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The Homeswappers #3
A Christmas Mystery in Venice and Other Winter Tales : 3 Short Stories
Featuring sexagenarian amateur sleuths Etta and Dora, and Leon the (self-proclaimed) noble Basset Hound who takes care of them, this collection of three short stories is guaranteed to keep you cosy on cold winter nights. Follow the intrepid trio as they set off from their home in Southern Italy to explore their own country, finding new friends, exciting adventures and mysteries to solve wherever they go.
◆ A Tuscan Threat sees our heroes spending a chilly Halloween in a remote area of Tuscany, where they reveal a truth far more terrible than any groaning ghoul or wailing witch that ever haunted the dark autumnal night. Will they solve the puzzle in time to save a family from tragedy?
◆ In the second of the three tales, A Christmas Mystery in Venice, the adventurers arrive in the already beautiful floating city resplendent under the twinkle of millions of Christmas lights. But when a child disappears, festive cheer is set aside in a bid to follow the most cryptic clue they’ve ever had to solve.
◆ Finally, pull on your snow shoes for some Devilish Deeds in the Alps. A promise of a treasure hunt to find valuables reputedly hidden by the Nazis many decades earlier has our heroes and their new friends excited, but a close encounter with the demonic Krampus during the festival of St Nicholas leaves everyone shaken. However, the hand that attacks their host and leaves him for dead is decidedly human – has the evil of the Nazis come back to terrify the present?
◆ A Tuscan Threat sees our heroes spending a chilly Halloween in a remote area of Tuscany, where they reveal a truth far more terrible than any groaning ghoul or wailing witch that ever haunted the dark autumnal night. Will they solve the puzzle in time to save a family from tragedy?
◆ In the second of the three tales, A Christmas Mystery in Venice, the adventurers arrive in the already beautiful floating city resplendent under the twinkle of millions of Christmas lights. But when a child disappears, festive cheer is set aside in a bid to follow the most cryptic clue they’ve ever had to solve.
◆ Finally, pull on your snow shoes for some Devilish Deeds in the Alps. A promise of a treasure hunt to find valuables reputedly hidden by the Nazis many decades earlier has our heroes and their new friends excited, but a close encounter with the demonic Krampus during the festival of St Nicholas leaves everyone shaken. However, the hand that attacks their host and leaves him for dead is decidedly human – has the evil of the Nazis come back to terrify the present?
174 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 1, 2022
About the author
Adriana Licio
26 books103 followersAdriana lives somewhere stuck on the Apennine mountains in southern Italy not far from Maratea, the Mediterranean setting for her cozy series "An Italian Village Mystery".
Get a taste of Adriana's world reading "And Then There Were Bones" the prequel to her series, exclusive to subscribers on her mailing list - https://adrianalicio.com/murderclub
She loves loads of things: traveling, reading, walking, savouring good food, exploring small villages, and home swapping. She runs her family perfumery shop, and between a dark patchouli and a musky rose, she reads and writes cozy mysteries.
She resisted writing as long as she could; fearing it might open doors to her already galloping imagination. But one day she found an alluring blank page and the words flowed in that weird English she'd learned in Glasgow...
Adriana finds peace for her restless, enthusiastic soul when she walks in nature, with her adventurous dog Frodo and her hubby Giovanni.
Get a taste of Adriana's world reading "And Then There Were Bones" the prequel to her series, exclusive to subscribers on her mailing list - https://adrianalicio.com/murderclub
She loves loads of things: traveling, reading, walking, savouring good food, exploring small villages, and home swapping. She runs her family perfumery shop, and between a dark patchouli and a musky rose, she reads and writes cozy mysteries.
She resisted writing as long as she could; fearing it might open doors to her already galloping imagination. But one day she found an alluring blank page and the words flowed in that weird English she'd learned in Glasgow...
Adriana finds peace for her restless, enthusiastic soul when she walks in nature, with her adventurous dog Frodo and her hubby Giovanni.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
July 20, 2023
A delightful collection of three short stories featuring the basset hound, Leon and his to bipeds: Dora and Etta. Each setting was charming and distinctive, and each story intriguing and a bit finger nail biting. A great collection. A light holiday read!
