Das Ungeheuer Von Florenz

Marshal Guarnaccia Mystery #10

by Magdalen Nabb

Zwischen 1968 und 1985 wurden in der Umgebung von Florenz acht Liebespaare ermordet – eine bis heute nicht restlos aufgeklärte Verbrechensserie. Magdalen Nabbs Roman über diesen wahren Fall ist plausible Hypothese und spannendes Stück Literatur zugleich.

Genres: Mystery, Italy, Fiction, Crime, Procedural, Historical Fiction, True Crime

542 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1996

About the author

MAGDALEN NABB was born in Lancashire in 1947 and trained as a potter. In 1975 she abandoned pottery, sold her home and her car, and came to Florence with her son, knowing nobody and speaking no Italian. She has lived there ever since, and pursues a dual career as crime writer and children's author.

She has written fourteen crime novels featuring Marshal Guarnaccia of the carabinieri, all set in Florence, which she describes as 'a very secret city. Walk down any residential street and you have no idea what is going on behind those blank walls. It's a problem the Marshal comes up against all the time.'

Magdalen Nabb also writes the immensely successful Josie Smith books, set in her native Lancashire, which form the basis of the Granada children's TV series, Josie Smith, scripted by the author. Her first book, Josie Smith, was runner-up for the Guardian Children's Fiction Award in 1989, and in l99l, Josie Smith and Eileen was winner of the prestigious Smarties Book Prize for the 6-8 age group.

Series:
* Marshal Guarnaccia Mystery
* Josie Smith

Reviews

[Bev · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm afraid this was a rather disappointing read. I had read Magdalen Nabb's Death of an Englishman two years ago and found it to be a very pleasant read. Nabb is very strong on her descriptions of Italy and her characterizations. My quibble on the first book was that Marshal Guarnaccia spent most of the book in bed with the flu. Having odd dreams brought on by fever. Most of the actual police work was done by The Captain and Carabiniere Bacci working with their British counterparts from Scotland Yard and I really didn't feel like the reader got to know the Marshall as a detective.

My hopes for The Monster of Florence were that I would get to see the Marshal at work and really like his character. Other reviewers on GoodReads have likened the Marshal to Columbo. I'd say that the Marshal doesn't even have the confidence of Columbo. He has no self-confidence whatsoever--even though he is obviously a much better detective (and far more dedicated to the truth than some of his counterparts and superiors). He is a likeable character in a Droopy, the cartoon dog, sort of way. He's so self-conscious you kind of have to like him. This is the good part.

Unfortunately, this book reads like some mash-up of a book originally written in Italian and poorly translated into English (awkward wording, for example, and very odd flow) with portions that are straight British (with British idioms and references). Since I have read the uncorrected proofs, I am hoping that some of this may be fixed with copy-editing. There is a whole secondary plot involving the Marshal's young friend Marco and a painting that Marco's father left him when he died. It is up for debate whether the painting is a valuable work by a famous artist, a clever forgery, or a mean-spirited joke by the father on a son he never really cared for. This plot was the lead-off in the story.....but throughout the book it only pops up intermittently and really, as far as I'm concerned, doesn't add much to the story as a whole. At one point, it looks like the Marshall (as well as Nabb, author) has forgotten about poor Marco for good.

And, as far as the headliner--The Monster--goes, there isn't a lot of real detective work going on here. We have the Marshal talking to himself and once again having odd dreams (and daydreams) about the case. I thought the dreams were flu-induced in the first book--apparently this is a prime feature of the Marshal's character. The rest of the "investigation" consists of the lead Prosecutor Simonetti giving pompous lectures full of information that's supposed to make the six special investigators (including Guarnaccia) believe that the chosen Suspect (who is referred to in capital letters throughout the book) is really the man they want. When Simonetti is not lecturing, we are reading incomprehensible reports along with the Marshal. Guarnaccia and Ferrini, another officer who thinks the Prosecutor is just looking for a fall guy, do a bit of investigative work on their own--but it almost feels out of place with the general procedures. I finally made it to the end and the thing is so confusing that I have no idea who the Marshal finally decided did it. We certainly didn't arrest the right person--at least, I don't think we did. Two stars--primarily for description and characters.

