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Cutting Right to the Chase Vol.2,
Mario Scarfassi was a remarkable butcher who brought his work home. Literally.
A woman can sell her body also for a noble cause.
Giancarlo Vestali chose his tie colour carefully as he knew what shade he would end up.
A flower in a pool can make the difference between freedom and jail.
Chase Williams wants to live a normal life in Tursenia, Italy. But it's not as easy as it appears.
The saga of unusual crimes on which ex Scotland Yard detective Chase Williams stumbles every day continues. It's all about Chase's snooping abilities and his exceptional perceptiveness from which nothing escapes.
10 detective short stories of 1000 words each, where proud prostitutes alternate with young lovers, sloppy drug dealers, hunting dogs, elderly people tired of living, amazing chefs and, as usual, Chase's neighbors who are always gossipy, fanatically religious and very nosey.
10 open, shiny windows overlooking the less dramatic crime stories of Tursenia, a Medieval town in the heart of Italy, where a former detective like Chase Williams - now dedicated to living his placid office lifestyle - can get a run for his money. Anyone and everyone could be a criminal. And Chase well knows it.
DISCLAIMER: Although the first volume of the Cutting Right to the Chase series is suitable to children and young adults, Cutting Right to the Chase Vol.2 is suitable for an older audience due to the graphic nature of some stories.
A woman can sell her body also for a noble cause.
Giancarlo Vestali chose his tie colour carefully as he knew what shade he would end up.
A flower in a pool can make the difference between freedom and jail.
Chase Williams wants to live a normal life in Tursenia, Italy. But it's not as easy as it appears.
The saga of unusual crimes on which ex Scotland Yard detective Chase Williams stumbles every day continues. It's all about Chase's snooping abilities and his exceptional perceptiveness from which nothing escapes.
10 detective short stories of 1000 words each, where proud prostitutes alternate with young lovers, sloppy drug dealers, hunting dogs, elderly people tired of living, amazing chefs and, as usual, Chase's neighbors who are always gossipy, fanatically religious and very nosey.
10 open, shiny windows overlooking the less dramatic crime stories of Tursenia, a Medieval town in the heart of Italy, where a former detective like Chase Williams - now dedicated to living his placid office lifestyle - can get a run for his money. Anyone and everyone could be a criminal. And Chase well knows it.
DISCLAIMER: Although the first volume of the Cutting Right to the Chase series is suitable to children and young adults, Cutting Right to the Chase Vol.2 is suitable for an older audience due to the graphic nature of some stories.
37 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2014
2 people are currently reading
212 people want to read
About the author
Stefania Mattana
13 books105 followersStefania Mattana writes crime novels and detective stories because she is a snooper. She always has been, ever since she was a kid.
Her stories and essays have appeared in numerous publications, websites and anthologies. Her British alter ego Chase Williams lives in her detective stories, from the Cutting Right to the Chase flash fiction collection to The Chase Williams Murder Mystery series.
When she’s not ending up people on fiction, Stefania works within the digital marketing industry in London. She likes reading on the Tube, going to the gym and stalking dogs. She dislikes not running.
Want to talk to Stefania? Contact her on:
Author website: www.eraniapinnera.com
Email: [email protected]
Daily Pinner Blog: http://dailypinner.eraniapinnera.com
Instagram: @eraniapinnera
Twitter: @EraniaPinnera
Her stories and essays have appeared in numerous publications, websites and anthologies. Her British alter ego Chase Williams lives in her detective stories, from the Cutting Right to the Chase flash fiction collection to The Chase Williams Murder Mystery series.
When she’s not ending up people on fiction, Stefania works within the digital marketing industry in London. She likes reading on the Tube, going to the gym and stalking dogs. She dislikes not running.
Want to talk to Stefania? Contact her on:
Author website: www.eraniapinnera.com
Email: [email protected]
Daily Pinner Blog: http://dailypinner.eraniapinnera.com
Instagram: @eraniapinnera
Twitter: @EraniaPinnera
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
March 17, 2014
Like many avid readers, I always have a book (or two) on the go. But there are times when I take a short break, such as when I have my espresso coffee, that I don’t like to carry on reading the novel I started and having to stop after ten minutes, so this collection of short stories by Stefania Mattana was perfect, because you could read each one in just a few minutes, the time of a coffee break.