December 6, 2022
This is a book composed of three short stories about two Italian women in their 70's and their dog Napoleon (Leon for short). They are both retired teachers who moved in together when they realized their pensions were too small to let them live comfortably. One of the way they enjoy themselves without spending a lot of money is homeswapping. The short stories encompass Halloween and two Christmas stories, and include some mysterious happenings. I like the characters, but story stories are a bit...short for me. 3.5 stars
December 22, 2022
These stories were just ok but it’s hard to make a good mystery in a short story. I liked the main characters (including Leon the dog) and might try reading one of their longer stories.
December 1, 2022
Three wonderful short story mysteries with our favorite septuagenarians, Dora and Etta and their entitled basset hound, Napoleon, Leo for short that have our traveling, home swapping duo and Leo in Tuscany, Venice and a small community in the Alps. The personalities are a great compliment of each other with Dora the sweet, calming influence if that is possible to Etta's gruff yet insightful character. They were asked to come to Tuscany by a woman who thinks there is danger coming. This story is great with lots of twists and turns and a surprising outcome. The second, in Venice has Dora and Etta helping find a missing young girl they had seen earlier in a very unusual book store and the third story has the trio in the alps with Leo romping in the snow for the first time at the festival of St. Nicholas meeting the nasty, greedy Krampus who is sure the Nazis hid a treasure there, but was attacked. Well, that has Etta and Dora and of course, Leo on the case. I love reading Leo's thoughts of his humans, what fun these stories are. And I can never get my fill of Etta, Dora or Leo! This book of stories is a must read if you want some pure enjoyment. I can't wait for more. I received and ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.
November 12, 2022
There are three short stories in this book. Dora, Etta & Leon are in them all.
The first one takes place in Tuscany in a lonely little village at Halloween. There is a hint of something sinister “in the air” which is noticed by both Etta & Dora. Happily the sinister thing being planned doesn’t happen.
Next we are in Venice. Dora, Etta & Leon do a lot of exploring & in the bookshop that Dora insists on going to, Etta sees a young girl reading a book. On going back to where they are staying they meet a mother worried that her child hasn’t come home when expected. On seeing the child’s photo, Etta realises that it’s the girl in the bookshop. She has gone by the time they get back there, but, Dora realises where to when she’s sees something in the book the girl had been reading.
The last takes place in a mountain village near Vipiteno. It is nearly Christmas & a group of people are staying in a house together. There is talk of treasure hidden in the local mines and a treasure hunt is mooted. Sadly, greed takes hold of someone. I loved the image of Leon playing in the deep snow.
The first one takes place in Tuscany in a lonely little village at Halloween. There is a hint of something sinister “in the air” which is noticed by both Etta & Dora. Happily the sinister thing being planned doesn’t happen.
Next we are in Venice. Dora, Etta & Leon do a lot of exploring & in the bookshop that Dora insists on going to, Etta sees a young girl reading a book. On going back to where they are staying they meet a mother worried that her child hasn’t come home when expected. On seeing the child’s photo, Etta realises that it’s the girl in the bookshop. She has gone by the time they get back there, but, Dora realises where to when she’s sees something in the book the girl had been reading.
The last takes place in a mountain village near Vipiteno. It is nearly Christmas & a group of people are staying in a house together. There is talk of treasure hidden in the local mines and a treasure hunt is mooted. Sadly, greed takes hold of someone. I loved the image of Leon playing in the deep snow.
November 16, 2022
Three excellent short stories!
One Halloween, two Christmas.
They can all be read as standalones.
1 A Tuscan Threat, the Halloween short:
A potential threat, rather than that anything has happened. Yet. A good build-up of suspense. And then a twist I didn’t see coming. Cleverly done! Etta has amazing insight, and Dora too, but in a different way!
