Shortlisted for the CWA John Creasey (New Blood) Dagger 2011.

An engrossing novel of murder, organized crime, and politics in contemporary Italy-the first in a series of Italian crime novels by a promising new writer.

CWA Judges’ comments: 'Chief Commissioner Alec Blume, an American with Italy as his adopted home, finds the murder of an anti-vivisectionist takes him to the heart of Rome’s political machinations, where expediency and personal gain too often carry more weight than simple justice.'

Synopsis

Rome. A city where rules are compromised. And compromise rules. It's one of the hottest days of the year. Chief Inspector Blume is enjoying a rare solitary lunch in a tranquil corner of Trastevere when an unwelcome phone call intrudes with news of a brutal killing a few streets away. Arturo Clemente is no ordinary victim. His widow is an elected member of the Senate, and Blume arrives at the scene to find enquiries well underway, the case itself apparently clear-cut, a prime suspect quickly identified. Blume must fight to regain control of the investigation, but well acquainted with the city's underworld, he knows from bitter experience that in Rome even a murder enquiry must bow to the rules of politics. But when worrying shortcuts sanctioned by one of his superiors are uncovered, it seems events are being manipulated from on high. The complex and uncomfortable truth Blume will unravel will shock even him, and his struggle for justice may yet cost more innocent lives...

About the Author

Conor Fitzgerald has lived in Ireland, the UK, the United States and Italy. He has worked as an arts editor, produced a current affairs journal for foreign embassies based in Rome, and founded a successful translation company. He is married with two children and lives in Rome. More books by this author Author 'Like for Like' recommendation