I usually like to hazard a guess as to whodunnit at the beginning of the novel or at least partway in. This time, I had absolutely no clue as to how the book would turn out ... this novel is also a great exposure to northern Italy. The places, the food, etc., are all described just enough for you to feel as though you are a tourist in this town, and just happen to have arrived in the middle of a police investigation. If you enjoy being exposed to other cultures, this book is for you. However, the absolute star of this novel was not the mystery, nor the authentic-ness of the setting and characters. The development of the characters themselves was what really made this novel for me. Every character, every conversation is humorous, sarcastic and witty ... if you want a thriller but also want a light read, some adult humor to lighten your day you absolutely. must. read. this!!!
In the Alpine town of Aosta, Italy, endearingly bumbling police officers and quaint café-society denizens uneasily coexist with less-fortunate citizens and brutal criminals ... Chiara’s story torturously elongates time as readers suffer her bewilderment and pain, hanging on for rescue as the pages turn. This plot point alone is worth the read, with Schiavone and his hapless colleagues a bonus. A next-read for those who enjoy Donna Leon’s Commissario Guido Brunetti series and Louise Penny’s Armand Gamache novels.
...engrossing ... The complex, plausible plot is peopled with authentic characters, most notably the wry, pot-smoking, disillusioned Rocco ... His conversations with colleagues and suspects are sprinkled with wit and astutely shed light on Italy’s political and cultural conundrums. Readers will hope to see a lot more of Rocco.
