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Detective Michael Rossi #1
A Known Evil
A serial killer stalks the streets of Rome…
A gripping debut crime novel and the first in a groundbreaking series, from a new star in British crime fiction. Perfect for fans of Ian Rankin.
A city on lockdown.
In the depths of a freakish winter, Rome is being torn apart by a serial killer dubbed The Carpenter intent on spreading fear and violence. Soon another woman is murdered – hammered to death and left with a cryptic message nailed to her chest.
A detective in danger.
Maverick Detective Inspectors Rossi and Carrara are assigned to the investigation. But when Rossi’s girlfriend is attacked – left in a coma in hospital – he becomes the killer’s new obsession and his own past hurtles back to haunt him.
A killer out of control.
As the body count rises, with one perfect murder on the heels of another, the case begins to spiral out of control. In a city wracked by corruption and paranoia, the question is: how much is Rossi willing to sacrifice to get to the truth?
- GenresItaly
400 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 2, 2018
29 people are currently reading
83 people want to read
About the author
Aidan Conway
3 books6 followersAidan Conway was born in Birmingham and has been living in Italy since 2001. He has been a barman, a bookseller, a proofreader, a language consultant, as well as a freelance teacher, translator and editor for the UNFAO. He is currently an assistant university lecturer in Rome, where he lives with his family. His first novel, A KNOWN EVIL, was published on 5 April 2018 by Harper Collins 'Killer Reads'. The second book in the DI Michael Rossi crime series, A COLD FLAME, is available as an e-book on 20 July 2018 and in paperback on 6 September 2018.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
February 4, 2018
3.5 stars
When I read the blurb for this book, I was immediately drawn to the story line & location. However, whether or not it’s being marketed with an accurate tag line is open for debate.
From the description, my impression was I’d be reading a taught thriller full of twists, action, suspense…the usual package. Instead, I found this to be more of a literary character study with a wealth of narrative exposition on the state of Italian society & the pervasive corruption that riddles every level of politics, the church, the police force & media.
It’s a dense, well researched book that introduces Detective Inspector Michael Rossi & his partner DI Carrara. Initially they are assigned to “the Carpenter” investigation but prove too intent on getting at the truth & are soon sidelined. After Rossi’s girlfriend is attacked, they continue to secretly pick away in an effort to learn the killer’s real motive & who is pulling the strings. Along the way they cross paths with bent politicians, corrupt cops, possible mafia ties, underworld figures & less than honourable members of the church. There are also story lines involving Yana’s history, Rossi’s past, a Vatican official & the immigrant crisis on Lampedusa.
As a young man, Rossi studied for the priesthood before becoming disillusioned with it all & joining the police service. He’s an intelligent, driven man who uses his knowledge of philosophy & poetry to help him make sense of the world around him. We spend a lot of time in his head as he stalks the streets of Rome, pondering its geopolitical & criminal history. And while this makes for interesting reading, it does little to build any feeling of suspense. The murders themselves occur mostly off page & with a stalled investigation, I must confess I felt like I was reading a book about Rossi instead of the hunt for a serial killer.
At about the 50% mark, the pace picked up a bit & the focus started to narrow to the main story line. Initially I found the wealth of subplots & huge cast made it a challenge to truly engage but as some of theses fell away, it became a more engrossing read as we follow Rossi & Carrara in real time.
I have to admire the author’s ambition. The scope of topics & story lines is massive & it’s all delivered in a conversational style of prose that’s very readable. And therein lies my issue with the tag line. Would I call this a thriller? No, not in any traditional sense. But it’s a well written, thought provoking book that deserves to find its audience & in my case, a simple mismatch between reader & book.
As always, it depends on personal preference & I’d encourage those looking for a different take on Italian crime & politics to give this a read.
When I read the blurb for this book, I was immediately drawn to the story line & location. However, whether or not it’s being marketed with an accurate tag line is open for debate.
From the description, my impression was I’d be reading a taught thriller full of twists, action, suspense…the usual package. Instead, I found this to be more of a literary character study with a wealth of narrative exposition on the state of Italian society & the pervasive corruption that riddles every level of politics, the church, the police force & media.
It’s a dense, well researched book that introduces Detective Inspector Michael Rossi & his partner DI Carrara. Initially they are assigned to “the Carpenter” investigation but prove too intent on getting at the truth & are soon sidelined. After Rossi’s girlfriend is attacked, they continue to secretly pick away in an effort to learn the killer’s real motive & who is pulling the strings. Along the way they cross paths with bent politicians, corrupt cops, possible mafia ties, underworld figures & less than honourable members of the church. There are also story lines involving Yana’s history, Rossi’s past, a Vatican official & the immigrant crisis on Lampedusa.
As a young man, Rossi studied for the priesthood before becoming disillusioned with it all & joining the police service. He’s an intelligent, driven man who uses his knowledge of philosophy & poetry to help him make sense of the world around him. We spend a lot of time in his head as he stalks the streets of Rome, pondering its geopolitical & criminal history. And while this makes for interesting reading, it does little to build any feeling of suspense. The murders themselves occur mostly off page & with a stalled investigation, I must confess I felt like I was reading a book about Rossi instead of the hunt for a serial killer.
At about the 50% mark, the pace picked up a bit & the focus started to narrow to the main story line. Initially I found the wealth of subplots & huge cast made it a challenge to truly engage but as some of theses fell away, it became a more engrossing read as we follow Rossi & Carrara in real time.
I have to admire the author’s ambition. The scope of topics & story lines is massive & it’s all delivered in a conversational style of prose that’s very readable. And therein lies my issue with the tag line. Would I call this a thriller? No, not in any traditional sense. But it’s a well written, thought provoking book that deserves to find its audience & in my case, a simple mismatch between reader & book.
As always, it depends on personal preference & I’d encourage those looking for a different take on Italian crime & politics to give this a read.
May 19, 2018
After a woman is found brutally murdered with a note hammered into her chest with a nail, Detective Inspectors Michael Rossi and Luigi Carrera are noticing a pattern in recent deaths. There is a serial killer stalking the streets of Rome. Soon the killer is nicknamed The Carpenter, and the entire city is afraid. Rossi and Carrera race to find clues to discover the identity of the killer before more deaths and greater panic envelops the public. Soon the case will touch much closer to home for Detective Rossi as the killer becomes obsessed with the man hunting him. As the bodies pile up, the case becomes more and more dangerous until the detectives are willing to risk all to catch The Carpenter.
