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Despicable Fields
The city of Rome is agitated and distraught as every news broadcast opens with coverage of the shocking murder of two women, committed by an incredibly clever serial killer, who manages to vanish without a trace and who repeatedly mocks the police with the sarcastic notes he leaves behind at the murder scene.
Money, power, drug cartels, and street gangs are mixed up in this affair, and everyone suspects everyone else.
The murdered women worked as prostitutes in a nightclub with a dubious reputation, La Casa, located on Rome’s prestigious and famous Veneto Street, and the young chief of the Via Veneto police station, Ricardo Lombardi, along with retired police commander Katherine Smith, his former boss, are up to their necks in the investigation that seeks to find the murderer. Their task is made particularly difficult due to the wily yet good-hearted staff members of La Casa, who do everything to protect their nightclub’s important clientele, which includes senior members of the police force and Rome’s municipal authorities.
This is the city to which Bridget Sleiter, an adventurous and penniless young woman, has traveled from her home in distant Stockholm, in order to study physics at one of the city’s universities. On the threshold of starvation, she answers a newspaper ad and soon begins work as a waitress and cigarette seller at the La Casa nightclub. At La Casa, Bridget meets many of the kind-hearted but shrewd players in Rome’s nightlife and intertwines her fate with theirs.
When she falls in love with the Via Veneto police station commander’s best friend, the mysterious Count Antonio della Torre, scion of one of Rome’s most respected aristocratic families, Bridget unwittingly finds herself involved in the very heart of the crime scenes. As she embarks on a dangerous journey, she gradually uncovers the secrets of street life, organized crime, and the drug market in Italy.
Dive into a world of murder, mystery, and dangerous love in Despicable Fields—a gripping journey through Rome's underworld that will keep you hooked!
Money, power, drug cartels, and street gangs are mixed up in this affair, and everyone suspects everyone else.
The murdered women worked as prostitutes in a nightclub with a dubious reputation, La Casa, located on Rome’s prestigious and famous Veneto Street, and the young chief of the Via Veneto police station, Ricardo Lombardi, along with retired police commander Katherine Smith, his former boss, are up to their necks in the investigation that seeks to find the murderer. Their task is made particularly difficult due to the wily yet good-hearted staff members of La Casa, who do everything to protect their nightclub’s important clientele, which includes senior members of the police force and Rome’s municipal authorities.
This is the city to which Bridget Sleiter, an adventurous and penniless young woman, has traveled from her home in distant Stockholm, in order to study physics at one of the city’s universities. On the threshold of starvation, she answers a newspaper ad and soon begins work as a waitress and cigarette seller at the La Casa nightclub. At La Casa, Bridget meets many of the kind-hearted but shrewd players in Rome’s nightlife and intertwines her fate with theirs.
When she falls in love with the Via Veneto police station commander’s best friend, the mysterious Count Antonio della Torre, scion of one of Rome’s most respected aristocratic families, Bridget unwittingly finds herself involved in the very heart of the crime scenes. As she embarks on a dangerous journey, she gradually uncovers the secrets of street life, organized crime, and the drug market in Italy.
Dive into a world of murder, mystery, and dangerous love in Despicable Fields—a gripping journey through Rome's underworld that will keep you hooked!
- GenresMystery
418 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 27, 2024
15 people are currently reading
1236 people want to read
About the author
Sivan Kish
3 books12 followersSivan Kish is an accomplished author known for her captivating novels set in vibrant locations across Rome, America, and Moscow. A former doctor (M.D) turned full-time writer, she has traded stethoscopes for story arcs and scalpels for storytelling. Crafting plots that span from detective novels and romance to historical fiction and fantasy, her richly detailed worlds and vibrant characters burst forth from the pages, evoking a sense of reality that transports readers into the heart of her narratives.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
June 17, 2025
Love and Mystery in the Heart of Rome
"Despicable Fields" is a gripping mystery set in Rome. The story follows Bridget, a bright young woman whose life takes a whirlwind turn when she falls for Antonio, a man cloaked in dark secrets. As she navigates the complexities of living in a foreign land, Bridget begins working at La Casa, where she unexpectedly becomes embroiled in a murder investigation.
