The second book in the Janie Juke mystery series (Lost Property) introduces Janie’s aunt, Jessica. Jessica has been travelling around Europe for a few years and is now planning to return to Tamarisk Bay.
In the third book of the series we hear much more about Jessica and her mysterious Italian friend, Luigi. As I’ve been drafting the third book, I’ve enjoyed immersing myself in happy memories of Italy. Having an Italian mother, as well as cousins who live in Rome, I’ve been lucky to have the chance for loads of trips to that beautiful country. I think I was about four years old when I first visited and since then not many years pass when I don’t make at least a flying visit.
One of my favourite places is the pretty port of Anzio. Anzio lies just about an hour away from Rome and is a favoured resort for Italian holidaymakers. There is a gentle buzz about the place, with wonderful fish restaurants all along the port and bars on every street corner. In the centre of the town is Piazza Pia, with its marble fountain right in front of the Chiesa of SS Pia e Antonio.
My favourite holiday pastime is to sit at one of the bars, with my cappuccino, watching the Italians make their evening passegiata. Looking at this photo, I can almost imagine I am right there, with the warm sun on my back and the happy chatter of Italian voices in my ears. All good inspiration for the next Janie Juke book!
Isabella Muir 