I love it when I discover a series -- and a new author -- at the very beginning. A Known Evil is the first book in the Detective Michael Rossi series....and also the debut novel for Aidan Conway. I liked the setting too. I don't think I've ever read a murder suspense/thriller story set in Rome before -- loved it!
I like the two detectives...they work well together and are willing to bend the rules to solve the case. The killer is diabolical and quite crafty. The pace of the story builds the suspense to the final reveal. The plot definitely kept my attention from beginning to end. A promising start to a new series! Book two, A Cold Flame, is coming out in July!
**I voluntarily read an advance readers copy of this book from HarperImpulse via NetGalley. All opinions are entirely my own.**
I love it when I discover a series -- and a new author -- at the very beginning. A Known Evil is the first book in the Detective Michael Rossi series....and also the debut novel for Aidan Conway. I liked the setting too. I don't think I've ever read a murder suspense/thriller story set in Rome before -- loved it!
I like the two detectives...they work well together and are willing to bend the rules to solve the case. The killer is diabolical and quite crafty. The pace of the story builds the suspense to the final reveal. The plot definitely kept my attention from beginning to end. A promising start to a new series! Book two, A Cold Flame, is coming out in July!
**I voluntarily read an advance readers copy of this book from HarperImpulse via NetGalley. All opinions are entirely my own.**
June 12, 2018
Firstly, thank you to Net Galley, The publishers and the author for an ARC copy for an honest review..
Oh dear !!
The first thing I have to say is sorry !!
I understand we all like different styles of books, different writing styles, different genre of books, for me this lacked any strength in the story any smoothness of the characters.
Personally I just did not like the writing style, too heavy and slow, no strength to the characters, I felt I never got to know them.
Rome is cold with the threat of snow when a serial killer, soon nicknamed The Carpenter, starts killing women with a hammer and nailing cryptic notes to their chests. He has already killed his third victim when the novel opens. The stakes are raised when attacks Rossi's girlfriend, Yana, leaving her in a coma.
The story concentrates on how the corruption in all aspects of Italian life has facilitated the serial killer, Michael Rossi is the senior investigating officer; he is well-educated, a philosopher , he sees his police officer role as a vocation. An individual who looks at the bigger picture, which helps him to be an excellent detective. His success allows him a certain latitude with his bosses, but they still frustrate his progress.
Problems with the style of writing, too many names, too heavy in the plotting, the politics behind it all was confusing as well and I struggled at first to get into the whole election and understand who was being corrupted and where the corruption was happening, I literally lost the plot !!
My apologies but the weakest book read this year, sadly.
Only two stars from me for this debut author.
Oh dear !!
The first thing I have to say is sorry !!
I understand we all like different styles of books, different writing styles, different genre of books, for me this lacked any strength in the story any smoothness of the characters.
Personally I just did not like the writing style, too heavy and slow, no strength to the characters, I felt I never got to know them.
Rome is cold with the threat of snow when a serial killer, soon nicknamed The Carpenter, starts killing women with a hammer and nailing cryptic notes to their chests. He has already killed his third victim when the novel opens. The stakes are raised when attacks Rossi's girlfriend, Yana, leaving her in a coma.
The story concentrates on how the corruption in all aspects of Italian life has facilitated the serial killer, Michael Rossi is the senior investigating officer; he is well-educated, a philosopher , he sees his police officer role as a vocation. An individual who looks at the bigger picture, which helps him to be an excellent detective. His success allows him a certain latitude with his bosses, but they still frustrate his progress.
Problems with the style of writing, too many names, too heavy in the plotting, the politics behind it all was confusing as well and I struggled at first to get into the whole election and understand who was being corrupted and where the corruption was happening, I literally lost the plot !!
My apologies but the weakest book read this year, sadly.
Only two stars from me for this debut author.
April 19, 2018
Netgalley #22
Many thanks go to Harper Collins, Aidan Conway, and Netgalley for the free copy of this book in exchange for my unbiased review.
So going back to review my notes to write my review I realized I didn't take many. I started, but then I just gave up. I felt like Conway started writing one book and finished having written another. Like he was having brainstorms and twisted the plot to keep adding them in. It was a good book; it just wasn't my favorite. I just didn't feel like Conway was ever really certain who he wanted to be the murderer.
Many thanks go to Harper Collins, Aidan Conway, and Netgalley for the free copy of this book in exchange for my unbiased review.
So going back to review my notes to write my review I realized I didn't take many. I started, but then I just gave up. I felt like Conway started writing one book and finished having written another. Like he was having brainstorms and twisted the plot to keep adding them in. It was a good book; it just wasn't my favorite. I just didn't feel like Conway was ever really certain who he wanted to be the murderer.
February 6, 2018
I would like to thank Netgalley and Harper Impulse and Killer Reads for an advance copy of A Known Evil, the first in a projected series of novels to feature Detective Inspectors Rossi and Carrara of the Rome police.
Rome is cold with the threat of snow when a serial killer, soon nicknamed The Carpenter, starts killing women with a hammer and nailing cryptic notes to their chests. He has already killed his third victim when the novel opens. The stakes are raised when attacks Rossi's girlfriend, Yana, leaving her in a coma.
A Known Evil is deeper and more wide ranging than the average serial killer novel with a subplot about journalist, Dario Iannelli, and his investigation of the refugee crisis and its attendant graft. I can't say that I enjoyed it and I struggled to keep reading as it didn't hold my attention for several reasons.
Firstly the focus of the novel is not my preferred reading. I believed from the blurb that the novel would be the hunt for a serial killer and while that features in the novel the main focus is on the insidious corruption and its influence which permeates the entire state if Mr Conway is to be believed with Rossi, Carrara and journalist Iannelli the only honest men in Italy. In terms of the novel this means that they can't run a proper investigation and have to scrabble around in the shadows to get a result. We're in serious conspiracy territory with this. I found it deeply unsatisfying and overdone as a read.
Secondly there are a good few scenes and characters which have no bearing on the main plotline and are obviously inserted to underline the graft theme.
Thirdly the writing style seems detached somehow so it is hard to identify with the characters and live the investigation with them. I found it difficult to follow the reasoning in some instances, the letters being a case in point (they are overly convoluted and the solution hard to believe).
