consultant, the reason. All that Chase lets on to is his discharge, not dismissal, was because he was responsible for a big mess. Chase is now called in to help Alunni in solving the murder of Piero Galli, a wealthy resident of Tursenia. The scene looks like an accident. A chandelier fell on Galli killing him. Chase sees more, and the investigation begins.

In the previous book I compared Chase to a grown up Encyclopedia Brown. In this novel there is still some of that and maybe a bit of Columbo too. Chase is a likable character and very much a realistic one too. He is a genuine nice guy and usually only gets agitated by cigarette smoke and when his running is disturbed.

Mattana writes a good old time mystery. It is not a CSI type book or a detective who crosses the line the get his man. Into the Killer Sphere is a mystery, safe (and clean) enough for all ages and yet engaging enough for adults looking for some light reading. As I said earlier, I usually don't read mysteries but, Mattana's books are a very welcome break from my usual assortment on non-fiction reading. ( )

Mattana throws back a little in this Chase Williams novella, back to the origins of the mystery genre and the classic “cozy mystery.” In this one, Chase Williams is sent to the medieval Italian town of Tursenia to solve a grisly murder in a high class family. Chase is an offbeat, interesting hero whose awkwardness makes the story entertaining and interesting. Mattana’s cast of characters are fun and memorable, and I recommend this book for those looking for a good clean mystery with all the classic elements that make the genre great. Can’t wait to read more from this author! ( )

Intriguing This was a great mystery plot and I enjoyed the book immensely. The author did a great job in providing an intriguing read for the reader. The story is great and it moves fast keeping the reader engaged at each turn. I would recommend the book to everyone that likes mysteries filled with excitement and suspense. ( )