OH MY COD, DAHLINGS! WHAT A WEEK!
I do hope mew enjoyed the first instalment of my Grand Italian Journals last Friday, when I shared a little of the glorious la dolce vita at Lake Como.
Lake Como's magnificent scenery continues to inspire, along with the divine lemon gelato, the exquisite couture... and, of course, Raffi's rather furbulous photographs!
Although Melvyn is still asking questions about my handbag.
Honestly, sweetie, some mysteries simply cannot be rushed! MOL
Anyhoo, this week we're heading beyond the villa for another little Italian escapade, involving a private boat, a charming lakeside village and a rather intriguing hidden chapel.
Naturally, I'll be dressed for the occasion. One never knows when one might encounter a countess, an ancient mystery or a particularly photogenic terrace!
But before we set sail, make sure mew've got your favourite beverage, a delicious treat and somewhere comfortable to settle in.
Because, dahlings, the Italian adventures are only just getting started!
Grand Italian Journals #2: Chapel Secrets and a Slice of La Dolce Vita
Where Ancient Stones Whisper, the Lake Sparkles, and Pizza Is a Very Serious Business
Location: A secluded chapel tucked into the hills above Lake Como, followed by a charming lakeside village where the cobbled streets are lined with flower-filled balconies, little boutiques and irresistible cafés.
Time: A glorious late morning, drifting rather deliciously into lunchtime.
Dahlings, after my extraordinarily successful afternoon the day before of lemon gelato research, Raffi announced that we would be embarking on a little sightseeing excursion.
Apparently, Lake Como has considerably more to offer than magnificent villas, champagne terraces and exceptionally comfortable sun loungers.
Who knew?!!! MOL
Our adventure began aboard a meautiful private boat, which carried us across the sparkling blue waters towards a sleepy lakeside village. The mountains rose majestically around us, elegant villas nestled among the trees, and the sunshine was so glorious that I briefly considered purchasing a summer residence. Though I needed to ask Parsley for a loan first.
Raffi suggested we concentrate on the itinerary; he's such a practical fellow!
Naturally, I had dressed appropriately for our visit to a historic chapel.
I selected a magnificent powder-blue floral gown adorned with embroidered roses, delicate ivory lace and a sweeping skirt. My wide-brimmed hat was positively overflowing with pink roses, blue blossoms and extravagant feathers, while my sapphire-and-diamond jewellery added just the right amount of understated sparkle.
One must show proper respect when visiting a place of historical significance!
And if the occasional passing aristocat happened to admire my ensemble, well, that was simply an added bonus.
The chapel itself was tucked away above the village, reached by a winding stone pathway bordered with flowers and ancient cypress trees. The weathered walls were draped in climbing roses and wisteria, and from the steps, the view across Lake Como was absolutely breathtaking.
I settled down for a moment with my little guidebook, Hidden Chapels of Italy, while Raffi checked our arrangements.
That was when I noticed something rather curious.
Just inside the chapel doorway stood an old wooden cabinet containing several meautifully preserved books. One volume, bound in faded blue leather, bore a small golden emblem that looked remarkably like a feline paw encircled by laurel leaves.
OH MY COD!
A bookish mystery!
Naturally, I leaned closer for a better look.
Before I could examine it properly, an elderly feline caretaker appeared and quietly closed the cabinet.
“Those books are very old, Signora,” he explained. “They belong to the chapel's private collection.”
“Of course, sweetie,” I replied. “I was merely admiring the craftsmanship.”
He gave me a rather peculiar look.
Then, just as quickly, he smiled and wished us a pleasant visit.
How intriguing!
I made a mental note of the little golden emblem. One never knows when an apparently insignificant detail might become rather impawtant.
Raffi, meanwhile, had developed that familiar expression suggesting he was concerned about the possibility of another unexpected detour.
“Signora Amber, perhaps we should continue to the village?”
“An excellent idea, Raffi. All this historical appreciation has made me absolutely ravenous!”
And so, after a delightful wander through narrow cobbled streets and past tiny shops overflowing with flowers, we discovered the most charming little lakeside trattoria.
Trattoria del Lago!
It was positively divine!
Blue-and-white ceramic pots, lemon trees, trailing wisteria, striped awnings and the most magnificent view across the water.
