Superb

This is the best David Hewson that I've read ... it is a beautifully crafted story: weaving history into a modern setting. It builds slowly but interestingly to a clever and satisfying ending.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

3 people found this helpful

Unexpectedly brilliant

First time with this author so went off the reviews.
Not disappointed in the least. After the first half hour, I put the iTouch on at every opportunity.
Good clear reading if basic vocal characterisations - Im used to brilliant vocalisations from the readers of the Terry Pratchett novels, spoilt really.
The plot develops at quite a pace and there are twist and turns of the "who dunnit" as you go along. Put on Google earth and I suspect you could get a tour of Rome at the same time.

Great, absorbing listen.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

5 people found this helpful

Another great book in the Rome series

David Hewson's love of Rome comes across in these books in the Rome series and I felt that this was particularly so in The Fallen Angel. The Roman backdrop was brought to life very effectively, the plot was intricate and well structured and the characters came to life readily in the narration. Another very enjoyable audiobook.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

2 people found this helpful

Rome, murder, family

The whole Costa police family are back in this complex family mystery murder, as ever Rome is the star of this book

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

Atmospheric

As always the mix of historical and philosophical reflection set in an atmospheric context. Wonderfully read by Saul Reichlin as always.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Clumsiest attempt at a plot twist ever

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

Nope, it was a bit tedious and the ending was stupid. Also the romantic interest is extremely annoying.

What could David Hewson have done to make this a more enjoyable book for you?

Avoid creating plot elements based on key characters doing stupid, exasperating things. One or two of the characters were likeable and believable - Peroni, Teresa, Nic himself - but the Chief Inspector and Agatha were completely 2-dimensional and kept repeating the same annoying traits over and over again.

Also would have been nice to avoid the wearisome repetition about past history. He just didn't handle that material well.

What about Saul Reichlin’s performance did you like?

He was the best thing about it. I got to like his voice from the "Girl who" books, and I think that's what kept me listening to the end.

If this book were a film would you go see it?

No.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

2 people found this helpful

superb read

I am registered blind and this author certainly stimulated my imagination. With the history and current day life in Rome, I felt that I lived and walked the streets of Rome and was a familiar visotr to the many restaurants featured in the book. A brilli8ant thriller, I am hooked, I have just bought all four books in the Rome series,. Will be desperate to find a similar writer, when I have read all David Hewsons books.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

2 people found this helpful

Promising but didn’t deliver

Too much explanation and repetition, not enough action. Costa weak and lacking any stimulus, other characters irritating. Not one of Hewson’s best.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Another intruging story in the Rome series

I've listened to all eight of the previous books in Hewson's Rome series following the detectives: Nic Costa, Giani Peroni and Leo Falconi and their collaboration with pathologist Teresa Lupo. If you've followed the series you'll know the author's style of combining a contemporary crime with an historical event often depicted in a painting. Each book has a stand-alone story, but you do get more insight into the characters by following the series chronologically. This ninth book is an intriguing crime story that resonates with an execution of a young women, Beatrice Censi, who was beheaded four hundred years earlier for killing her father. The modern day story involves the death of Malise Gabriel an English academic who falls to his death: is it an accident or murder? Mina, the daughter of the dead man identifies with Beatrice. But don't be surprised that the solution is not simple and there are twists and turns throughout the book. Great stuff.
Saul Reichlin is a superb narrator and all the Italian words flow off his tongue like a native as they do when he reads all the Swedish words in the Steig Larsson, Millennium trilogy.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

25 people found this helpful

Hewson & Reichlin Brilliance

Fantastic story reflecting on historical events and adding a few modern twists. Brilliant storytelling by Hewson and another superlative performance from the master narrator Saul.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!