Helpful Score: 11
A captivating and topsy-turvy read. If you are into true crime books, this is for you. If you are into Italian history, this is for you. If you like the Renaissance, this is for you. The authors can't help but provide some interesting insights into Italian culture and history, which I loved, that help further promote the story itself. A very good read.
Helpful Score: 8
Very intriguing present-day true crime story centered in Florence, Italy. Gives not only a detailed history of the crimes and its investigations, but a interesting look into the twisted activities of Italian law enforcement, politics, and their entire judicial system. The story is not just a description of the killings, or of the mastermind behind them, it is a story about the two authors of this book, and how they became personally & dangerously intertwined in the very story that they were researching. An excellent & very educational read!
Helpful Score: 8
What you believe at first will set out just to tell the tale of a serial killer in Florence - ultimately becomes a glimpse into the unbelievably twisted official investigation on this case. Any dreams you have of retirement in Tuscany might be reconsidered after reading about the way the hunters (Preston & Spezi) become the hunted when they seem to be on to an answer...
Helpful Score: 6
This is the story of two writers who went on a quest to find the "Monster of Florence", a serial killer that specialized in young couples in Florence, Italy in the 1980's. It is a fascinating read, but beware, it is quite graphic in the horrible details of the crimes. This book haunted me for days. It's hard to wrap your head around the fact that the person who committed all of these crimes is still out there. I read the book very quickly (it is hard to put down), and then did more research online about the cases, just because I couldn't get it out of my head. Besides describing a gripping murder case, the book also gives you a fascinating glimpse into the dysfunctional Italian judiciary system. Highly recommended!
Helpful Score: 2
This true crime story seems to be about two Monsters of Florence. The first is the serial killer who preys on couples making love in cars parked in the Tuscan countryside. His story is skillfully related in Part I: The story of Mario Spezi as the facts of this never-solved case are revealed in an organized manner from the lazy Sunday morning when young crime reporter Spezi receives word of a brutal crime scene in 1981 to 2000, when novelist Douglas Preston moves his family to Italy and encounters Spezi when researching Italian police procedure for a novel.
The second "monster" is the bloated police and judicial investigation which has ruined the lives of the numerous suspects in this sensational case. Those potentially include Preston and Spezi themselves as their own investigation threatens the official one -- which starts to delve into satanic cults and high-level masterminds for the killings of eight couples for their sex organs. Douglas Preston takes over the narrative in Part II, switching to a first-person style, when describing who he and Spezi believe is the Monster and how state powers can interfere with the freedom of the press even in a "civilized" country.
Although the original crimes and investigation were sensational, I thought this story would have been better if it was much shorter. It drags on, especially in the latter half, with increasingly far-fetched theories and indigant reactions. The timeline and cast of characters are exteremely helpful in keeping everybody straight. However, true crime fans, and those of Hannibal--this is some of the source material for Thomas Harris-- would be interested in the material.
The second "monster" is the bloated police and judicial investigation which has ruined the lives of the numerous suspects in this sensational case. Those potentially include Preston and Spezi themselves as their own investigation threatens the official one -- which starts to delve into satanic cults and high-level masterminds for the killings of eight couples for their sex organs. Douglas Preston takes over the narrative in Part II, switching to a first-person style, when describing who he and Spezi believe is the Monster and how state powers can interfere with the freedom of the press even in a "civilized" country.
Although the original crimes and investigation were sensational, I thought this story would have been better if it was much shorter. It drags on, especially in the latter half, with increasingly far-fetched theories and indigant reactions. The timeline and cast of characters are exteremely helpful in keeping everybody straight. However, true crime fans, and those of Hannibal--this is some of the source material for Thomas Harris-- would be interested in the material.
Helpful Score: 2
Though a crime investigation story that spans decades, the true value of this book lies in the statement it makes about the lack of justice in a supposedly civilized Western European country.
Novel makes a timely tie-in to the trial of Amanda Knox in Italy where a similar travesty of justice has just occurred.
Important message for Americans wanting to visit or live in another country about the freedoms we often take for granted.
Has nice Q&A section with the authors at the back of the book as an extra.
Novel makes a timely tie-in to the trial of Amanda Knox in Italy where a similar travesty of justice has just occurred.
