The Sicilian Inheritance

A Novel

By: Jo Piazza

Narrated by: Rachel F. Hirsch, Carlotta Brentan

NATIONAL BESTSELLER

One of the NY Post's Best Beach Reads, an US Weekly pick for "mystery novels to read on the beach”, a Woman's World "captivating beach read you won't be able to put down this summer" ("a riveting saga"), an Eater food-filled beach book for your summer vacation ("an appealing mix of romantic escapism, whodunit intrigue, and feminist introspection.")

From bestselling author and award-winning journalist Jo Piazza, comes "A Journey to the Boot of Italy, With Murder, Romance and Ricotta” (The New York Times) about a disputed inheritance and a family secret that some will kill to protect . . .

Sara Marsala barely knows who she is anymore after the failure of her business and marriage. On top of that, her beloved great-aunt Rosie passes away, leaving Sara bereft with grief. But Aunt Rosie’s death also opens an escape from her life and a window into the past by way of a plane ticket to Sicily, a deed to a possibly valuable plot of land, and a bombshell family secret. Rosie believes Sara’s great-grandmother Serafina, the family matriarch who was left behind while her husband worked in America, didn’t die of illness as family lore has it . . . she was murdered.

Thus begins a twist-filled adventure that takes Sara all over the picturesque Italian countryside as she races to solve a mystery and learn the story of Serafina—a feisty and headstrong young woman in the early 1900s thrust into motherhood in her teens, who fought for a better life not just for herself but for all the women of her small village. Unsurprisingly the more she challenges the status quo, the more she finds herself in danger.

As Sara discovers more about Serafina, she also realizes she is coming head-to-head with the same menacing forces that took down her great-grandmother. At once an immersive multigenerational mystery and an ode to the undaunted heroism of everyday women, The Sicilian Inheritance is an atmospheric, binge-worthy delight.

©2024 Jo Piazza (P)2024 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

"A Journey to the Boot of Italy, With Murder, Romance and Ricotta . . . By Page 53, I put the book down, but not for long. I simply had to go online and search for flights to Italy. . . . Here, Sicily shimmers off the page, utterly enticing—azure waters for swimming, hunky Italian chefs . . . I enjoyed Piazza’s twisty narrative and complicated characters, especially her contemporary women, who are strong and feisty—not so different from Updike’s lost, lusty Rabbit. It was a joy to read about Piazza’s heroines loving hard, eating well and blowing themselves kisses in the mirror."—The New York Times

"The latest novel from Jo Piazza has something for everyone. History buffs? Check. Thriller girlies? Yup. Inspirational women? Definitely. . . . It's an ode to strong women, past and present, with a compelling plot to keep you turning the pages."—Glamour, "The Best Books for Book Clubs to Read in 2024, So Far"

“Moving back and forth in time, Piazza smoothly blends a mystery deep into the heart of a page-turning family chronicle.”—The Washington Post

Great story

this book has everything. I didn't want it to end. the only bad thing is now I'm really wanting to go back to Sicily soon.

Two stories in one

I love how this author weaves in historical content. It is about two women’s lives, generations apart. Two stories in one, that take an unexpected turn in the most surprising way. Must read until the end.

Enjoyable and educational

This book opened my eyes to what the women of Sicily and Sicilians in general went through in the early 20th century. It helped me better understand why so many Sicilians came to the US during that time.

Certain parts of the story felt a bit cheesy at times, but it was still interesting, with lots of colorful characters.

And the narrators were great. I liked that the Italian woman's story was narrated by someone with an Italian accent.

Fascinating story with an unexpected feminist story line

I thoroughly enjoyed the narrator and a glimpse into the life of Sicilian women and their community

Excellent listen! I loved it

Awesome story and narration. I couldn’t stop listening! Great female characters. Some surprises that I didn’t see coming. I loved it!

great summer read

Fun plot, delicious food descriptions and a beautiful setting. Makes me want to visit Sicily.

The Sicilian Inhertance

Great story it was captivating The ending really got me how she sacrificed her life.

Great story of Silician women

This story revolves around the strength and determination of Sicilian women past and present. In the present, a young butcher and chef in the US struggles with the loss of her restaurant and marriage. When a beloved aunt who was born in Sicily dies, opportunity to persue an inheritance in Italy beckons.
The novel’s charm lies primarily in the tale of a great great grandmother although it is a story of women’s many hardships rather than pretty stories. Women whose husbands left Italy to find work in 1920’s America had great responsibility and little respect.
Fabulous food and vistas are included which lighten the tone. It’s easy to imagine the great meals and wine, making one long to visit Sicily.
I alternated reading the Kindle version and listening to the Audible one, racing through to learn the resolution. The Audible greatly enhanced my enjoyment and I recommend it highly.

Fantastic, engrossing read

Loved this story and it’s an EXCELLLENT audiobook due to the vocal performance. A sensual mystery that covers what it means to be a woman, motherhood, marriage, friendship, mystery/murder, and the mafia. Wonderful summer read or anytime you want to get lost in a story. Has depth and heft, but not too heavy, sad or scary.

Fantastic!!

This story was told so well! It was captivating from the get go. The details of each character and the country were so well thought out. Bravo to Jo Piazza!