Bearer of Bad News

De: Elisabeth Dini

Narrado por: Carlotta Brentan

A sharply funny and moving debut in which a young woman accepts a job that takes her though the Italian Dolomites and into an international mystery far greater—and more personal—than she could have ever expected.

For someone who hates secrets, Las Vegas hairdresser Lucy Rey is about to be faced with a whole bunch of them. After discovering that her fiancé has been cheating on her with someone from his improv class, she finds herself short on funds and desperate for a change of scenery. Enter a most unusual job opportunity: a Bearer of Bad News.

Sure, it’s a little weird—the job description has few details, and the bad news is more like a vaguely worded threat—but Lucy can’t say no to the perks: an all-expenses-paid trip to the Italian Dolomites, plus a generous bonus if she proves she’s delivered the message. Then she learns that her task is just the tip of the iceberg.

Launched into a world of betrayal and greed involving eighty-year-old secrets, stolen jewels, and a World War II-era mystery, Lucy is in over her head. And she’s connected to her mission in ways she never saw coming.

For fans of Gail Honeyman’s Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine and Kirstin Chen’s Counterfeit, Bearer of Bad News is an exhilarating romp that deftly explores the weight of secrets, the power of friendship, and how, by healing the wounds of the past, we can build a brighter tomorrow.

©2025 Elisabeth Dini (P)2025 Simon & Schuster Audio

A great heartfelt mystery

A truly wonderful book by this freshman author full of mystery and wit. It was clever, fun, and.....heart wrenching. A really great listen

The cover tells only half the story

I really enjoyed this novel and the bouncing between the present with Lucy, the lovable trainwreck which was more lighthearted and the more somber historical portions that told a different but important WWII narrative. I loved how it was all tied together - the mystery, families, and history. The balance was perfect.

Narration was great, and the authors note at the end was the best author note I’ve seen.

The cover is entirely accurate…:for half the novel. The other half deserves a back cover that alludes to the historical account.

Unique debut

The Audible version of this book, both fun and complex, is very well done. Because of the complex plot and puzzling intergenerational mysteries, I found it was easier to listen than read. Dini's debut novel braids modern Millennial times with the tragedies of WWII in an unusual way that left this reader wanting more.

Sending Three (I love You)

What an amazing book. Truly astonishing storytelling. So many layers! Such a riveting journey with these characters. Absolutely incredible.

Mountains of Layers

Deeper than I thought it would be. I enjoyed this book very much and it challenged me in ways its publicity and its cover failed to suggest. It’s funny and adventurous, with a very winning protagonist. But, and here’s the surprise, it also has poignant, complicated subplots--- mysteries cum family sagas that stretch back 100 years. The reader has to be ready to mentally detour into other the stories from the main one, which takes place in the Dolomites, sumptuously rendered in words. This is the author’s debut, it involves a young woman, and summer’s coming. Were these the reasons its publicity was handled so prosaicly? Give your readers some credit, publisher. We can handle knowing the book you want to sell us has some depth.

Great debut!

Bearer of Bad News by Elisabeth Dini is a great debut novel that skillfully weaves historical elements into a modern mystery set in the Italian Dolomites. The story follows Lucy Rey, a quirky and relatable hairdresser who takes on an unusual job delivering bad news, leading her into a layered WWII-era mystery. The book balances humor, drama, and poignant history well, though the dual timelines and letters can be a bit complex at times for recreational readers. There is very little romance, so readers seeking that might be disappointed. Overall, it’s an entertaining and unique read with potential for a fun series or even a TV adaptation.