Important message for Americans wanting to visit or live in another country about the freedoms we often take for granted.
Has nice Q&A section with the authors at the back of the book as an extra.
Helpful Score: 2
I thought this was an engrossing story with a smattering of Italian history and large doses showing the total ineptitude of the Italian police and justice system in trying to solve and identify "The Monster of Florence." The Monster committed a series of double murders from 1968 to 1985 that remain unsolved. Thomas Harris actually used some of the bizarre aspects of this case to develop his novel "Hannibal". The Italian police come up with some really absurd theories on the killings involving Satanic cults and rituals. They totally ignored profiling from the FBI and instead listened to a woman who ran a conspiracy website and her unfounded accusations. The authors, including both Spezi and Preston, while themselves trying to identify the killer, end up getting in the middle of the investigation and actually accused by the Italian police of being accessories to the crimes! This non-fiction story had more twists than many suspense novels. This also makes one thankful for the American justice system even with its many flaws.
Helpful Score: 2
Incredible true story of a monstrous 'Jack the Ripper' type who stalked young lovers in the Hills of Florence. A remarkable story of punishment and "justice" with living characters who have made this story their life's work. I can now understand how young American Amanda Knox could be convicted in this system, by these living judges. Mesmerizing account. Makes me proud and grateful to be an American where you are presumed innocent.
Helpful Score: 1
Besides being a non-fiction crime story, it also tells a lot about Italian culture and forensics/crime investigation in late 20th century. The story also follows how journalists covered the story of the serial killings. I have enjoyed Preston's fictional works from time to time, but I think I enjoyed this book the best.
Helpful Score: 1
Very interesting story of a serial killer in Italy. The first half of the book is about the killings, laying out the timeline and gruesome events. The second half of the book outlines the horribly botched up investigation, failure to find the killer and even moreso, the corruption that negatively impacted this investigation and others.
I really enjoyed this book! Before reading this, I had no knowledge of this serial killer operating in and around Florence. The whole story itself is fascinating, made even more shocking in the way that the authors became a part of the case they were investigating. This is such a pageturner of a nonfiction book! And while their theories on the identity of the Monster do not have me 100% convinced, I certainly loved hearing about all of the twists and turns of this story.
Excellent! Not only was it well written, but the insight into Italy's judicial system is invaluable for anyone considering travel to Italy.
Library read. Had already viewed MSNBC special and was very excited to read more about it.
My expectations were certainly not met. Equal parts due to the writing and the material.
My expectations were certainly not met. Equal parts due to the writing and the material.
The most intriguing part of this story is that it's TRUE and while the murders happened in early '80's, the corrupt and unbelievable investigation and prosecution STILL CONTINUES today! Yes there are a lot of characters as the myriad of suspects come in and out of the story, but it's really not difficult to follow. The authors often remind the reader who people are ("Mignini, the prosecutor from Perugio," etc). I found it to be afast read (becasue i couldn't put it down) and I would recommend it to anyone who like real-life drama (not the reality TV kind!).
The Monster of Florence is Douglas Preston and co-author Mario Spezi's tale of the decades-long hunt for the Monster and their involvement in it. The book is divided into two parts. The first is an extraordinarily detailed account of the people investigating the crimes, suspects, and false leads. There are a LOT of people involved; the "cast of secondary characters" at the beginning takes up five pages and unfortunately is in order of appearance rather than alphabetical by name. The latter half is Douglas Preston's more personal account of how his and Spezi's investigation of the Monster ruffled some Italian feathers and landed Spezi in jail.
This book now has the distinction of being the only book ever to put me asleep four times. I was reading it for a book club however, so forced myself to get through it. The pace (and my interest) did pick up during the second half, but the first half was just too much information. The Afterward to this edition in which Amanda Knox's case is discussed is sadly the most interesting part of the book. Although there are insights into the Italian justice system and attitudes towards the press that are worthwhile, ultimately The Monster of Florence is itself a bloated monster.
This book now has the distinction of being the only book ever to put me asleep four times. I was reading it for a book club however, so forced myself to get through it. The pace (and my interest) did pick up during the second half, but the first half was just too much information. The Afterward to this edition in which Amanda Knox's case is discussed is sadly the most interesting part of the book. Although there are insights into the Italian justice system and attitudes towards the press that are worthwhile, ultimately The Monster of Florence is itself a bloated monster.