One of the highlights of the book is the juxtaposition between Bridget and Katherine, another strong female protagonist. Katherine, a former US Marine and police commander, showcases resilience and intelligence, providing a counterbalance to Bridget's journey. This dynamic fosters a rich exploration of female strength within the narrative.
Kish masterfully weaves themes of money, power, and deception, as various players—including drug cartels and street gangs—intertwine in this perilous affair. The atmosphere of suspicion and intrigue kept me on edge, as everyone seemed to have something to hide. The plot unfolds at a satisfying pace, with secrets unraveling gradually, culminating in an ending that left me content.
"Despicable Fields" is a must-read for mystery enthusiasts craving a blend of romance and suspense in a richly detailed setting.
"Despicable Fields" is a gripping mystery set in Rome. The story follows Bridget, a bright young woman whose life takes a whirlwind turn when she falls for Antonio, a man cloaked in dark secrets. As she navigates the complexities of living in a foreign land, Bridget begins working at La Casa, where she unexpectedly becomes embroiled in a murder investigation.
One of the highlights of the book is the juxtaposition between Bridget and Katherine, another strong female protagonist. Katherine, a former US Marine and police commander, showcases resilience and intelligence, providing a counterbalance to Bridget's journey. This dynamic fosters a rich exploration of female strength within the narrative.
Kish masterfully weaves themes of money, power, and deception, as various players—including drug cartels and street gangs—intertwine in this perilous affair. The atmosphere of suspicion and intrigue kept me on edge, as everyone seemed to have something to hide. The plot unfolds at a satisfying pace, with secrets unraveling gradually, culminating in an ending that left me content.
"Despicable Fields" is a must-read for mystery enthusiasts craving a blend of romance and suspense in a richly detailed setting.
November 17, 2024
Honest review in return for the ARC I received.
This book is an adventurous blend of thrills, romance, mystery and romance. It’s set in Rome’s dark underworld. This book captivated me from the first read. The police chief and retired commander are trying to stop a serial killer. We learn that it has to do with corruption, drug cartels and organized crime. Bridget(main) somehow gets herself entangled into the whole investigation while trying to navigate a foreign country. She begins falling in love with Count Antonio. I love the plot and story line! Just wait to read all the secrets unravel!
This book is an adventurous blend of thrills, romance, mystery and romance. It’s set in Rome’s dark underworld. This book captivated me from the first read. The police chief and retired commander are trying to stop a serial killer. We learn that it has to do with corruption, drug cartels and organized crime. Bridget(main) somehow gets herself entangled into the whole investigation while trying to navigate a foreign country. She begins falling in love with Count Antonio. I love the plot and story line! Just wait to read all the secrets unravel!
July 13, 2025
[I'm sometimes asked by other book reviewers to write (or significantly contribute to) a review that they can then submit to other websites under their own names. This is one of those. - Avril]
Despicable Fields is the kind of novel that dares you to turn the page. You don't read it so much as fall into it — down a rabbit hole of corporate absurdity, human greed, and moral decay wrapped in sharp prose and a biting sense of humor that sometimes makes you laugh when you feel like you shouldn’t.
At its heart, this is a story about power and the people who exploit it, either because they can or because they believe they must. What starts as a satire of corporate overreach quickly spirals into something darker and more layered. There’s a Kafkaesque feel to the world — rules without logic, institutions without soul, and characters caught in webs they barely understand. But unlike some works that lean too far into the abstract, this one grounds itself in very real emotions: fear, desperation, arrogance, and above all, self-justification.
The characters aren’t necessarily likable — many are anything but — but they’re fascinating. They feel alarmingly true to life in the way that some of the worst people you’ve ever worked with do. The dialogue is razor-edged, full of corporate jargon and euphemisms that mask chilling intent. Yet there's a weird beauty in how it's all constructed, and you find yourself admiring the architecture of the madness even as it unnerves you.
What really impressed me was the control the author shows. The pacing is deliberate, even slow at times, but every scene feels necessary. There’s a tension that hums in the background, a sense that everything is either about to collapse or already has, and the characters are too busy performing their assigned roles to notice.
