so-soIlaria Tuti‘s debut thriller (the first in a trilogy and translated from Italian by Ekin Oklap) draws on an actual event as the basis for this uneven story of child cruelty and village secrets. Battaglia held my interest with her health issues, the hints at previous spousal abuse and her attempts to deal with the onset of Alzheimer‘s but the profiling feels very old-fashioned and her relationship with the under-developed Marini doesn‘t convince.
pickI love discovering new authors from other countries because I‘ve found so many great books! This is another one! Ilaria Tuti is from Italy! This is the first in a thriller series. This book sucked me in and didn‘t let go until the last page! I can‘t wait to read the other books in this series and I‘ve already ordered the second one!
pickThe protagonist is a woman with a strong personality, a real warrior. The story is heartbreaking, the text is well described.
This book is one of the few that made me cry.
The English version is "Flowers over the Inferno."
«Someone sooner or later will have to explain to me what a monster is» she said. «We call them that, but in the meantime we stand by and watch, we can't change the channel because we know they are like us: humans. This is what captures us, recognizing a part of them in us.»
Solitude was a discreet roommate, who never invaded the spaces and left everything as it was It had no smell, no color. It was an absence, an entity that defined itself by the opposition, like the void, but it existed: it was she who made the cup of infusion tremble in Teresa's hands, some nights when sleep didn't want to know how to bring relief. That tinkling spread throughout the rooms without meeting any other warm body.
Non riusciva ancora ad afferrarlo, era solo un riflesso evanescente sotto la superficie, che appariva a tratti e di colpo si spegneva non appena cercava di dargli un nome.
#libriitaliani #italianbooks #ilariatuti
@kspenmoll I was completely surprised by the package in my mail today 💖
Thank you soooo much Katherine for the book, stamps, bookmark and note. The stamps are totally cool, I rarely get neat ones at my tiny post office 😉
And the book looks delightful! Can't wait to read . Your kindness and friendship are precious to me💜❤💙💚
The authors writing is lyrical, evocative,especially in its descriptions of the snow capped, icy mountains,forest lined,full of treacherous crevices, caves and cliffs.The village at its foot appears to be in an isolated time warp,convinced of its role as a paradise. Even when a gruesome murder happens, the village insists on its goodness and closes ranks to outsiders. Enter cantankerous Sup.Teresa Battigalia, who 60+ yr old body & mind are failing
This evening‘s read.
Just started the tagged book. The author‘s descriptive writing evokes an uncanny sense of place. I feel as if I am there.
What a book! What a debut! Such a fantastic lead 🤩
If Teresa were to be cast in a movie (mea culpa 😋), who do you think would be best?
I would like to see Meg Ryan in her shoes 😍
Pasta, wine, CAKE, and an Italian serial killer?! And they say the perfect night doesn‘t exist...
Excited for today‘s #bookmail (when am I not? NEW BOOKS!). B&N had a buy one get one 50% for all ages sale, and their mystery book of the month was Flowers Over the Inferno. I‘ve seen this featured in multiple newsletters and online articles, so I‘m looking forward to it. MountTBR? What‘s that? 🤣🤣🤦🏻♀️
#BookMail from #BarnesAndNoble — 2 of their book of the month selections. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
bailedI don't think this mystery is bad by any means, but there was a scene that was so graphic that I couldn't keep listening. I should have known that a demented serial killer book wasn't for me, but I'm stupid.
pickSuperintendent Teresa Battaglia, the lead in this wonderful novel, is one of the most complex, interesting characters I‘ve encountered in a great while. A woman of a certain age, plagued by the human frailties we encounter after middle age. Whip smart and confronting a historical atrocity playing out in her current environment.
This is beautifully written, lyrically translated fiction. Highly recommended debut. Can‘t wait for the next.
so-so3.5/5
I feel like the concept of this book was better than the actual execution. The killer‘s story was really interesting, but the author just went overboard with the detective‘s personal drama (threat of Alzheimer‘s AND general aging woes AND a traumatic past AND etc.). The dialogue also seemed a little over the top at times. This is a debut novel, and it‘s not without promise, but it didn‘t quite do it for me.
At least the woman on the book cover looks like she‘s staying cool right now...
And now for tough choices... Which book to read next? I‘m torn between the murder mystery on the left and the classic on the right. Hmm... (Had to edit because I apparently can‘t tell my left from my right. 🤦♀️)
pickAn idyllic mountain town steeped in secrets.
A terrifying predator prowling the woods. A gritty, bristling female detective who has little patience with idiots or violence. A case that gets creepier & more complicated by the day.
Translated from Italian, a fantastic read for anyone who loves their crime novels with a touch of horror!
It's raining today for the first time in a long time! And after a long day yesterday putting finishing touches on a new manuscript to send to my agent, I'm feeling no guilt about snuggling up with a blanket and finishing this book. It's so creepy and good, y'all! 👍
I haven't been spending as much time on Litsy recently and I'm not sure why. It's tricky trying to balance life. Writing is a priority. Family is. Reading is too. And spending time outdoors. So often that means social media is the last thing I do and then it's only a quick pop in and pop out. I'd like to post more. And interact. I miss this. I miss you. How do you make time for Litsy and other social media sites?
Flowers over the Inferno | 
