This is the second book in a series and though I haven't read the first, I found this one easy to keep up with.  Some have complained that this book was too short, but I found it to be the perfect length. It is just over 100 pages and can easily be read in a few hours.  Perfect for my busy schedule.

The story focuses on Serrafina, a widow who lives with her grown children. They aren't rich. She works as a midwife and solves mysteries for a little extra money, and for the thrill. A man turns up dead; poisoned and stabbed. Serrafina finds the body and her curiosity leads her on an investigation to find the killer. Along the way, the reader is introduced to a variety of characters who make up the town. She eventually finds the killer, and I never would have believed that that person could have done it. Nice surprise at the end.

I liked this book. It moves right along and doesn't drag, or get caught up in overly done romance or descriptions.  The setting is a nice variation for a mystery story. Most are set modern day, but this one is set in Sicily in the mid 1800s.  Serrafina is not your typical female in the era. She is older and spunky and does not allow anyone to tell her what to do.

If you like short and sweet mysteries, give this one a try. You'll enjoy it.