by Sandra Murphy

Details at the end of this post on how to enter to win a copy of the book and a link to purchase the book from Amazon.

Mia’s heart’s desire is about to come true. She and Shane are getting married. They’ll invite a few friends, family, and it will be a beautiful day. Except….

At a bridal fair, she sees a familiar balding head and when that head turns around, she’s shocked speechless to see it’s her “dead” husband with another woman. Mia had been under suspicion when he disappeared and was presumed dead. In fact, her whole family (Family) had been suspects, due to the organized crime aspects of their varied businesses. Now, at a bridal fair, here he is.

After she lost him in the crowd, Mia tried to convince herself it had all been a mistake. That delusion didn’t last long. The next sighting was proof he was still alive. The third sighting proved he hadn’t changed a bit—he was still a scumbag. This time the scumbag swore he loved her still and wanted to reconcile.

The fourth sighting laid to rest all his declarations of love. In fact, it laid him to rest as well since his body was found in a most inconvenient place at a most inconvenient time.

Of course, Mia has learned to live with the fact that nothing in her life goes smoothly. From her wedding gown choices, to Cammie handling party favors, invitations, the food, and more (Clydesdales were mentioned but vetoed), nothing is going to be simple. It’s more a case of “whatever could go wrong, did go wrong, and at the worst possible time.”

This is the fifth and final book in the series. I’m sorry to hear it wasn’t continued. Combined, Mia’s family have more quirks than Nonna has colorful tracksuits. Each character is so finely described, readers will feel like they are family (Family?) too. The first four books were reviewed in KRL. Get all five and immerse yourself into Italian family (Family) affairs.

As a parting gift for readers, Mia and Belle View graciously shared recipes for Gnocchi Alla Sorrentina, ricotta sugar cookies, breakfast pasta, Italian wedding cake, and its frosting. Just reading about them will make you drool.

Never fear, Ellen Byron has been hard at work at the keyboard. Counting Witless, three books release in 2024, and while one series ends, two begin. You’ll see their reviews in coming months.

You can click here to purchase this book from Amazon.

To enter to win a copy of Witless Protection, simply email KRL at krlcontests@gmail[dot]com by replacing the [dot] with a period, and with the subject line “witless” or comment on this article. A winner will be chosen June 15, 2024. U.S. residents only, and you must be 18 or older to enter. If entering via email please include your mailing address in case you win. You can read our privacy statement here if you like.

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Sandra Murphy lives in the shadow of the Arch in St. Louis Missouri. She’s editor for Peace, Love, and Crime: Crime Stories Inspired by the Songs of the ’60s, with twenty-two cozy stories. She also edited A Murder of Crows, twenty-one stories featuring animals and crime (no animals were harmed). She also writes for magazines, newsletters, and the occasional guest blog. Both anthologies are available at the usual outlets, print or ebook.

Disclosure: This post contains links to an affiliate program, for which we receive a few cents if you make purchases. KRL also receives free copies of most of the books that it reviews, that are provided in exchange for an honest review of the book.