Murder and Matrimony in the Castello

by

Tessa Floreano

An atmospheric and immersive historical mystery with a touch of forbidden attraction set in the late 1890s in northern Italy.

Murder and Matrimony in the Castello by Tess Floreano is a new historical mystery set in the late 1890s in the Veneto region of Northern Italy. With an engaging main character and suspenseful domestic mystery wrapped in an immersive historical setting, I felt I was side-by-side with a new best friend as she prepared for her Yuletide wedding in a miasma of menace. 

When bride-to-be Renata Bombonetti witnesses a man plunge to a certain death from the top of a tower on the grounds of the castello, she is shocked to discover that no one else seems to know that this tragedy has even occurred. Puzzled by Placido’s failure to greet her and her family upon their arrival at his home, his absence vaguely explained away by his relatives as he was away handling a furniture delivery, her concern grows day by day with the arrival of cryptic notes, the disappearance of the best man and his pregnant wife, and still no bridegroom. Renata determines she must investigate. 

Renata is a likable, enthusiastic, young amateur sleuth and diehard fan of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s fictional detective, Sherlock Holmes. While her mother had ensured her training in the administration of an aristocratic household, her father, an early advocate of higher education for women, has nurtured her intellectual growth. Her investigation is hampered by conservative societal expectations for her gender and station in life, a hostile castello staff left too long to their own devices, and the appearance of an intriguing but aggravatingly temperamental local police inspector with whom Ranata shares some definite chemistry. Her best friend, Nataliz Nunzio, proves a true “die or ride” sidekick, if for no other reason than she effectively distracts Renata’s mother from figuring out what her daughter is up to. 

The plot is compelling, and it is not until the big reveal that the identity of those responsible for the accidents and murder becomes clear; the author really keeps you guessing. Still, I felt one suspect’s motive for mayhem was weakened by our lack of contact with them and the dearth of character development. While one is present and vocal about their grievances, the other is absent for most of the story, no history of animosity is given to support the motive, and they don’t take any action to further their intentions against their actual target other than issuing a threat for them to come out of hiding or else. However, it was an acceptable explanation and perhaps one that will prove to become more understandable as the series progresses. 

I recommend MURDER AND MATRIMONY IN THE CASTELLO to readers of cozy and traditional historical mysteries. 

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy from Reedsy Discovery.

Located at 3131 Turtle Creek Boulevard in Dallas is the newest branch of Chambers Bank, which opened its first Texas location in North Texas on December 16, 2024.

Here also stands almost 100 years of banking built on trust, relationships and human connections – now available to Texans in a way that offers convenience and expert assistance with a full-service suite of personal and business banking solutions, including loans.

“By launching full-service banking in Texas, we are adding even more value to the successful relationships we have built in Texas over the years,” said J.R. Meeks, senior executive vice president at Chambers Bank. “This new Dallas branch gives us the opportunity to provide the full complement of the Chambers Bank experience to our clients in the Lone Star State.”

Chambers has tapped North Texan J.J. Gomez, an industry veteran with almost three decades of experience, to lead the Dallas branch and to introduce the DFW community to a style of banking based on personal relationships and backed by a strong tradition of trust.

“In a busy and connected world, we believe it is important to know your banker. We want to get to know you and offer personalized services to help you achieve your financial goals,” said Gomez. “Our team members all live here in DFW, and we strongly value the relationships with our clientele and in our community. Chambers is committed to giving back and playing an integral role in the ongoing success of life and business here in North Texas.”

Chambers Bank-Texas houses traditional banking amenities like teller services and lending and also features advanced technology and design. The bank is committed to providing convenient services paired with the human element, creating the kind of relationships with clientele that define a bespoke concierge banking experience.

Chambers Bank was founded on the belief that nothing is more important than relationships, and the most important aspect of a good relationship is trust. In 1930, Judge John Ed Chambers opened the doors to a community bank driven by a commitment to quality, service and local values. Today, those very same ideas form the foundation of a thriving enterprise with a presence across the state of Arkansas and into Texas. Integrity and stability are hallmarks of the bank, which has grown to include more than $1.3 billion in assets. Today, the bank upholds the same dedication to personal relationships it has for almost 100 years, a testament to its enduring success, blending innovation with tradition in a way that honors the past while simultaneously looking to the future.

“The Chambers family is excited to expand our footprint to Texas,” said Chambers Bank CEO and Chairman of the Board John Ed Chambers, III. “We love the Dallas community and the people of the Metroplex, and we look forward to building additional banking relationships in Texas.”

With the addition to the new Dallas location, Chambers Bank now operates 24 full-service branches in Arkansas and Texas.

Chambers Bank is a family-owned, community-focused financial services company headquartered in Danville, Arkansas. Founded in 1930, Chambers Bank currently operates 24 branches in Arkansas and Texas.

If you’d like to celebrate the coming of the new year with a ¡Próspero Año Nuevo!, there is no place better to celebrate with Latin flair than Black Agave, the acclaimed Mexican cantina at Mercer Boardwalk in Farmers Branch. The beautiful restaurant is celebrating New Year’s Eve with a special prix fixe dinner from 5 to 10 p.m. Tuesday, Dec 31.  

The festive six-course dinner is $54.99 and includes:

APPETIZER

Shrimp Taquitos - Crispy Tortilla-Wrapped Shrimp, Baja Slaw & Jalapeño Aioli

SOPA

Chicken Tortilla Soup - Topped with Crispy Tortilla Strips & Sliced Avocado

SALAD

Southwest Chopped Salad - Chopped Romaine, Cucumber, Black Beans, Cherry Tomatoes, Avocado, Red Onion, Grilled Corn and Toasted Pepitas, served with Cilantro Lime Dressing

MAIN COURSE

Fajita Plate with choice of flour or corn tortillas, served with rice and beans

Diners will select one meat from the below:

• Grilled Tenderloin
• Marinated Jumbo Shrimp
• Grilled Lime-Marinated Chicken

SIDES

Select one 4 oz. side:

• Texas Prime Brisket
• Pork Spare Ribs
• Smoked Texas Chicken
• Spicy Pastrami Brisket

DESSERT

Cheesecake Chimichanga

Additionally, Black Agave will offer $9.99 frozen margarita flights all evening long.

