In the picturesque setting of Bagni Ultima Spiaggia (“last resort”) in Varazze – Liguria, Fortuna Fatali, a
young millennial with impostor syndrome, finds a red crocheted jellyfish under her beach umbrella. This enigmatic object turns out to be the centerpiece of an unsolved case that has haunted the community for years, and Fortuna finds herself investigating it.
Hidden secrets and double lives emerge from the folds of the peaceful seaside town, revealing family intrigues reminiscent of classic mysteries.

The harmless red crocheted jellyfish evokes the techniques of Agatha Christie, where even the simplest object can reveal crucial clues. With a narrative style that combines the wit of Sophie Kinsella and the emotional depth of Marian Keyes, Valentina Barzago skillfully blends suspense and humor. The story, led by Fortuna, a modern-day Bridget Jones turned investigator, takes the reader through a series of breathtaking twists and turns.

Fortuna Fatali and the Jellyfish Mistery is a mystery & detective novel, infused with elements of comedy, romance, and coming-of-age, set in a typically Italian arena that captures the contemporary fascination with crime stories. For the first time, the mystery is solved thanks to gossip, which, as Prof. Robin Dunbar says, remains one of the drivers of human intelligence.

About Valentina Barzago

Valentina Barzago graduated in law in Milan and studied “seriality” at the Holden School. She is the co-author of the podcast “Acerbe,” produced by Will Media, winner of awards and ranked among the top 20 most listened-to Italian podcasts on Spotify. She works at the production company Stand By Me and has been involved in developing crime documentaries. This is her debut novel, and the first book of what will be a saga. The second book has already been optioned by Sozogno.