Earlier in the spring I received a notice that the new book by David Hewson, author of intriguing mysteries set in Rome, had a new book coming out. I pre ordered and then promptly forgot about it. A few weeks ago a box arrived (thank you postal strike) and inside was a ticket to Rome in the form of Herson's masterful The Fallen Angel.
No doubt some readers might think 'a mystery set in Italy' - how cliché. Perhaps it has become as clichéd as those set in British pubs, or New England wool shops, but what a wonderful cliché indeed. Some might be tempted to just leave things set in the wonder of modern Italy with the odd intersection with its brilliant (and sordid) past. Hewson makes the country and its history another character in the action so involved that Rome and the past becomes integral to the very tale. Hewson builds an elaborate plot, extending deep into ancient history but with intriguing and realistic connections to modern situations.
All of Hewson's beloved characters are present - Nic Costa - on leave at the start of the book but pulled back into service when he discovers the body of British ex-pat Malise Gabriel. As always his battle-scarred partner Gianni Peroni is along for the adventure - it is interesting to see his new-life with coroner Teresa Lupo explored a bit more in this book. Leo Falcone, Costa and Peroni's commander, is as prickly as always but he seems to be questioning his quest for justice and himself more than he has in the past. Finally, in this outting Lupo's assistant, Silvio di Capua, a peripheral character in past books comes out of the shadows and reveals previously hinted at but unseen depths of character.
The story interweaves the sins of the past with the brutal and evil crimes of the present. Having discovered the body of Gabriel close to the home where legendary Beatrice Cenci lived and died, Costa rapidly comes to realize that there is much more to the accident than he had first thought. It also becomes apparent that Malise's family mysterious and tragic daughter Mina, stoic wife Cecilia and troubled son Robert may be keeping vital information hidden. Nic becomes obsessed with the case, and is especially intrigued by Mina's story which seems to be inextricably linked with the sixteenth century-legend Cenci. As the investigation deepens, Rome's dark and seedy side is uncovered, revealing a web of deceit, treachery and corruption.
Costa and his colleagues are plagued with doubt, not only by the historical comparisons, by the failure of the family to cooperate or behave in a manner that one would expect in a situation such as this, but also by some elements at the scene that don't entirely add up. They are right to be suspicious and doubtful - but for all the wrong reasons. With the finely crafted plot bombshells and diversions are dropped regularly up until the final few pages revealing a socking twist and leaving one to wonder 'now what'.
Many have stated that this is Hewson's finest book to date. I agree. Now to wait a looong year for the next one to be published.
For other longtime Costa fans, you'll be happy to know that Hewson's Costa mysteries are being made into an English-language series!
Oh good! I need another author to read! Grazie!
Posted by: Palma | August 08, 2011 at 10:30 PM
Great to hear, Jerry -- I'm a big fan of Hewson and the Nic Costa series.
Posted by: Sandrac | August 09, 2011 at 11:04 AM
Palma - they are great books! Enjoy
I can't wait to see the series when it comes out Sandra. I'd be interested to know who is playing the leads.
Posted by: JDeQ | August 13, 2011 at 06:55 AM