And the aroma!
Freshly baked pizza, fragrant basil, rich tomato sauce and melting mozzarella.
GOOD GRAVY, FURIENDS!
I immediately ordered a pizza Margherita.
Now, naturally, one cannot be expected to eat pizza while wearing one's finest chapel-visiting couture.
Luckily, I thought ahead, and Raffi carried the bags.
So, after a quick change into something considerably more relaxed, a pretty blue-and-white floral summer ensemble, a charming lemon-trimmed straw hat and just a few carefully selected sapphires, I was ready for luncheon.
Raffi looked at the jewellery, then at the hat, and then at the enormous embroidered handbag.
“Very casual, Signora.”
“Precisely! I'm so pleased mew noticed!”
When the pizza arrived, I must confess it was an absolute feast of purrfection.
The crust was golden, the mozzarella stretched gloriously, and the fresh basil smelled heavenly.
Raffi had barely lifted his camera before I was enjoying my first slice.
“Signora Amber, perhaps one photograph before mew begin?”
“Raffi, this is a private moment between a lady and her pizza!”
Nevertheless, he managed to capture another rather furbulous photograph using his trusty F.F.F. - Feline Furbulous Filter.
Honestly, the things that poor fellow has to endure!
By the time luncheon was over, I had thoroughly investigated the pizza, sampled a little local dessert and decided that our village excursion had been an unqualified success.
Although I couldn't quite stop thinking about that old blue book in the chapel.
And the peculiar golden emblem on its cover.
Perhaps it was nothing. But then again, dahlings...
A feline literary critic knows better than to ignore a mysterious book!
💙 My Lake Como Village Essentials Included:
👒 A spectacular rose-and-feather hat, because chapel visits require appropriate millinery
💎 A dazzling collection of sapphires and diamonds, with a slightly more modest selection for pizza
📚 My trusty Hidden Chapels of Italy guidebook, plus one rather intriguing discovery
🍕 A magnificent pizza Margherita, thoroughly investigated in the interests of Italian culinary appreciation
👜 My embroidered handbag, which remained suspiciously rustly throughout the afternoon
Mood: Historically intrigued, gloriously overdressed and supurrbly pizza-fuelled!
Quote of the Day: “A lady may dress casually for pizza, dahling, but one must never compromise on jewellery!”
✨ Next time, we're saying arrivederci to meautiful Lake Como and heading for the romantic canals of Venice! Gondolas, magnificent palazzos, mysterious masked figures, and a rather extraordinary feline library await discovery. And believe me, the Italian adventures are about to become even more intriguing! ✨
Melvyn: Amber, I've just finished reading your latest Italian Journal. That chapel sounded rather intriguing!
Amber: It was absolutely enchanting, sweetie. The architecture, the flowers, the breathtaking views...
Melvyn: And the mysterious blue book with the golden feline emblem?
Amber: Oh, that little thing!
Melvyn: LITTLE THING?! Amber, mew found an ancient book with a peculiar symbol, and the caretaker immediately locked it away!
Amber: Well, sweetie, it was a private collection. One must respect these things.
Melvyn: Since when has a locked bookcase ever stopped mew being curious?
Amber: Melvyn, I was extremely curious. But I was also extremely hungry.
Melvyn: Mew abandoned a potential literary mystery for pizza?
Amber: Abandoned is such an ugly word. I prefer temporarily postponed in favour of mozzarella.
Melvyn: GOOD GRAVY!
Amber: Besides, I made a mental note of the emblem. I'm not completely irresponsible!
Melvyn: And did mew discover anything else?
Amber: Yes. The pizza was divine, the view was magnificent, and Raffi has absolutely no appreciation for casual couture.
Melvyn: I meant about the BOOK!
Amber: Patience, sweetie. All good mysteries take time to unfold.
Melvyn: Mew said that last week about Ralph!
Amber: And look how well it's working. Mew're still interested!!! MOL
Melvyn: I think I need another biscuit.
📚 General Library Status Update ~ Business As Usual... Allegedly! 📚
Well, I'm delighted to report that the Mewton-Clawson Library continues to operate with something resembling efficiency.
