Books Set in Italy
If you are looking for books set in Italy, you’ve come to the right place. I’ve been obsessed with books set in Italy since I visited over 10 years ago, when I visited Rome, Florence, Pisa, and the Italian Riviera with my family, while pregnant with my firstborn! Since then, I have read so many books set in Italy, I wanted to put all my favorites in one place.
Like stories set in France, a book based in Italy has the ability to immediately take me back to my time in the country. The descriptions in the books below transport me with vivid depictions of Italian places, foods, and people. I can practically taste the homemade pasta while pouring over the pages of these books.
Whether you like thrillers, historical fiction, or romances, you will be sure to be swept away by one of the books set in Italy we mention below.
The Best Books Set in Italy
Each colorful block below represents the best book in a subgenre. Click on the arrow to reveal my “best” pick in any category. You’ll also be able to use a page jump to see more books in that section.
Best Contemporary Fiction Book Set in Italy
Patron Saint of Second Chances by Christin Simon- Jump to section
Best Historical Fiction Book Set in Italy
The Marriage Portrait by Maggie O’Farrell – Jump to Section
The Best Thriller Set in Italy
Main Character by Jaclyn Goldis – Jump to Section
The Best Mystery Set in Italy
The Sicilian Inheritance by Jo Piazza- Jump to Section
Best Romance Set in Italy
Stars in an Italian Sky by Jill Santopolo – Jump to Section
*Post contains affiliate links. Purchases made through links result in a small commission to us at no cost to you. Some books have been gifted. All opinions are our own.
Contemporary Fiction Books Set in Italy
Patron Saint of Second Chances
Author: Christine Simon
Year: 2022
Genre: Fiction
More info:
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range:
Plot
The mayor of the Italian town needs money to repair the town’s pipes, so he hatches a plot to drum up business in town by saying a famous movie star is coming to make a movie.
The next thing he knows, he’s having to make an actual movie starring the locals with no experience and the craziest script while keeping up the ruse that the celebrity is coming.
Why Kirsten loves it
I laughed so hard at scenes in this comedic book that I woke up my sleeping husband. This was a charming book and the perfect vacation read. It is a five-star contemporary fiction book.
Why Jackie loves it
I had high hopes for this book and it exceeded my expectations. There were some scenes that were so funny, I still chuckle when I think of them.
Find this book in: Feel-Good Book / Book set in Italy / Best Beach Reads of All Time
Plot
This book takes place in a small village in Italy where the mayor nearly lost the election to a donkey. Now, the restaurants are shuttered and the town is falling apart. When a local truffle hunter and his beloved truffle dog finds a huge truffle (Tartufo), it could be worth a fortune and repair the crumbling town. The town comes together to sell it to the highest bidder #partner
Why Jackie loves it
This book is filled with a cast of characters who are warm, caring, and funny. I feel like I know them. The descriptions of the town and the food are so vivid, I felt like I was there.
The writing is unique – Buxton narrates from the perspective of dogs and bees- without ever taking itself too seriously. This is a truly delightful read.
Find this book in: Books Set in Italy
One Italian Summer
Author: Rebecca Serle
Year: 2022
Genre: Magical Realism
Spice Rating:💋💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Rebecca Serle has done it again with this book set in Italy. Katy’s mother, Carol, has died and left Katy to take their trip to Positano alone. When Katy leaves, she is uncertain about everything and whether she will return to her marriage.
Then, the impossible happens, and Carol appears at Katy’s hotel. She is in perfect health and thirty years old. She is not the woman Katy thought she knew. As she gets to know her mother, she realizes more about herself.
Why Jackie loves it
This is a beautiful, well-written book with a touch of magic. I loved how Katy and Carol are able to develop a relationship in Italy after Carol died. It is unique and wonderful.
Find this book in: Contemporary Fiction / Book Set in Italy / Novels About Grief/ Best Magical Realism Books / Books About Mothers/ Books Set on a Beach / Books with Summer in the Title
Plot
When Shea’s boyfriend proposes, she goes against her beloved Nonna’s rule to never accept a marriage proposal with an heirloom ring. She loves her fiance, John, but can’t shake her Nonna’s worries about heirlooms carrying the energy of their former owners.
