The novel, the first book in the series "Mysteries at Anna'sTrattoria" is set in an imaginary town on the Atlantic coast of the province of New Brunswick, in Canada. Anna Venturi is a woman in her late fifties who came from Chioggia, Italy, almost forty years ago.

She inherited a typical Italian restaurant, a 'Trattoria' from a relative, and now she manages it with her daughter Silvia. The Trattoria is in the center of the town, and it is a meeting place for the community.

Everyone loves the delicious food, the family atmosphere and the reserved, trustworthy owner. The story begins three weeks after the tragic and unexpected death of Anna's son, a priest in the local Catholic church.

While Anna is trying to get over this tragedy, the community welcomes some new agents and a new chief Inspector in town. The Inspector, Neil McKinley, who has recently received a special award from the Governor for his courage, makes himself immediately available as basketball coach for the children of the Parish orphanage and of the community.

Little by little the reader will discover his abilities as a policeman, but also something of his past that is still making him suffer. Anna will find in him a great comfort in her immense grief, and Neil will find in Anna the mother he has never had.

In their first investigation, the new policemen will be able to discover the truth behind the death of Father Luca, Anna's son. At the end of the story, there will still be many secrets to discover, not only concerning Neil's past life, but also his relation to the other policemen and to a little orphan he meets at the Parish Orphanage, Amy, who inevitably reminds him of a person dear to him.

Will Neil be able to protect little Amy? Will he discover the truth about Amy's mother, even if the child doesn't seem to remember having a mother at all?94500 words / 326 pages. .