I say resembling because this is BBHQ, and one must always allow a generous margin for unexpected nonsense!!! MOL
Melvyn has settled meautifully back into his duties following his well-earned break, although I did notice him studying the Calmness Tracker 3000 rather suspiciously yesterday.
Apparently, the pens registered a sudden spike in stress levels shortly after he discovered that Oswald had reorganised the library mice's cheese-tasting schedule into a colour-coded spreadsheet.
With seventeen separate categories for cheddar!
Chedds immediately objected, claiming that cheese should be judged by flavour, texture and emotional fulfilment, not administrative efficiency.
Honestly, I can see both sides.
Meanwhile, Gordon Stapler has been studying the Italian tourist guidebook Ralph brought back from his travels and has developed a rather enthusiastic clicking technique for pronouncing Italian place names.
Clive Paperclip has offered to accompany him on a future sightseeing expedition, provided they can travel somewhere with excellent souvenir shopping.
His purple bumbag is already packed.
In another part of the archive, Reginald has submitted another assessment of the library's defences, this time recommending a formal inspection of all incoming handbags.
I have informed him that my personal luggage is exempt from such procedures.
He looked disappointed; his cape looked even more disappointed.
Fergus, meanwhile, is still awaiting approval for his proposed cocktail bar expansion into two adjoining cupboards.
He has now submitted a revised floor plan featuring a miniature Art Deco chandelier, velvet seating and something described as a premium cheese-and-cocktail pairing station.
Oswald has requested a seat on the planning committee.
I fear this could become a lengthy process.
And finally, Ralph the Dustbunny has been conducting his usual silent motivational sessions with Melvyn, using an increasingly elaborate series of encouraging gestures.
Yesterday, he produced a tiny written sign reading:
BELIEVE IN MEW!
Melvyn smiled.
Then one of the Calmness Tracker 3000s beeped.
Ralph gave it a disapproving look. Honestly, even our dustbunnies have management concerns!!! MOL
A few final snippets from around BBHQ before we settle down for some serious reading!
Vera Prime has announced that library efficiency has improved by another 3.7%, although she declined to explain how this was calculated. Instead, she presented Melvyn with a graph entitled The Statistical Improbability of Continued Calm.
I'm choosing not to investigate further! MOL
Parsley has submitted a request for replacement parts for his ill-fated Long-Distance-Parcel-Prodder. Apparently, he's convinced that the original design was purrfectly sound and that the unfortunate incident involving the Oddity was merely an unexpected operational variable - and insisted that the library should pay for the parts.
Melvyn stamped the request DENIED before Parsley had finished explaining.
Fudge and Smooch remain under suspicion following the disappearance of another packet of Jammie Dodgers. They claim the biscuit cupboard has developed a mysterious structural fault that causes its contents to vanish.
How terribly convenient!
Hootbert has finally secured a quieter perch, although the thesaurus has already suggested three alternatives for the word quiet.
His response?
"Predictable."
Meanwhile, Raffi has sent a lovely thank-mew note for his luxury spa retreat gift card. He says he's looking forward to several days of peace, tranquillity and absolutely no requests to photograph elaborate hats beside historic monuments.
I do hope he enjoys every moment. He's certainly earned it!
As for me, revisiting the hidden delights of Lake Como has been utterly delightful, but my favourite reading chair is calling, and there's a rather furbulous book waiting on my desk.
So, without further ado, let's get to this week's paw-approved pick! 📚🐾
The P.A.'s answers are...
The Widows’ Guide to Murder
The Widows’ Detective Club Book 1
by
Amanda Ashby
I found this entertaining series earlier in the summer, and I've been so looking forward to reading it, and this week was the week!
🐾 This Week’s Paw‑Approved Pick:
I've been curled up in my supurr snuggly oversized, velvet reading chair, enjoying a steaming mug of catmint coffee with extra cream and a rather generous helping of silvervine custard creams to dunk, yes I know dunking biccies isn't very ladylike, but what the fluff, mew only live once, and oh my cod they taste so good! MOL
And what better way to spend an afternoon than with a delightful village murder mystery, a gang of determined widows, a clever cat and enough suspicious goings-on to make my whiskers curl?
