The Itch of Greed

Izzie Di Sante Mysteries, Book 6

By: Christa Nardi

Narrated by: Liz Wylder Boyer

A dark cloud hangs over baseball season in small town Rosedale when star pitcher Randy Kampton is taken out of the game for good.

The DA is determined to pin the crime on Cole Rigley, a friend's brother and fellow pitcher, citing the fierce competition for a major league trade as his motive for murder. Rigley's brother, asks Henry and reluctant restaurant owner Izzie Di Sante to help prove his innocence. Adding fuel to the fire, Kampton stole Rigley’s girlfriend months earlier.

While Kampton’s pitching skills are universally acknowledged, no one, not fans or teammates, has a kind word to say about him, making for a long list of suspects. Rigley, on the other hand, is respected for his talent and team spirit. The wild card is another pitcher recovering from a car accident, whose open roster spot has all three men vying for the same prize.

In Rosedale, loyalty to the minor league team runs deep, and Izzie’s digging into the players’ pasts draws resentment from fans, police, and management alike. When the team’s PR person is targeted after meeting with her, the threats become all too real. The closer Izzie gets to uncovering the truth, on and off the field, the higher the stakes, and the more dangerous the game becomes.

©2025 Christa Nardi (P)2025 Christa Nardi

One of the best listens of the year!

Randy Krampton … Star pitcher of the Rosedale Thorny Bats, talented yes, well liked and respected, not so much! When suddenly, for Randy, it’s one … two … three whacks you’re out of the ‘ole ball game … the suspect list is about as long as a fat one over the center field fence! Can Izzie uncover the truth before a shady ne’er-do-well plants HER in right field? Then there’s locals on BOTH sides of the aisle none to happy with what THEY view as Journalistic Interference … I loved this story, and I absolutely ADORED the characters added to make it work, AND boy did it work! The storyline had me from “go” and kept me throughly engaged throughout! Being a baseball fan, I was in heaven, but no worries if that’s not your jive! Everything you need to know is there, beautifully plotted and beautifully explained, without taking away from the story or disrupting the marvelously smooth flow! The characters are truly a joy! Familiar regulars are back along with some wonderful new additions! The character development is realistic, natural and PHENOMENAL! I can’t name names, that would be a HUGE spoiler, but know that as I listened, my initial “grrrrrr’s” on a few changed to an unexpected “I really hope to see more of “them” in future stories”! The narration that set everything in motion was brilliantly fabulous! Truly, “The Itch of Greed” was one of the most satisfying listen of the year for me! Five fabulous stars! I loved it!

Culinary Delights & Baseball

I enjoyed this book as much as the others in the series. I was pleased that baseball played a major part in this story as I've always thought of baseball as a national pastime. It saddened me that the star pitcher was disliked by so many. I liked that Izzie was so concerned about her sister's birthday that she arranged a special surprise for her. I was entertained by the complexity of the mystery. I thought Liz Wylder Boyer's narration was great, and her performance kept my attention. I was given a copy of the audiobook. I volunteered, without financial gain, to post this review which reflected my honest opinions regarding this audiobook.

Insights, investigations and Italian food!

Izzie DiSante’s investigative journalism career is going well. When she starts looking into the murder of a minor league baseball pitcher, everyone gets hostile and defensive. The team, manager and even the police refuse to discuss the pitcher’s past. Izzy knows she must be getting close to the truth when she gets threatened! I really enjoy this series by Christa Nardi. The description of the menu and all the meals is so realistic that I always crave Italian food when I read these books. Izzy balances her journalism and restaurant careers and her relationships easily, but she has very little free time. I am glad that Izzie finally had a chance to attended a baseball game and enjoy a concert. The narration by Liz Wylder Boyer is outstanding. She brings the characters and story to life.