Reservations are recommended for New Year’s Eve and can be made at BlackAgaveTX.com.

Location

1980 Lyndon B. Johnson Freeway

Farmers Branch, Texas 75234

469-850-6501

blackagavetexas.com

About Black Agave

Black Agave Cocina y Cantina celebrates a taste of Mexican tradition. Guests will indulge in the vibrant flavors and festive ambience at Black Agave, where every moment becomes a reason to celebrate. From the moment you step through our doors, you’ll be immersed in an atmosphere that captures the essence of Mexican culture, while our authentic and delicious meals take your taste buds on a journey of pure delight. Whether you’re savoring a good day, reconnecting with friends, or bidding farewell to the work week, your perfect celebration starts at our table.

Keep Irving Beautiful and Irving Public Library Christmas Card Project Sets Record

IRVING, TEXAS — The 4th annual “Christmas Cards for Seniors” project, a partnership between Keep Irving Beautiful (KIB) and the Irving Public Library, set a record with nearly 1,300 Christmas cards collected. Volunteers were encouraged to create or purchase Christmas cards to be delivered to local nursing home residents. Cards could be dropped off at the KIB office or any of the three Irving Public Library locations. The initiative brought together a diverse group of volunteers, contributing to the record number of cards collected for seniors in Irving.

Special thanks go to the following who helped make the holiday season merry and bright for our seniors: Mayor Rick Stopfer and his wife Melanie; Irving Girl Scout Troops 1810, 6457 and 6458; City of Irving after-school programs at Georgia Farrow, Lee and Northwest Recreation Centers and the Adult Day Therapeutic Program; Nimitz High School; Irving High School AVID students; Lamar Middle School; Coppell High School 9^th Grade Center; Lively Elementary School; and the many individuals who anonymously dropped off cards at library locations. In addition, the Nimitz Floral Department donated 60 ornaments made by students.

“We were overwhelmed by the support we received from the Irving community the first time we did this card campaign in 2021,” said KIB Board member Karen Harmon.   “The number of cards has increased each year, and this allows us to deliver more cards to more residents in assisted living facilities here in Irving.  The seniors love getting them, and on their behalf, we thank everyone who contributed.”

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Keep Irving Beautiful is a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating the community about litter abatement, recycling, and beautification to help preserve the health and promote the social and economic prosperity of the city. As an award-winning affiliate of Keep America Beautiful and Keep Texas Beautiful, Keep Irving Beautiful reaches out to all sectors of the community, including government, businesses, churches, as well as cultural, educational, neighborhood and civic organizations. For more information on volunteering with KIB or making an activity a “green event,” visit CityofIrving.org/KIB or call (972) 721-2175.

Timber Creek High School’s Andi Gowins announced as Ultimate Team Mom

Once again, ¡Yo Quiero! teamed with Dave Campbell’s Texas Football to honor some of Texas high school football’s most important figures — team moms! Throughout the season ¡Yo Quiero! recognized moms that go above and beyond to support their teams. Together with Dave Campbell’s Texas Football crew, they travelled to games around the state as they honored these deserving individuals during the 2024 Texas high school football season! Winning the votes for Ultimate Team Mom is Timber Creek High School team mom Andi Gowins.

“We appreciate the commitment and passion of all team moms year-round,” said Tara Murray, Vice President of Marketing for ¡Yo Quiero! “High School Football is a cultural cornerstone in North Texas, and we fully support those who make such a positive impact in the community.”

In the lead-up to the big Ultimate Team Mom Award, ten exceptional moms from across Texas were recognized with the Team Mom Appreciation Award. Each selected mom received an award and a $500 donation to her school during the legendary Friday Night Lights, when Texas high school football takes center stage.

Winners each week included:

• Donna Torrez of Lubbock Estacado
• Melisse Stanzione of Lubbock-Cooper
• Lecya Janak of Prosper Rock Hill
• Andi Gowins of Keller Timber Creek
• Rocio Matta of Byron Nelson
• Angie Allen of Pearland
• Wendy Lucas of Lake Highlands
• Natoshia Cornelious of Denton Braswell
• Heidi Wilburn of Aledo
• Kristin Powers of Grapevine

ABOUT Dave Campbell Texas Football

For over 65 years, the iconic Dave Campbell’s Texas Football media brand has been “the bible” for millions of football fans across Texas. Its annual summer edition is essential reading for rabid football fans, previewing every high school and college team in the state. Known for its comprehensive coverage, TexasFootball.com offers extensive digital content, including team and recruit rankings, scores, exclusive interviews, podcasts, and daily shows. Additionally, TexanLive.com streams over 1,500 live sporting events each year, bringing fans closer to the action.

About ¡Yo Quiero!

¡Yo Quiero! Brands is a Texas-based avocado, guacamole, and dip company with state-of-the-art facilities in Rhome, Texas and Guanajuato, Mexico. With a mission of selecting and growing the freshest and finest ingredients, ¡Yo Quiero! creates delicious, hand-crafted products that can be found in most local retailers. Bringing years of experience and dip expertise to the category, ¡Yo Quiero! leads and innovates with integrity and passion. The current lineup of premium handcrafted dips can be viewed on our website. For additional information, recipes, or product availability, please visit www.yoquierobrands.com