Thirteen-year-old Giacomo Pellissari disappears from his Florence grammar school during a torrential downpour. His father, late in picking him up because of the same unrelenting rain, is told by the janitor that he saw his son run out and head in the direction of his home. Giacomo is never seen again. The police are investigating, led by experienced Inspector Franco Bordelli and his dedicated team.

A hunter sees a small foot partially eaten by animals, and he calls the police. They uncover the nude, bruised body of Giacomo. The medical examiner finds Giacomo was "drugged with morphine, raped by at least three men, then strangled to death." Inspector Bordelli, reels from the shocking account and swears to find the sadistic killers.

Nature steps in as the banks of the River Arno overflow and cause a devastating flood. The people of Florence must deal with the huge task of getting rid of the water, mud, wrecked cars, and trees; all are anxious to return to their homes and businesses. Bordelli is desperate to continue his investigation but his priority is helping with the vast clean-up.

DEATH IN FLORENCE is the third Italian crime drama written by exciting author Marco Vichi. I give him high praise for this thrilling adventure. Bordelli is a character I loved. Handsome, he is not focused on his health. He smokes non-stop, loves Tuscan cuisine, wines and never refuses dessert. He tells himself tomorrow he will quit smoking and over eating. A bachelor who loves the ladies, he is always seeking his forever love. In the meantime, he enjoys the company of Rosa, a retired prostitute who is caring, always listens, and gives a good massage too. He is creative and imaginative in his sleuthing methods. The side plot of a romance with young and beautiful Eleonora was a fun-filled addition to the chase to find the detestable beasts responsible for the death of a young boy. DEATH IN FLORENCE was one of my best reads this year, and I look forward to his next book.

Book Summary

When a young boy vanishes, the police fear the worst, which brings Inspector Bordelli into an increasingly desperate investigation, in the new mystery from critics' favorite Marco Vichi.

Florence, 1966. The rain is never-ending. When a young boy vanishes on his way home from school the police fear the worst, and Inspector Bordelli begins an increasingly desperate investigation.

Then the flood hits. During the night of November 4th the swollen River Arno, already lapping the arches of the Ponte Vecchio, breaks its banks and overwhelms the city. Streets become rushing torrents, the force of the water sweeping away cars and trees, doors, shutters and anything else in its wake.

In the aftermath of this unimaginable tragedy the mystery of the child's disappearance seems destined to go unsolved. But obstinate as ever, Bordelli is not prepared to give up.