First posted on my blog My Reader's Block. Please request permission before reposting.

[Disclaimer: My review policy is posted on my blog, but just to reiterate...This review copy was offered to me for impartial review and I have received no payment of any kind. All comments are entirely my own honest opinion.]

[Bob Deysach · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the first book that I have read by Magdalen Nabb. Unlike a lot of crime novels, her protagonist is not a genius with an exaggerated sense of self-worth. He displays his intelligence by thorough, tenacious - if sometimes plodding - police work. Like a lot of people whose success is based on thoroughness and perseverance, he envies those who display flourish and brilliance. But intelligence really should be measured by success and the Marshall has a track record of success. He has succeeded where others have failed. As a professor, I encountered many students who thought they were "not bright, just work hard." I believe "just work hard" is an appropriate measure of intelligence. Like the Marshall, the story winds slowly to a conclusion which ultimately gives testimony to the value of collaboration and persistence. The Marshal Guarnaccias of the world need to work harder to recognize his own value.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review is based on the FirstReads copy I received and devoured less than a week after finding out I'd won a copy. Based on a chilling true crime and the author's extensive research, this book in the Marshal Guarnaccia series was the only detective novel by Magdalen Nabb not previously published in the United States. The case is truly horrific and involved (possibly) a serial killer known only as The Monster whose trail of victims spanned a 20+ year period. The fictionalized account of this cold case mirrors the actual events quite closely, deftly blending the line between fact and fiction. Marshal Guarnaccia is assigned to a task force that has been charged with reopening the case and identifying and catching the killer. However, he is dumbfounded as to why he has been chosen -- "why me??" is asked early and often -- but his boss, who clearly wants to say more, is reluctant to reveal the reason (which does eventually emerge). Shortly before being assigned to this task force, the Marshal is contacted by a young man he befriended on a previous case who has come into an inheritance from his father, a well-known art historian and critic. Questions arise about one of the paintings he has inherited, which is where the Marshal comes in. The case, which involves a creepy, reclusive local artist, takes a backseat to the cold case but is eventually resolved.

The cold case quickly consumes Marshal Guarnaccia, haunting him in his dreams. When a Suspect (who is, quite frankly, despicable) is arrested, the Marshal cannot help but feel that something is not quite right and continues to pursue the investigation while trying to remain under the radar. Has the overly ambitious prosecutor made a mistake or is he trying to make a name for himself? Nabb pulls the reader in to this haunting tale and makes you feel like you are as consumed by the case as the Marshal. Several chapters are written as excerpts from the original case files, which adds another layer of reality to the story. Through her research and the voice of Marshal Guarnaccia, Nabb identifies which of the original suspects she believes is The Monster of Florence. This rediscovered masterpiece is sure to be a hit with readers already familiar with Nabb's work, as well as introduce new readers to a phenomenal author. Thanks to Goodreads' FirstReads for providing an early peek of this outstanding crime novel!

[Naomi · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I received this book through a Goodreads First Read giveaway.

I found this book to be ok. The main character, the Marshal, was likable and 'human'. I enjoyed reading about someone who had quirks and shortcomings, yet was able to doggedly work through a problem. However, the story itself was confusing at times to follow. The suspects in the case (this is about a serial killer - based on real killings that took place in Florence) were numerous and related, which made it difficult to keep details straight. Also, the ending was less than satisfactory. I say this because it hints at someone who could be the killer, but doesn't go into great details. Perhaps I misread an earlier section or something, but as a result, the book seemed to finish too quickly, or at least incompletely.

I liked the effort put into this re-imagining of a real occurrence (or series of occurrences), however, the execution is lacking. This seems like a draft, rather than the final product (perhaps it actually is, since it is being published after the death of the author).