2 A Christmas Mystery in Venice
This story has a lot of touristy stuff, if you’ve been there it will be a feast of recognition! Or if you want to one day go, like me, then it’s droolworthy LOL. Little hints are dropped during sightseeing.
3 Devilish Deeds in the Alps
This third story is a tad longer than the others. This was my favorite of the three, but they were all excellent.
In all three stories:
As always, Leon steals the show! I adore that stubborn Basset Hound! He thinks the world of himself and he’s so funny. I love how he uses his superpower of sitting while multiplying his weight tenfold, impossible to get him moving!
One Halloween, two Christmas.
They can all be read as standalones.
1 A Tuscan Threat, the Halloween short:
A potential threat, rather than that anything has happened. Yet. A good build-up of suspense. And then a twist I didn’t see coming. Cleverly done! Etta has amazing insight, and Dora too, but in a different way!
2 A Christmas Mystery in Venice
This story has a lot of touristy stuff, if you’ve been there it will be a feast of recognition! Or if you want to one day go, like me, then it’s droolworthy LOL. Little hints are dropped during sightseeing.
3 Devilish Deeds in the Alps
This third story is a tad longer than the others. This was my favorite of the three, but they were all excellent.
In all three stories:
As always, Leon steals the show! I adore that stubborn Basset Hound! He thinks the world of himself and he’s so funny. I love how he uses his superpower of sitting while multiplying his weight tenfold, impossible to get him moving!
November 24, 2022
Three Homeswapper's stories in one . . . and each one an amazing holiday tale!
I've loved these two elderly ladies - not least of which because they are MY age - since Licio first introduced them several volumes ago. Irreverent, feisty, and yes, even a bit cranky, these two are what I had hoped to grow up to be. That they get embroiled in murder and mayhem as they make their way across Europe doing Homeswaps is simply the icing on the panettone!
In Tuscany, they deal with Hallowe'en shenanigans. Moving on to Venice, they must get to the bottom of a child's disappearance. And then, in The Alps, Krampus rears his ugly head; or does he?
Three quick reads, these are heartwarming, yet filled with intrigue sprinkled with some truths. If you haven't yet met Etta and Dora, this is the perfect vehicle to do so. You'll thank me, I promise!
[I was fortunate to receive an Advanced Reader Copy of the book from the author, with no obligation to review. The opinions expressed herein are given freely and are entirely my own.]
I've loved these two elderly ladies - not least of which because they are MY age - since Licio first introduced them several volumes ago. Irreverent, feisty, and yes, even a bit cranky, these two are what I had hoped to grow up to be. That they get embroiled in murder and mayhem as they make their way across Europe doing Homeswaps is simply the icing on the panettone!
In Tuscany, they deal with Hallowe'en shenanigans. Moving on to Venice, they must get to the bottom of a child's disappearance. And then, in The Alps, Krampus rears his ugly head; or does he?
Three quick reads, these are heartwarming, yet filled with intrigue sprinkled with some truths. If you haven't yet met Etta and Dora, this is the perfect vehicle to do so. You'll thank me, I promise!
[I was fortunate to receive an Advanced Reader Copy of the book from the author, with no obligation to review. The opinions expressed herein are given freely and are entirely my own.]
November 24, 2022
The 'Homeswappers' series relates the adventures of two Italian ladies in their 60s, and their very important dog Leon) who travel around Europe by using the homeswapper service. Needless to say they encounter mysteries at every location.
For me the attraction of these stories is a combination of original and believable characters, beautiful descriptions of the locations they are set in and a healthy dose of humour, especially from the very special character that is Napoleon the Basset Hound , AKA Leon.
This book contains three short stories, set in Tuscany, Venice and the Alps, each features an original and entertaining mystery, just as good as the stories in the full books, but cleverly condensed into short reads.
I think that it would be a great introduction to the ladies for someone who hasn't read any of the books but is just as good for those who are already familiar with the series.
I received an advance copy of this book from the author, but this honest review is based on my own opinions.
For me the attraction of these stories is a combination of original and believable characters, beautiful descriptions of the locations they are set in and a healthy dose of humour, especially from the very special character that is Napoleon the Basset Hound , AKA Leon.