I loved each one of them, I never knew what to expect, as each story turned out completely different from what I had imagined.. Chase Williams is a charming and a likable character, so clever and sharp, and the setting of Italy is spot on. The author is able to convey an authentic experience of the place and the characters. As a reader you feel like you’re there. I intend to have more coffee breaks but have no more stories to read. When is the next collection coming along?
I loved each one of them, I never knew what to expect, as each story turned out completely different from what I had imagined.. Chase Williams is a charming and a likable character, so clever and sharp, and the setting of Italy is spot on. The author is able to convey an authentic experience of the place and the characters. As a reader you feel like you’re there. I intend to have more coffee breaks but have no more stories to read. When is the next collection coming along?
May 8, 2014
Cutting Right to the Chase Vol.2: by Stefania Mattana is another great book by this author!
I just love Chase! And after reading the first volume, Cutting Right to the Chase, I couldn't wait to get my hands on the next one. I immediately started this book thinking that i would read the first case and that would be all. Well of course... I couldn't put it down!
Each case is better than the one before and with Chase, every situation is unique and totally unexpected. The twists and turns are exciting and keep you turning the pages until all too soon, it's over and Stepania Mattana leaves the reader wanting more.
So... I am off to read the next book she has out "Into The Killer Sphere" and expect it to be even better as the author seems to have the talent of creativity in her soul!
5 well deserved stars!
I just love Chase! And after reading the first volume, Cutting Right to the Chase, I couldn't wait to get my hands on the next one. I immediately started this book thinking that i would read the first case and that would be all. Well of course... I couldn't put it down!
Each case is better than the one before and with Chase, every situation is unique and totally unexpected. The twists and turns are exciting and keep you turning the pages until all too soon, it's over and Stepania Mattana leaves the reader wanting more.
So... I am off to read the next book she has out "Into The Killer Sphere" and expect it to be even better as the author seems to have the talent of creativity in her soul!
5 well deserved stars!
March 20, 2014
Scroll down for the English version.
Altri dieci casi taglienti per Chase
Continua l’esperimento letterario di Stefania Mattana che, dopo la prima raccolta con sei racconti di mille parole incentrati sulla figura dell’ex-investigatore di Scotland Yard trapiantato in Italia, torna con altri dieci piccoli casi, che scavano più a fondo nella personalità del protagonista e nell’ambientazione di Tursenia, restituendoci un’immagine complessa, capace a tratti di divertire, commuovere e far rabbrividire.
Alternando storie leggere, quasi frivole, con altre ben più impegnative, fino a diventare quasi cruente, la Mattana ci immerge nella vita di tutti i giorni di Chase Williams, che nonostante l’allontanamento dalla polizia londinese si ritrova ad affrontare i più disparati misteri, da furti di costumi da bagno, a traffici di droga fino a efferati omicidi. La sua arguzia viene esaltata dalla bravura dell’autrice a confezionare queste piccole storie, quasi istantanee, che non ci danno il tempo di riflettere. Il finale è sempre imprevedibile e spesso arriva all’improvviso negli ultimi capoversi, lasciandoci a bocca aperta e con la curiosità di scoprire che cosa si sarà inventata nel racconto successivo. Il tutto è condito col giusto equilibrio di sensibilità nei confronti delle tematiche più toccanti e di humour britannico, incarnato dal punto di vista sempre credibile del protagonista, che, pur abituato alla sua vita italiana e avendo capito i meccanismi umani di questa sua nuova patria, continua a guardare alla realtà che lo circonda con gli occhi dello straniero ancora in grado di stupirsi.
Rispetto alla raccolta precedente si nota la maggiore maturità raggiunta dall’autrice, testimoniata dall’estrema diversità delle storie narrate. Riuscire a spaziare in questo modo e mantenere nel contempo viva l’attenzione del lettore non è da tutti. La Mattana però, almeno con me, ci è riuscita.
