Review of The Truth

[Asma Aisha Ansari]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Truth" by Cecilia Valetti.]

---

5 out of 5 stars

---

Share This Review

---

The Truth, the first novel in Cecilia Valetti's Mysteries at Anna's Trattoria series, is an absolute delight for murder mystery lovers like me. I found it to be a captivating story that is set in the small coastal town of Rosary, comprising a well-knit community. With its compelling characters and well-paced plot, this book kept me hooked from start to finish.

At the heart of the story are Anna, a strong and determined Italian immigrant who owns the local trattoria, and Neil McKinley, a decorated police officer with many emotional scars from his past. I was drawn to Anna's journey as she tries to live a normal life following the suspicious death of her son, Luca, a local priest. Neil, newly arrived in Rosary, inadvertently gets involved in investigating Luca's case. Neil's quiet strength, paired with Anna's unyielding determination, adds real depth to the story. Their friendship is one of my favourite elements of the book, bringing vulnerability and resilience to the forefront. I smiled when they did and felt sad when they were in pain.

While all the major characters are well-rounded and special in their own way, I must applaud the author for writing various unforgettable minor characters. No wonder I loved the character of Bruno, Anna's kitchen assistant. His friendly nature and cheerfulness brought moments of warmth and humour to an otherwise tense investigation. He stands out in the story, although he's only a minor character.

The pacing of the novel is just right. The first few chapters introduced the key characters at a reasonable pace, allowing me to become invested in their lives before the mystery truly picked up speed. I appreciated how the plot never felt rushed, but once the investigation deepened, the pacing became faster.

One of the highlights for me was how Valetti nearly teases the identity of the villain, only to send us on a wild goose chase. Just when I thought I had figured it out, the story twisted in unexpected directions. I love a mystery that plays with my expectations, and The Truth did just that.

There's absolutely nothing that I disliked about this engrossing novel. And, as I liked the plot and the characters of this well-written novel, I'll award it a perfect 5 out of 5 stars. Overall, The Truth is not just a gripping murder mystery, but also a heartfelt exploration of grief, healing, and community. With its clever misdirection and deeply engaging characters, it was a thoroughly satisfying read. I'm eagerly awaiting the next instalment in the series. I'll recommend it to fans of murder mysteries.

******
The Truth
View: on Bookshelves

[Anno Noon]

I rate it 5 out of 5 cause it's amazing book that helping you to truth is always easy way things can move

[NetMassimo]

A mystery surrounding an Italian family, a plot with twists, tension alternating with humor. Well, there are a lot of interesting elements in this novel. I'll look into this series. Thank you for your great review!

[Nneka Bridget]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts on "The Truth". The story sounds intriguing, especially with its mix of mystery and strong character development. I appreciate how you highlighted the emotional depth and the engaging plot twists. This book seems like a must-read for anyone who enjoys a good murder mystery!

[Steeve Bowen]

This sounds like a great read from the investigation of the death of her son to the formation of great friendship between Neil McKinley and Anna. This story comprises of murder mystery, character development, and emotional component. Thanks for the great review.