Both books in Dick Rosano's 'Sicily Chronicles', a series of historical fiction set in Italy, now in one volume! Islands Of Fire: Luca travels to Sicily in search of his family roots and meets Vito, who takes him back in time to when the island was settled by seafaring people, fought over by warring tribes and invaders. From Anu and Baia's arrival 11,000 years ago to Telia and Sapira's agricultural revolution, Sicily's history is rich and diverse, with the Sicani, Elymi, and Siculi tribes settling the island 3,000 years ago. Through invasions by Arabs, Greeks, Carthaginians, and Romans, the reader journeys through the volcanic origins of the island to the era of the Roman Empire. Islands of Fire explores the role of Sicily, a waystation in the Middle Sea, at the heart of western history. Crossroads Of The Mediterranean: Luca's journey to his parents' homeland in Sicily becomes a deep exploration of the island's rich and diverse history, from Roman dominion to invasions by Byzantines, Muslims, Normans, French, Aragonese, Bourbons, and even the forces of North America. Crossroads of the Mediterranean takes the reader on this journey, chronicling the roots of this true melting pot, the island in the Middle Sea, from the time of Julius Caesar to the present day.

To Luca, the story of Sicily was like an old movie made modern. From black and white to sepia and then to color, the old man Vito's narration of the island's ancient history kept Luca spellbound. Originally a trip to his parents' homeland, Luca's journey was now one of a deeper history, in which the Roman dominion over the island was converted by invasions of Byzantines, Muslims, Normans, French, Aragonese, Bourbons, and even the forces of North America. From the time of Julius Caesar to the present day, the history of Sicily is the history of Western Civilization. Crossroads of the Mediterranean takes the reader on the journey with Luca in discovering the roots of this true melting pot, the island in the Middle Sea. Crossroads of the Mediterranean is preceded by Islands of Fire, which chronicles the history of Sicily from its volcanic origins millions of years ago to the Slave Wars of the 1st century B.C.E.

It is 1943, and the Nazis control large parts of Italy. Colonel Anselm Bernhardt devotes his attention to stealing Italian art – and having his way with Italian women – but there is one great treasure that he covets even more. In present day, his grandson swears to make amends for Bernhardt’s crimes, but is bitten by the same temptation. When he begins his search for the mysterious treasure in southern Italy, he discovers a secret that can change the course of history. Based on historical events, The Secret of Altamura takes you back to the cloud of terror that hung over wartime Italy, and invites you to explore the secrets that were hidden from the Nazi invaders.

A collection of three cozy culinary mystery novels by Dick Rosano, now in one volume! A Death In Tuscany: Filippo Trantino grows up in Tuscany and later moves to America with his family, leaving his heart among the vines of his family’s wine estate. After he returns home for a funeral, his cousins convince him that his grandfather’s death was not an accident. While solving the crime, Filippo travels the pastoral landscapes of Tuscany, indulging in the area’s most delicious wine and food, and discovers the life he was always meant to live. Hunting Truffles: Northern Italy is the cradle for a precious culinary gem: the white truffle of Piedmont. Worth more than gold, the truffle is sought after by chefs and foodies alike. But this year, the truffle hunters are in a panic, as they discover that their harvest has been stolen from under their feet. Inexplicably, the bodies of murdered hunters turn up, but there are no truffles to be found. A young man from Tuscany, in tow with his aunt and her restaurant crew, pursues the thieves through the hills of Piedmont, and discovers the delicious wine and food of the region. "A seamless blend of engaging mystery, insider travelogue, a primer in Italian traditions, and a guide to Italian food and viticulture." - Ambassador Magazine The Secret Of Altamura: It is 1943, and the Nazis control large parts of Italy. Colonel Anselm Bernhardt devotes his attention to stealing Italian art – and having his way with Italian women – but there is one great treasure that he covets even more. In present day, his grandson swears to make amends for Bernhardt’s crimes, but is bitten by the same temptation and begins his search for the mysterious, historically vital treasure in southern Italy... a secret that can change the course of history.

