The Monster of Florence by Douglas Preston
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Book Reviews of The Monster of Florence
Book Review: A look into the dark heart of Italy
Summary: 5 Stars
I lived in Tuscany as a student from late '84 until '86, and remember very well the last murder committed by the Monster of Florence, along with the public reaction. (I actually dated a police officer connected to the investigation.) This book brought back a lot of memories for me, most notably the recognition that Tuscany is actually more of a dark place -- despite its undeniable beauty -- than a pastoral paradise, as nonsense like "Under the Tuscan Sun" would have one believe. Preston does an excellent job of capturing the atmosphere surrounding the case, while handling the gruesome details in a sensitive manner. I finished this book in two days -- couldn't put it down. Highly recommended!Book Review: Outstanding cultural setting for a fascinating Italian serial murder case.
Summary: 5 Stars
If you're interested in detective novels, foreign intrigue and the differences between American and Italian approaches to highly publicized serial murder investigations, this book is a must-buy! Having been stationed in Italy for over 5 years, I was especially drawn into the culture, scenery, and Italian life-style which served as an excellent back-drop and subplot to the main novel.
The author does an outstanding job of following an amazingly complicated case through decades of investigations. Great suspense, wonderful character development, and exceptionally well-written novel. I purchased this book as the result of a great recommendation of a friend, and I loved it!
Book Review: Shocking!
Summary: 5 Stars
I won't get into this in great detail. I will just say this book shocked me into wondering if I would ever feel comfortable even visiting Italy. The incompetence of the police investigation coupled with it's leader's vengeful attitude is truly alarming. Another reviewer from Italy said they have one of the best police departments in the world? Sorry, but even if you disagree with this book or dislike the writing style it is unavoidable to conclude the system is failed. People jailed for YEARS without a trial and some not being allowed to even know what charges are against them? Horrible. As a side note, my country (the US) isn't any better considering the Guantanamo issue.Book Review: Read the Book, and You, Too, Will Find that Truth is Stranger--and Better--Than Fiction
Summary: 5 Stars
That this story is true makes it even more amazing..Reads like one of the Thomas Harris Hannibal Lector books with touches of the DaVinci Code and The Godfather thrown in for good measure.
A great book---and it's true.
Don't let the Italian names slow you down...just mumble through them and keep on trucking...Enjoy this book for what it is, a true story that reads like fiction...a book you won't be able to put down.
And when you finish the book, you will rush to the internet to see what haps happened between the end of the book and now.
It's that kind of book, that kind of story.
Book Review: I remember this.
Summary: 5 Stars
I remember when this was happening. As kids we used to spend the summers in Siena Italy where my father used to teach throughout the early 80's and I remember when the whole region was gripped by an almost crippling fear by these events. As teenagers staying in desolate farmhouses on the beautyful Tuscan hills our immaginations used to run with this story to the point of sleepless nights.
The book I read almost in one sitting this summer while vacationing in Spain. I found it truly fascinating and frightning not just relating to the horror of it, but just how screwy and beaurocratic the italian judicial system is.