Ten more cutting cases for Chase
Stefania Mattana’s literary experiment continues. After the first collection of six 1000-word stories centred on the figure of this former Scotland Yard detective now living in Italy, she comes back with ten more small cases, which dig deeper into the personality of the protagonist and into the atmosphere of Tursenia, giving us a complex image, able at times to entertain, move and make us shudder.
Alternating light, almost frivolous stories with far more challenging ones, to the point of becoming almost cruel, Mattana immerses us in the everyday life of Chase Williams, who despite moving away from the Metropolitan Police finds himself facing the most diverse mysteries, from thefts of swimsuits, to drug trafficking and brutal murders. His wit is enhanced by the skill of the author to pack these little, instant stories, which don’t give us time to reflect. The ending is always unpredictable and often comes suddenly in the last few paragraphs, leaving us open-mouthed and with the curiosity to find out what she has invented in the next story. Everything is flavoured with just the right balance of sensitivity towards the most touching issues and British humour, embodied by the always credible point of view of the protagonist, who, although accustomed to his Italian life and having understood the human mechanisms of his new homeland, continues to look at the reality that surrounds him with the eyes of the foreigner still capable of wonder.
Compared to the previous collection you will notice the greater maturity of the author, as evidenced by the extreme diversity of the stories. Being able to deal with such a big range of situations and at the same time keeping alive the attention of the reader is not for everyone. However, Mattana, at least with me, has succeeded.
Altri dieci casi taglienti per Chase
Continua l’esperimento letterario di Stefania Mattana che, dopo la prima raccolta con sei racconti di mille parole incentrati sulla figura dell’ex-investigatore di Scotland Yard trapiantato in Italia, torna con altri dieci piccoli casi, che scavano più a fondo nella personalità del protagonista e nell’ambientazione di Tursenia, restituendoci un’immagine complessa, capace a tratti di divertire, commuovere e far rabbrividire.
Alternando storie leggere, quasi frivole, con altre ben più impegnative, fino a diventare quasi cruente, la Mattana ci immerge nella vita di tutti i giorni di Chase Williams, che nonostante l’allontanamento dalla polizia londinese si ritrova ad affrontare i più disparati misteri, da furti di costumi da bagno, a traffici di droga fino a efferati omicidi. La sua arguzia viene esaltata dalla bravura dell’autrice a confezionare queste piccole storie, quasi istantanee, che non ci danno il tempo di riflettere. Il finale è sempre imprevedibile e spesso arriva all’improvviso negli ultimi capoversi, lasciandoci a bocca aperta e con la curiosità di scoprire che cosa si sarà inventata nel racconto successivo. Il tutto è condito col giusto equilibrio di sensibilità nei confronti delle tematiche più toccanti e di humour britannico, incarnato dal punto di vista sempre credibile del protagonista, che, pur abituato alla sua vita italiana e avendo capito i meccanismi umani di questa sua nuova patria, continua a guardare alla realtà che lo circonda con gli occhi dello straniero ancora in grado di stupirsi.
Rispetto alla raccolta precedente si nota la maggiore maturità raggiunta dall’autrice, testimoniata dall’estrema diversità delle storie narrate. Riuscire a spaziare in questo modo e mantenere nel contempo viva l’attenzione del lettore non è da tutti. La Mattana però, almeno con me, ci è riuscita.
Ten more cutting cases for Chase
Stefania Mattana’s literary experiment continues. After the first collection of six 1000-word stories centred on the figure of this former Scotland Yard detective now living in Italy, she comes back with ten more small cases, which dig deeper into the personality of the protagonist and into the atmosphere of Tursenia, giving us a complex image, able at times to entertain, move and make us shudder.