I found the atmosphere and emphasis of the novel unpleasant but it is possibly more literary than my taste runs to as it has something to say, rather than being pure entertainment.
Rome is cold with the threat of snow when a serial killer, soon nicknamed The Carpenter, starts killing women with a hammer and nailing cryptic notes to their chests. He has already killed his third victim when the novel opens. The stakes are raised when attacks Rossi's girlfriend, Yana, leaving her in a coma.
A Known Evil is deeper and more wide ranging than the average serial killer novel with a subplot about journalist, Dario Iannelli, and his investigation of the refugee crisis and its attendant graft. I can't say that I enjoyed it and I struggled to keep reading as it didn't hold my attention for several reasons.
Firstly the focus of the novel is not my preferred reading. I believed from the blurb that the novel would be the hunt for a serial killer and while that features in the novel the main focus is on the insidious corruption and its influence which permeates the entire state if Mr Conway is to be believed with Rossi, Carrara and journalist Iannelli the only honest men in Italy. In terms of the novel this means that they can't run a proper investigation and have to scrabble around in the shadows to get a result. We're in serious conspiracy territory with this. I found it deeply unsatisfying and overdone as a read.
Secondly there are a good few scenes and characters which have no bearing on the main plotline and are obviously inserted to underline the graft theme.
Thirdly the writing style seems detached somehow so it is hard to identify with the characters and live the investigation with them. I found it difficult to follow the reasoning in some instances, the letters being a case in point (they are overly convoluted and the solution hard to believe).
I found the atmosphere and emphasis of the novel unpleasant but it is possibly more literary than my taste runs to as it has something to say, rather than being pure entertainment.
April 20, 2018
The reader is whisked off to Rome in this dark but extremely addictive read that had me racing through the pages! Full of suspense, I was hooked throughout as politics, corruption, organised crime and secrets uncovered lead us down a thrilling but twisted path to uncover the truth and deliver justice.
Michael Rossi is a brilliant character – focused, determined and clever, he looks outside the box to solve the case. Definately a character I want to come across again!
Carrara & Rossi worked well together as a team and I am certainly looking forward to seeing how they develop in future novels.
Do I recommend this book? Well that has got to be a Hell Yeah! If you like your crime thrillers with a bit of mystery, conspiracy and a lot of compelling, page turning moments, then A Known Evil is definitely one to add to your TBR!
Michael Rossi is a brilliant character – focused, determined and clever, he looks outside the box to solve the case. Definately a character I want to come across again!
Carrara & Rossi worked well together as a team and I am certainly looking forward to seeing how they develop in future novels.
Do I recommend this book? Well that has got to be a Hell Yeah! If you like your crime thrillers with a bit of mystery, conspiracy and a lot of compelling, page turning moments, then A Known Evil is definitely one to add to your TBR!
February 23, 2018
A Known Evil
A Known Evil starts off with a fairly conventional scenario where homicide looks to be developing into a serial killer situation and a talented but all too principled detective is called upon by his seniors. Police politics and the management of their public profile through the media soon emerge as irritants to Detective Rossi and modest hurdles in his investigations. The story quickly spirals out from such parochial matters to take us on an exhilarating tour of a whole host of interlinked organisations and criminal ‘worlds’ with Rossi, and the manhunt that then materialises, becoming a pivotal point for a wide range of unscrupulous people’s nefarious livelihoods.
I found the novel to be an excellent exciting read. If you are interested in modern day politics and conspiracy theories then it is definitely for you. Rossi and his allies become heavily embroiled in the criminal underworld and, maybe more spine-tingling for me, the criminal ‘overworld’. Two sides of the same coin. I honestly felt like I needed to check over my shoulder every now and then while reading it.
The worlds of politics, secret service, mafia, people trafficking, the dark web and the Vatican are all explored in the course of the investigation. I found this fascinating and as I think I’ve already suggested, it added to the suspense. I don’t think cerebral and thrilling are mutually exclusive, certainly not in this book. I felt it was very ‘filmic’ and the author has shown great skill to create some jaw-dropping, edge of your seat even, ‘scenes’.
At times I was reminded of Inspector Morse – I think the characters and their interrelations are as ‘alive’ as Dexter’s. I haven’t read Rankin but as the comparison has been made to this book by the publishers I will seek him out. I think in this modern day, the parochial world of Morse would be inappropriate for such a detective/thriller story. Somehow, the author has managed to zoom out with his camera lens and in his view incorporate a global, dark reality of modern crime.
The book is highly ambitious and I feel it delivers in every aspect.
A Known Evil starts off with a fairly conventional scenario where homicide looks to be developing into a serial killer situation and a talented but all too principled detective is called upon by his seniors. Police politics and the management of their public profile through the media soon emerge as irritants to Detective Rossi and modest hurdles in his investigations. The story quickly spirals out from such parochial matters to take us on an exhilarating tour of a whole host of interlinked organisations and criminal ‘worlds’ with Rossi, and the manhunt that then materialises, becoming a pivotal point for a wide range of unscrupulous people’s nefarious livelihoods.
I found the novel to be an excellent exciting read. If you are interested in modern day politics and conspiracy theories then it is definitely for you. Rossi and his allies become heavily embroiled in the criminal underworld and, maybe more spine-tingling for me, the criminal ‘overworld’. Two sides of the same coin. I honestly felt like I needed to check over my shoulder every now and then while reading it.
The worlds of politics, secret service, mafia, people trafficking, the dark web and the Vatican are all explored in the course of the investigation. I found this fascinating and as I think I’ve already suggested, it added to the suspense. I don’t think cerebral and thrilling are mutually exclusive, certainly not in this book. I felt it was very ‘filmic’ and the author has shown great skill to create some jaw-dropping, edge of your seat even, ‘scenes’.
At times I was reminded of Inspector Morse – I think the characters and their interrelations are as ‘alive’ as Dexter’s. I haven’t read Rankin but as the comparison has been made to this book by the publishers I will seek him out. I think in this modern day, the parochial world of Morse would be inappropriate for such a detective/thriller story. Somehow, the author has managed to zoom out with his camera lens and in his view incorporate a global, dark reality of modern crime.
The book is highly ambitious and I feel it delivers in every aspect.