Now, with the help of her big sister and a journalist, she will travel to New York, Italy, Portugal, and Boston to meet the previous owners and make sure the ring has forever marriage energy.
Why Kirsten loves it
Between the gorgeous settings and the hunt for the ring’s origin, this story was easy to fly through while remaining utterly enchanting. I might not agree with all of Shea’s decisions but the journey to happily ever after was so enjoyable!
Find this book in: Summer Reads 2024 / Books set in Italy / Jewelry Novels
The Guncle Abroad
Author: Steven Rowley
Year: 2024
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
More info: Instant New York Times Bestseller
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
GUP and the kids are back! Patrick, Maisie, and Grant are five years older and facing a new challenge – the kid’s dad is getting ready to remarry.
The children are not thrilled, so Patrick decides to wisk them on a European adventure to teach them the Languages of Love, Guncle Style.
As they parade around Europe and end up at the destination wedding site of Lake Como, we are treated to hysterical scenarios and GUP witticisms. Add in a rivalry between GUP and the soon-to-be Launt (Lesbian Aunt) and you have a story that will have you flying through the pages.
Why Kirsten loves it
I adored the first Guncle book, so I was a tad nervous to read a sequel. Would it spoil the characters I love so much? Not. At. All.
If anything, I learned to appreciate Patrick, Grant, and Maisie even more on the revisit. The way that Rowley writes about living with grief as an adult and a child is touchingly hopeful. I laughed and cried in equal measure reading this story. Dare I say it might be better than the first?
Why Jackie loves it
I love that everyone is a little bit older in this book. the way that Rowley portrays the kids is so spot on, I was howling with laughter. Although this book deals with grief in its many forms, it is done so with love and humor. It feels authentic rather than forced and unrelatable.
Find this book in: Best Fiction of 2024 / Lake Books / Books Set in Italy
Historical Fiction Books Based in Italy
The Marriage Portrait
Author: Maggie O’Farrell
Year: 2022
Genre: Historical Fiction
More info: December 2022 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
I found the story, which also revolves around the painting of the titular marriage portrait, to be fast-moving and fascinating. It’s one of those historical fiction books that had me googling what was real and what truths were bent.
Why Kirsten loves it
I found the story, which also revolves around the painting of the titular marriage portrait, to be fast-moving and fascinating. It’s one of those historical fiction books that had me googling what was real and what truths were bent.
Find this book in: Biographical Fiction Novels / Novels About Art / Books Set in Italy / Reese Witherspoon Book Club List 2022 / Books Set in the Italian Renaissance
The Amalfi Curse
Author: Sarah Penner
Year: April 29, 2025
Genre: Historical Magical Realism
More info: Bestselling author of The Lost Apothecary
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range 14+
Plot
This is a multiple POV fiction that takes place in a dual timeline. Haven Ambrose is a nautical archeologist investigating shipwrecks along the Amalfi coast. She is also secretly looking for a treasure her father saw before he died. When Positano begins to experience an unusual amount of activity related to Mount Vesuvius, Haven’s chances of fulfilling her father’s wishes may end before they even start.
Mari is part of a long line of women who can control the sea, but resents the water for taking her mother and little sister from her. She has plans to leave her home in Positano and get as far from the sea as possible.
Holmes has fallen in love with Mari and is saving up so they can make a life together. He works on a ship owned by two brothers who will stop and nothing to get what they want.
Why Jackie loves it
I loved the dual timeline as well as the multiple POV os this book. I think this is Penner’s best book yet. The plot was fast paced without being too convoluted, and the characters were rich.
Find this book in: Books set in Italy / Best Pirate Books
The Italian Ballerina
Author: Kristy Cambron
Year: 2022
Genre: Historical Fiction
More info: Mutiple Timeline
Age Range: 16+
Plot
This book is based on the true accounts of Syndrome K, the deadly and highly contagious disease that was fabricated by doctors in Rome to save Jewish people from Nazi extermination.
In the past, Courtney Coleman has had a troubled past and decides to enlist when Pearl Harbor is bombed. While he is there, he meets Julia Bradbury, an Italian ballerina, and together with another allied medic and the hospital staff, they work together to try and save the Jewish people from the Nazis.
In the Present day, Delaney Coleman has recently lost her grandfather, a WW11 veteran. Soon after, Delaney’s family is contacted by an Italian woman who claims they have a family heirloom. Delaney travels to Italy to discover her grandfather’s past.
Trigger Warnings
WWII
Why Jackie loves it
This amazing WW11 historical fiction novel takes place in three timelines. While I was a little bit confused initially, I could not put the book down by the end. I did not know about syndrome K before I read this book and it was absolutely fascinating.
Find this book in: Books About Ballet / Books set in Italy / Ultimate Beach Reads 2023
The Good Left Undone
Author: Adriana Trigiani
Year: 2022
Genre: Historical Fiction
More info: Instant New York Times Bestseller
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
The sweeping story of an Italian family matriarch Domenica and her love story was charming. Her coming-of-age story told the tale of her life trials and was the anchor of this novel.
While her story covered the 1920s, WWII, and beyond, this book set in Italy also switched over to her daughter Matelda and Matelda’s granddaughter. Sadly, I found that portion of the story to be lackluster.
Trigger Warnings
War
Why Kirsten likes it
After seeing all Domenica went through over her life, the challenges facing her great-granddaughter fell flat. I would happily have cut out all the chapters without Domenica so I could spend more time in her fascinating story.
Find this book in: Books Set in Italy
Plot
A perfect summer read about a neurosurgeon who is transported back to Siena in the time of the plague. The narrative makes me feel like I am in Italy. After the death of her brother, Beatrice travels to Italy where she uncovers the work of Gabriele Accorsi. She is shocked when she sees a painting of herself and the next thing she knows, she has been transported back in time to 1347. Described as Outlander meets Girl with a Pearl Earring, at its heart, it is a love story.
Trigger Warnings
Plague
Why Jackie loves it
I could not put it down and finished it as a perfect start to the summer reading season. This is the perfect time travel romance book for fans of Outlander!
Find this book in: Time Travel Books / Books Set in Italy / Historical Fantasy Books / Books Set in the Italian Renaissance
Hotel Portofino
Author: J.P. O’Connell
Year: 2021
Genre: Historical Fiction
More info: Hotel Portofino #1
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
I was thrilled to have read this charming story of a Hotel in Portofino, Italy, during the years just after WW1.
In it, the new British owners of the Hotel Portofino settle into running a hotel with their adult children. The guests are eccentric, there is a mystery around a piece of stolen art, and some romantic relationships come together and fall apart.
Trigger Warnings
Rape
Why Kirsten loves it
It reminded me of the second Downton Abbey movie in which the Crawleys headed to the south of France for a vacation! It’s got all the family drama I look for in books like these.
Find this book in: Books set in Italy / Hotel Novels / Seaside Books / Books Like Downton Abbey
My Brilliant Friend
Author: Elena Ferrante
Year: 2012
Genre: Fiction
More info: Book 1 of 4: Neapolitan Novels
Named #1 Best Book of the Century
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
This is the first book in the Neapolitan series that was a must for books about friendship. The book is set in Italy after WWII and follows the lives of two young girls.
This is a character-driven novel that explores the friendship between Elena and Raffaella throughout their lives. It looks at their rivalry and personal identities while trying to find themselves. The book begins in the 1950s and spans nearly 60 years.
Why Jackie loves it
There is no denying that this book is beautifully written and descriptive. As the lives of these women unfold, the country changes around them. You need to give yourself the time and space required for this book to have its full impact.
Find this book in: Best Books in Translation / Friendship Books / Books Set in Italy
Thriller Books Set in Italy
The Main Character
Author: Jaclyn Goldis
Year: 2024
Genre: Mystery
More info: Bestselling Thriller
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
This book had me at Orient Express. Within it, Rory has been sent on a lavish trip to the Italian Riviera aboard the newly remodeled famous train. It’s her reward for being celebrated writer Ginevra Ex’s newest main character – the real-life person who inspires each of Ex’s novels.
But Rory is shocked to see her brother, her best friend, and her ex-fiance aboard as well – all at Ginevra’s expense. The story opens with one of them being murdered but who and by whom remains to be seen.
As the foursome read Ginevra’s new manuscript secrets unravel, but behind the scenes, Ginevra’s own past is catching up to her and just why she was drawn to Rory in the first place remained unanswered.
Why Kirsten loves it
While the who-dun-it mystery within Ginevra’s novel was so well executed and the suspense of who was killed kept me turning the pages, it was Ginevra’s storyline that intrigued me most.
I was enthralled by Russia’s history with the Jewish people, having been mostly unaware of the animosity there before this book, and was shocked to learn that element came from Goldis’s own family history!
Why Jackie loves it
The idea of a novel within a novel is always so much fun and this book was brilliantly executed. I was never sure was a coincidence and what was the next attempt at murder. This was a page-turner I could not put down.
Find this book in: Best Mystery Books of 2024 / Best Jewish Writers / Mystery and Thriller Novels About Writers / Books Set in Italy
The Villa
Author: Rachel Hawkins
Year: 2023
Genre: Mystery Thriller
More info: NY Times Bestselling Author
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Emily’s husband filed for divorce and she cannot seem to get her life and career back on track so when her childhood best friend and hugely successful writer, Chess, suggests they spend a summer together in an Italian villa where they can write and reconnect what could go wrong?
Trigger Warnings
Child death
Why Jackie loves it
I always love a great gothic suspense novel and what could be better than one set in an Italian villa? Oh, did I mention the mansion has a history that includes murder?
Find this book in: Historical Thrillers / Beach Reads 2023 / Books Set in Italy / Historical Thrillers
Angels & Demons
Author: Dan Brown
Year: 2000
Genre: Mystery Thriller
More info: Robert Langdon #1, New York Times Bestseller
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
It is the first of the Robert Langdon books and it revolves around an Illuminati plot against the Catholic Church. In the story, Robert Langdon, famed Harvard symbologist is summoned to Switzerland to examine a strange symbol at a murder scene and he believes the Illuminati might be active once more.
When it’s announced that there is a bomb below Vatican city on the eve of Conclave, Robert is in a race against time to figure out who is behind the plot and save the Catholic Church. He joins forces with Italian scientist, Vittoria Vetra, in a race through Italy.
Why Kirsten loves it
I love how Dan Brown found a way to incorporate symbolism and brilliant riddles into this modern-day mystery. The plot does not slow for a minute from the first page to the last. The Tom Hanks-led Netflix book adaptation is worth a watch!
Find this book in: Books Set in Italy / Ultimate List of Mystery Books
The Starlets
Author: Lee Kelly & Jennifer Thorne
Year: 2024
Genre: Historical Thriller
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Bitter rivals in both the box office and their romantic lives, Vivienne and Lottie have both been cast in “A Thousand Ships” a movie about Helen of Troy. Filming on an isolated Italian island, the tension they face as on-screen rivals takes a turn when they become embroiled in a deadly scandal and are forced to flee for their lives.
It’s trains, trucks, and boats for these two as they need to put their differences aside to work together and alert the authorities to the corruption on the island.
Why Kirsten loves it
What a fun romp through old Hollywood! I honestly pictured the entire plot of this book as an old black-and-white movie appropriate to the time this was set.
The leaders were perfectly bitchy in whip-smart dialogue reminiscent of the Golden Age of Hollywood flicks. I loved watching these rivals tear each other down before turning into allies and close friends. I was rooting for them and you will be too!
Find this book in: Old Hollywood Books / Historical Thrillers / Books Set in Italy
Mysteries Set in Italy
Plot
Jo Piazza has written the PERFECT summer novel, striking a delicious balance between being relaxing enough to enjoy on the beach but thought-provoking enough to discuss with your book club.
I was swept into the story of Sara and her quest to learn about her unexpected inheritance and the possible murder of her great-grandmother, Serafina. To solve the mystery and claim her inheritance, she must travel to the Italian countryside – giving her a break from her recently closed restaurant and her failed marriage.
The dual-timeline narrative focuses on Sara’s quest and Serafina’s life as a woman coming into her own in the 1900s. The stakes are high for both women as they balance staying true to their dreams in the face of society’s oppression of women, especially when it turns dangerous.
Why Kirsten loves it
I could go on and on about this one. The vivid imagery that Jo paints with her writing had me picturing the town, tasting the food, and smelling the Sicilian soil. I SWEAR, at one point I touched my chin to see if the oil from the meal she was writing about was dripping down my face.
It’s a multi-genre, multigenerational masterpiece of a beach read. #gifted by Dutton Books
Why Jackie loves it
I could not put this book down. The characters and the plot compelled me to keep reading, the descriptions of the people and the places made me feel like I was actually there. The fact that some of this is based in a true story is just a cherry on top of this sundae!
Find this book in: Beach Read 2024 / Books Set in Italy / Best Historical Fiction of 2024 / Best Mystery Books 2024 / The Best Books of 2024 / Books like The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo
Juliet: A Novel
Author: Anna Fortier
Year: 2010
Genre: Mystery
More info: New York Times Bestseller
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 15+
Plot
What if Shakespeare’s Juliet was real and was actually a curse? Alternating between the “real” Juliet’s story and her modern-day descendant’s story, the book proves that love transcends time.
Julie receives a key to a safety deposit box in Italy after her aunt Rose dies. This journey will take her to Siena and to her ancestor, Giulietta Tolomei. The further she digs into her past, she more she learns about her family and the curse that has been following them for centuries.
It’s such a unique and amazing classic retelling and was a no-brainer pick for a list of the best romance novels of all time. The epic love story also makes it perfect for anyone who is looking for mystery, romance, and historical fiction in one book.
Why Kirsten loves it
I ADORE this book set in Italy and have read it numerous times. I can’t put my finger on why this story makes my top 10 favorite books, but it’s a comfort read that I go to whenever I need a pick-me-up. I re-read it again and again! It has a little bit of everything – romance, a mystery, a contemporary and historical element.
Why Jackie loves it
There is something so fairytale-like in this book. It is part historical fiction, part cozy mystery and 100% delight.
Find this book in: Books Set in Italy / Ultimate List of Romance Books / Books Like Outlander / Kirsten’s Favorite Books of All Time / Cozy Mystery Books / Books Set in the Italian Renaissance
Plot
Taking place in the Italian countryside, in both 1943 and 1955, this mystery covers the Nazi/Italy Axis Alliance. A murderer from the war is coming back to kill the remaining members of an Italian family one by one. The wartorn setting and the post-war era made for a fantastic backdrop to a mystery book like no other.
Trigger Warnings
War
Why Kirsten loves it
My heart was racing as I read this story. It kept me on the edge of my seat. I had trouble sleeping out of nerves when I was in the middle of this one.
Find this book in: Books Set in Italy / Best Historical Mystery Books
Every Time I Go on Vacation, Someone Dies
Author: Catherine Mack
Year: 2024
Genre: Cozy Mystery
More info: USA Today Bestseller, An Indie New List Pick (May 2024)
Age Range: 15+
Plot
What a fun new mystery series! When a group of authors accompanies mystery writer, Eleanor Dash, on her book tour in Italy, people keep turning up dead around them. While she is trying to figure out a way to kill off her main character, Connor, and end her long-running series, someone is trying to kill the real-life Connor on the tour!
Now Eleanor and her writer frenemies must put their differences aside to try to solve the murders and stay alive. The hysterical scenarios they find themselves in keep the vacation murder plot delightfully lighthearted. Add in the descriptions of Italian food, gorgeous sites, and wild personal hijinks and you’ve got a lovely summer read.
Why Kirsten loves it
It’s not often a mystery series that is both mysterious and fun, but this one delivers! It’s exactly the kind of mystery book I gravitate towards in the middle of summer. I can’t wait to see this series continue! #gifted by Macmillan Audio
Find this book in: Italy Novels / Best Beach Reads / Cozy Mystery Books / Mystery and Thriller Novels About Writers
Romance Books Set in Italy
Stars in an Italian Sky
Author: Jill Santopolo
Year: 2023
Genre: Romance
More info: New York Times Bestselling Author
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Where do I even start with this book? I loved it so much. In Genoa Italy, in 1946 Vincenzo and Giovanna fell in love. But, they belong to two different worlds. She is the daughter of a tailor and she is almost royalty.