This book contains three short stories, set in Tuscany, Venice and the Alps, each features an original and entertaining mystery, just as good as the stories in the full books, but cleverly condensed into short reads.
I think that it would be a great introduction to the ladies for someone who hasn't read any of the books but is just as good for those who are already familiar with the series.
I received an advance copy of this book from the author, but this honest review is based on my own opinions.
November 29, 2022
Of the three tales in this book, my favorite for "feeling good" is the second one (In Venice) and for "feeling smart" is the third one (in Northern Italy).
Both have clues and hidden people - or people hiding clues - and all three stories have redemptive themes. The shortness of the stories is good on one hand (able to enjoy the whole story in less than an hour), but bad that it doesn't continue for longer. But that could be part of why she has her two sexagenarians doing so much traveling - so they can be the part that continues. Forgive me - Leon must be included in there as well. He also is a valuable member of the team for solving mysteries.
Love the touches of reality she put in with this book: Leon turning into dead weight but getting shocked when visiting the north in the winter time after pulling the same stunt in the south... has he been cured? I can't wait to find out.
I received an ARC; this is my honest review.
Both have clues and hidden people - or people hiding clues - and all three stories have redemptive themes. The shortness of the stories is good on one hand (able to enjoy the whole story in less than an hour), but bad that it doesn't continue for longer. But that could be part of why she has her two sexagenarians doing so much traveling - so they can be the part that continues. Forgive me - Leon must be included in there as well. He also is a valuable member of the team for solving mysteries.
Love the touches of reality she put in with this book: Leon turning into dead weight but getting shocked when visiting the north in the winter time after pulling the same stunt in the south... has he been cured? I can't wait to find out.
I received an ARC; this is my honest review.
November 24, 2022
Three short stories - but not too short; delightful lengths to read in between and get feel-good holiday vibes. All mysteries (but no murders), one in Tuscany, one in Venice, and one in South Tirol, all featuring Etta, Dora and the wonderful Basset Hound Napoleon (to give him his full name). Etta and Dora have differing personalities but rub along well together and share a love of travel and, it must be admitted, a love of helping others (also known as investigation). These stories will have you intrigued and also feeling at home in the various settings - great description of the Tuscan mountain village, Venice as appreciated by tourists with a local guide, and a hut in South Tyrol in the winter at Christmastime. You will love these! - I'm leaving this honest review after receiving an advance copy.
November 25, 2022
This is a wonderful winter trilogy from the Homeswappers series. Etta and Dora, retired school teachers with their sidekick basset hound, Leon, find adventure and mystery wherever they travel as the home swap across Europe. In these three delightful short stories they travel their own beloved Italy preventing murder and solving mysteries in Tuscany, Venice and the South Tyrolean Alps. Each story has twists and turns that keep the reader guessing as to who is involved. Whether it is a cold, ancient mill in the remote Tuscany countryside, a bookshop deep among the winding, narrow streets of Venice, or a picturesque farmhouse in the hilly, farming community of the southern alps there is always intrigue and mystery. A great read any time of year. I received an ARC for my unbiased and honest review.
November 26, 2022
Etta and Dora, and their personable basset hound, Leon, travel across Italy, this time enjoying holidays in three entertaining tales set in Tuscany, Venice and the Alps. The stories are very different, and as always filled with fun and mystery. The author is an outstanding writer whose descriptions make you feel as if you are there (and in fact, you can find these places on the map!). The two elderly ladies manage to use their intuition and critical thinking to figure out the mystery presented in each story. For me, the second story set in Venice was the most fascinating, with its discussion of a wonderful bookstore that I would love to visit.
I wholeheartedly recommend these three short stories!
I received an ARC for my unbiased and honest review.
I wholeheartedly recommend these three short stories!
I received an ARC for my unbiased and honest review.
December 12, 2022
I enjoyed all three stories. Etta, Dora, and of course, Leo must investigate.
