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The Monster of Florence Paperback – Illustrated, April 23, 2013

by Douglas Preston (Author), Mario Spezi (Author)
4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 2,328 ratings
Editors' pick Best History
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In the nonfiction tradition of John Berendt and Erik Larson, the author of the #1 NYT bestseller The Lost City of the Monkey God presents a gripping account of crime and punishment in the lush hills surrounding Florence as he seeks to uncover one of the most infamous figures in Italian history.


In 2000, Douglas Preston fulfilled a dream to move his family to Italy. Then he discovered that the olive grove in front of their 14th century farmhouse had been the scene of the most infamous double-murders in Italian history, committed by a serial killer known as the Monster of Florence. Preston, intrigued, meets Italian investigative journalist Mario Spezi to learn more.




This is the true story of their search for--and identification of--the man they believe committed the crimes, and their chilling interview with him. And then, in a strange twist of fate, Preston and Spezi themselves become targets of the police investigation. Preston has his phone tapped, is interrogated, and told to leave the country. Spezi fares worse: he is thrown into Italy's grim Capanne prison, accused of being the Monster of Florence himself.




Like one of Preston's thrillers, The Monster of Florence, tells a remarkable and harrowing story involving murder, mutilation, and suicide-and at the center of it, Preston and Spezi, caught in a bizarre prosecutorial vendetta.
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  1. Print length
    368 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Grand Central Publishing
  4. Publication date
    April 23, 2013
  5. Dimensions
    5.25 x 1 x 8.25 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    1455573825
  7. ISBN-13
    978-1455573820
  8. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

Review

Named by USA Today as a Top True-Crime Book of All Time

"A dark and fascinating descent into a landscape of horror that deserves to be shelved between In Cold Blood and Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil."―Brad Thomas Parsons, Amazon's Best of the Month-June 2008

"This bit of real-life Florence bloodletting makes you sweat and think, and presses relentlessly on the nerves."―Publishers Weekly (starred review)

"The co-authors expertly and entertainingly guide the reader though an epic, colorful cast of characters and the stranger-than-fiction machinations of a Byzantine Italian judicial system."―Washington Post

"Preston's account of the crimes is lucid and mesmerizing."―TIME Magazine

"Remarkable true-crime story...passionately describes the investigations gone wrong....Preston knows how to load his storytelling with intriguing evidence and damning details. His feverish style keeps the reader turning with the hope of uncovering the killer's identity. In the book's most chilling moment, Preston and Spezi come face-to-face with their most likely suspect."―USA Today

"As taut and tense as any of the author's bestselling thrillers...fascinating, stomach-churning...nerve-tingling action and vivid writing...The Monster of Florence is a gripping tale, filled with shocking crimes, boldly drawn characters, and the careening suspense of the ultimate whodunit."―Dallas Morning News

"An exquisite nonfiction page-turner."―Time Out New York

"One of the most fascinating criminal cases in recent memo―New Orleans Times-Picayune

"A dark and fascinating landscape of horror that deserves to the shelved between In Cold Blood and Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil."―Bookviews101

"The writing is evocative, and the two collaborators skillfully weave the narratives back and forth to create, at times, a razor's edge of tension."―Chicago Tribune

"A gripping tale."―Denver Post

"One of the best true-crime mysteries I've ever read... Nonfiction doesn't get any better than this."―Kansas City Star

"A most unconventional thriller, a real life murder mystery in which the authors become the suspects... Fascinating."―Associated Press

"A riveting true story involving murder, suicide, rumor, poisoning, body parts sent by mail, prosecutorial vendettas, and even satanic sects."―Tucson Citizen

"Tightly calibrated suspense."―Entertainment Weekly

"A propulsive account."―Los Angeles Times

About the Author

The thrillers of Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child "stand head and shoulders above their rivals" (Publishers Weekly). Preston and Child's famed Pendergast series includes the novels Relic and The Cabinet of Curiosities, both chosen by readers in a National Public Radio poll as being among the one hundred greatest thrillers ever written. Relic was also adapted into a number-one box office hit movie. In addition to his novels, Preston writes about archaeology for The New Yorker and Smithsonian magazines. Lincoln Child is a former book editor who has published five novels of his own, including the huge bestseller Deep Storm.


