The Case of the Missing Botticelli

A Massimo Domingo Mystery, Book 1

By: Marilyn Baron

Narrated by: Bob Johnson

In this cozy mystery, American art history major Hadley Evans joins an art detective agency in Florence, Italy, working for Massimo Domingo, once a major player, now the Inspector Clouseau of the art world. Determined to save the flailing agency and prove her worth, Hadley and her sexy carabiniere boyfriend, Luca Ferrari, take on a mysterious client behind her boss's back. While hot on the trail of a missing masterpiece, they discover a hidden cache of stolen Nazi art in a Venetian villa and encounter a dangerous enemy with a link to an evil past.

©2022 Marilyn M Baron (P)2022 Marilyn M Baron

good

This was an enjoyable set of mysteries. Charles was a big jerk. Good riddance. Luca was a typical Italian hot blooded young man. Glad he came to his senses and calmed down. The storylines were interesting. I voluntarily listened to a free copy of this and am giving an honest review. The narrator did a good job bringing it to life.

Having Bob narrate it makes it a masterpiece

Summary –


2 cozy mysteries set in the heart of Italy for the price of one!


A missing Botticelli takes Hadley and her boyfriend Luca on a wild chase across Italy to a deadly art theft the world chose to ignore. Hadley is over in Florence, Italy working for Massimo Domingo, an art detective agency. Her boss used to be prominent in his field but has resorted to a life of leisure. Hadley wants to prove her worth so when a phone call pleading for help arrives, Hadley jumps at the chance and takes the case herself. Partnering with her boyfriend, Luca, they follow every lead and clue. They never expected to wind up in a villa in Venice with a stolen stash of masterpieces taken by the Nazis during World War Two. Can Hadley return the artworks to their rightful owners and show her boss she’s worthy of being more than an errand gopher?


Narrator’s overall voice –

Bob Johnson may seem like a common name, but his voice is remarkable. His narration is commendable with the ability to sweep the listener away. I closed my eyes several times and allowed myself to travel to Italy. His ability to communicate for several characters in various dialects makes the story come alive.


Does the narrator fit the characters?

Yes, he does. His mastery of Italian accents as well as American is impressive. If I didn’t know it was one man, I would’ve thought this was narrated by several people.


Narrator’s reading style –

Bob Johnson reads with a natural cadence I thoroughly enjoyed. Not too fast and not too slow.


Narrator’s impact on reading experience –

Because The Case of the Missing Botticelli is a cozy mystery with a full cast of characters, it can be difficult to keep track of everything, but Bob Johnson facilitates the listener.


Narrator’s pacing –

The pacing in this audiobook is perfect. When there is action or an emotional scene, Bob picks up the pace. When there is a lot of information being presented, he slows down so the listener can keep up with the story.


Audiobook flow –

The flow of this audiobook is moving with plenty of ebbs and flows. Bob Johnson is the conductor in this concert, and he makes sure the reader gets a blissful performance.


What makes this audiobook unique –

If you're looking to be swept away to the lavish art world, pick up this audiobook. If you love reading about all things Italy, pick up this audiobook. If you're a cozy mystery reader, you'll love The Case of the Missing Botticelli audiobook.


Would I recommend this audiobook –

Yes! While this book is superb on its own merit, having Bob Johnson narrate it makes it a masterpiece. Highly recommend!


My Rating: 5+ stars