[Charlene · Rating 1 out of 5]

I gave up on this book 2/3rds of the way through. Really disappointed with what I thought could be a series I would enjoy as much as Donna Leon's Commissario Brunetti mysteries set in Venice. The Florence setting is well described; I did get a feel for what modern life is like in Italy from the book. But the story was very difficult to follow -- the Florence Marshall Guarnaccia is working on two cases, main one gruesome murders committed by a serial killer 20 years in the past, a minor plot line follows a possible art forgery. Maybe the two cases connect some way at the end of the book but I wasn't willing to read that far. The serial murder cases were too gory for me (case based on the 7 actual double homicides that took place in the Florence countryside from 1968-1985). Maybe other books in this series are better (or more to my reading taste.)but for now I'll stick to Donna Leon and Venice mysteries.

[Lyanna · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love a good mystery that sparks the imagination and gets the brain working. Unfortunately, I would not call this a good mystery. I found the story itself dull and uninspiring, with a healthy dabbling of confusion at times as the main characters switches from case to case with little to no actual transitions. I loved the descriptions of Italy and everyday Italian life, but the background to me what the most lively part of the book. All of the characters seemed very flat and unimaginative. The story was both boring and interesting at the same time, depending on what was going on. I adore books, but this one was hard for me to finish. I will not be reading it a second time.


In compliance with FTC guidelines, I am disclosing that I received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads.

[Frank Jude · Rating 2 out of 5]

Based upon the true story of Florence's notorious serial killer, responsible for killing either 14 or 16 (it's confusing) people between 1974 and 1985, I really wanted to love this book. The killer was a kind of "Son of Sam", who targeted lovers in cars in a wooded area outside Florence. The blurbs about the book and its author are redolent with praise: "Nabb never wrote a bad book.... The Monster of Florence is one of the best of her works" says Globe and Mail.

Sadly, I found the plotting confusing and the characters never really developed. I've been reading my way through the work of Louise Penny, whose characters breathe with life and who has created such a vivid picture of the fictional village of Three Pines that fans are look to buy real estate there! And her writing has kept me up at night with its suspense, twists, and surprises. Alas, I found nothing like that in this book.

Of course, ALL art appreciation is as subjective as one can get, so I'm aware there are as enthusiastic fans of Nabb's work as of Penny's. I just don't think I'll be following up this "one of her best" with any others. Apparently, Nabb is not my dram of whiskey.

[Bett · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was my first read in the Marshal Guarnaccia series by Nabb, even though it is far along among them. I found her writing to be literate and somewhat stylish and I enjoyed that; it’s a very gruesome investigation — based on factual cases — so the balance was welcome.

I agree with those reviewers who found the story hard to follow — so many names! — but not with one who said it was not well translated from the Italian: the author was born in Lancashire so surely wrote the English text herself. The Marshal is an appealing character and has a happy family life, and excursions during the investigations to Florentine landmarks really help make the setting come alive. He has his self doubting moments when you just want to shake him, but his wife is there to boost him up in our place when that happens.

In short, a good book, interestingly written, with a somewhat blurry plot but with attractive main characters and a sublime setting. I intend to read more of the series.

[David C Ward · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cold case of serial murders is wrapped around very sordid familial crimes (abuse, murder), connected by a gun. An ambitious and unscrupulous prosecutor reopens the murder cases with a fall guy to frame. The Marshal is put on the investigation as a make weight because the prosecutor thinks he���s mediocre. Of course it’s the Marshal who cuts through the corruption and figures things out. The problem is that the cases are torturously hard to follow, especially since the old cases are recounted second hand through the reports and summaries. While the Marshal may have identified the killer I’m afraid I must have missed it.

[Kb]

This one broke me. I have loved Magdalen Nabb’s Marshal Guarnaccia series up to now but this one is different. It is based on a true-life series of Zodiac style killings that took place in the area of Florence in the 70s and 80s. The details are too graphic (gory) for me. But the worst was that men who get off on watching “courting couples” in cars or tents in this book are called “Peeping Toms”. Such old-fashioned, British language does not do this type of story justice.

If you must read this book, do not read it as your first introduction to Marshal Guarnaccia. It is not like the other books in the series. I am marking it DNF and moving on to the next one.