All three books in Dick Rosano's 'Darren Priest Mysteries' series, now in one volume! The Vienna Connection : After separation from service, former military intelligence expert Darren Priest decides to put distance between his old life and his new vocation as a wine and food writer. But when 's called back on a secret mission by the U.S. President, his assignment takes him to Vienna. Soon, Darren realizes that some things you can't unvolunteer for. The Etruscan Connection : After a distinguished scientist dies under suspicious circumstances at an archaeological dig in Tuscany, Darren Priest and Alana Weber are called in to investigate. Soon, the two realize that the findings at the site could threaten the very fabric of modern-day humanity. As a Pandora's box of secrets, foreign intrigue and revenge opens, can Priest and Weber find out what happened at the dig? The Paletti Notebook : In 1553 Florence, an assassin sent by Arma Dei disappears into the night with a collection of heretical art and writings. For five centuries the satchel, containing sketches and writings by Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo and many others, is pursued by kings, popes, princes, and scavengers. The Paletti Notebook lives on through rumor and legend, which also suggest that it contains the infamous Gospel of Matthias, thought to be lost forever. Years later in Vienna, a bank manager discovers World War II-era photographs that hint to the collection's existence, sparking a new campaign by opposing forces to find the Paletti Notebook and take possession of its contents - by any means necessary.

Florence, 1553. An assassin sent by Arma Dei disappears into the night, with him a collection of heretical art and writings. For five centuries the satchel, containing sketches and writings by Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo and many others, is pursued by kings, popes, princes, and scavengers. The Paletti Notebook lives on through rumor and legend, which also suggest that it contains the infamous Gospel of Matthias, thought to be lost forever. In modern day Vienna, a bank manager discovers World War II-era photographs that hint to the collection's existence, sparking a new campaign by opposing forces to find the Paletti Notebook and take possession of its crucially important contents - by any means necessary.

"A seamless blend of engaging mystery, insider travelogue, a primer in Italian traditions, and a guide to Italian food and viticulture." - Ambassador Magazine Northern Italy is the cradle for a precious culinary gem: the white truffle of Piedmont. Worth more than gold, the truffle is sought after by chefs and foodies alike. But this year, the truffle hunters are in a panic, as they discover that their usual harvest has been stolen from under their feet. Inexplicably, the bodies of murdered hunters turn up, but there are no truffles to be found. A young man from Tuscany, in tow with his aunt and her restaurant crew, pursues the thieves through the hills of Piedmont, and discovers the delicious wine and food of the region.

After a distinguished scientist dies under suspicious circumstances at an archaeological dig in Tuscany, Darren Priest and Alana Weber are called in to investigate. They discover that the now-deceased scientist's work was focused on Italy's earliest history, and the possible connection to the mysterious Etruscan people. Ancient coins found at the site point to the Lydian Kingdom of Turkey, but also to nefarious activities, the Curse of Croesus, and the possibility that the origins of Roman Empire would have to be called to question. Soon, the two realize that the findings at the site could threaten the very fabric of modern-day humanity. As a Pandora's box of secrets, foreign intrigue and revenge opens, can Priest and Weber find out what happened at the dig?

"As much a crime novel as an authoritative travelogue and wine tutorial... an enjoyable read for Tuscany aficionados in particular." - Ambassador Magazine Filippo Trantino grows up in Tuscany and later moves to America, leaving his heart among the vines of his family’s wine estate. After he returns home for a funeral, his cousins convince him that his grandfather’s death was no accident. While solving the crime, Filippo travels the pastoral landscapes of Tuscany, indulging in the area’s most delicious wine and food, and discovers the life he was always meant to live. 'If you enjoy anything Italian as well as an engaging mystery, A Death in Tuscany is for you. Highly recommended.' - Readers' Favorite