The Monster of Florence

"The Story of Edgar Sawtelle".......David Wroblewski

This is a saute of Jack London, J K Rowling and O Henry and I'm only 85%
through. I may have to change my mind, but don't wait for me.If you were once a boy (or what used to be called a tom-boy) who had a dog(s) who you really loved, you will recognise through moist eyes in some situations, what the author is writing about.

You'll find some descriptive portions that suffer from identification problems, but just overlook them and keep reading.

It's worth it.

I hope his next book is quicker, doesn't require as much re-writing and pain.

RS Lappin

If you're interested in detective novels, foreign intrigue and the differences between American and Italian approaches to highly publicized serial murder investigations, this book is a must-buy! Having been stationed in Italy for over 5 years, I was especially drawn into the culture, scenery, and Italian life-style which served as an excellent back-drop and subplot to the main novel.

The author does an outstanding job of following an amazingly complicated case through decades of investigations. Great suspense, wonderful character development, and exceptionally well-written novel. I purchased this book as the result of a great recommendation of a friend, and I loved it!

Why? Because it's just too strange and fiction has to be believable. This was not believable, but naturally, true. I'm a big lover of Ann Rule, but I think the reason I don't give this a five star is perhaps just culture differences. When the author began speaking of the people, all out at night, watching what goes on in cars -- as if this is normal behavior, well, is it any wonder the police were so inept? It's an amazing story, but it was very graphic (naturally, the crimes were horrific) and I found myself without the need to finish the book. (I did though, it was too expensive not to.)

I do think the author is an amazing writer, but I think the concept was just too hard for me, as a typical American, to grasp.

I won't get into this in great detail. I will just say this book shocked me into wondering if I would ever feel comfortable even visiting Italy. The incompetence of the police investigation coupled with it's leader's vengeful attitude is truly alarming. Another reviewer from Italy said they have one of the best police departments in the world? Sorry, but even if you disagree with this book or dislike the writing style it is unavoidable to conclude the system is failed. People jailed for YEARS without a trial and some not being allowed to even know what charges are against them? Horrible. As a side note, my country (the US) isn't any better considering the Guantanamo issue.

Monster Florence is really two books in one.
1. We learn the facts surrounding the original Monster of Florence killings. The methods, the suspects the whole investigation.
2. Douglas Preston & Mario Spezi parade the injustices, vindictivness, non-objectiveness, amatuer practices and the Wild Goose Chase that the Monster case degrades into. At no point is there any actual evidence used to prosecute someone, it is all circumstantial.
The first half is very good, but the 2nd on the other hand, gets a bit repetitive in theme. Italian Judicial System bad, Mario Spezi & Douglas Preston good. I mean that is what happened, but after 150 pages of it, it gets old.
One other thing, if you do read this account, you will understand how the Italians would not like this book to be published, they look like morons, trust me. Just by allowing the idea of Medieval Satanic Cults and high level cover ups to be entertained by law enforcement, let alone to acutally be reasons for indictments & arrests is embarrasing to say the least.