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marshal Guarnaccia is assigned to a special group to find evidence to convict the Suspect. This man is accused of being the infamous “Monster of Florence,” who brutally executed couples in remote locales during the 1960s and 1980s. Guarnaccia and Ferrini delve into the case together, uncovering a maze of clues and suspects, including conspiracy theories and police misconduct. They will find the real monster, but who really wants the truth? An interesting and complex story where families and lovers are so closely involved that no one can talk. Fascinating.

https://redheadwithabrain.ch/index.ph...

[Fanny · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book started out very promising and very interesting. But after a few hundred pages it starts rolling up a really old case with lots of characters that all have names that start with F or S. That's when I lost interest and couldn't keep people straight anymore. After about 250 pages I gave up.

[Helen Robson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not quite what I expected, good characterisation, a lot of detail to keep in mind and the parallel story running alongside the monster detail, was distracting at times, but eventually the point of it becomes clear!

[Stephen the Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

More complex than earlier ones of the series but ultimately highly rewarding - albeit darker and more graphic in content

[Phenomene]

A decent enough read, but the plot (a true story) was somehow not gripping enough. Also got confused by some of the characters because of their Italian names. Would not necessarily recommend this.

[Elisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found it hard to follow at times

[Jim Fonseca · Rating 3 out of 5]

This murder mystery is fiction based around real events from Florence - a series of murders of seven young couples between 1974 and 1985 in a lovers’ lane area outside of the city. A similar double murder in 1968 was later connected to the killings. All the killings were of young people in cars or in tents. They took place during nights of new moons. Some victims were stabbed, some shot, and some of the bodies of the young women were mutilated.



I listened to this book on audio and that was a bad choice because the names of all the characters were hard to follow and to remember. I read this book as a buddy read with Ebba Simone who was very helpful in helping me understand the plot and providing me with a list of names of characters they were very hard to follow on the audiobook. (Thank you Ebba!)

The main character, Marshal Guarnaccia of the carabinieri, is an odd kind of detective. He doesn’t have all the usual quirks these guys have. He’s not a womanizer or a big drinker or smoker. He seems pretty dull actually, usually tired, wanting to be home with his wife and two kids. He turned down a promotion because he would have to go for training and then be transferred somewhere else. He’s always forgetting things – who he was supposed to call; to turn his phone back on, etc. Nice guy, but he seems a bit lazy actually!



The Marshal faces an unusual situation because these killings have been unsolved for decades. There were many persons of interest over the years and four men were arrested and charged at various times. All four were released when another murder occurred while they were in prison. So we start to suspect that someone on the outside at some point killed a couple to get the real killer released. (Also part of the plot in Simenon’s Maigret Sets a Trap!)

The reason why the detective is in a difficult situation is that he comes to suspect that the investigation he has been ‘handpicked’ to participate in is a sham. A retiring prosecutor wants someone convicted to clear the decks before he leaves office. The prosecutor seems to have picked someone who ‘got away with murder’ (literally) years ago. So the attitude is: we know he's a killer; let’s pin this on him.

There’s an extended subplot that runs through the book. Guarnaccia gives advice to a young man whose father, a famous painter, has just died. The father has left him a painting by an ‘old master.’ Apparently it’s a very valuable painting, but where did it come from? Was it stolen? Forged? Did his father forge it? The Marshall and the young man get involved with a crazy artist and we start to wonder – is this crazy artist connected in some way to the murders?

The author is an interesting character. Wikipedia tells us that she was a potter in England and at age 28 she simply packed up and left Britain with her son to move to Florence. She did not have a job and she didn’t even know Italian!

Unfortunately, it turns out that this book is one of the lowest-rated in the author's Marshal Guarnaccia series, only a 3.3, and it has many more ratings of 1s and 2s than 5s. But despite the difficulties of following the plot as an audiobook, I enjoyed the story and I liked the local color of Florence and Italian culture. I could read another book by her in the future. If we go by ratings on Goodreads, the best bet in the series would be The Marshall and the Madwoman rated 4.0.



The book I read is number 6 of 14 in the author’s Marshal Guarnaccia series. Magdalen Nabb (1947–2007) was even more successful as an author of children’s books. She wrote the Josie Smith books, set in her native Lancashire, which were made into the Granada children's TV series. (I assume for British TV).

