This review is based on the FirstReads copy I received and devoured less than a week after finding out I'd won a copy. Based on a chilling true crime and the author's extensive research, this book in the Marshal Guarnaccia series was the only detective novel by Magdalen Nabb not previously published in the United States. The case is truly horrific and involved (possibly) a serial killer known only as The Monster whose trail of victims spanned a 20+ year period. The fictionalized account of this cold case mirrors the actual events quite closely, deftly blending the line between fact and fiction. Marshal Guarnaccia is assigned to a task force that has been charged with reopening the case and identifying and catching the killer. However, he is dumbfounded as to why he has been chosen -- "why me??" is asked early and often -- but his boss, who clearly wants to say more, is reluctant to reveal the reason (which does eventually emerge). Shortly before being assigned to this task force, the Marshal is contacted by a young man he befriended on a previous case who has come into an inheritance from his father, a well-known art historian and critic. Questions arise about one of the paintings he has inherited, which is where the Marshal comes in. The case, which involves a creepy, reclusive local artist, takes a backseat to the cold case but is eventually resolved. The cold case quickly consumes Marshal Guarnaccia, haunting him in his dreams. When a Suspect (who is, quite frankly, despicable) is arrested, the Marshal cannot help but feel that something is not quite right and continues to pursue the investigation while trying to remain under the radar. Has the overly ambitious prosecutor made a mistake or is he trying to make a name for himself? Nabb pulls the reader in to this haunting tale and makes you feel like you are as consumed by the case as the Marshal. Several chapters are written as excerpts from the original case files, which adds another layer of reality to the story. Through her research and the voice of Marshal Guarnaccia, Nabb identifies which of the original suspects she believes is The Monster of Florence. This rediscovered masterpiece is sure to be a hit with readers already familiar with Nabb's work, as well as introduce new readers to a phenomenal author. Thanks to Goodreads' FirstReads for providing an early peek of this outstanding crime novel!
I wasn't sure what to expect when I began this book. I love procedural books and true crime, so I thought this might be of great interest to me. Cold cases are almost always interesting as the characters have a chance to uncover lost leads and build a great story. This book was not as procedural as I would have expected. This book had some likable qualities. Guarnaccia is a quirky, strange character at times, but a main character that can keep you interested. I liked the way the author displayed his thought processes and his personality. One thing that threw me off a little in this story was the amount of suspects there were. I never really felt that I could connect well because just when I had an idea of whodunnit, there was another person trampling their way into the suspect pool. I do understand that in serial killer cases there often is a wide suspect list, but for this book, I just found it difficult to follow. I thought it interesting, not necessarily good or bad but just interesting that the main character's dreams were so involved in the story. I almost wondered if he were going the psychic route for a while. I did love the descriptions of Florence. Magdalen Nabb really made the setting an easy one to admire. There is some pretty graphic material involved in this novel, so if that bothers you then you should be forewarned that it may not be for you. Overall, this was different. It wasn't what I had expected and often those are the books that I remember later. This review is based on a paper copy that I received as a first reads winner from Goodreads and the publisher.
What do You think about The Monster Of Florence (2013)?
Source: Free copy from Soho Crime for the purpose of review.Summary:Serial murders committed from the late 60s through the mid 80s has left the Florence, Italy police force unable to solve. Marshal Guarnaccia is asked by his Captain to take over the case. The time period for this story is 1990, it's been five years since a murder was committed. Guarnaccia is at first shocked he's been asked to solve the case, he does not feel adequate for this type of detective work. His Captain explains, "You won't be required to work any miracles, you can set your mind to rest about that." Yet, "the Prosecutor General" is under stress because the "Monster" of Florence has not been apprehended. Thoughts:I love Marshal Guarnaccia's character. He is not the fixed mental image of a detective. He comes across as a reserved and unconfidant man. Early in the story his wife encourages him to speak up more, "instead of just standing there staring into space." Through the course of the story his character evolves, he rises to the duties he must perform; plus we see hidden attributes in his personality.I love the setting of Italy. I wish I'd had a bit more description of the city of Florence and or Italy.The descriptions of solving the case, methods used, questions asked, patience required, insight and intuitiveness used, are all apart of the story.The serial murders committed are gruesome, sexually deviant. Descriptions of the crimes made for uncomfortable reading; however, it gave reality to the story.
—Annette
This review is for the audio version, read by David Colacci, which was very well done. That being said, however, I have two issues with the audio version. First, Colacci does an excellent job, but as he is the narrator for Donna Leon's series based in Venice it was not uncommon to for me to be anticipating a Commissario Brunetti response when this was from the Marshal Guarnaccia series. The second issue w/ the audio version is that it was pretty hard to keep all of the characters straight. Because of my disability it is hard for me to physically hold books and this is the only book in the series that my library has in audio. As w/ the Leon series, which I love, the Italian atmosphere is captivating for me, and the protagonist is appealing so I think I will put other books in the series on my possible “to read on Kindle” list. My other response (warning?) is that parts are pretty gruesome. And when you are listening you can’t skim text like you can in a book.
—Zoomball
This is the longest book of the Marshal Guarnaccia series so far. The Marshal’s official duties assign him to an extremely cold case of serial killings (based on actual, documented events), while he becomes unofficially concerned with a possible art forgery. There might be thematic connections between the two cases, but otherwise, the Marshal’s involvement is the only link. Still, it’s fascinating to watch how a detective who is not at all flashy and even considers himself to be deficient in brainpower is able to see through confusing motives (of the investigators as well as of the suspects) to at least a version of the truth. The role of the media in creating perceptions like “the Monster” also comes under scrutiny.
—Candy Wood
