Wednesday, August 23, 2017

Bookish Thoughts: The Lost Girls of Rome by Donato Carrisi

The corpse opened his eyes. The Lost Girls of Rome



The Lost Girls of Rome by Donato Carrisi translated by Howard Curtis
Moholland Books, 2013
Crime Fiction; 432 pgs

Thank you to all who voted for this one in my June TBR List Poll! Like many of you, I was drawn to this one just from the description. The setting helped too.

Sandra Vega is a forensic photographer whose husband, a journalist, dies unexpectedly while on assignment in Rome. For all intents and purposes, it appears to have been an accident, but Sandra has her doubts. Doubts that only grow when she travels to Rome to search for the truth.

At the same time, a possible serial killer is found near dead in his home and his latest victim is missing. Marcus, a priest with no recollection of his past, is tasked with finding the missing young woman. Marcus is used to hiding in the shadows. He is a penitenzieri, a part of a secret group of priests who profile the worst criminals, archiving sins.

The novel alternates between the two characters, as well as an unknown third character whose identity and role in the novel isn't initially clear. Usually I find myself favoring one story line over another, but I liked both Sandra and Marcus's stories equally.

 The Lost Girls of Rome is a complex, well-written, and thoroughly engaging mystery. It was next to impossible to put down. I never quite knew where Carrisi was taking me as I immersed myself in his characters' lives. I look forward to reading more by Carrisi in the future.

You can learn more about Donato Carrisi and his books on the author's website


© 2017, Wendy Runyon of Musings of a Bookish Kitty. All Rights Reserved. If you're reading this on a site other than Musings of a Bookish Kitty or Wendy's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

15 comments:

  1. That is an amazing first line. This sounds like a really good mystery!

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  2. Oh, a forensic photographer, a mysterious priest, and a secret group of priests who profile criminals! That certainly sounds like an intriguing mystery!

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    1. Jenclair - I hadn't expected to like this one as much as I did. I'm eager to try more by this author now.

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  3. Sounds like an intriguing read. And the Rome setting makes it even more so. :)

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    1. Melody - It is intriguing. And I love the Rome setting too. :-)

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  4. Oooh, is that line up top the first line in the novel? Hell of a way to start the book! Great review -- this seems so complex and intense -- and a secret group of priests? Love it!

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    1. Verushka - It is the first line in the novel. It's got a good hook, doesn't it? I really enjoyed this one.

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  5. That unknown third character sounds unique. I think I'd like this a lot.

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  6. This sounds like a great story. I like how unique this is and the fact that you didn't want to put it down makes me want to pick it up. Great review!

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    1. Carole - It is a good one. I really liked the author's writing (the translation?) and look forward to reading more by this author.

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  7. I loved this book!!! Carrisi is such an amazing author. His book, The Whisperer, is equally good. I only wish my library had more of his books. :)

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    1. Lark - I am glad to hear you liked The Whisperer as well! I really want to read that one. I want to read everything he has written!

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  8. Although this type of book is not my cup of tea at all, I am definitely intrigued by this one! I like that there's a sleuthing priest involved, plus two different story lines that are eventually tied together. Looks very interesting indeed!

    Thanks for the great review! Happy first day of school for you guys!! HUGS TO YOU AND MOUSE!!! <3 <3 <3 :) :) :)

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