The first is a Halloween story that takes place in Tuscany. A woman thinks there is danger and asks them to come and look into this matter. There are lots of twists and turns and a surprising ending.
The second story takes place in Venice. A child has disappeared. They saw this child in an unusual bookstore earlier. They go back to the bookstore but the child is no longer there.
The third story takes place in the Alps. There is talk of a treasure hunt to find valuables hidden by the Nazis. But Krampus shows up and frightens everyone. Leo the Basset Hound has his first romp in the snow. And of course, he is the brightest star in each story. Delightful read.
The first is a Halloween story that takes place in Tuscany. A woman thinks there is danger and asks them to come and look into this matter. There are lots of twists and turns and a surprising ending.
The second story takes place in Venice. A child has disappeared. They saw this child in an unusual bookstore earlier. They go back to the bookstore but the child is no longer there.
The third story takes place in the Alps. There is talk of a treasure hunt to find valuables hidden by the Nazis. But Krampus shows up and frightens everyone. Leo the Basset Hound has his first romp in the snow. And of course, he is the brightest star in each story. Delightful read.
November 13, 2022
A new trio of stories about homeswappers Etta, Dora and Leon visit Tuscany, Venice and an Alpine hut around the holidays. Where these three go, trouble always seems to follow. But I really enjoy grumpy Etta and always happy and thrilled Dora as they are so very funny at times. As this is a snowy trip, Etta is constantly complaining about the cold and the hikes Dora has set up! Dora is enraptured by the sights and Leon is a faithful companion, even if he doesn’t always understand his two humans! A delightful set of stories! I received a free copy of this book from the author and write this review voluntarily.
December 25, 2022
Heartwarming Christmas Mysteries
We see a few different parts of Italy in these 3 stories and we also get to see 3 different mysteries. None of them are murder mysteries, which is good because there were so many lovely characters. The last story in the Italian Alps was the most intense, but I think the second one in Venice was my favorite. All in all 3 wonderful short winter mysteries.
We see a few different parts of Italy in these 3 stories and we also get to see 3 different mysteries. None of them are murder mysteries, which is good because there were so many lovely characters. The last story in the Italian Alps was the most intense, but I think the second one in Venice was my favorite. All in all 3 wonderful short winter mysteries.
August 5, 2023
Loved It!
As usual, Adriana Licio took this reader back to places thar are very dear to my heart. Her gift of setting a scene, puts the reader into the scene as a silent specter, observing every detal and hanging on our heroines words. The only drawback to finishing this book is now I must wait anxiously until Dora, Etta, and Napoleon take another trip and solve another mystery.
As usual, Adriana Licio took this reader back to places thar are very dear to my heart. Her gift of setting a scene, puts the reader into the scene as a silent specter, observing every detal and hanging on our heroines words. The only drawback to finishing this book is now I must wait anxiously until Dora, Etta, and Napoleon take another trip and solve another mystery.
December 1, 2022
Three entertaining holiday tales of murder and mayhem without the murder. Ride along with Etta, Dora and Leon as they tackle three fun holiday related mysteries set at Halloween in Tuscany, a pre Christmas visit to Venice and the frozen tundra of the Alps where they encounter Krampus in all of his repulsiveness.
December 14, 2022
A Christmas Mystery In Venice & Other Winter Tales
This book is made up of three short stories, set in Italy. Two are at Christmas-time, one at Halloween. Each story has some regional traditions which are quite interesting. The mysteries are more subtle than in A Mystery Before Christmas, however the stories are enjoyable, wholesome, & family oriented.
This book is made up of three short stories, set in Italy. Two are at Christmas-time, one at Halloween. Each story has some regional traditions which are quite interesting. The mysteries are more subtle than in A Mystery Before Christmas, however the stories are enjoyable, wholesome, & family oriented.
December 17, 2022
This book is three short stories about two retired teachers and their dog. They swap houses so they can experience other parts of Europe. I've read several full-length books in the series and they are light but fun. These are very light and short. There is nothing wrong with the stories, but they are a little short.