Alternating light, almost frivolous stories with far more challenging ones, to the point of becoming almost cruel, Mattana immerses us in the everyday life of Chase Williams, who despite moving away from the Metropolitan Police finds himself facing the most diverse mysteries, from thefts of swimsuits, to drug trafficking and brutal murders. His wit is enhanced by the skill of the author to pack these little, instant stories, which don’t give us time to reflect. The ending is always unpredictable and often comes suddenly in the last few paragraphs, leaving us open-mouthed and with the curiosity to find out what she has invented in the next story. Everything is flavoured with just the right balance of sensitivity towards the most touching issues and British humour, embodied by the always credible point of view of the protagonist, who, although accustomed to his Italian life and having understood the human mechanisms of his new homeland, continues to look at the reality that surrounds him with the eyes of the foreigner still capable of wonder.
Compared to the previous collection you will notice the greater maturity of the author, as evidenced by the extreme diversity of the stories. Being able to deal with such a big range of situations and at the same time keeping alive the attention of the reader is not for everyone. However, Mattana, at least with me, has succeeded.
August 11, 2016
In these short stories of crimes of the most peculiar of circumstances, the reader is brought back together with the clever and witty Chase Williams, who you might recall from previous books (Cutting Right to the chase Vol.1 for instance. You might want to check it out. It's really very good!).
This book is a fun collection of stories that can easily be read in one sitting or can be spaced out and read in those moments where you might not have a ton of time but want to get a story or two in. These stories have great surprise endings or twists you just don't see coming and not a single one will disappoint you! The author did a terrific job, again, bringing all the characters back for this book as well as introducing some new ones. She also makes the town sound so incredible! Brilliant job!
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a good short detective story (or ten) and characters that can be found in other books and stories and will likely be around for a very long time to come!
This book is a fun collection of stories that can easily be read in one sitting or can be spaced out and read in those moments where you might not have a ton of time but want to get a story or two in. These stories have great surprise endings or twists you just don't see coming and not a single one will disappoint you! The author did a terrific job, again, bringing all the characters back for this book as well as introducing some new ones. She also makes the town sound so incredible! Brilliant job!
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a good short detective story (or ten) and characters that can be found in other books and stories and will likely be around for a very long time to come!
August 10, 2016
"Cutting Right to the Chase Vol.2" by Steania Mattama is another selection of unusual cases for the former Scotland Yard Detective. Equally diverse and original as the first book in the series the author shows us the Best of Italy – the great and lively characters, the southern passion, the observational wit, the exciting drama and some great humour.
Suspicious old women, drug dealers, murderers – the characters are all real and well portrayed, whether they are ordinary or dangerous criminals.
Many of the cases are more anecdotal than difficult mysteries to solve but they all have a poignant ending and make you think. It is easy to get drawn into the stories, however short they are. They all have points to make, some smaller, some bigger.
This is hugely entertaining , cleverly written and very enjoyable. More please!
Suspicious old women, drug dealers, murderers – the characters are all real and well portrayed, whether they are ordinary or dangerous criminals.
Many of the cases are more anecdotal than difficult mysteries to solve but they all have a poignant ending and make you think. It is easy to get drawn into the stories, however short they are. They all have points to make, some smaller, some bigger.
This is hugely entertaining , cleverly written and very enjoyable. More please!
March 16, 2014
Chase is back ... and does not disappoint.
Ten short stories, very flowing, with surprising end.
The reader can sense that the adventures of this particular and nice detective are not finished yet.
Tursenia reflects very well the habits and customs of the small Italian town.
Ten short stories, very flowing, with surprising end.
The reader can sense that the adventures of this particular and nice detective are not finished yet.
Tursenia reflects very well the habits and customs of the small Italian town.
September 17, 2014
As with volume 1 I was given volume 2 for free by the author in exchange for an honest review.
I read volume 1 and enjoyed it and had high expectations for volume 2. I wasn’t disappointed. I very much like the quirkiness of these stories. They are entitled “Cutting right to the chase” and that is exactly what you get. The stories in this one became “darker” and more violent towards the end so not quite so cozy as the first volume. So I’m wondering what direction the author will take us in the next volume.
Brava Stefania Mattana!
I read volume 1 and enjoyed it and had high expectations for volume 2. I wasn’t disappointed. I very much like the quirkiness of these stories. They are entitled “Cutting right to the chase” and that is exactly what you get. The stories in this one became “darker” and more violent towards the end so not quite so cozy as the first volume. So I’m wondering what direction the author will take us in the next volume.
