Old Bones in Puglia- Blog tour

 

Author: Tom Benjamin

Publisher: Little Brown Group 

Publishing Date: 14th May 2026 

Many thanks to the publishing team and Random Things Tours for my physical copy of the book and a spot on the tour 

Blurb

English detective and Bologna resident Daniel Leicester has been summoned by a dying relative to the wildest corner of Puglia, home to revered saints, fearsome mafia clans, hidden catacombs and sinister ceremonies.

As Daniel discovers that his Italian family's history runs deep in the veins of the region, old grudges resurface and life is breathed into ancient superstitions. He is enchanted by the mysteries of the region and joins a search for stolen antiquities, but when a contact is gruesomely murdered by mobsters, it's clear that mafia rule is more powerful than local mysticism.

Lured by magic but trapped by the mob, Daniel finds himself unable to return to his beloved Bologna. His family is bound to Puglia more tightly than he ever imagined, and powerful people want answers he can't give.

And when Daniel's daughter is snatched during a Holy Week procession, he sees first-hand just how far they're prepared to go . . .

My Thoughts 

Although this is book seven in the series, it is the first one I have personally read, and I can confidently say it works well as a standalone novel. While there are clearly relationships and backstories that have developed across the earlier books, I never felt completely lost or unable to follow what was happening. The author provides enough context to help new readers settle into the story without slowing down the pace.

What begins as a holiday shaped by family ties soon spirals into a dangerous and gripping pursuit involving stolen ancient artefacts, abduction, revenge, and — for Daniel — the near certainty of feuding mafia families. From the very beginning, there is an underlying sense of tension that steadily builds as more secrets and dangers come to light. The balance between mystery, crime, and personal drama keeps the story engaging throughout.

The cast of characters is varied and interesting. Some definitely feel as though they have been developed over previous books in the series, but it was not difficult to understand their roles or become invested in them. The characters connected specifically to this storyline were particularly compelling and added plenty of intrigue to the narrative. Their motives, loyalties, and connections helped create an atmosphere where it often felt difficult to know who could truly be trusted.

One aspect of the story I especially enjoyed was learning more about why Puglia is so significant to Daniel. As the birthplace of his late wife, the setting carries emotional weight alongside the danger and suspense. Through this journey, we are introduced to members of her family, and it becomes clear that old wounds and unresolved grief still linger beneath the surface. Watching family ties slowly begin to heal while long-buried emotions are confronted added an emotional depth to the story that balanced the action well.

This is also quite a descriptive read, but for me that worked perfectly with the way the plot unfolds. The detail helps bring both the setting and the atmosphere vividly to life, making the story feel immersive and authentic. The shift in location gives the novel a fresh and compelling dimension, with the culture, scenery, and history of Puglia adding richness to the overall experience. It almost felt cinematic at times, with the beauty of the surroundings contrasting sharply against the danger the characters face.

The pacing is fast, with plenty of twists and turns that kept me wanting to continue reading. Just when I thought I had worked things out, another revelation or development changed the direction of the story. The combination of mystery, organised crime, family history, and emotional healing made this a thoroughly entertaining and absorbing read.

Overall, this was an exciting, atmospheric, and engaging novel set against a fascinating cultural backdrop. I would definitely recommend it, and it has certainly encouraged me to go back and read more from the earlier books in the series.