In 1986 Florence, Italy, defacement of an Adam and Eve
fresco in Brancacci Chapel seems more serious than simple
vandalism. Could it be the start of something more sinister
and dangerous, as ex-detective Pino Fratelli believes? The
cunning and persistent Fratelli wants to be involved with
the investigation, but he's shut out because of a medical
condition, which caused his early retirement.
Renting a room from Fratelli, British art student Julia
Wellbeloved is in Florence doing research for her
dissertation, which is to determine the reason behind
inexplicable attacks against works of art. This recent case
in the chapel provides an excellent chance for her, along
with Fratelli, to examine the situation. The Carabinieri
(police) scoff at Fratelli and Julia's assumptions and do
not want Fratelli involved, but his old boss does finally
agree to assign a useless young cadet, Luca Cassini, as
their assistant. What these three eventually uncover was
set in motion during the horrific flood of 1966, but dates
back to the 13th century and a private, secret society of
the rich and influential.
THE FLOOD by David Hewson is a richly detailed
mystery with an abundance of history about Florence, Italy.
Hewson's expansive and evocative narrative gives readers a
feel for the locale and the way history influenced the
characters involved. The plot resolution is surprising,
which adds another intriguing dimension to THE FLOOD.
A dazzling Italian mystery, rich in intrigue and dark
secrets, from an internationally bestselling crime writer at
the height of his powers.
Florence, 1986. A
seemingly inexplicable attack on a church fresco of Adam and
Eve brings together an unlikely couple: Julia Wellbeloved,
an English art student, and Pino Fratelli, a semi-retired
detective who longs to be back in the field. Their
investigation leads them to the secret society that
underpins the city: an elite underworld of excess, violence
and desire.
Seeped in the culture of Tuscany’s most
mysterious city, The Flood takes the reader on a dazzling
journey into the darkness in Florence’s past: the night of
the great flood in 1966 …