A Review By Frances Smith

The second book in Giuttari’s crime series featuring Michele Ferrara, head of the Squadra Mobile. Giuttari was himself head of the Florence Police Force from 1995-2003.

In this gripping story, Michele Ferrara and his wife miss meeting a long-time friend for drinks one evening.  Trying to get in touch the following day, they find that the friend and his “mistress” are missing, and the ladies husband has been murdered.  At the same time, Ferrara is convinced that a suspected overdose by a young girl is, in fact, murder.  Juggling the two cases, and being forced to take a holiday, Ferrara is drawn into a complex plot involving drug dealing, marble quarrying and the Mafia.  Giuttari skilfully weaves his drama and with his first hand knowledge of Sicilian society, the Mafia and the Italian police the book has a rare and realistic feel.