Bunny's Reviews: Scattered Legacy Review

Welcome to the book tour for Scattered Legacy by Marlene M. Bell! Read on for details and the fantastic giveaway at the end!

Scattered Legacy: Murder in Southern Italy (Annalisse Series) Each Book is a Standalone Mystery

Publication Date: November 4th, 2021

Genre: Mystery/ Suspense

Scattered Legacy is the third book in Marlene M. Bell’s Annalisse series. The author expertly weaves together romance, danger, mystery, and historical tidbits that create a story that turns this book into a real page-turner.

Scattered Legacy takes readers on a journey with Annalisse and her boyfriend, Alec Zavos. Things start off in New York with a series of strange incidents that point toward danger heading their way. First, a young woman attempts to steal a red diamond, but a strange envelope with a feather also arrives and it raises some unnerving questions for Annalisse. Things only get darker when an article in a tabloid draws into question Alec’s father’s business practices. The trip that they were planning to Italy is about to be shrouded in nothing but drama, when a woman is found murdered and buried history, comes to light.

Scattered Legacy is the third book in this series and the first that I have read by Marlene M. Bell. On one hand, I’d say that this book can be read as a standalone novel. The author does touchback on incidents that have happened previously, but I don’t feel that they weigh heavy enough that it’s absolutely necessary to have read the previous books first. On the other hand, I think that it would be a good idea to have some foundation to build upon with this series by having read the previous books. LOL! So, really it’s up to you, the reader, as to whether you choose to embark on this particular book as a standalone, or begin the series and move forward.

I like how true to life the characters in this book are overall. I truly felt that I could travel to the places named in this book and cross paths with these characters. They each are dynamically different and I appreciate how the author takes the time to highlight when a character is...acting out of character. A prime example is when Alec comes to the gallery, but he doesn’t greet Annalisse like he normally does.

I do have to say that Annalisse tends to be the cause of some problems while they are in Italy. But this also routes back to where I said that the “characters are true to life OVERALL.” When Annalisse falls for a particular ruse that is used to entrap tourists, I was disappointed that 1) she fell for the trick and 2) that Alec doesn’t really “scold” her for her actions. Due to her actions, I had mixed feelings when it comes to Annalisse throughout the book. She talks too much at times which causes them problems that could have been avoided if she basically thought before she spoke. But I have to commend her bravery when she finds herself in some really sticky situations that could have gone very badly.

I love the depth of the mystery in this book. It truly captured my attention as Annalisse goes looking for answers for Gen, and by default Alec as well. The depth of the mystery as well, and how far it goes back really turns this book into a page-turner. The author takes readers to Italy and then back to the States again as she shows that the danger isn’t just in one place. The Mafia ties really amp up the danger, seen and unseen for the characters, but be prepared for a major twist as well. I kept trying to figure out the various connections throughout the story. The mystery aspect of this novel is multi-tiered. You have the mystery of the murder, but then you also have the mystery of the rosary that Annalisse is given by Gen. But the twist near the end really ended up throwing me for a loop.

This book is truly engaging from beginning to end, but watch out for the ending! My jaw was on the floor. I really need to know not just what happens next but...what is going on!! LOL! While I’m waiting for the next book, I’ll probably go and check out the two previous novels in this series. I’m choosing to rate this book 5 out of 5 stars. There is something for everyone in this book beginning with a tabloid scandal shifting to a murder connected to a cat. When you involve the Mafia just know all bets are off. If you have read the previous books in this series I’m sure you’re going to enjoy this book. If you are looking for a good thriller/mystery that takes you across the world, then I’m sure you’ll not regret checking out this book.

Scattered Legacy is the third in Marlene M. Bell’s thrilling Annalisse series, which weaves romance, crime, and historical mystery into addictive tales to instantly captivate fans of TV show Bones or Dan Brown’s The Da Vinci Code.

Add to Goodreads

Excerpt

The reception area is completely empty, and there’s a smell like metal in damp dirt circulating overhead. Farther in, the ceiling fan is hovering on high speed, and the windows are open.

A dead body inside a warm office leaves an unmistakable odor behind, as did the body Ethan found inside the stall at Walker Farm. Decomp is one smell that sticks with you forever. Adding to the office creepiness, who chose the interior’s decor? We’re surrounded by limestone walls painted an ugly shade of ochre, slightly more yellow and definitely more unappealing than the building’s exterior. The rooms will need another coat of fresh paint to cover a harsh stench known to stick to the walls like cigarette tar does.

No one is nearby, not even the receptionist.

The office cubicles are silent but for a few flapping papers. Not a single desk phone is ringing. It’s like the office decided to have a fire drill midday, and the employees left their computers on and didn’t bother to close folders—open to anyone passing by. Frames holding pictures of sweethearts and children stand by as guardians for the people who are absent from their high-back swivel chairs.

Officer Raffa returns and mutters in heavy Italian brogue, “Il signore is waiting for his… avvocato difensore.” He points to the room with a closed door. “Come, Mr. Zavos. Your friends stay here.”

“Josh is in there waiting for his defense attorney. Back soon.” Alec touches my arm and looks at Bill, sending him a private message.

Alec’s led to a side office, and the solid door closes behind them.

“Is Alec signing autographs, or should I even worry about what’s going on in that room? Has Josh been here the entire time messing with evidence?” I ask Bill.

“Alec’s prepared for all contingencies. I’m surprised they haven’t taken Jennings down to the station by now.”

A few minutes later, Alec emerges by himself. “They weren’t going to allow us to talk to Josh, but I persuaded him. It shouldn’t be much longer.”

For what feels like an eternity, we sit in ladderback pine chairs with brown cushions while Alec keeps adjusting his watch. I don’t know what Alec had to promise the officer. Autographs are fine with me, but if he had to pay him off, I’d rather not know.

“I hope Brad is parked in the shade somewhere.” Alec looks at his watch for the eighth time in twenty minutes and turns to me. “Now that we’re here, they seem to be in no hurry to get rid of us. I’m sorry, Anna. Hold on a little longer.” His smile is an honest one full of regret.

I’ve heard the sentiment from him so often it doesn’t even register with my brain anymore. We both have a lot of work to do in the I-promise-to-do-better department.

The closed door at the back wall opens, and a guy pokes his head out, surveying the room. He’s fiftyish and, with his reading glasses, reminds me of Gen’s studious accountant.

Alec pivots, and his earlier smile vanishes.

“That’s Jennings,” Bill says quietly.

“Yes.” Alec waves to draw the man’s attention.

A confused Josh looks at us and then the floor as if he’s embarrassed. Eventually he settles his eyes on Alec. “I wasn’t sure you’d come. My attorney should be here soon. Come back to the conference room.”

Bill asks Alec, “Is it okay to go on ahead?”

Alec must have compensated the officer well to allow us entry this close to the crime scene.

“Let’s get this over with.” Alec seems queasy.

The three of us move through the aisle between desks and toward the room with a door left open for us. Josh has already gone inside. For someone who wants Alec’s help, he sure doesn’t appear happy or grateful for his effort. A huge effort. This had better not be Josh’s way of buying himself out of the woman’s death. The disgrace of being fired from Signorile after Pearce’s tragedy has to hurt his pride.

There’s news of a deadly virus moving through Europe, and the typical handshake is no longer being used between business execs.

Bill lifts his arm and catches himself. “Mr. Jennings? My name is Bill Drake, an associate of Mr. Zavos. You’ve asked to see him, and we also have some questions for you on another matter.”

“Wonderful.” The man in a sweaty, slept-in polo isn’t thrilled with us staring him down. There’s frost in the room as testosterone flies between glances. No one wants to be the first to break the sheet of ice forming around the presumed blue-eyed killer. Alec hasn’t made any assumptions yet until we talk to him, but Josh’s cool facade feels calculated to me. A superior to Alec, or something like that. For an innocent, I don’t like his peculiar behavior in the presence of a man who’s here to keep his neck from a noose.

“I asked to see Alec. Who are the rest of you?”

He’s behind a chair, using it as a shield to save himself from a CEO who wants to take his livelihood from him again. Or is it because he’s guilty of ending a woman’s life?

Alec pulls out the chair for me, and we all sit at the long conference table with a fancy letter F embellished in the center.

Josh’s temples bead with sweat, and he’s wringing his hands next to a wool felt fedora hat with a band. They seem to be popular in Italy. The guy’s bloodshot eyes and dark circles are sure signs of insomnia and stressing to the max. Wet ovals hang beneath the armpits of his beige shirt.

Alec’s unshakable gaze lands on Jennings, who abruptly turns away.

This meeting isn’t opening well.

Bill addresses Josh. “We don’t have a lot of time. Authorities aren’t thrilled with us questioning you, but they were… let’s say, swayed. Tell us what happened here?”

“She was tied and tortured in my office after I left night before last. I opened the building in the morning at seven and found her lying on her side, strapped to a chair and wrapped in wire near my desk. Lots of blood.” Josh holds a paper towel over his mouth, then uses it to wipe away perspiration. “When I left the building, she was in the conference room. I have no idea how she ended up in the office. Maybe the cat went in there.” He slides the fedora into his lap.

“Who is she?” Alec asks.

“Benita Alvarez.”

Available on Amazon

About the Author

“Mystery at a killing pace”

Marlene M. Bell is an award-winning writer, artist, and sheep breeder who resides in beautiful East Texas. Her renown sheep photographs grace the covers of many livestock magazines.

The third book in the Annalisse Series releases in 2021. Scattered Legacy is an international mystery with light touches of romance. Stolen Obsession and Spent Identity, books one and two, received numerous awards including the Independent Press Award for Best Mystery in 2020. Her mysteries can be found at marlenembell.com.

Marlene also writes children’s books. Her first children’s picture book, Mia and Nattie: One Great Team! is based on true events with Natalie from the Bell’s ranch. It’s a touching story of compassion and love between a little girl and her lamb. Mia and Nattie is honored to be a Mom’s Choice Gold Award winner.

Marlene shares her life with her husband and a few dreadfully spoiled horned Dorset sheep: a large Maremma guard dog named Tia, and cats, Hollywood, Leo, and Squeaks. The cats believe they rule the household—and do.

Marlene M. Bell | Facebook | Twitter