July 20, 2018
"Great debut thriller"
A debut novel that marks Aidan Conway as one to watch. The writing style was unusual at times, but given the strength of the story line and the confidence with which he draws his characters, it doesn't harm the overall effect.
A debut novel that marks Aidan Conway as one to watch. The writing style was unusual at times, but given the strength of the story line and the confidence with which he draws his characters, it doesn't harm the overall effect.
July 30, 2018
This reads like the early notes of a popular Dan-Brown-style thriller.
At least a quarter should have been shaved off the length: unnecessary details in the prose needed paring back. Yet the clues and conspiracy were either underdeveloped or too convoluted for what turned out to be the underwhelming solution.
(One tiny point of irritation I can't help but remark upon – and which is symptomatic of the confusion of the whole book – was the fevered switching between Maria and Marini, the names of the main female character.) It was a slog to get through.
At least a quarter should have been shaved off the length: unnecessary details in the prose needed paring back. Yet the clues and conspiracy were either underdeveloped or too convoluted for what turned out to be the underwhelming solution.
(One tiny point of irritation I can't help but remark upon – and which is symptomatic of the confusion of the whole book – was the fevered switching between Maria and Marini, the names of the main female character.) It was a slog to get through.
March 25, 2018
A Known Evil takes readers to Rome and drops us straight into the action. A killer is at loose in the Eternal City and detectives Rossi and Cararra are leading the investigation, we shall follow their progress as they hunt for The Carpenter.
With an early murder in the story to catch my attention it was not long before the stakes were raised higher – the killer strikes again and leaves another damaged body for the police to find. A cryptic note left on the bodies (written in English) gives the Italian police something to ponder and it seems the murderer may even be taunting them.
But everything is going to become much more personal for Rossi when his girlfriend is attacked and left in a coma. The couple’s relationship had seemed rocky in the lead-up to the incident and the long hours Rossi was working had been creating issues. However, when his involvement with a victim means Rossi will be sidelined from the investigation the story starts to evolve and move on from “just” a serial killer tale to a much bigger and more commanding drama.
Another murder victim is identified as the daughter of a prominent member of the justice system. The father of the victim mourns her death but Rossi suspects there may be more to the murder than initially meets the eye and he is not convinced the grieving father is sharing all his suspicions with the police. Twists and turns will follow and the investigation will become extremely political and some sinister players will emerge onto the scene.
A Known Evil is very cleverly crafted – starting out on relatively familiar territory and letting the reader enjoy a murder investigation but scaling up the scope of the story as the book unfolds. There are some tension filled moments, car chases through the tight city streets and the story rocks along very nicely (aided by short and snappy chapters which make ‘one more chapter’ so much easier to accept).
Crime fans who enjoy a political wrangle in their stories, conspiracy lovers and anyone that enjoys an engaging and clever drama – here is your next read.
With an early murder in the story to catch my attention it was not long before the stakes were raised higher – the killer strikes again and leaves another damaged body for the police to find. A cryptic note left on the bodies (written in English) gives the Italian police something to ponder and it seems the murderer may even be taunting them.
But everything is going to become much more personal for Rossi when his girlfriend is attacked and left in a coma. The couple’s relationship had seemed rocky in the lead-up to the incident and the long hours Rossi was working had been creating issues. However, when his involvement with a victim means Rossi will be sidelined from the investigation the story starts to evolve and move on from “just” a serial killer tale to a much bigger and more commanding drama.
Another murder victim is identified as the daughter of a prominent member of the justice system. The father of the victim mourns her death but Rossi suspects there may be more to the murder than initially meets the eye and he is not convinced the grieving father is sharing all his suspicions with the police. Twists and turns will follow and the investigation will become extremely political and some sinister players will emerge onto the scene.
A Known Evil is very cleverly crafted – starting out on relatively familiar territory and letting the reader enjoy a murder investigation but scaling up the scope of the story as the book unfolds. There are some tension filled moments, car chases through the tight city streets and the story rocks along very nicely (aided by short and snappy chapters which make ‘one more chapter’ so much easier to accept).
Crime fans who enjoy a political wrangle in their stories, conspiracy lovers and anyone that enjoys an engaging and clever drama – here is your next read.
February 23, 2018
I confess that I didn’t like the writing style here. I found it rather stilted and the use of old-fashioned clichés was maddening. In fact, I first checked to see if it was a translation. It wasn’t. I then checked to see if the author was merely very old. He doesn’t seem to be.
But, while I didn’t love the style, I did like the story. Part of this is personal. I’ve studied Italian in both Sicily and Rome. The author clearly knows both places – it’s authentic and the author shows both the glory and the not so far under the surface seediness in both places. Conway takes you away from tourist haunts into the Italian underworld. It’s dark, compelling, and fascinating.
I did like our characters, though two supporting characters were my favorites: our main character’s partner and a certain reporter.
Finally, the author gives us a look at the immigration issues that plague Italy – it’s a sympathetic view, but an honest one.
I’m not yet sure if I’m on board for the next book in the series. Even at the end of the book, I never warmed to the author’s style. I guess we’ll see.
*ARC Provided via Net Galley
But, while I didn’t love the style, I did like the story. Part of this is personal. I’ve studied Italian in both Sicily and Rome. The author clearly knows both places – it’s authentic and the author shows both the glory and the not so far under the surface seediness in both places. Conway takes you away from tourist haunts into the Italian underworld. It’s dark, compelling, and fascinating.
I did like our characters, though two supporting characters were my favorites: our main character’s partner and a certain reporter.
Finally, the author gives us a look at the immigration issues that plague Italy – it’s a sympathetic view, but an honest one.
I’m not yet sure if I’m on board for the next book in the series. Even at the end of the book, I never warmed to the author’s style. I guess we’ll see.
*ARC Provided via Net Galley
March 2, 2018
https://donnasbookblog.wordpress.com/...
I do love reading a book that is set somewhere I have visited as it brings the story to life even more special for me, so when I saw that this new book was based on a serial killer stalking the streets of Rome I was immediately intrigued - I love Rome and I will admit that I am also quite fond of the odd serial killer in my books too!
The serial killer in this one is called The Carpenter and Maverick Detective Inspectors Rossi and Carrara are given the job to track The Carpenter down. I enjoyed the plot and I thought that characters of Rossi and Carrara worked well together. The writing style is quite traditional and that worked well for me with the storyline.
I did smile that the books is dealing with an unusual cold spell and the threat of snow in Rome... exactly what they have there at the moment!! Four stars for this one from me, a really good debut and looking forward to reading more from this author!
I do love reading a book that is set somewhere I have visited as it brings the story to life even more special for me, so when I saw that this new book was based on a serial killer stalking the streets of Rome I was immediately intrigued - I love Rome and I will admit that I am also quite fond of the odd serial killer in my books too!
The serial killer in this one is called The Carpenter and Maverick Detective Inspectors Rossi and Carrara are given the job to track The Carpenter down. I enjoyed the plot and I thought that characters of Rossi and Carrara worked well together. The writing style is quite traditional and that worked well for me with the storyline.
I did smile that the books is dealing with an unusual cold spell and the threat of snow in Rome... exactly what they have there at the moment!! Four stars for this one from me, a really good debut and looking forward to reading more from this author!
March 1, 2018
“A serial killer stalks the streets of Rome…
A gripping debut crime novel and the first in a groundbreaking series, from a new star in British crime fiction.”
The Carpenter bludgeons a woman to death and Detective Inspectors Rossi and Carrara are given the job to track him down. More murders are committed and Rossi’s partner Yana is also seriously injured.
There is quite a lot of political dealings in the book and I did find myself switching off a bit during some of these parts.
On the whole this is a good thriller and I liked the relationship between Rossi and Carrara.
Thanks to Killer Reads and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book.
A gripping debut crime novel and the first in a groundbreaking series, from a new star in British crime fiction.”
The Carpenter bludgeons a woman to death and Detective Inspectors Rossi and Carrara are given the job to track him down. More murders are committed and Rossi’s partner Yana is also seriously injured.
There is quite a lot of political dealings in the book and I did find myself switching off a bit during some of these parts.
On the whole this is a good thriller and I liked the relationship between Rossi and Carrara.
Thanks to Killer Reads and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book.
March 31, 2018
This book made me really confused with the changes in character without warning and having been introduced to far too many minor characters. Not a fan of the style of writing this was done in either however overall it was a good story line and the questions you have do get answered.
February 4, 2018
4 stars
This is a debut novel set in the city of Rome. Rome has been beset with a cold spell that is very unusual. They even are getting snow.
Detective Inspector Michael “Mick” Rossi and his partner Detective Inspector Luigi “Gigi” Carrara of the Questura respond to the call of a woman bludgeoned to death in the street. It is the second such killing recently. Nailed to her sternum is a cryptic note.
Having little to go on, Rossi and Carrara are flummoxed. Do they have to wait for the next murder?
The killer, of course, does murder again. One of his victims is Rossi’s girlfriend, Yana. Fortunately, or not in her case, she is left in a coma. Yana is a Russian immigrant who is trying hard to fit into the anti-immigrant Italian society. The “outsiders” are blamed for everything, from shoplifting to murder. The citizens of Rome feel that it must be one of these people who is doing the killings.
Following the scant clues, the police made some headway. They have a suspect in mind and set out to trap him. With the aid of another police officer, Maria Marini, they hope to bring their suspected killer to justice.
In a surprising standoff, Rossi learns what is behind the madman’s killing spree. In an even bigger surprise twist, all is revealed. It is an exciting conclusion to the story.
In this book, Aidan Conway gives a criticism of the Italian police bureaucracy. The layers and layers of officials who know little of what the police actually do and seem to be in place to satisfy some unknown others. There are bribes and outright extortion going on at all levels of government, especially in the mayor’s office – at the mayor’s behest. The infrastructure of the city is a cesspit.
This is an interestingly written thriller. It is well plotted, however. The sentences are short and not altogether grammatical. No worries, they work for this author. The book is written linearly, that is to say, it reads in a straight line. Following the police investigation, the reader gets to know Inspectors Rossi, and to a lesser degree, Carrara. The reader also gets to know the city of Rome very well. From the narrow cobblestone streets to the old historic buildings, this book is a tour of the grand old place. The intricate politics of Rome and Italy are also touched upon. This is a very good debut novel by Aidan Conway. I do believe I’ll read more of his work as they are published.
I want to thank NetGalley and Harper Impulse & Killer Reads/Killer Reads for forwarding to me a copy of this good book to read and enjoy.
This is a debut novel set in the city of Rome. Rome has been beset with a cold spell that is very unusual. They even are getting snow.
Detective Inspector Michael “Mick” Rossi and his partner Detective Inspector Luigi “Gigi” Carrara of the Questura respond to the call of a woman bludgeoned to death in the street. It is the second such killing recently. Nailed to her sternum is a cryptic note.
Having little to go on, Rossi and Carrara are flummoxed. Do they have to wait for the next murder?
The killer, of course, does murder again. One of his victims is Rossi’s girlfriend, Yana. Fortunately, or not in her case, she is left in a coma. Yana is a Russian immigrant who is trying hard to fit into the anti-immigrant Italian society. The “outsiders” are blamed for everything, from shoplifting to murder. The citizens of Rome feel that it must be one of these people who is doing the killings.
Following the scant clues, the police made some headway. They have a suspect in mind and set out to trap him. With the aid of another police officer, Maria Marini, they hope to bring their suspected killer to justice.
In a surprising standoff, Rossi learns what is behind the madman’s killing spree. In an even bigger surprise twist, all is revealed. It is an exciting conclusion to the story.
In this book, Aidan Conway gives a criticism of the Italian police bureaucracy. The layers and layers of officials who know little of what the police actually do and seem to be in place to satisfy some unknown others. There are bribes and outright extortion going on at all levels of government, especially in the mayor’s office – at the mayor’s behest. The infrastructure of the city is a cesspit.
This is an interestingly written thriller. It is well plotted, however. The sentences are short and not altogether grammatical. No worries, they work for this author. The book is written linearly, that is to say, it reads in a straight line. Following the police investigation, the reader gets to know Inspectors Rossi, and to a lesser degree, Carrara. The reader also gets to know the city of Rome very well. From the narrow cobblestone streets to the old historic buildings, this book is a tour of the grand old place. The intricate politics of Rome and Italy are also touched upon. This is a very good debut novel by Aidan Conway. I do believe I’ll read more of his work as they are published.
I want to thank NetGalley and Harper Impulse & Killer Reads/Killer Reads for forwarding to me a copy of this good book to read and enjoy.
February 20, 2018
First, a big thank you to Netgalley, Killer Reads and Harper Impulse for allowing me a chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
I wish I could say I loved this book and I feel bad giving it two stars, but I just did not enjoy this. Based on the description, I thought I was heading into a thrilling and dark chase of a creepy serial killer loose on the streets of Rome. Instead, I felt like I was slowly plodding along a tale of political intrigue and police procedurals, one that was not all that fascinating or interesting.
The story was slow. And I really struggled to even want to finish the book. I was completely detached from all the characters and really struggled with who was who, even at the halfway point. Perhaps it's because my expectations of the book was not met, had I known this really wasn't a gritty serial killer book to begin with, I may have come from a different perspective.
I wish I could say I loved this book and I feel bad giving it two stars, but I just did not enjoy this. Based on the description, I thought I was heading into a thrilling and dark chase of a creepy serial killer loose on the streets of Rome. Instead, I felt like I was slowly plodding along a tale of political intrigue and police procedurals, one that was not all that fascinating or interesting.
The story was slow. And I really struggled to even want to finish the book. I was completely detached from all the characters and really struggled with who was who, even at the halfway point. Perhaps it's because my expectations of the book was not met, had I known this really wasn't a gritty serial killer book to begin with, I may have come from a different perspective.
Read
February 4, 2018struggling to read this one.
disappointed with myself as this promises to be really good. hope to come back to it once my head is a little clearer.
disappointed with myself as this promises to be really good. hope to come back to it once my head is a little clearer.
April 4, 2018
I read the synopsis for ‘A Known Evil’ and I was immediately intrigued. For starters the book seemed to be just my sort of read and for seconds I like ‘visiting’ new countries via the books I read. I have never read any books set in Italy before but I certainly have now. It was certainly an interesting and addictive read. I really enjoyed it but more about that in a bit.
I must admit to liking both Detective Inspectors Rossi and Carrara. I think that it’s probably because they are maverick detectives and I like a bit of a rebel. Rossi is certainly rather rare in the police world in that prior to joining the force, he studied to join the priesthood. Rossi is a quiet man, who is interested in the world of philosophy and poetry and uses them as a coping mechanism to help him deal with the horrors that he has to face on a daily basis. When Rossi is assigned to a case, he investigates to the best of his ability. Rossi is also very intelligent and makes connections that other people might have missed. I would love to have his sort of mind. Rossi is moved from investigating ‘The Carpenter’ case but because he is so determined to get to the absolute heart of what is happening and why, him and Carrera investigate the matter secretly. The case becomes personal for Rossi when his girlfriend is attacked and left in a coma. This strengthens Rossi’s determination to solve the case, even though numerous obstacles are put in his way. Will Rossi solve the case? Will the murderer be apprehended before he or she claims any further victims? Will Rossi’s girlfriend survive? Well for the answers to that and more you are just going to have to read the book for yourselves to find out as I am not going to tell you.
‘A Known Evil’ is really well researched and written. The attention to detail is first rate. I didn’t realise the intricacies of the Italian legal system or the way things work over in Italy but after reading this book, I now have a fair idea. I loved the fact that some of the Italian language made an appearance in the book. Although I have never studied Italian (this book geek studied French & Spanish), even I was able to get the gist of it. The descriptions of Italy were so vivid that if I closed my eyes, I really could imagine that I was in Italy with all the relevant sights, sounds and smells. Rome was so well described that I feel as though I could find my way round even though I have never been before. The author’s writing style is such that I was gripped by the book by the time I had reached the bottom of the page and I was interested to see where the story went next. As I was so eager to find out who was the murderer, I just had to keep reading on and on and on. There were occasions where I smugly, and as it turned out wrongly, thought that I had fathomed out who was doing what and why, only to be proved wrong and sent down another path entirely. There were definitely several twists, turns and the odd moment where you just want to shut your eyes as you fear what is going to happen next.
In short, I really did enjoy reading ‘A Known Evil’ and I would certainly recommend it to other readers. I can’t wait to read what comes next from Aidan Conway and I know that there isn’t too much longer to wait because the second book in the series ‘A Cold Flame’ is due for release on 20th July 2018. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a well deserved 4* out of 5*.
I must admit to liking both Detective Inspectors Rossi and Carrara. I think that it’s probably because they are maverick detectives and I like a bit of a rebel. Rossi is certainly rather rare in the police world in that prior to joining the force, he studied to join the priesthood. Rossi is a quiet man, who is interested in the world of philosophy and poetry and uses them as a coping mechanism to help him deal with the horrors that he has to face on a daily basis. When Rossi is assigned to a case, he investigates to the best of his ability. Rossi is also very intelligent and makes connections that other people might have missed. I would love to have his sort of mind. Rossi is moved from investigating ‘The Carpenter’ case but because he is so determined to get to the absolute heart of what is happening and why, him and Carrera investigate the matter secretly. The case becomes personal for Rossi when his girlfriend is attacked and left in a coma. This strengthens Rossi’s determination to solve the case, even though numerous obstacles are put in his way. Will Rossi solve the case? Will the murderer be apprehended before he or she claims any further victims? Will Rossi’s girlfriend survive? Well for the answers to that and more you are just going to have to read the book for yourselves to find out as I am not going to tell you.
‘A Known Evil’ is really well researched and written. The attention to detail is first rate. I didn’t realise the intricacies of the Italian legal system or the way things work over in Italy but after reading this book, I now have a fair idea. I loved the fact that some of the Italian language made an appearance in the book. Although I have never studied Italian (this book geek studied French & Spanish), even I was able to get the gist of it. The descriptions of Italy were so vivid that if I closed my eyes, I really could imagine that I was in Italy with all the relevant sights, sounds and smells. Rome was so well described that I feel as though I could find my way round even though I have never been before. The author’s writing style is such that I was gripped by the book by the time I had reached the bottom of the page and I was interested to see where the story went next. As I was so eager to find out who was the murderer, I just had to keep reading on and on and on. There were occasions where I smugly, and as it turned out wrongly, thought that I had fathomed out who was doing what and why, only to be proved wrong and sent down another path entirely. There were definitely several twists, turns and the odd moment where you just want to shut your eyes as you fear what is going to happen next.
In short, I really did enjoy reading ‘A Known Evil’ and I would certainly recommend it to other readers. I can’t wait to read what comes next from Aidan Conway and I know that there isn’t too much longer to wait because the second book in the series ‘A Cold Flame’ is due for release on 20th July 2018. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a well deserved 4* out of 5*.
February 26, 2018
'A Known Evil', is an informative, well- researched international thriller. It details a serial killer's exploits in a well-paced plot, set against a background of Italian politics and bureaucratic corruption, involving the church, police, judiciary and state.
If you are expecting graphic, serial killing detail, and knife-edge suspense, you may be disappointed. This story concentrates on how the corruption in all aspects of Italian life has facilitated the serial killer. Hampering the police investigation and furthering his and the corrupt officials' sinister agenda.
Michael Rossi is the senior investigating officer; he is well-educated, a philosopher and a theologer, he sees his police officer role as a vocation. An enlighted individual who looks at the bigger picture, which helps him to be an excellent detective. His success allows him a certain latitude with his bosses, but they still frustrate his progress if he threatens their much-prized status quo. There are shades of 'Morse' and 'Hathaway' in this character with the Italian influence of 'Zen', and he is both likeable and interesting, worthy of more than one book.
I read this story in a day, intricately constructed with multiple settings and subplots that demand concentration to see how they relate to the overall story. The short chapters allow action and detail to be delivered in manageable bites, keeping the story's momentum and suspense levels high.
There are plot twists and misinformation that keep you guessing. The reader glimpses aspects of the main characters' past lives, perhaps the springboard for further stories in the series? The atmospheric, edgy ending answers all the questions posed throughout.
'A Known Evil, ' explores in vivid detail the political intrigue, sinister organised crime and apparently random assassinations in a chaotic city drowning in corruption.
I received a copy of this book from Harper Collins UK - Killer Reads in return for an honest review.
If you are expecting graphic, serial killing detail, and knife-edge suspense, you may be disappointed. This story concentrates on how the corruption in all aspects of Italian life has facilitated the serial killer. Hampering the police investigation and furthering his and the corrupt officials' sinister agenda.
Michael Rossi is the senior investigating officer; he is well-educated, a philosopher and a theologer, he sees his police officer role as a vocation. An enlighted individual who looks at the bigger picture, which helps him to be an excellent detective. His success allows him a certain latitude with his bosses, but they still frustrate his progress if he threatens their much-prized status quo. There are shades of 'Morse' and 'Hathaway' in this character with the Italian influence of 'Zen', and he is both likeable and interesting, worthy of more than one book.
I read this story in a day, intricately constructed with multiple settings and subplots that demand concentration to see how they relate to the overall story. The short chapters allow action and detail to be delivered in manageable bites, keeping the story's momentum and suspense levels high.
There are plot twists and misinformation that keep you guessing. The reader glimpses aspects of the main characters' past lives, perhaps the springboard for further stories in the series? The atmospheric, edgy ending answers all the questions posed throughout.
'A Known Evil, ' explores in vivid detail the political intrigue, sinister organised crime and apparently random assassinations in a chaotic city drowning in corruption.
I received a copy of this book from Harper Collins UK - Killer Reads in return for an honest review.
July 30, 2023
Alright, folks, gather 'round for a murder mystery tale that'll have you on the edge of your seat! Detective Inspectors Michael Rossi and Luigi Carrera are on the case of a lifetime as they hunt down a twisted serial killer terrorizing the streets of Rome. This guy's got a thing for brutal murders and creepy notes - talk about a DIY enthusiast!
They call him The Carpenter, and let me tell you, this killer knows how to leave the entire city trembling in fear. The stakes are high, and the pressure is on as Rossi and Carrera race against the clock to catch this psycho before he strikes again. But here's the twist - the killer becomes fixated on Detective Rossi himself. Talk about a fanboy gone wrong!
Now, let me tell you, I'm all about discovering a new series and a fresh author. "A Known Evil" is the first book in the Detective Michael Rossi series, and it's Aidan Conway's debut novel - quite the entrance, I must say!
Rome makes for a fantastic setting, and trust me, I've never read a murder suspense/thriller story in the heart of the Eternal City before - totally loved it!
The dynamic duo of Rossi and Carrera are a blast to follow. They're ready to bend some rules to crack the case, and you can't help but root for their quirky camaraderie. The killer is wickedly cunning and keeps you guessing till the end. The suspense builds at just the right pace, and the plot had me hooked from start to finish.
So, while this was a solid read with intriguing characters and a killer plot (literally), I felt like something was missing, you know? Maybe it's the Rome vibes that got me wanting more, but still, it's a decent three-star ride that keeps you turning those pages till the final reveal. Happy reading, my fellow crime sleuths!
They call him The Carpenter, and let me tell you, this killer knows how to leave the entire city trembling in fear. The stakes are high, and the pressure is on as Rossi and Carrera race against the clock to catch this psycho before he strikes again. But here's the twist - the killer becomes fixated on Detective Rossi himself. Talk about a fanboy gone wrong!
Now, let me tell you, I'm all about discovering a new series and a fresh author. "A Known Evil" is the first book in the Detective Michael Rossi series, and it's Aidan Conway's debut novel - quite the entrance, I must say!
Rome makes for a fantastic setting, and trust me, I've never read a murder suspense/thriller story in the heart of the Eternal City before - totally loved it!
The dynamic duo of Rossi and Carrera are a blast to follow. They're ready to bend some rules to crack the case, and you can't help but root for their quirky camaraderie. The killer is wickedly cunning and keeps you guessing till the end. The suspense builds at just the right pace, and the plot had me hooked from start to finish.
So, while this was a solid read with intriguing characters and a killer plot (literally), I felt like something was missing, you know? Maybe it's the Rome vibes that got me wanting more, but still, it's a decent three-star ride that keeps you turning those pages till the final reveal. Happy reading, my fellow crime sleuths!
April 15, 2018
Plenty to get your teeth into in this cleverly penned novel. The story revolves around the appealing character of the intellectual, yet down to earth detective Michael Rossi. Despite the obstacles, he doggedly unravels the threads connecting a series of murders to expose a seedy underworld of corruption and political intrigue just hidden below the surface of a vividly depicted Rome. Looking forward to the next in the series, curious to see how the characters develop and getting into the author's distinctive style.