Brava Stefania Mattana!
January 4, 2015
This is the second volume in a collection. My review of the first can be read here.
Needle of the Devil
This was a weird one. It's very nearly there, the characterization was good, but the twist didn't quite match the setup for me.
Twitstars
This was the least successful story out of the collection in my opinion. The dialogue came across as stilted and the plot could have been more coherent.
Karma Effect
Karma Effect marks the start of the darker stories. The characters in this story are insane. I don't know much about how young women tend to behave at public swimming pools, so this might be entirely plausible, but I just couldn't picture this happening. It seemed too cruel.
Crocodile Tears
Another gritty one, but it didn't appeal to me. The setting felt too stereotypical and Chase's actions seemed out of character (but then again, I don't know the character that well).
Swiss Treasure
This was one of the better stories in this volume. This is more directly related to criminal activity and police strategy. Still, I thought the method employed by the criminals unlikely.
The Generous Tailer
This was a good one. A close call, nearly getting away with a crime, then an off-hand remark gets someone in trouble. short, to the point and effective story-telling.
The Poor Thing
Sad, dark and unsettling, but also a successful sketch.
Sixth Sense Never Dies
This was one of the funnier ones. I enjoyed it, I liked the characters despite their flaws and the subject was unusual, which I appreciated.
His Own Flesh and Blood
This one was messed up! The most gruesome tale in the collection, I felt really disturbed by the graphic descriptions of a crime. Good ending.
Give Us This Day Our Daily Bread
I just didn't get this one at all.
In summary, a good idea, decent execution, but the language could use more editing to create better coherence and flow. I do think that I would like to read more of the longer Chase williams stories after reading these short sketches.
Needle of the Devil
This was a weird one. It's very nearly there, the characterization was good, but the twist didn't quite match the setup for me.
Twitstars
This was the least successful story out of the collection in my opinion. The dialogue came across as stilted and the plot could have been more coherent.
Karma Effect
Karma Effect marks the start of the darker stories. The characters in this story are insane. I don't know much about how young women tend to behave at public swimming pools, so this might be entirely plausible, but I just couldn't picture this happening. It seemed too cruel.
Crocodile Tears
Another gritty one, but it didn't appeal to me. The setting felt too stereotypical and Chase's actions seemed out of character (but then again, I don't know the character that well).
Swiss Treasure
This was one of the better stories in this volume. This is more directly related to criminal activity and police strategy. Still, I thought the method employed by the criminals unlikely.
The Generous Tailer
This was a good one. A close call, nearly getting away with a crime, then an off-hand remark gets someone in trouble. short, to the point and effective story-telling.
The Poor Thing
Sad, dark and unsettling, but also a successful sketch.
Sixth Sense Never Dies
This was one of the funnier ones. I enjoyed it, I liked the characters despite their flaws and the subject was unusual, which I appreciated.
His Own Flesh and Blood
This one was messed up! The most gruesome tale in the collection, I felt really disturbed by the graphic descriptions of a crime. Good ending.
Give Us This Day Our Daily Bread
I just didn't get this one at all.
In summary, a good idea, decent execution, but the language could use more editing to create better coherence and flow. I do think that I would like to read more of the longer Chase williams stories after reading these short sketches.
January 20, 2015
Chunks of Chase
Short stories are difficult to write well. Stories that are 1000 words or less, take even more talent. This collection features Chase Williams, a former Scotland Yard detective looking for a different life in Italy. He seems to be a magnet for unusual crime cases. Some are funny like the story of a suspicious woman, while others are tragic. Despite the theme of a particular story, they all have something in common, Chase. He is the glue that holds this unique set of stories together.
Another thing I enjoy about these stories is the author’s gift for setting a scene. She takes you to a small town in Italy called Tursenia without pages and pages of description. Her writing is succinct, showing a lot with well-placed words and phrases. One last thing, this is volume 2 of this series. Although you can read this as a standalone book, why not get volume 1?
