Historical Fiction - Mafia Story/Crime Fiction

BOOK  3 OF THE BELLAFORTUNA SERIES - An Italian Historical Fiction Novel

Finalist in the 2023 Best Book Awards in Historical Fiction

"More than just another Mafia story, Sicilian Melody explores complex themes of loyalty, love, family ties, and the redemptive power of music. Bravo! Chip LoCoco has capped off his Bellafortuna trilogy with a masterful tale of post-WW2 Sicily, and the dark forces that threatened the magical village." 

- Elisa Sperenza, Author of the Italian Prisoner 

World War II has ended, and Sicily lies in ruins. As money flows in from Italy, the black market becomes the lifeblood of the island's inhabitants. At the same time, with the defeat of Mussolini and fascism, an old nemesis re-emerges from the ashes - the Mafia.

Exiled during Mussolini's dictatorship, the Mafia has returned to fight for control of the black market. The Allied forces, leading the rebuilding of Sicily, turn to the former Dons and install them as mayors of the cities, towns, and villages.

Don Adriano Umbretto, a once powerful Don in charge of Castelvetrano, finds himself in power and desperately trying to solidify his control, while trying to keep his daughter, Francesca, safe.

Meanwhile, the small, secluded village of Bellafortuna, for years unmolested by the Mafia, is in danger of succumbing to their power and control. Giuseppe Sanguinetti, the long-tenured leader of the village, is faced with the immense grief of losing his son during the War while using all of his strength to lead the village through its most dangerous contest to date.

When Don Umbretto's villa is attacked, and an attempt on his life is made, he decides to protect his daughter by hiding her. He chooses the small village of Bellafortuna and places her with Giuseppe Sanguinetti, the wine merchant he knows.

The safety of Don Umbretto's daughter and the villagers of Bellafortuna seems at hand. That is until a long-time rival of Don Umbretto returns and turns his sights on Bellafortuna and its winery. Now, Don Umbretto must stand with Giuseppe Sanguinetti to protect his daughter and the village.