Bestsellers in Italy, the Inspector Bordelli mysteries finally reach us here. Set in Florence in the 1960s, they feature a fascinating cop and disillusioned anti-hero who rails against both injustice and the corrupt system but faces classic murder cases with a familiar Christie-like ring, which his sleuthing unravels one clue and red herring at a time. Will appeal to fans of Golden Age mysteries.

Synopsis

Florence, summer 1963. Inspector Bordelli is one of the few policemen left in the deserted city. He spends his days on routine work, and his nights tormented by the heat and mosquitoes. Suddenly one night, a telephone call gives him a new sense of purpose: the suspected death of a wealthy Signora. Bordelli rushes to her hilltop villa, and picks the locks. The old woman is lying on her bed - apparently killed by an asthma attack, though her medicine has been left untouched. With the help of his young protege, the victim's eccentric brother, and a semi-retired petty thief, the inspector begins a murder investigation. Each suspect has a solid alibi, but there is something that doesn't quite add up ...

Reviews

'Over the course of his police procedurals, Vichi shows us ever more secret and dark sides to an otherwise sunny and open city. But his happiest creation, in my opinion, remains the character of Inspector Bordelli, a disillusioned anti-hero who is difficult to forget.'
Andrea Camilleri

'We like Inspector Bordelli, for that nostalgic 'way we were' atmosphere... an almost Chandlerian policeman" Il Sole 24ore

'A classic mystery ... an investigator, a tormented figure and an Italy which is less cynical but no less evil than today's.'
Il Venerdi di Repubblica

About the Author

Marco Vichi was born in Florence in 1957. The author of eleven novels and two collections of short stories, he has also written screenplays, music lyrics and for radio, and collaborated on projects for humanitarian causes. His novel Death in Florence won the Scerbanenco, Rieti and Camaiore prizes. You can find out more at www.marcovichi.it.   Author photo © Claudia Paoli More books by this author Author 'Like for Like' recommendation