This isn’t a book for everyone. It’s dense, cynical, and sometimes hard to digest — not because it’s poorly written (it’s very well-written), but because it forces you to sit with discomfort. It holds up a mirror and dares you to look.
If you're looking for a breezy escape or a redemptive arc, this isn’t it. But if you want something that challenges your assumptions and leaves a bitter, lingering taste you can't quite wash out — in a good way — then Despicable Fields is absolutely worth your time.
Despicable Fields is the kind of novel that dares you to turn the page. You don't read it so much as fall into it — down a rabbit hole of corporate absurdity, human greed, and moral decay wrapped in sharp prose and a biting sense of humor that sometimes makes you laugh when you feel like you shouldn’t.
At its heart, this is a story about power and the people who exploit it, either because they can or because they believe they must. What starts as a satire of corporate overreach quickly spirals into something darker and more layered. There’s a Kafkaesque feel to the world — rules without logic, institutions without soul, and characters caught in webs they barely understand. But unlike some works that lean too far into the abstract, this one grounds itself in very real emotions: fear, desperation, arrogance, and above all, self-justification.
The characters aren’t necessarily likable — many are anything but — but they’re fascinating. They feel alarmingly true to life in the way that some of the worst people you’ve ever worked with do. The dialogue is razor-edged, full of corporate jargon and euphemisms that mask chilling intent. Yet there's a weird beauty in how it's all constructed, and you find yourself admiring the architecture of the madness even as it unnerves you.
What really impressed me was the control the author shows. The pacing is deliberate, even slow at times, but every scene feels necessary. There’s a tension that hums in the background, a sense that everything is either about to collapse or already has, and the characters are too busy performing their assigned roles to notice.
This isn’t a book for everyone. It’s dense, cynical, and sometimes hard to digest — not because it’s poorly written (it’s very well-written), but because it forces you to sit with discomfort. It holds up a mirror and dares you to look.
If you're looking for a breezy escape or a redemptive arc, this isn’t it. But if you want something that challenges your assumptions and leaves a bitter, lingering taste you can't quite wash out — in a good way — then Despicable Fields is absolutely worth your time.
November 18, 2024
"Despicable Fields" by Sivan Kish masterfully combines romance, suspense, and murder in a thrilling narrative set against Rome's enchanting yet perilous streets. The story begins with the chilling murders of two women connected to La Casa, a notorious nightclub. It spirals into a gripping mystery where no one is truly innocent.
At the centre is Bridget Sleiter, a broke student who arrives in Rome with dreams of studying physics but finds herself entangled in a web of crime, deception, and passion. Her relationship with the enigmatic Count Antonio adds an intriguing layer to the tension—can she trust him, or is he hiding something sinister?
Kish's portrayal of Rome is vivid and atmospheric, capturing the city's dual nature—its beauty and darkness. From glittering high society to its gritty underworld, the setting feels alive and heightens the story's stakes.
The police investigation, led by the determined Ricardo Lombardi and the brilliant retired detective Katherine Smith, adds complexity to the plot. The killer's taunting notes and clever manoeuvres keep the tension high, and the twists will keep you second-guessing.
While the pacing lags slightly in the middle, the compelling characters and unpredictable turns make up for it. Bridget's growth from an innocent dreamer to someone confronting danger head-on is particularly satisfying.
"Despicable Fields" is an intense, atmospheric thriller perfect for fans of romantic suspense and gripping murder mysteries. With its blend of love, danger, and an unforgettable setting, it's a page-turner you won't want to put down.
At the centre is Bridget Sleiter, a broke student who arrives in Rome with dreams of studying physics but finds herself entangled in a web of crime, deception, and passion. Her relationship with the enigmatic Count Antonio adds an intriguing layer to the tension—can she trust him, or is he hiding something sinister?
Kish's portrayal of Rome is vivid and atmospheric, capturing the city's dual nature—its beauty and darkness. From glittering high society to its gritty underworld, the setting feels alive and heightens the story's stakes.
