A review by teon22
The Dogs of Rome by Conor Fitzgerald

2.0

Interesting premise, absolutely dull delivery. It is rare to read a detective novel in which the detective is such a complete bore. Yawn. So, there is this American expatriate, originally from Seattle, whose art historian parents passed away when he was a teen and left him to grow up and spend the rest of his life in Rome. He becomes a police detective. My gripe with this author is that he did not create anything distinctive about this protagonist. Yes, he likes peanut butter and yes, he shows up to an initial police investigation in running shorts, but other than that nothing really stands out about his behavior. Sure these small indicators of "American-ness" are highlighted but, as the kids say, whatever. As to the police procedural part of this novel, it is rather boring. The investigation is drawn out, and the few interesting secondary characters never get any depth. It is all too prolonged. Hopefully, if this series continues, the author will spice it up a bit. If you like novels set in Italy featuring sloppy police work, albeit fascinating characters, try Andrea Camilleri or Donna Leon.