Scan barcode
luigiprondanini's review against another edition
3.0
I recently read "I Will Have Vengeance", the first book in the Commissario Ricciardi series by Maurizio de Giovanni, for a second time. I have to admit, I started rereading it not because I loved it so much the first time around, but because I had forgotten I had already read it. By the time I realized my error, I was far enough along that I figured I might as well finish it again.
Set in 1931 Naples, the book introduces us to the lonely and enigmatic Commissario Ricciardi as he investigates the murder of a famous opera singer. The atmospheric setting, full of rich descriptions of Naples under Mussolini's rule, is one of the book's strengths. The pace is slow and deliberate as we follow Ricciardi's methodical investigation.
The characters are well-drawn, if not always likeable. Ricciardi himself is an unusual protagonist, haunted by visions of the dead that give him an edge in solving crimes but make for a tormented existence. While an intriguing conceit, the paranormal angle felt a bit underdeveloped and tacked on. The supporting cast, from Ricciardi's loyal brigadier to the colorful denizens of the opera world, add some much needed flavor.
The core mystery itself is serviceable, albeit a tad predictable by the end. I found myself more interested in the Neapolitan slice of life than trying to puzzle out the killer. There are some interesting themes around the blurred lines between love and hate, though they aren't explored as deeply as they could be. The resolution, while tidily wrapping things up, didn't completely satisfy.
Overall, while atmospheric and competently written, on a second read, I found "I Will Have Vengeance" to be a relatively average historical mystery. The Commissario Ricciardi series has improved well as it goes on, but this first entry didn't make me eager to dive into more. Still, for fans of Italian crime fiction, it's worth a look at as a solid series debut.
Set in 1931 Naples, the book introduces us to the lonely and enigmatic Commissario Ricciardi as he investigates the murder of a famous opera singer. The atmospheric setting, full of rich descriptions of Naples under Mussolini's rule, is one of the book's strengths. The pace is slow and deliberate as we follow Ricciardi's methodical investigation.
The characters are well-drawn, if not always likeable. Ricciardi himself is an unusual protagonist, haunted by visions of the dead that give him an edge in solving crimes but make for a tormented existence. While an intriguing conceit, the paranormal angle felt a bit underdeveloped and tacked on. The supporting cast, from Ricciardi's loyal brigadier to the colorful denizens of the opera world, add some much needed flavor.
The core mystery itself is serviceable, albeit a tad predictable by the end. I found myself more interested in the Neapolitan slice of life than trying to puzzle out the killer. There are some interesting themes around the blurred lines between love and hate, though they aren't explored as deeply as they could be. The resolution, while tidily wrapping things up, didn't completely satisfy.
Overall, while atmospheric and competently written, on a second read, I found "I Will Have Vengeance" to be a relatively average historical mystery. The Commissario Ricciardi series has improved well as it goes on, but this first entry didn't make me eager to dive into more. Still, for fans of Italian crime fiction, it's worth a look at as a solid series debut.
kerrycat's review against another edition
5.0
Absolutely incredible - both the story and the translation. Headed for book two ASAP.
nancie's review against another edition
dark
hopeful
informative
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
5.0
8797999's review against another edition
4.0
An enjoyable read, a little different to a typical detective fiction given the paranormal aspects of it.
A fun and enjoyable plot, interesting characters and of course a lovely setting in Naples.
A fun and enjoyable plot, interesting characters and of course a lovely setting in Naples.
ella09's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
akemichan's review against another edition
2.0
Mi è piaciuta la figura del protagonista e di alcuni personaggi che gli girano attorno.
Ma da un libro ambientato ai tempi del fascismo mi aspettavo molto più relativo all'aspetto storico, piuttosto che la parte sovrannaturale. In questo senso, avrebbe potuto essere ambientato in qualsiasi altro periodo eccetto questo.
E poi non sono dell'umore di accettare, nemmeno en passant, che un femminicidio sia fatto passare per amore folle.
Ma da un libro ambientato ai tempi del fascismo mi aspettavo molto più relativo all'aspetto storico, piuttosto che la parte sovrannaturale. In questo senso, avrebbe potuto essere ambientato in qualsiasi altro periodo eccetto questo.
E poi non sono dell'umore di accettare, nemmeno en passant, che un femminicidio sia fatto passare per amore folle.
michael_k's review against another edition
Δεν ήταν άσχημο σαν αστυνομικό, είχε αρκετό ενδιαφέρον ιδίως επειδή επικεντρωνόταν στον κόσμο της όπερας αλλά και η ιστορική περίοδος, η φασιστική Ιταλία παρουσίαζε μεγάλο ενδιαφέρον. Εκείνο που βρήκα αχρείαστο ήταν το μεταφυσικό "χάρισμα" του ήρωα που δεν νομίζω ότι πρόσθεσε κάτι τόσο σημαντικό που να το δικαιολογεί.