Top photo of map and victims from florencewebguide.com
View of Florence from worlddocumentaryphotographer.com
The author from italian-mysteries.com

[Edited, spoiler hidden 1/19/24]

[Sally Sugarman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Based on an actual case, this book uses many of the original documents involved in the investigation. Marshal Guarnaccia of the Florence carabinieri is recruited to be part of the investigative team that is looking into a case of a serial killer. However, most of his work and that of his fellow officer Ferrini is observing the Suspect and listening to him through the bug that is planted in his quarters. The Suspect, who the Marshal recognizes as a liar, keeps denying his guilt. Although the Marshal knows he is a liar, he does not believe he is the guilty one. There are other suspects, one of whom has left the country. The crimes which have taken place over twenty years are heinous, involving the murder of couples in lovers lanes and mutilation of the female body. The prosecutor is committed to getting a conviction to ease the worries of the people of Florence. Guarnaccia, who likes to talk with people and see them, follows his own line of investigation along with Ferrini. They finally figure out who has done it. However, it probably won’t make any difference since the prosecutor knows whom he wants to imprison for it. Besides this fictional account there is a non-fiction account by Douglas Preston and Mario Spezi that also comes to a conclusion different from what the authorities did. Guarnaccia is an interesting character, a competent man who did not want advancement because he did not want to move his family. He is devastated to overhear that the reason he and his friend were put on the case was that they were considered incompetent by the higher ups and therefore would not get in the way of the prosecutor. He is not that sure of himself to begin with and this injures his self-esteem even more although he does continue until he is satisfied that they know who did it. Most of his colleagues estimate him more highly than he does himself, as does his wife.

[Monica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great book in Magdalen Nabb’s Marshal Guarnaccia series. I’ve read another book about the Monster of Florence and so at first this book was a little slow moving for me as not much was new...but it quickly picked up as Nabb put her own twist on things. I very much enjoy this series. Guarnaccia is one of those characters you can’t help but love. He often seems like a big bulldog, plodding his way along through a case. Nabb has managed to develop his character to a level in this book that allows you to anticipate Guarnaccia’s actions and thoughts in a wonderful way. I’ll be very sad when I reach the last book in this series and the final page is read.

Jacket notes: “ Marshal Guarnaccia of the Florence carabinieri is first puzzled and then irritated when he is dragged into a last-ditch attempt to nail the man known as the Monster, a vicious serial killer who has ritually slaughtered seven courting couples in the most brutal of circumstances. Why him? But he is soon sucked into the horror and squalor of a multi-layered case that has confounded the authorities for over ten years, and nothing but the truth will do. So when a case is made out against the wrong man - a monster in his own right who beats his wife and sexually abuses his daughter - who is going to admit it? No one but him.
Summoning the courage to speak out, the Marshal rapidly realizes that no one wants to listen. It is more comfortable for everyone, even the wrongly accused man, if the blood- soaked vineyards keep their secret of what really happened on those Saturday nights of the new moon...
A chilling, gripping and perceptive novel based on the real-life case of a Florentine serial killer that will both fascinate and terrify from the highly acclaimed Magdalen Nabb.”

[Ionia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wasn't sure what to expect when I began this book. I love procedural books and true crime, so I thought this might be of great interest to me. Cold cases are almost always interesting as the characters have a chance to uncover lost leads and build a great story. This book was not as procedural as I would have expected.

This book had some likable qualities. Guarnaccia is a quirky, strange character at times, but a main character that can keep you interested. I liked the way the author displayed his thought processes and his personality.

One thing that threw me off a little in this story was the amount of suspects there were. I never really felt that I could connect well because just when I had an idea of whodunnit, there was another person trampling their way into the suspect pool. I do understand that in serial killer cases there often is a wide suspect list, but for this book, I just found it difficult to follow.

I thought it interesting, not necessarily good or bad but just interesting that the main character's dreams were so involved in the story. I almost wondered if he were going the psychic route for a while.

I did love the descriptions of Florence. Magdalen Nabb really made the setting an easy one to admire. There is some pretty graphic material involved in this novel, so if that bothers you then you should be forewarned that it may not be for you.

Overall, this was different. It wasn't what I had expected and often those are the books that I remember later.

