City of Belmont - Ruth Faulkner Public Library

City of devils, by Diana Bretherick

City of devils

by Diana Bretherick

MODERN & CONTEMPORARY FICTION (POST C 1945). In the late 1890s, James Murray, a Scottish scientist fascinated by the developing research into the study of criminal behaviour, travels to Turin to be apprenticed to Cesare Lombroso, the world-renowned criminologist. But just hours after his introduction to his new mentor, the discovery of a mutilated body in a public square and a note that appears to implicate Lombroso throws his visit in a whole new direction. With the help of his fellow apprentice Ottolenghi; Tullio, a local investigator; and Lombroso's beautiful housekeeper, Sofia; Murray must learn fast and endeavour to understand the mind of a truly evil serial killer if he is to stop the rapidly escalating bloodbath and clear the name of his mentor. Have Lombroso's many enemies attempted to frame him? Are the notes an accusation or a challenge? And will Lombroso's lauded theories about the behaviour of criminals help to catch a killer let loose on the streets of Turin?