Roman Count Down (Rick Montoya Italian Mysteries Book 6)

Rick Montoya moves to Rome to establish a translation business and deepen his connection to his Italian mother's heritage. He arrives with enthusiasm for exploring local food and wine. Rick's maternal uncle, Commissario Piero Fontana, is a Roman police officer who sees potential in involving his nephew in police work. Fontana recruits Rick to help investigate the murder of Count Umberto Zimbardi, a wealthy man known for entertaining friends and collecting oral histories from residents in the city's centro storico. The count is found dead on a bridge over the Tiber after returning from one of his interviewing sessions. As both a newcomer and amateur investigator, Rick struggles with inexperience and makes mistakes while learning to navigate Rome as a resident rather than a visitor. His investigation is further complicated by a woman who enlists him as a tour guide and the arrival of a college friend attempting to sell Argentine wine to the Vatican. Rome itself plays a significant role in the narrative. The novel combines travel elements with suspense, featuring food, drink, and local culture and landmarks throughout.