This review is based on a paper copy that I received as a first reads winner from Goodreads and the publisher.

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Source: Free copy from Soho Crime for the purpose of review.

Summary:
Serial murders committed from the late 60s through the mid 80s has left the Florence, Italy police force unable to solve. Marshal Guarnaccia is asked by his Captain to take over the case. The time period for this story is 1990, it's been five years since a murder was committed. Guarnaccia is at first shocked he's been asked to solve the case, he does not feel adequate for this type of detective work. His Captain explains, "You won't be required to work any miracles, you can set your mind to rest about that." Yet, "the Prosecutor General" is under stress because the "Monster" of Florence has not been apprehended.

Thoughts:
I love Marshal Guarnaccia's character. He is not the fixed mental image of a detective. He comes across as a reserved and unconfidant man. Early in the story his wife encourages him to speak up more, "instead of just standing there staring into space." Through the course of the story his character evolves, he rises to the duties he must perform; plus we see hidden attributes in his personality.
I love the setting of Italy. I wish I'd had a bit more description of the city of Florence and or Italy.
The descriptions of solving the case, methods used, questions asked, patience required, insight and intuitiveness used, are all apart of the story.
The serial murders committed are gruesome, sexually deviant. Descriptions of the crimes made for uncomfortable reading; however, it gave reality to the story.

[Kelsey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
Although this is #10 in the Marshal Guarnaccia series, it is the first one I have read. That being said, I think it stands alone very well. There are some references to past cases the Marshal has worked on, but knowledge of those cases isn't very integral to the story and I picked up on the important aspects of the Marshal's character fairly quickly. I liked the storyline following the main Monster of Florence case, which is a series of grisly double homicides. However, there is also a side case the Marshal works on by himself that seemed to me mainly filler. Although not very interesting in my opinion, it did help paint a more realistic story of the Marshal's day-to-day life as the Monster of Florence case would certainly not be the only thing on his mind. I thought the detective work done on the main case was enthralling; the less exciting aspects of the Marshal's life (home life, work bureaucracy, etc.) were well-written and helped create a more thorough character portrait. There was more bureaucracy than I generally like in my mystery novels, but I think that speaks more to personal preference than to the quality of the story. If you go into it knowing that this is really the story of the Marshal during the time he's working on the Monster of Florence case (as opposed to a story about solving the Monster of Florence case like I was expecting), then I think you'll find this an excellent read.

[Kimberly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Magdalen Nabb was an English author who spent many years living in Italy. While there she wrote a series of books, the Marshal Guarnaccia series, based on a real marshal she met while living there. All the books in the series, except this one, were published in the United States and were well received. This book, only recently rediscoved, is being published in the United States for the first time. The book is based on a real crime, a series of double homicides that took place between 1968 and 1985. In this book, Marshal Guarnaccia is assigned to a special task forced that is reinvestigating the crimes. The prosecutor in charge of the task force has already decided who committed the crimes so his goal is to make the evidence fit the suspect. He is does not provide the task force with any information that does not support his conclusion. Guarnaccia is troubled by pieces that do not fit, even his dreams point to inconsistencies. He begins to review all the information he can even going back and re-interviewing witnesses. His approach reminds me of Colombo, slightly bumbling but very tenacious. He is determined to discover who the real killer and will not be able to let the investigation go until he does. If you are a fan of detective fiction Colombo style you will enjoy this book.

