The Neopolitan Streak

Set in Verona in 1980, The Neapolitan Streak is the first in a series featuring Inspector Peroni, "the Valentino of the Police Force", a thoroughly likable Neapolitan working in Verona. Its solid whodunit plot involves modern politics and latter-day Montagues & Capulets; the tensions & stereotypes of northern vs southern Italians form an amusing counterpoint to the action. There are plenty of twists & surprises, but perhaps even more of a draw are the understated British humor (the author was British) and the well-drawn characters. For the squeamish mystery-lover: there's no in-depth gore, just minimal descriptions of the crimes. This will appeal to anyone who likes an Italian setting and/or dry British humor. Although Inspector Peroni is quite unlike Jonathan Argyll, I imagine these qualities would endear this book to anyone who enjoyed Iain Pears' Art History Mystery series. I hope Felony & Mayhem is planning on reprinting the other 4 mysteries by this author (The Devil & the Dolce Vita, The Assissi Murders, At the Lake of Sudden Death and A funeral of gondolas). Highly recommended.