I really enjoy these series of books because they are not typical "who dunnits" or complicated puzzles to solve. Instead, the author focuses on his main character, a lonely, middle-aged, and unconventional police inspector with PTSD from his wartime experiences and issues with women stemming from his childhood (fully explained in Book #1 of the series). These books are more about his daily experiences and relationships as he goes about his work, as well as a snapshot of Florence and Italy in the 1960s - from its political climate, to the (still) aftereffects of WWII, to the daily life of Florentines - from the rich and powerful to those on the outskirts. Bordelli sometimes interprets the law loosely and befriends colorful characters. Perhaps because it's a different kind of mystery book focusing on character that I find it more interesting. Life did not live up to its promises for Bordelli (or for post-war Italy), yet he carries on hopefully. This book also portrays the devastating flood that happened in Florence in 1966. SPOILER ALERT: This is the first book of the series in which the ending is not neat and tidy, and Bordelli experiences the full breadth of corruption from those in power.