The police investigation, led by the determined Ricardo Lombardi and the brilliant retired detective Katherine Smith, adds complexity to the plot. The killer's taunting notes and clever manoeuvres keep the tension high, and the twists will keep you second-guessing.
While the pacing lags slightly in the middle, the compelling characters and unpredictable turns make up for it. Bridget's growth from an innocent dreamer to someone confronting danger head-on is particularly satisfying.
"Despicable Fields" is an intense, atmospheric thriller perfect for fans of romantic suspense and gripping murder mysteries. With its blend of love, danger, and an unforgettable setting, it's a page-turner you won't want to put down.
December 16, 2024
Despicable Fields has a dichotomy of female protagonists that is painted quite clearly. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The first part of this novel reads like an adult fairytale. One female protagonist, Bridget, has a head full of dreams. Her dreams are not about being an independent, successful scientist but about being the fairy princess who is swept off her feet by a knight in shining armor.
Bridget is swept off her feet by a tall, dark and handsome man, and she does begin to live the happily ever-after life she dreamed of, but then Bridget learns her husband, Antonio, is a drug smuggling member of the mafia. At the same time a serial killer is on the loose and Bridget isn't sure that her husband isn't the killer.
Enter Katherine, a strong, confident, intelligent and independent woman. Katherine's strength is shown through her role as a former US Marine and former commander of the police force. It is Katherine who solves the serial murder mystery and the issue of Antonio's drug dealings.
In the end Bridget continues with her fairytale and being a woman who needs to be taken care of by a man. Katherine goes on being the strong woman she has always been.
The first part of this novel reads like an adult fairytale. One female protagonist, Bridget, has a head full of dreams. Her dreams are not about being an independent, successful scientist but about being the fairy princess who is swept off her feet by a knight in shining armor.
Bridget is swept off her feet by a tall, dark and handsome man, and she does begin to live the happily ever-after life she dreamed of, but then Bridget learns her husband, Antonio, is a drug smuggling member of the mafia. At the same time a serial killer is on the loose and Bridget isn't sure that her husband isn't the killer.
Enter Katherine, a strong, confident, intelligent and independent woman. Katherine's strength is shown through her role as a former US Marine and former commander of the police force. It is Katherine who solves the serial murder mystery and the issue of Antonio's drug dealings.
In the end Bridget continues with her fairytale and being a woman who needs to be taken care of by a man. Katherine goes on being the strong woman she has always been.
April 6, 2025
A Gripping Romantic & Melancholic Tale
I liked the emotional depth, the gentle and dignified tone, and how Bridget’s resilience shines through hardship without ever becoming cynical. The story blends romantic idealism with raw realism, and Kish’s portrayal of female friendship and inner strength feels honest and moving. Also, Rome as a backdrop is rich and immersive.
I think Kish has a distinct voice, blending old-world romanticism with modern grit. Her ability to create emotional resonance, layered female characters, and a strong sense of place (like Rome) shows real literary skill. I highly recommend this novel!
I liked the emotional depth, the gentle and dignified tone, and how Bridget’s resilience shines through hardship without ever becoming cynical. The story blends romantic idealism with raw realism, and Kish’s portrayal of female friendship and inner strength feels honest and moving. Also, Rome as a backdrop is rich and immersive.
I think Kish has a distinct voice, blending old-world romanticism with modern grit. Her ability to create emotional resonance, layered female characters, and a strong sense of place (like Rome) shows real literary skill. I highly recommend this novel!
June 28, 2025
The story and characters are so much captivating
Despicable Fields” pulled me in right away with its emotional depth and vivid storytelling. The characters feel real, flawed, tender, and quietly strong and their stories unfold with a mix of mystery, heartache, and beauty. I especially loved the little moments, like Bridget savoring chocolate or dreaming of home it made everything feel so intimate and alive. It’s one of those books that lingers with you long after you finish the last page.
Despicable Fields” pulled me in right away with its emotional depth and vivid storytelling. The characters feel real, flawed, tender, and quietly strong and their stories unfold with a mix of mystery, heartache, and beauty. I especially loved the little moments, like Bridget savoring chocolate or dreaming of home it made everything feel so intimate and alive. It’s one of those books that lingers with you long after you finish the last page.
