The Death of Me is an absolute must read crime fiction, thriller and mystery novel and the first extraordinary volume in the new “Legacy series” written by Carolyn M. Bowen, author of the incredibly popular “Sydney Jones series.”

For readers of the author’s previous novels, you’ve met the main character, David Jones, having been there when he was born and watched as he came of age. Now, he’s striking out on his own to research and fund his passion to make the world a safer place.

He vacated their beautiful island home to keep his family safe should his research produce deadly enemies. His new domicile was at the lovely Tuscany villa on the plush land of the vineyard and olive groves he inherited from his mother.

Due to an unexpected murder of the steward of the Italian enterprise, this peace-loving man finds himself next in line to carry on the family’s Italian business. A challenge he accepts, for a leader is required to move the business forward.

His new responsibilities put him at odds with the woman foreign intelligence agent he was deeply attracted to. He questions how to maintain the difficulty of this relationship he so desires – and keep his clandestine Italian mafia connections secret. Being a thirteen-generation heir to the family business, he couldn’t let attraction stand in the way of keeping the family enterprise intact and safe from opposing mafia clans. But could he sidestep his situation and make a romantic relationship possible?

As the story unfolds and intensifies, the characters develop perfectly, adding surprising twists and turns when least expected. You’ll go from the shadows to the underbelly of the mafia with intricate, accurate details about the Italian mafias. You’ll feel the anguish and turbulence that marks this enterprise. And the idea and importance of family first couldn’t come at a more valuable time. And the main character, David, brings it home.

The Death of Me is a fascinating, thrilling and amazing cultural and historical journey through the intrigue and wonder of Italy. Carolyn M. Bowen’s stunning expressive writing style brings Italy to alluring life – drawing the reader in with feelings of longing to be there amidst the beauty, romance and passion. But then, the dark criminal secret societies which are center stage of this story, drive this sweeping mystery thriller forward and had me holding my breath several times during the suspenseful, tense and unexpected scenes.

From developing interesting unique characters to creating beautiful settings and fascinating scenes to building a plot filled with crime, suspense, romance and a perfectly thrilling Italian mafia mystery that is startling and unpredictable, Carolyn M. Bowen has proven once again what an excellent writer and storyteller she is.

The Death of Me, the first novel in the Legacy Series by Carolyn M. Bowen is a startling inside view of the Italian mafia world, and a huge hit with me. It cannot be missed. The highly anticipated and now must-read Italian mafia crime, thriller and mystery novel of 2022, The Death of Me (Legacy Series book 1) by Carolyn M. Bowen comes highly recommended by me and our book club. ( )