The pages of Death in Florence by Marco Vichi unfold like a steady, relentless downpour, set against the ominous backdrop of Florence in 1966. Inspector Bordelli’s case—a missing boy who vanishes without a trace—starts as a straightforward investigation but quickly spirals into something far more intense. The rain seems unending, casting a foreboding shadow over the city and Bordelli’s search, as though nature itself is hinting at an impending catastrophe.
Just as the mystery intensifies, the real-life tragedy of the Florence flood sweeps in, turning the novel’s suspense into an unstoppable force. With water now raging through the city streets, the boy’s disappearance risks being buried beneath layers of silt and ruin. Vichi’s writing brings this dark chapter of Florence’s history to life, blending the real and imagined so vividly that you feel the weight of the city’s tragedy—and Bordelli’s desperation—as he navigates this watery chaos.
I’m only partway through, but already, Death in Florence reads like a noir steeped in history, where the setting is as much an antagonist as the darkness lurking in the case itself. Vichi’s novel feels like more than a detective story; it’s an exploration of resilience, mystery, and the secrets that rise to the surface when everything else is washed away.
Wicks and Locks’ “Espresso” Candle
As the rain pours over Florence in Death in Florence, the rich scent of Wicks and Locks’ Espresso candle mirrors the atmosphere perfectly. A blend of freshly roasted coffee, chocolate syrup, creamy praline, and a hint of caramelized sugar, it wraps you in a warm, luxurious embrace—just like a cozy night spent lost in a gripping mystery. Perfect for setting the tone as you follow Inspector Bordelli through a city engulfed by both mystery and floodwaters. 🍂📖☕️