Crossword Genius

Top Italian novelist died in resort area south of Boston

Ross

I believe the answer is:

cape cod

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'resort area south of boston' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this defines the answer.

'top italian novelist died' is the wordplay.
'top' becomes 'cap' (cap is a kind of top).
'italian novelist' becomes 'eco' (I've seen this in other clues).
'died' becomes 'd'.
'cap'+'eco'+'d'='CAPE COD'

'in' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for cape cod that I've seen before include "Peninsula in Massachusetts" , "Popular holiday destination for Bostonians" , "New England promontory" , "Headgear" , "part of New England?" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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