This book is a welcomed change from the traditional and quite boring female detective story. It paints our heroine, Poldi, as a strong and independent woman fully in charge of her life despite the tragedies that she's endured. The way the author brings the beautiful Sicilian coast to life through the story make me want to move there myself. The other characters are vividly portrayed, and bring the story fully to life. But it is Poldi who remains the sole center and heart of this mystery she sets to solve for better or worse. I enjoyed the book and its many twist and surprises very much, I laughed and cried, and cannot wait to read more from the author. Many thanks to Houghton Mifflin Harcourt publishing and the author Mario Giordano for my advance copy.