Very good audio cd. The reader had a wonderful voice and I didn't exactly know what I was getting when I ordered...I didn't realize it was a true story. It was very good! Well written and many points of view were told making the story come to life.
On the back of the box it says if you loved "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil You'll Love this book". And they weren't kidding! Midnight... is one of my FAVORITE all time books and I loved this book.
I'd gladly read anything written by Douglas Preston!
On the back of the box it says if you loved "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil You'll Love this book". And they weren't kidding! Midnight... is one of my FAVORITE all time books and I loved this book.
I'd gladly read anything written by Douglas Preston!
Absolutely loved it!
A book that never ends! The story of the killings is documented and the list of suspects gets longer and longer. Practically everybody makes the list; some are sentenced to jail for years only to be released as someone else turns up. Some of those convicted are almost laughable were this not a true story. All sorts of secret societies become involved and suspect as well as an off the wall,self proclaimed psychic +. The book ends (finally!) with the murders unsolved and yet more people lined up as possible suspects.
Maybe I just wasn't in the right mood or mind set for this book, but I made it through two chapters before I called it quits. It's well written and seems well researched, but it was just... boring. I couldn't get into it.
Loved it.
This was a very good book about an elusive serial killer and about how a fixation on a particular theory and the importance of saving face can have serious consequences.
Not as good as I'd hoped-interesting story regardless. To be honest, all of the Italian names got confusing at times. I've read that Tom Cruise has bought the rights to the film-if done right could be good. As far as a true crime story goes, this was okay-I liked the second half more than the first. The Italian Judicial System seems to be a little behind the times.
Was not the worst book I have ever read but close. Story was interesting but parts were extremely boring. Did not like the cast of secondary characters nor the time line at the beginning of the book. If I would have known at the start of the book what I know now, I would have read them and been done with the book.
Over hyped if you ask me.
Over hyped if you ask me.
In 1999, Douglas Preston moved his family to Florence, Italy, with the intention of doing research for a novel about the mysterious Renaissance artist Masaccio. Shortly after moving there, he learns that a double-murder had taken place in the olive grove a murder committed by Italys own Jack the Ripper known as Il Mostro di Firenze the Monster of Florence.
This is the story of Preston and Mario Spezi, the lead investigator on the case, attempts to break the case and find the real serial killer. A killer would preyed on young lovers on the evening of the new moon. He would kill the man and then murder and mutilate the woman.
There are many possibilities and the way the Italian justice system works has made it difficult to find the killer. Then the Italian prosecutor determined who he thought the killer was and all other options were thrown out the window.
A very interesting look into the search for a serial killer and how another countrys legal system works.
This is the story of Preston and Mario Spezi, the lead investigator on the case, attempts to break the case and find the real serial killer. A killer would preyed on young lovers on the evening of the new moon. He would kill the man and then murder and mutilate the woman.
There are many possibilities and the way the Italian justice system works has made it difficult to find the killer. Then the Italian prosecutor determined who he thought the killer was and all other options were thrown out the window.
A very interesting look into the search for a serial killer and how another countrys legal system works.
I had originally taken a picture of this book at the bookstore (where it was too expensive to purchase a few months ago), thinking it would be a fiction novel -- surprise surprise, it's a true crime book! Very cool. I really wish I had seen this story covered in the news more, but I can't say I remember hearing about it at all. Needless to say, being a true story (however convoluted the case became over the years), I was fascinated by this book. Spezi and Preston work well together, and their friendship is evident in these pages. The story got a bit lengthy toward the end, but overall it was still a very good telling of one of the biggest murder mysteries in history.
Fascinating and compelling story. However, a few of the CDs in this audiobook set have scratches and tend to skip severely. It's still worth dealing with this annoyance to hear the story.
Not what I expected. Not the genre I usually read, so I was taking the chance. I didn't finish the store because I don't like to leisurely read true crime, European history, nor a lot of time travel/back and forth mix of past and present storytelling. Maybe the next reader will enjoy the book.
A very interesting story.
received but not read to date-sgtmoto