August 1, 2025
Mystery and luxury
This story grabbed me fast. I loved the short and punchy chapters, because they kept me going. The mix of romance and crime works very well. There are a few plot jumps, I have to say, and some parts towards the end felt a bit rushed, with some clues appearing out of nowhere. But I still cared about the characters and to see the end. If you like quick mysteries with a bit of luxury and danger, you should go for this one.
This story grabbed me fast. I loved the short and punchy chapters, because they kept me going. The mix of romance and crime works very well. There are a few plot jumps, I have to say, and some parts towards the end felt a bit rushed, with some clues appearing out of nowhere. But I still cared about the characters and to see the end. If you like quick mysteries with a bit of luxury and danger, you should go for this one.
July 30, 2025
The Rome setting was really vivid. liked how the author didn’t over-romanticize the city either. Bridget was an interesting character, She felt like a person just trying to survive rather than some overly brave heroine. Wasn’t expecting the whole police politics angle, but I thought it was handled pretty well.
August 9, 2025
misdirection
This story was always twisting . Winding and rewinding. Definitely heavier on plot than character development or relationships. It had an interesting premise and some clever moments, but it wasn’t easy to read or follow.
Still, the author’s creativity shines through. I’m hopeful the next books will be a bit more down-.to-earth.
This story was always twisting . Winding and rewinding. Definitely heavier on plot than character development or relationships. It had an interesting premise and some clever moments, but it wasn’t easy to read or follow.
Still, the author’s creativity shines through. I’m hopeful the next books will be a bit more down-.to-earth.
December 25, 2024
Interesting characters, but somewhat unbelievable. You can guess who the murderer is, even though you have several suspects at different times in the book.
I would give this a 3.5 if allowed.
I would give this a 3.5 if allowed.
December 13, 2024
Despicable Fields by Sivan Kish is a masterful romantic thriller that immerses readers in the underbelly of Rome’s criminal world. Set in 1995, the novel follows a chilling investigation into the brutal murders of two women tied to a nightclub with connections to organized crime. The novel’s central character, Bridget Sleiter, is a young woman from Stockholm who finds herself drawn into this dangerous world after taking a job at the nightclub. Her life spirals as she becomes entangled with a mysterious aristocrat, leading to an intense, heart-pounding journey through betrayal, crime, and shocking twists.
Kish's writing is rich with atmospheric detail, transporting readers to the vibrant streets of Rome. The complex characters are deeply woven into a plot full of suspense, unexpected revelations, and hidden secrets. What I found most compelling is the way Kish delves into the psychology of the characters, particularly Bridget, whose transformation as the story unfolds is both captivating and heartbreaking.
The tension is palpable, with high stakes that keep you on the edge of your seat. The world of organized crime, street gangs, and drugs in Rome is brought to life in a way that feels gritty and real. Despicable Fields explores themes of love, betrayal, and the lengths people will go to for power and survival.
Despicable Fields evokes the classic whodunnit style of Agatha Christie, focusing on uncovering the truth through meticulous investigation and clever twists.
Perfect for fans of thrillers, romance, and suspense, Sivan Kish delivers an intense, unforgettable narrative. Highly recommend!
Kish's writing is rich with atmospheric detail, transporting readers to the vibrant streets of Rome. The complex characters are deeply woven into a plot full of suspense, unexpected revelations, and hidden secrets. What I found most compelling is the way Kish delves into the psychology of the characters, particularly Bridget, whose transformation as the story unfolds is both captivating and heartbreaking.
The tension is palpable, with high stakes that keep you on the edge of your seat. The world of organized crime, street gangs, and drugs in Rome is brought to life in a way that feels gritty and real. Despicable Fields explores themes of love, betrayal, and the lengths people will go to for power and survival.
Despicable Fields evokes the classic whodunnit style of Agatha Christie, focusing on uncovering the truth through meticulous investigation and clever twists.
Perfect for fans of thrillers, romance, and suspense, Sivan Kish delivers an intense, unforgettable narrative. Highly recommend!
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews