9.05.2010

The Monster of Florence


I mean no insult against the country of Italy, or any country outside of the United States, but this book made me grateful to live in America.  I kind of felt like I was reading a detective story from the 18th century with how crime scenes were handled, with how suspects were decided upon, how the investigation process seemed more political than based on facts and evidence.  The worst thing - the story is 100% true. This isn't a murder mystery. This is a biographical/autobiographical account of the events surrounding a serial killer in Italy, in Florence.  

I wouldn't even say it was a comedy of errors, it was an embarrassment of errors.  Sort of like a US story where the mob did it, but because they paid off the police department, someone else was hung for the crime.  It is absolutely interesting, but also a bit gross and many of the crime scenes are described in detail.  This man was a maniac, was disgusting, and as you read about the investigation and the true suspects in the mind of the detective who co-wrote the book, you get a little glimpse of just how traumatizing childhood experiences can be and how they can mess someone up into adulthood.  

Didn't love, but I did like the book.  Though I was constantly frustrated by so many aspects of the investigation,  it is what happens. It is a sad truth of the justice system, even here in the United States at times (think of a celebrity trial...) And it was interesting to read the detectives observations and thoughts as he investigated the Monster of Florence.

Enjoy

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