The Monster of Florence by Douglas Preston Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of The Monster of Florence
Book Review: This would never cut it as fiction.
Summary: 4 Stars
Why? Because it's just too strange and fiction has to be believable. This was not believable, but naturally, true. I'm a big lover of Ann Rule, but I think the reason I don't give this a five star is perhaps just culture differences. When the author began speaking of the people, all out at night, watching what goes on in cars -- as if this is normal behavior, well, is it any wonder the police were so inept? It's an amazing story, but it was very graphic (naturally, the crimes were horrific) and I found myself without the need to finish the book. (I did though, it was too expensive not to.)
I do think the author is an amazing writer, but I think the concept was just too hard for me, as a typical American, to grasp.
Book Review: Shocking!
Summary: 5 Stars
I won't get into this in great detail. I will just say this book shocked me into wondering if I would ever feel comfortable even visiting Italy. The incompetence of the police investigation coupled with it's leader's vengeful attitude is truly alarming. Another reviewer from Italy said they have one of the best police departments in the world? Sorry, but even if you disagree with this book or dislike the writing style it is unavoidable to conclude the system is failed. People jailed for YEARS without a trial and some not being allowed to even know what charges are against them? Horrible. As a side note, my country (the US) isn't any better considering the Guantanamo issue.Book Review: Serial Killers, Satanic Cults & High Level CoverUps, Italian Judicial System Covers All The Bases
Summary: 3 Stars
Monster Florence is really two books in one.
1. We learn the facts surrounding the original Monster of Florence killings. The methods, the suspects the whole investigation.
2. Douglas Preston & Mario Spezi parade the injustices, vindictivness, non-objectiveness, amatuer practices and the Wild Goose Chase that the Monster case degrades into. At no point is there any actual evidence used to prosecute someone, it is all circumstantial.
The first half is very good, but the 2nd on the other hand, gets a bit repetitive in theme. Italian Judicial System bad, Mario Spezi & Douglas Preston good. I mean that is what happened, but after 150 pages of it, it gets old.
One other thing, if you do read this account, you will understand how the Italians would not like this book to be published, they look like morons, trust me. Just by allowing the idea of Medieval Satanic Cults and high level cover ups to be entertained by law enforcement, let alone to acutally be reasons for indictments & arrests is embarrasing to say the least.
Book Review: Fabulous
Summary: 5 Stars
Being a busy and stressed Ph.D. student, I just wanted something fascinating to read other than science. This fit the bill and for my naturally analytical/problem-solving mind, it was perfect. I really like the presentation and hope that Spezi/Preston will collaborate again. Obviously the two are good friends and as all good friendships go, balance each other out in approach to the topic. This book is an interesting foray into the evil of the human mind and human pride. It will fascinate and but appaul all with a keen conscience. It should make us ponder the nature of pride within us all which we must over-come and how facing the truth can be sad and painful. Since the story is not over, I hope in this case the Italian Police will catch this derranged person.Book Review: Fantastic True Crime Book
Summary: 5 Stars
As many other reviewers have commented, this true story reads like a good novel. It is a gripping, compelling tale with lots of twists.
One of the best things about the book is the background the authors provides on the city of Florence. Fascinating stuff!
The story of the crimes is important because it's the chronology of one of the most awful serial killers in history. But it's more than that. It's also the story of how the guilty party will likely never be brought to justice because of the ineptness of investigators and the Italian justice system.
The authors make it very clear who they believe is the Monster of Florence, and it's a convincing case. It would have been nice if the man had been arrested at the conclusion of the book, but this is the real world, not fiction, and as we all know it's not a perfect world.