August 23, 2018
Good
Good debut novel, full of twists. I thought it would be a standard serial killer job but it was more, involving corruption, secret service and all that. It lacked something in the characterization but I can't put my finger on just what made me give four stars rather than five.
Good debut novel, full of twists. I thought it would be a standard serial killer job but it was more, involving corruption, secret service and all that. It lacked something in the characterization but I can't put my finger on just what made me give four stars rather than five.
September 18, 2018
A great debut
Fast paced with enough twists and turns to keep anyone hooked. What a great story shrouded in the murky world of political greed.
Fast paced with enough twists and turns to keep anyone hooked. What a great story shrouded in the murky world of political greed.
April 1, 2018
From the off, I found myself slowly but surely being drawn into this thriller. This is, I believe, the first book I have read set in Italy and as is always the case with a new culture of experience, it took me a time to understand the politics and structure of the police force and the way in which is it informed and influenced by both good and bad - the Church and the Mafia. I'll let you decide for yourselves which of those is which. Thankfully the writing was so clear and the situation so well explained that it all slotted into place nicely and with that out of the way, I found myself settling into a thrilling, often tense and occasionally dark read.
Our protagonists, Michael Rossi and Luigi Carrara, find themselves faced with the investigation into the murders of several seemingly unconnected women. Not only is there no link between them, other than their untimely deaths, but there is no similarity in their backgrounds. The only reason the police have to believe the deaths may be linked is the violent nature of the attacks and the fact that a cryptic clue is left at a couple of the scenes suggesting the killer, or killers, may have an agenda. The manner of death is increasingly violent, the locations obscure, the impact upon the community of Rome clear. As the case becomes more personal, Rossi is sidelined and decides to investigate for himself. It is a case which touches the heart of Italian culture, one which will intrigue and beguile the reader while still managing to provide enough shocks and surprises to enthrall fans of the genre.
Rossi is quite a complex character but one I like none the less. He is in a relationship with a woman he clearly cares for, and yet reluctant to take the ultimate step in committment to her. He is dedicated to his job, a methodical but tenacious Detective, perhaps somewhat jaded by the nature of the system in which he works, but there is something about him which I found intriguing and likeable. His partner, Carrara, is almost an exact opposite. Just as savvy to the ways of the police and the powers that be, he is a dedicated family man, yet every bit as dedicated to his job as Rossi. They make a great team.
The pacing of this book is slower than most thrillers, a lot of detail provided to readers within the narrative. It is largely needed, if only to set the scene adequately as otherwise it might be hard to understand the forces that are in play to determine the direction of any investigation and the level of potential corruption rife in the Italian political system. I am sure that most readers might think they know having seen the exploits of former politicians dissected in the media, but, while fictionalised, the retelling of this in A Known Evil, add clears context. While the pacing is not breakneck, there are still elements which will have you on the edge of your seat, and perhaps because rather than in spite of this, the tension is palpable and the sense of menace is always there, particularly in the scenes set in Sicily. The violence is kept off the page, but there is no doubting what has happened or the ferocity of the attacks, clearly explained without being too graphic. It's a near perfect mix.
I really enjoyed this opener to the Rossi and Carrara series and I can't wait to read more by the author. I'm not sure it works so well for the Italian tourist board, this is after all a book with a dark heart, but then us crime aficionados don't read the books for the bright and fluffy stuff now do we?
Our protagonists, Michael Rossi and Luigi Carrara, find themselves faced with the investigation into the murders of several seemingly unconnected women. Not only is there no link between them, other than their untimely deaths, but there is no similarity in their backgrounds. The only reason the police have to believe the deaths may be linked is the violent nature of the attacks and the fact that a cryptic clue is left at a couple of the scenes suggesting the killer, or killers, may have an agenda. The manner of death is increasingly violent, the locations obscure, the impact upon the community of Rome clear. As the case becomes more personal, Rossi is sidelined and decides to investigate for himself. It is a case which touches the heart of Italian culture, one which will intrigue and beguile the reader while still managing to provide enough shocks and surprises to enthrall fans of the genre.
Rossi is quite a complex character but one I like none the less. He is in a relationship with a woman he clearly cares for, and yet reluctant to take the ultimate step in committment to her. He is dedicated to his job, a methodical but tenacious Detective, perhaps somewhat jaded by the nature of the system in which he works, but there is something about him which I found intriguing and likeable. His partner, Carrara, is almost an exact opposite. Just as savvy to the ways of the police and the powers that be, he is a dedicated family man, yet every bit as dedicated to his job as Rossi. They make a great team.
The pacing of this book is slower than most thrillers, a lot of detail provided to readers within the narrative. It is largely needed, if only to set the scene adequately as otherwise it might be hard to understand the forces that are in play to determine the direction of any investigation and the level of potential corruption rife in the Italian political system. I am sure that most readers might think they know having seen the exploits of former politicians dissected in the media, but, while fictionalised, the retelling of this in A Known Evil, add clears context. While the pacing is not breakneck, there are still elements which will have you on the edge of your seat, and perhaps because rather than in spite of this, the tension is palpable and the sense of menace is always there, particularly in the scenes set in Sicily. The violence is kept off the page, but there is no doubting what has happened or the ferocity of the attacks, clearly explained without being too graphic. It's a near perfect mix.
I really enjoyed this opener to the Rossi and Carrara series and I can't wait to read more by the author. I'm not sure it works so well for the Italian tourist board, this is after all a book with a dark heart, but then us crime aficionados don't read the books for the bright and fluffy stuff now do we?
June 16, 2018
I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a good thiller and police procedural.
Thank you to NetGalley, Killer Reads, and Mr. Conway for an advanced copy for review.
My full review can be found here: https://paulspicks.blog/2018/03/05/a-...
All my reviews are on my site, Please check it out: https://paulspicks.blog
Thank you to NetGalley, Killer Reads, and Mr. Conway for an advanced copy for review.
My full review can be found here: https://paulspicks.blog/2018/03/05/a-...
All my reviews are on my site, Please check it out: https://paulspicks.blog
Read
March 9, 2018DNF this one. Not sure why !Think I'll have to return to it at later date
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