Bellissimo e imperdibile. ( )

Set in Naples, Italy just before World War II, as fascism is beginning to take hold, Commissario Ricciardi and his faithful subordinate Brigadier Maione, are instructed to investigate the murder of beautiful Adriana, Duchess di Camparino. The Duchess was the elderly duke’s nurse before his first wife died. When they married, the general assumption was that the duchess was a gold digger. There are plenty of suspects, especially Ettore, the bedridden and dying duke's son, who cannot hide his hatred of Adriana.

Meanwhile, the blinding summer heat puts both our investigators in a bad mood. Overweight Brigadier Maione, has put himself on a severe diet. His wife has been flirting with a local fruit vendor and Maione has the idea that the thinner man might be trying to take her away. Commissario Ricciardi, a compulsively private man, is haunted by his the ability to see and hear the dead repeating their final moments. The only joy he has has in his life has been looking out his bedroom window to the sitting room of Enrica Colombo, a young woman who spends each evening working on her embroidery. Even though they met only once, they both are attracted to one another. At the same time Enrica’s mother sets up a surprise dinner with a suitable young man, Enrica sees Ricciardi with the beautiful elegant Livia, the widow of opera singer Arnaldo Vezzi, who was murdered in an earlier book. They both become heartbroken and this misunderstanding is a major part of the story.

I absolutely love this series but admit it definitely is not for everyone. Ricciardi is an especially sensitive character, who could have become a caricature, but instead shows us a wistful humanity. This is a beautifully written crime story with a cast of memorable characters. This is the third book in the series and the author continues to bring together a a rich and compelling mix of class struggle, love and loneliness. I can't wait to read book four, The Day of the Dead: The Autumn of Commissario Ricciardi. ( )

This is the third book of a great mystery series from Naples in the early 30s. I love its protagonists as Commissario Ricciardi who is a clever introvert thinker and his work colleague Brigadiere Maione who is on diet. Both men are able to work hand in hand without needing much words. They have to solve the murder of a Duchess who does not have the best reputation in society. They soon are faced with too many culprits but neither fits to 100%. Therefore, they must apply various methods of investigation also unusual ones. Commissario Ricciardi faces a completely other problem to solve, too. He is fallen in love with his neighbour's daughter but it takes a long time until he sees it.
The reading was enthralling and amusing. It's wonderful to go back in a time where investigations take their time due to have neither modern means of communication and means of transport. ( )

Recensione su : http://wp.me/p3X6aw-2B ( )