Disclosure: I received this book as part of a Goodreads giveaway on the premise that I would review it.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have wanted to read this book for years but could never find a copy....and then my daughter won an advance copy through First Reads Giveaway! It was well worth the wait! It is evident that Magdalen Nabb meticulously researched the real life crime the book is based upon. Marshal Guarnaccia finds himself pulled from his comfort zone and placed on a team working to solve serial killings spanning two decades. A despicable man is arrested but is he really the Monster of Florence? The Marshal has serious doubts about the arrested man's guilt but also about his own professional ability. This is, by far, the darkest book of the series and leaves the reader nearly exhausted reading about Guarnaccia's inner turmoil. The nature of justice, specifically in Florence, is central. What part does compassion, finding truth, blatant ambition and compromise play when tangled up in solving the crime? The Monster of Florence is a thriller, a mystery and a psychological police procedural superbly written. With Magdalen Nabb's death in 2007 the series ended but fortunately readers can still enjoy her work.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review is for the audio version, read by David Colacci, which was very well done. That being said, however, I have two issues with the audio version. First, Colacci does an excellent job, but as he is the narrator for Donna Leon's series based in Venice it was not uncommon to for me to be anticipating a Commissario Brunetti response when this was from the Marshal Guarnaccia series. The second issue w/ the audio version is that it was pretty hard to keep all of the characters straight. Because of my disability it is hard for me to physically hold books and this is the only book in the series that my library has in audio. As w/ the Leon series, which I love, the Italian atmosphere is captivating for me, and the protagonist is appealing so I think I will put other books in the series on my possible “to read on Kindle” list.

My other response (warning?) is that parts are pretty gruesome. And when you are listening you can’t skim text like you can in a book.

[Tawney · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an ARC compliments of SOHO through the Goodreads First Reads program.

Magdalen Nabb constructed a plausible scenario - characters, motivations, wherewith all - to fit the facts of a true unsolved serial killer's murders around Florence from 1968 to 1985.That's only part of it. She uses the murders as the basis for an investigation that is driven by ambition rather than a search for the truth, until Marshal Guarnaccia becomes unsettled over the discrepancies of the case. This makes for a richly layered plot that at times is as confusing and frustrating to the reader as it is to the Marshal. It's also quite enjoyable despite the fact that the subject matter is grim.

This was my first encounter with Marshal Gaurnaccia which may not have been as satisfying as beginning with one of the first books of the series, but I'll be getting around to them I'm sure.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Monster of Florence is the first book that I have read by Nabb, and I found that I really enjoyed the lead character of Marshal Guarnaccia. Guarnaccia is well developed in the book, and I enjoyed seeing how this character handled this case which was complicated because of the circumstances surrounding it. I enjoyed the twists and turns that Guarnaccia faced as he tried to really solve the case rather than following the pact. I also enjoyed the side story with Marco Landini, a young man the detective met on a previous case. While I do read mysteries and thrillers, this particular book was a bit too dark for my taste however I would be willing to give this series another chance since I liked the main character.

Received a copy of The Monster of Florence through Goodreads in exchange for an honest review.

[Marlene · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was my first book from the Marshal Guarnaccia series. Had I read some of the others first, I think I may have had a better reaction to this particular selection. Based on true cases, this fictional account was presented through the eyes of the heartwarming character, Marshal Guarnaccia. The story unwraps two separate cases, one including chilling, gruesome, and overly graphic crime scene and interrogation reports. I had been prepared for scary thriller, but not for this. The writing style, while somewhat interesting, had only minimum appeal to me. The theme seemed to get quite lost in all of the investigative drudgery. Had I not wanted to fulfill providing an honest review, it is one of the rare books that I would have put down, never to finish.

This was a GoodReads FirstRead, in exchange for my honest review.

[Candy Wood]

This is the longest book of the Marshal Guarnaccia series so far. The Marshal’s official duties assign him to an extremely cold case of serial killings (based on actual, documented events), while he becomes unofficially concerned with a possible art forgery. There might be thematic connections between the two cases, but otherwise, the Marshal’s involvement is the only link. Still, it’s fascinating to watch how a detective who is not at all flashy and even considers himself to be deficient in brainpower is able to see through confusing motives (of the investigators as well as of the suspects) to at least a version of the truth. The role of the media in creating perceptions like “the Monster” also comes under scrutiny.

[Fiona Van · Rating 4 out of 5]

I rerally enjoyed this book, it is a who-done-it, but one that focuses on personality rather than police procedured. Guarnaccia has been loaned by his boss to another region, where a special team is being developed to build a case against a suspect whom it it thought has committed a series of murders of courting couples. Isolated and feeling out of his depth, Guarnaccia comes to believe that the ambitious prosecutor is driving the team to bring a successful prosecution against a man who, while he may be unpleasant and abusive, is not guilty of these crimes. Is it too late to reverse this process and is Guarnaccia up to the job?