Nic Costa and his fellow detectives aren't very excited about their latest assignment, babysitting some Italian relics that are being used to promote a film version of Dante's Inferno. But very quickly, they figure out that their job is going to be a lot more convoluted than that.

The night of the premier, a man rides a horse hell-bent through the throngs of people, and minutes later, that man is dead. The priceless relic they were protecting -- a death mask of Dante -- is gone. Nic, Leo Falcone, Gianni Peroni and Teresa Lupo find themselves battling the Carabinieri, Italy's military, who were responsible for protecting the actors on the movie set.

When an actor disappears, the Carabinieri don't want regular detectives interfering in their work, even though Nic and the others believe the disappearances of people and valuable relics must be linked.

It soon becomes clear someone is connecting the chaos and crimes surrounding the movie to Dante's nine circles of Hell. Determined that no one else will get hurt and that they will recover Dante's death mask, the detectives travel to San Francisco for the movie's US premiere.

Hewson has captivated readers with his Italian detectives since book one -- and they'll continue to be enthralled in DANTE'S NUMBERS. A sharp, complex plot vies with strong characters to create a story of riveting texture. The only thing missing is a little more time with Leo and Gianni, who have been such strong, entrancing characters in the other stories. This book is primarily about Nic, who is stumbling into a relationship with one of the movie actresses.

Anticipated and now, happily received. Thank you, Mr. Hewson.