This is just the sort of cozy mystery that makes me want to sharpen my claws, polish my magnifying glass, and investigate absolutely everypawdy!!! MOL
❓ What's the Vibe?
Think...
🐾 A quaint English village with deadly secrets.
🔎 Four widows who refuse to mind their own business.
💀 A thoroughly unpleasant library manager who meets an untimely end.
🐈⬛ A black cat who knows more than he should.
🌙 Midnight graveyard adventures. Rather them than me!
☕ Village gossip, suspicious locals, and murderous mischief.
It's Miss Marple meets a particularly determined book club, with a generous helping of amateur sleuthing and village scandal!
🐾 What's the Story?
Sixty-year-old widow Ginny Cole is hoping for a fresh start in the picturesque village of Little Shaw.
A little peace, a little quiet, and perhaps a nice cup of tea.
But instead, she discovers the murdered body of Louisa Farnsworth, the village's rather disagreeable library manager.
MURDER IN THE LIBRARY?!
Furiends, as a feline librarian, I am utterly appalled! Books are supposed to be borrowed, not accompanied by bodies! MOL
When suspicion falls on the daughter of Ginny's friend Hen, thanks to a threatening letter, Ginny decides the police have got the wrong end of the scratching post.
So, alongside fellow widows JM and Tuppence, she launches her own investigation.
Cue village gossip, buried secrets, midnight graveyard digging, and more suspicious characters than mew can shake a feather wand at!
But when another body appears, the ladies realise their amateur detective work might be getting rather dangerous.
And the killer isn't exactly delighted by their snooping!
⚔️ What I Loved
📚 A Murder in the Library - As the resident feline bookworm, I take this purrsonally. Absolutely shocking behaviour!
😸 The Widow Detectives - Ginny, Hen, JM, and Tuppence sound like a wonderfully determined bunch. Never underestimate ladies with life experience and a nose for trouble!
🏡 Little Shaw's Secrets - A charming village with a decidedly sinister underbelly. How deliciously questionable!
😸 Edgar the Black Cat - Now THIS is my kind of feline! A gloriously independent black cat who decides Ginny needs adopting, whether she agrees or not. And he's not just a handsome face, furiends! His habit of bringing home mysterious little gifts even proves useful to the investigation. A feline detective in the making? I think so! Though I do hope Ginny appreciates that she's now merely staff in Edgar's household!!! MOL
🌙 Midnight Graveyard Shenanigans - Digging around in graveyards after dark? I'd require hazard pay, a heated blanket, a flask of catnip cocoa and an emergency supply of catnip biscuits!
🔎 The Mystery - Threatening letters, hidden histories, and a killer determined to stay hidden. Plenty to get those whiskers twitching!
✨ Tone & Style
Quirky, charming, mysterious, and deliciously cozy, with village intrigue, determined amateur sleuths, and a dash of dark humour.
Pawesome for readers who adore mature heroines, English village mysteries, and clever ladies who refuse to let a murderer spoil their retirement!
📖 Final Thoughts
This thoroughly enjoyable book has all the ingredients for a furbulous cozy mystery: a picturesque village, a thoroughly unpleasant victim, a black cat, a suspicious letter, and a group of widows with absolutely no intention of sitting quietly knitting while a murderer runs amok.
And I must say, I thoroughly approve of their determination!
Although digging up graveyards at midnight seems a tad excessive. Purrsonally, I'd send Parsley, Smooch and Fudge; they are always digging where they shouldn't!!! MOL
🪄 Summed Up in One Sentence
🐾 A delightfully deadly village mystery where four fearless widows, a murdered librarian, an epic black cat and a mountain of buried secrets combine for some seriously whisker-twitching sleuthing! 🐾
A Pawsome Pick for English Cozy Mystery Fans!
Rating of:
The Widows’ Guide to Murder
Overall Enjoyment
Well, I must pootle off; the library calls. Ardvaar and Lumie have something to tell me!
I look forward to your company next week and hope mew have a furbulous weekend filled with pawesome books, epic biccies, a little decadence and absolutely no unexpected nighttime digging!
And if mew're looking for more great reads with cats, click here to visit my Book Review Page and purruse every book I've reviewed to date; I'm sure mew'll find something epic!
graphics created with paid licence www.canva.com