December 21, 2023
Small, fast-solved mysteries, and not by the reader
Admittedly, these quick stories are filled with the Italian culture. Not enough denouement is in each story. There should have been more hints, so the reader had a snowball's chance in solving the mystery themselves. I guess I like a longer, more immersive reading. 3.5 stars .
Admittedly, these quick stories are filled with the Italian culture. Not enough denouement is in each story. There should have been more hints, so the reader had a snowball's chance in solving the mystery themselves. I guess I like a longer, more immersive reading. 3.5 stars .
December 27, 2023
A cozy travel collection of short mysteries
I love Leon's perspective, the dog's insights were so cute. The travel facts were interesting and the customs of the krampas and other tidbits helped see the atmosphere the sleuths were experiencing. This is a fun, three short story collection that teens and those who like cozies but can't travel will love.
I love Leon's perspective, the dog's insights were so cute. The travel facts were interesting and the customs of the krampas and other tidbits helped see the atmosphere the sleuths were experiencing. This is a fun, three short story collection that teens and those who like cozies but can't travel will love.
November 24, 2022
Awesome book. It’s lovely from beginning to end, like all the books written by Adriana Licio, it has suspence, romance and the three main characters, Etta, Dora and the adorable Napoleon the basset that feel too real to be fictional.
I highly recommed not to miss this book
I highly recommed not to miss this book
December 4, 2022
What a fun book to read! A series of short stories in the world of Etta, Dora, and of course, Leon. Not murders but still, intriguing mysteries for the two ladies to solve. I enjoyed reading these stories!
December 12, 2022
Adriana Licio
A Christmas Mystery in Venice and Other Winter Tales : 3 Short Stories (The Homeswappers)
Three short stories that will make you smile! I love this authors writing and always recommend her books!
Received this book free and am leaving an honest review.
A Christmas Mystery in Venice and Other Winter Tales : 3 Short Stories (The Homeswappers)
Three short stories that will make you smile! I love this authors writing and always recommend her books!
Received this book free and am leaving an honest review.
December 31, 2022
Winter tales with Etta, Dora and Leon
There are three short stories that take Etta, Dora and Leon to different parts of Italy. I enjoyed all three mysteries. No one does in any of them which is fun to read once in a while.
There are three short stories that take Etta, Dora and Leon to different parts of Italy. I enjoyed all three mysteries. No one does in any of them which is fun to read once in a while.
January 4, 2023
Ever joyous
As I knew it would be, « A Christmas Mystery,…. » was fun, had great characters and settings, good mysteries and in the end, lifted one’s thoughts and spirits. What more can one want from a book!!! May Adriana Licio author dozens of more books!!!
As I knew it would be, « A Christmas Mystery,…. » was fun, had great characters and settings, good mysteries and in the end, lifted one’s thoughts and spirits. What more can one want from a book!!! May Adriana Licio author dozens of more books!!!
October 10, 2023
A Christmas Mystery in Venice and Other Winter Tales : 3 Short Stories ( The Homeswappers Book 4
On Halloween a poisoning was stopped and later a father was reunited with his family. In the Alps a silver statue was found. Thinking a gold treasure would be found. A nazi found.
On Halloween a poisoning was stopped and later a father was reunited with his family. In the Alps a silver statue was found. Thinking a gold treasure would be found. A nazi found.
December 28, 2023
Short stories starring my favorite sexagenarian Italian sleuths
All three stories, though shorter than I would have liked, added to the lives of Dora and Etta and their home swapping adventures with Leon the loveable Bassett Hound.
All three stories, though shorter than I would have liked, added to the lives of Dora and Etta and their home swapping adventures with Leon the loveable Bassett Hound.
December 1, 2022
a really fun read! I love this author's writing never will disappoint with interesting complex and quirky characters and a twisty turny read! Love it!
December 7, 2022
Christmas tales
I enjoyed the 3 stories in this book. Dora and Etta are very observant. I like reading of their and Leon’s escapades.
I enjoyed the 3 stories in this book. Dora and Etta are very observant. I like reading of their and Leon’s escapades.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews