The Monster of Florence by Douglas Preston
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Book Reviews of The Monster of Florence
Book Review: A Fantastic Page Turner
Summary: 5 Stars
I just finished reading this book; it's Sunday morning, and I started it on Friday night during the recent snowstorm. It is a classic page-turner, absolutely fascinating. Anyone who appreciates true crime, and even those who don't, will like The Monster of Florence because it is one of those stories that seems almost too impossible to be true, and yet it is. Ironically it made me really rethink the Amanda Knox case because the Italian police work is just so shockingly incompetent at times, especially to anyone here in the US who is used to the good forensic work of the FBI and even local law enforcement. The fact that the two authors get dragged into the case is just another example of how crazy the investigation into the brutal slayings of the innocent couples became. Anyway, this true crime classic is highly recommended.Book Review: Strange indeed, and illuminating
Summary: 5 Stars
This is an extremely enjoyable,if horrifying, example of truth-is-stranger-than-fiction. Fortunately the horrific tale is made more palatable by several appealing characters, and some villains whose motives are laid bare in convincing fashion. A number of reviewers complained about the lack of resolution - to me this was part of the poignance of the tangled tale of frustrated justice. It is probably most interesting to those who have visited Florence, or at least Italy. The author's love of Italian culture is evident, though he is critical of aspects of Italian society. The exploration of the role of "face" in the Italian justice system, and description of high level and supposedly professional prosecutors being snookered by an outlandish and absurd conspiracy theory are thought provoking indeed.Book Review: incredible true crime book
Summary: 5 Stars
For over a decade, the killer murdered and mutilated fourteen people; seven couples making out in parked cars. The police arrested several people, but none were permanently convicted. Though the case turned cold with the last homicides in 1985, renowned novelist Douglas J. Preston and Italian crime reporter Mario Spezi began an investigation to uncover the identity of THE MONSTER OF FLORENCE, which led to their being in trouble with local prosecutors.
This is an incredible true crime book that in some ways reads like an obsessed investigative novel. The book is chilling because it is real and not a fictional account. Set aside time as readers will be spellbound to learn whether the authors identified the serial killer.
Harriet Klausner
Book Review: Fabulous
Summary: 5 Stars
Being a busy and stressed Ph.D. student, I just wanted something fascinating to read other than science. This fit the bill and for my naturally analytical/problem-solving mind, it was perfect. I really like the presentation and hope that Spezi/Preston will collaborate again. Obviously the two are good friends and as all good friendships go, balance each other out in approach to the topic. This book is an interesting foray into the evil of the human mind and human pride. It will fascinate and but appaul all with a keen conscience. It should make us ponder the nature of pride within us all which we must over-come and how facing the truth can be sad and painful. Since the story is not over, I hope in this case the Italian Police will catch this derranged person.Book Review: An Investigative Comedy of Errors
Summary: 5 Stars
What makes the story of a serial killer loose in the beautiful Tuscan countryside so thrilling is that it's all true. Writer Douglas Preston moved his family to Italy while doing research for a book. While there, he is put in contact with Mario Spezi, a journalist who tells him the story of The Monster of Florence, a serial killer who preys on young couples. But what becomes even more frightening than this homicidal madman, is the utter travesty that takes place in the hands of the Italian police and the judicial system. Crime scenes botched, lives ruined over false accusations, and allegations of Satanic cults, while the true killer, Spezi and Preston believe, still walks free. It's a baffling and unbelievable story.