Protagonist Sylvia Fox had me at driving in reverse gear. Can this character drive or what? And if her soulful brown eyes seem somehow familiar, you’re right. Actress Emilie Fox, playing Sylvia Fox, was Mr. Darcy’s doe-eyed sister in the 1995 edition of Pride and Prejudice. The British mystery showcases lovely Fox and lovely Italy—specifically Panicale, one of Italy’s beautiful villages. This enchanting setting only adds to the intriguing storylines.
We meet Sylvia Fox as she’s handed the last straw at her workplace, which happens to be London’s MI6. A new boss and her ex make her hard job harder. Thankfully, her niece’s wedding whisks her to beautiful Panicale where crimes don’t cease.
Fox’s competence—specifically in reverse driving and generally in her spy trade—adds enormous entertainment. It’s the surprise of it all. She’s good at what she does and inserts herself into dicey situations where we watch her figure it out.
As Fox settles into life near her sister, a relationship begins to kindle with the handsome Capitano Riva (Giovanni Cirfiera). He assesses people quickly and knows that Signora Volpe (which means “Fox” in Italian) has an intriguing skill set. Their friendship is warm and quiet.
On the other hand, sister relations are a bit harder. Tara Fitzgerald plays her sister Isabel Vitale. Tension crackles. Relational repair is needed and happens slowly as the two sisters begin to acknowledge their difficult childhood. Isabel’s husband is local doctor Matteo Vitale, a warm and kind soul while Issy Knopfler—yes, daughter of singer Mark Knopfler—plays Fox’s beloved niece.
Series 1 and 2 are now available on ACORNTV with six episodes total. Series 3 has been approved. Violence and language are at a minimum. (ACORNTV).
About the Author
Cynthia Beach authored the #ChurchToo novel The Surface of Water and the writing book, Creative Juices. She co-directs Scriptoria Workshop with Newbery-winner Gary Schmidt.