Short stories are difficult to write well. Stories that are 1000 words or less, take even more talent. This collection features Chase Williams, a former Scotland Yard detective looking for a different life in Italy. He seems to be a magnet for unusual crime cases. Some are funny like the story of a suspicious woman, while others are tragic. Despite the theme of a particular story, they all have something in common, Chase. He is the glue that holds this unique set of stories together.
Another thing I enjoy about these stories is the author’s gift for setting a scene. She takes you to a small town in Italy called Tursenia without pages and pages of description. Her writing is succinct, showing a lot with well-placed words and phrases. One last thing, this is volume 2 of this series. Although you can read this as a standalone book, why not get volume 1?
February 12, 2015
Stefania Mattana's collection of short stories is packed with action, drama, intrigue and mystery. Chase Williams, a former Scotland Yard detective who is now living in Italy, can't seem to escape the world of criminals. From his chilling encounter with a glamorous celebrity on top of a bridge to his eyewitness of a mercy killing, Chase keeps his wry humor and keen sense of human nature intact. The stories are well-written and page-turning. This book is a treat for anyone who loves a well-told story with an endearing (albeit sometimes reluctant) hero and a cast of unique and fascinating supporting characters.
April 27, 2015
Cutting Right to the Chase Vol.2 is even better than the volume 1. Here you can read about homicides, suicides, some ethical matters that former detective Williams manages to bring to a an end (happy or not). I found this collection of short stories more compelling than the first one, although the Vol.1 is a great book, however really short.
I would recommend the cutting right to the Chase short stories series to cozy mystery lovers who don’t have enough time for long stories but yet want to enjoy a genuine well crafted detective stories. will buy also the volume 3 as soon as it comes out - hopefully soon.
February 21, 2015
In this second book of the Chase Williams detective short stories you can see an evolution in the main characters, especially in British detective Chase Williams. If you have read also the book 1 you can feel that the writing has improved (although it was good also in n.1) as well as the way of telling the stories. Plots are more cozy and suspense mystery oriented than “unusual” everyday cases, even if they alternate. Great collection and cool effort of the author in creating something very unique like this 1000 word length stories format.
July 10, 2014
Unusual cover for a detective story, unusual title, unusual concept = great! Cutting Right to the Chase is a fresh idea and novel with a collection of ten short detective stories centred around Chase Williams, a former Scotland Yard detective set in an Italian city. For those looking for snappy, quick intriguing mysteries (perhaps you're on your way to work on the tube) then this is the book for you.
July 31, 2014
Another delightful short from Stefania Mattana, giving a modern-day picture of how I imagined the old days in Sicily. She fills it with diverse characters from murderers to suspicious old ladies in a blend of humour, drama and intrigue. An enjoyable read well worth picking up.
September 28, 2014
I am always intrigued by mystery and crime stories very well written and very enjoyable. 10 lovely exciting and entertaining mysteries. Well done. Loved the reads.
September 13, 2016
I read the first volume of this series of stories and they are very unique and well written. I love how you get 10 short stories in one book. I definitely recommend reading volume one.
November 17, 2018
Intriguing collection of tales centred on the colourful and imposing Chase Williams, who investigates wrongdoing and conundrums in the charming streets of ancient Tursenia in Italy. An eclectic and fascinating series of stories, some of wry observation, some with great twists in the tail, others quite gory and violent, and all in a great style, serene, rather sardonic, and with an unperturbed acceptance of the oddities and insincerities of life. There is a mixture of traditionally menacing, and quirkily domestic cases for Chase to investigate. Highly recommended.
September 4, 2016
I tried to find out how old Stefania Mattana is, so I'd know whether it's worth sharing my thoughts on this. In case she's prepubescent and this was one of her first attempts, my review is nothing but mean and unnecessary. I'll assume, though, she's not. The other reviews got me so excited about these short stories, yet sadly my excitement didn't last. They were extremely childish, poorly written, and with stupid plots. I actually couldn't even finish all of them, however short they may be. If anyone else gets excited... Don't.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews