City of Shadows

by John Naudi

Malta, late 19th Century. Valletta, the capital city, is in turmoil. A series of grisly murders leads London Constable, Archibald Whitlock, to travel to Malta and assist with the investigation.

Meanwhile, Don Lorenzo answers the Lord’s call to protect the flock, while troubled woman Rita Formosa, wanders the tangled web of Strada Stretta.

Danger lurks in the dark, constricted lanes of the city and time slowly runs out as each tries to unlock the secret that is haunting Valletta

440 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 4, 2018

About the author

Since the earliest he can remember, John has had a passion for writing. Particularly in English. From the 200-word ‘compositions’ at school, and through various attempts at writing a novel in his early teens, John’s passion grew along with him.

His efforts were not in vain, for in his mid-twenties John published his first book on Amazon, followed by another one, published in the summer of 2015. At present, John is in the process of publishing a historical fiction novel set in the 19th century Valletta.

Born in Malta, John lived in B’kara till he was 10, when he moved with his family to Hamrun. He is now married to Justine, and lives in Pembroke (still Malta!)

Reviews

[Robert Gruppetta · Rating 5 out of 5]

City of shadows takes you on a vivid emotional roller coaster ride which keeps the reader captivated throughout. Characters are introduced brilliantly and by the end of the book, they become somewhat of a friend of your mind. The plot twists are unpredictable which keep the reader on his toes from beginning to end. City of shadows also makes real locations and landmarks throughout the book which help you enter into the mysterious world the author attempts to create. Whilst the plot is not historic in nature, the book almost feels as if the author was there at the time of the events.

Highly Recommended!

[Jo Reason · Rating 3 out of 5]

The streets of Valletta, Malta in the late 19th century are described as dark and dangerous, and every time someone walks around after dark in the novel it gives you the chills.

This book feels a little like Jack the Ripper, as it is historical fiction with a serial killer walking around the streets of Valletta, the capital of Malta.

My favourite parts were the descriptions of the streets. John Naudi, the author, takes you on a tour of the city, and having never been there, it was eye opening. But a map at the beginning of the book would have been useful.

The novel has an interesting storyline written from the point of view of a variety of interesting and different characters, from totally different backgrounds, with Archibald, the police constable, being my favourite, but Lorenzo, the religious man, was also enjoyable, although I didn’t understand the connection between him and the general story. He had a large part in the novel and his religious beliefs were very interesting and along with Rita, the prostitute, who is another important character you get an idea of life in Valletta during the time of the book. With plenty of corruption, murder, mystery and with some nice atmospheric details.

It is nicely paced and as I read the novel there was no way I was going to guess who was committing the murders, it was well hidden until the very end… but I didn’t enjoy the sudden twist, almost at the end, and for this reason I am giving this book 3 stars instead of 4.

The next country we are visiting is Bangladesh, See you in the next country.

[Christian Calleja · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow that was great! I just finished reading City of Shadows. The storyline simply makes you want to know more. A very well composed build up that makes you feel the emotion of the story, with very descriptive writing which makes it easier to picture what the writer wants you to see and feel.

I usually leave a book for light reading, but this kept me going ended up reading it in just a few days.

Really loved the detailed introduction of Maltese characteristics in the key roles, while taking in the reader back in time within streets of Valletta, with all its glory. Well done to the author and looking forward for yet another adventure of this kind. Highly recommended to any one who wants to enjoy a good plot.

[Stefan Farrugia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love reading historical fiction and City of Shadows, set in the World Heritage City of Valletta is one not to be missed. The plot is so interesting and gripping that the reader will immerse oneself in the story and will not let go until it is finished. In fact, I read it in one week and I am now eagerly waiting for more books from the author. Highly recommended!

[Matthew Aquilina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Valletta as you have never seen it before! Really enjoyed reading the book. It depicts the Maltese capital in lovely 19th century atmosphire filled with mystery, surpises, and belives all inclosed in a captivating story line. The ease of the writing and flow of the chapters makes it an enjoyable experience to read. Well done to the author. Will be waiting eagerly for the next one.

[Wencusc · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very gripping, highly enjoyable. Very atmospheric. It really takes you back in time to a wonderfully interesting city. The characters are not uni-dimensional, they are complex and their internal dialogues develop them well. I don't want to give anything away so I will just say that it blew my mind. I agree that a map would be helpful.

[Carrie Austin-Malone · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book even though historical crime novels are not usually my thing. This book had everything, corruption, murder, mystery all set in 19th century Valletta. Mr Naudi’s descriptions of the places and time make you feel as though you are there

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book depicting Malta (mainly the city of Valletta) in the late 19th century. The plot revolves around a few key figures (including the murderer) with a very good in depth view of their internal turmoil, ambitions or superiority complexes in a highly socio-religious environment.
City of Shadows is a well paced serial killer thriller which I'd recommend to any lover of historical fiction

[Jaime]

This book has two elements that attracted me to this particular book, Valletta and Crime Thriller. When I started reading I was expecting the usual kind of inaccuracies regarding Valletta, but the book is very well researched with location names true to the late 19th Century. Without giving away too much, the story is about a serial killer, 3 characters from very different backgrounds are prominent throughout the book. The way you get to know each one is well developed by the author and half way through the book you have your likes and dislikes. If you're planning to visit Malta and Valletta, read this book as it will give you an insight to Valletta in the 19th Century, that no tour can give. Finally it would be great if this became a series with Archibald as the main Character. I hope this author will continue to write historical novels....

[Clive Bonavia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book by John Naudi that I read and I have to say that I was surprised with the quality of the story and how it narrated, keeping the reader wanting to read more to try and establish who was the infamous murderer who was terrorising the City. The book first caught my attention since it is based in Valletta, my native city and hence my want to read this thriller. Since I never loose an occasion to attend an event at "my city" I also attended the book launch and got to know the author and his love for Valletta. I must say that many scenes can be imagined vividly since the description of the streets and places where the story takes place are excellent and in detail. This is a quick read book both because of how the thriller evolves and also because of the author's writing style. Looking forward for John Naudi's new work which might be a continuation of the story .... who knows!!

[Justine Naudi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started reading this novel just because my friends were reading it but I have to admit I couldn’t stop. Each chapter leaves you with great curiosity of what’s going to happen next. All the descriptions are so detailed that I felt indulged into the story, just as if I’m part of it. In fact, after reading this book I visited Valletta and I could clearly imagine all the events that took place in certain roads. A truly brilliant setting and plot.

[Colette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good story line.

[Deborah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Very well written and truly captivating! I enjoyed it even more because I could imagine exactly where the characters were since I am very familiar with Valletta.
Can't wait for the next one! :)