In 2017, Cassandra and Luca are in love. When Luca asks Cassandra’s grandmother to be a model for his new painting, with his grandfather, the past and its secrets are revealed.
I cannot say enough about this book that is part contemporary fiction and part historical fiction. It had me absolutely bawling by the end, ugly crying, and I LOVED it. The ending was perfect, fitting, and cathartic.
This is a perfect pick for books set in Italy and a must for our ultimate beach reads 2023 post. If you love second chance romance books, this is one of the best there is.
Why Kirsten loves it
I could not wait to read this book because I was looking for a book set in Italy. Santapolo never fails to write fantastic books with compelling characters and plotlines that will bring you to tears.
Why Jackie loves it
I adored this book and while books usually don’t make me cry, this one had me ugly crying. I adored every minute of this book- the characters, the plot, and how the story came together were just what I needed.
Find this book in: Books Set in Italy / Ultimate Beach Reads 2023 / Second Chance Romance Books
Problematic Summer Romance
Author: Ali Hazelwood
Year: 2025
Genre: Romance
Spice Rating:💋💋💋💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Maya is trying to figure out what to do with her life. She is 23, brilliant, and torn between doing what she loves and what she thinks is expected of her as a grad student. Conor is 38 and her brother’s best friend.
Over the past three years, Maya and Conor have developed a close friendship that feels like more, but they have not spoken in 10 months.
When the two of them wind up in Italy together for Maya’s brother’s wedding, they will have to work things out and see if there is any hope for a relationship between them.
Trigger Warnings
Parental Loss
Why Jackie loves it
I loved that, even though this is an age-gap romance, there was no power dynamic at play either. The characters complemented each other so that they were each supporting the other in the way they needed it most. It was refreshing to see a healthy relationship despite both characters having flaws
Find this book in: Ali Hazelwood Books Ranked / Books Set in Italy / Books With Summer in the Title / Best Beach Reads 2025
Beautiful Ruins
Author: Jess Walter
Year: 2012
Genre: Historical Fiction
More info: New York Times Bestseller
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
I adored this second-chance love story that wasn’t too girly. There was intrigue and insight into Hollywood today versus 60 years ago. It’s about a secret love affair revolving around the movie Cleopatra and the small, seaside hotel at the center of the story.
It features family secrets, Richard Burton, modern and old Hollywood, and so many other plot lines in a novel that isn’t very long for all it contains within it’s pages.
Why Kirsten loves it
I guessed the big reveal pretty early on, but it was still a wonderful book set in Italy about how love found, lost, and then found again can impact our lives.
Find this book in: Books Set in Italy / Seaside Books / Hotel Novels / Old Hollywood Books / Books Set in the 1960s
Expert Tip
Are you looking for advice on which book to pick?
- Have a look at Jackie’s and my descriptions of the books. We have read all of these books and give you a brief description of each one to help you pick.
- Are you a “Kirsten” or a “Jackie”? You can see who read the book to help you pick
- Pick a book from your favorite genre. If you love historical fiction, for example, there are six books to choose from!
Frequently Asked Questions
What book would you recommend before I take a trip to Italy?
I love all the books on this list, and you can’t go wrong if you choose any of them. If you are looking for something that has everything, you should read the Sicilian Inheritance by Jo Piazza. It’s got a mystery, family drama, and a whole lot more. If you want a heartbreaking, wonderful romance, Stars in an Italian Sky by Hill Santopolo is a great choice.
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Epilogue
Did you find any books set in Italy that you want to read?
FYI: you left out two absolutely amazing books that take place in italy: tim parks’ “The Hero’s Way” 9780393866841 – and – dominic smith’s “Return to Valetto” 9780374607685. if you haven’t read them, I can’t say enough to encourage you to run to your bookstore right now to buy them! I am a sideline buyer and bookseller at literati bookstore in ann arbor MI.
ooh!!! Adding both to my bookshop.org cart now!
Nicky Pellegrino and Rosanna Chiofalo are also two authors who write WONDERFUL books set in Italy.