The Villa Triste
It is 1943 in Florence and sisters Caterina and Isabella (Issa) Cammaccio are delighted to hear the news that Italy has signed the armistice. Their dreams of peace are soon shattered as Germany becomes an occupying force, the Allies continually bombard the North and the Fascists return to power.
Bands of Partisans, many of them young women, rise up, determined to oust the Fascists and confound the Nazis. Caterina and Issa become embroiled in the conflict. With limited weaponry, they have only their determination and courage to carry them forward. It is dangerous work that not only places the sisters in peril but also their family. Fear of discovery is ever present, as is the shadow of the Villa Triste, where no one who enters ever leaves – alive. In stolen moments, Caterina records her experiences in a small red bound book.
Fast forward to 2006 and Alessandro Pallioti, one of Florence’s most senior policemen, is called to the apartment of Giovanni Trantamento to investigate his brutal murder: shot in the back of the head after being forced to eat salt, a particular punishment reserved for those who betrayed the Partisans. Soon, another identical murder is discovered and Pallioti realises that the war and its repercussions are far from over. Most puzzling perhaps is the question why it took so long for the murderer to act. His discovery of Caterina’s journal provides a vital connection to past events as he embarks on one of the most taxing investigations of his career.
This is an engrossing thriller with believable characters highlighting the role of the unsung heroes, the Partisans. Many twists and turns keep the reader enthralled until the last page.
