Dante's Numbers

By: David Hewson

Narrated by: Saul Reichlin

In the gorgeous grounds of Rome's Villa Borghese park the glitterati of the movie world are gathered for a world premiere. A legendary Italian movie director has come out of retirement to create a blockbuster based on Dante's Inferno. But, as Nic Costa and his colleagues attempt to guard the precious collection of historic artifacts attached to the event, the premiere is disrupted by tragedy and a horrific murder. Is a disgruntled admirer of Dante taking his revenge on the cast of the movie? Or are more mundane motives, the dubious financing of the film through criminal connections, to blame? Before Costa and crew have the chance to find out they are removed from the inquiry and find themselves sidelined by the Carabinieri. But when the movie premiere shifts to California and the iconic surroundings of the Marina in San Francisco, Nic Costa's inspector, Leo Falcone, manages to bring them along to work on the investigation from the sidelines. And as life begins to resemble art, Costa and his friends come to realise that the inspiration behind these crimes may be more recent than the Carabinieri suspect.

An Adequate Filler Of Extra Time

Got time on your hands? Want to escape it every now and then? Hewson's book is totally up to the job. He reminds me of a very adequate craftsman. But art without wonder is merely craft, eh?

Costa goes to SF??

Would you try another book from David Hewson and/or Saul Reichlin?

Definitely not as good as the previous book in the series. Felt the change of location overtook the importance of the story. I didn't hate it, but I didn't love it either.