Artfully understated. . . . An elegant series.The New York Times BookReviewThe richest mystery here however is Florence itself whose intricatepolitics and class... » 

Artfully understated. . . . An elegant series.The New York Times BookReviewThe richest mystery here however is Florence itself whose intricatepolitics and class structure Nabb parses with precision and wit. . . . Nabb issweetly droll.The Washington Post Book WorldNabb writes in graceful calm prose.The Associated PressLovely measured language. . . . Offers such pleasures as great localatmosphere and rich characterizations.Publishers WeeklyLean elegant prose that surpasses the best of Simenon.Kirkus Reviews superb series.BooklistGuarnaccias Florence is a delightful place to visit.Mystery SceneThe body of a woman has been found halfsubmerged in an ornamental fish pondhigh up in Florences Boboli Gardens. At first the woman cannot be identifiedonly her skull remains. The marshal must use her clothing and a shoe to traceher.She turns out to be a young Japanese woman apprenticed to one of Florenceslegendary custom shoemakers crotchety old Peruzzi. Could he have killed hisprotege? Or did jealousy drive his other apprentice to murder? The neighborshave seen Akiko with a lovera brilliant young Carabinieriwho has disappeared.Has he fled to avoid arrest?The marshal must go to Rome to complete his investigation. When he returns toFlorence he can identify the killer but can he bring him to justice? «