Readers can sign up for The Pendergast File, a monthly "strangely entertaining note" from the authors at their website www.PrestonChild.com. The authors welcome visitors to their alarmingly active Facebook page, where they post regularly.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Grand Central Publishing; Revised edition (April 23, 2013)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 368 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1455573825
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1455573820
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 11 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.25 x 1 x 8.25 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 2,328 ratings

About the authors

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  1. Douglas Preston

    Douglas Preston

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    Douglas Preston is the author of for books, both fiction and nonfiction, thirty-two of which have been New York Times bestsellers, with several reaching the number 1 position. He has worked as an editor at the American Museum of Natural History in New York and taught nonfiction writing at Princeton University. His first novel, RELIC, co-authored with Lincoln Child, was made into a movie by Paramount Pictures, which launched the famed Pendergast series of novels. His recent nonfiction book, THE MONSTER OF FLORENCE, is also in production as a major television series from Apple. His latest book, THE LOST CITY OF THE MONKEY GOD, tells the true story of the discovery of a prehistoric city in an unexplored valley deep in the Honduran jungle. In addition to books, Preston writes about archaeology and paleontology for the New Yorker, National Geographic, and Smithsonian magazines. He is the recipient of numerous writing awards in the US and Europe, including a shared Edgar Award and an honorary Doctor of Letters degree from Pomona College. From 2019 to 2023 he served as president of the Authors Guild, the nation's oldest and largest association of authors and journalists.

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  2. Mario Spezi

    Mario Spezi

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Customer reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
4.3 out of 5
2,328 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

April
5.0 out of 5 stars compelling
Reviewed in the United States on April 21, 2024
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Riveting, horrifying, sensational
I have changed my point of view on Italy and its corruption. I wouldn’t miss this book.
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California Dreaming
4.0 out of 5 stars Read the Book -- on the Flight HOME from Italy
Reviewed in the United States on July 28, 2014
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In the very fine Sci-Fi film "Contact," adapted from the book by Carl Sagan, Jody Foster explains the concept of Occam's Razor to some senator, a senator who understands little about science. She explains her definition as follows: "The simplest solution is the one that is most likely correct." Personally, I prefer the definition, "The theory with the fewest assumptions is almost always correct" myself. Well, "six of one, half dozen of another," I suppose.

Define the concept however you want, but the authors of "The Monster of Florence" (TMOF) -- Doug Preston and Mario Spezi -- while never explicitly writing "Occam's Razor" themselves, obviously want the reader to think about this concept. Over and over. And the reader will. I sure did, as it's almost a theme.

During the timeframe of the murders in which this book covers -- mostly the early to mid-80s, although there was at least one murder in the 60s -- I do remember that, in the US at least, everyone was talking about demonic influences in pop culture. Ozzy Osbourne was biting the heads off of bats, there were Satanic references when playing Led Zeppelin songs backwards, Madonna was telling little girls that it's OK to be a little wh***. (I do believe this last one, as I am not a fan.) But after reading this book, I think that Italians may even be more into ridiculous conspiracy theories than Americans.

And this foolishness made Italians believe that there was a group of Devil-worshipping psychopaths behind the so-called "Monster of Florence Murders." While I had seen one documentary on this serial case before buying the book, I wasn't really much more familiar with it than most Americans. And that is surprising, especially since Americans are so caught up in the "business" of serial killing.

But for anyone who's ever read much about serial killers -- and I've read way more than my fair share, if you peek at my reviews -- you will know that the vast majority of serial killers act alone. Serial killers kill at least three people (some argue two, but that argument is for another day), and if you kill three people and get away with it, usually no one else must know about the murders. After all, if anyone else knows who the killer is, then the killer will be ratted out in a hurry. (Couples such as the "Ken and Barbie" killers -- Paul Bernardo and Karla Homolka -- are serious outliers, a couple who was a serial-killing tag team.) Therefore, anytime anyone throws out some conspiracy theory in a serial case, it should be taken with a grain of salt. And then just ignored.

But even the Italian police believed some of these theories -- perhaps they didn't, but they sure acted like they did, probably for political survival reasons -- and that is the gist of the book. There is a so-called "Sardinian Trail" theory that the authors push, which is a far better and more believable theory; the old saying "follow the money" should be changed to "follow the gun" after reading this true-crime book. And I believe that the authors use this new expression themselves at one point.

And this book is really good, at least up until the final third, for me. But there is another old saying in journalism that goes something like, "A journalist is supposed to report the news, not make the news," a saying that most journalists have been unfortunately spitting on since at least the days after Watergate. Well, these two authors do "make the news," but not that it was their fault; they were stepping on the toes of the Italian police, and those police more than complained. Mr. Spezi was even jailed, which was a travesty. But I will say that I liked this book way more when it discussed the murders rather than the politics, and I will admit I got a little bored with those politics. (Some people may like this latter part of the book, however.)

The author does bring up the Amanda Knox case in an addendum, and that was interesting for sure. I've always been ambivalent about her innocence or guilt, mostly because I actually don't know much about the evidence. According to this book, that may not be surprising, since the Italians seemingly can not only hide some evidence but hold a prisoner captive without telling her why. But this book will make you at least raise an eyebrow when you see that the Italian police and prosecution might have easily railroaded Ms. Knox, at least from their poor past performance. Well, I am now probably leaning on Ms. Knox's side at this point. (It surely is the case that both the police AND Ms. Knox might be guilty, however, or any other combination. Guilt and innocence are not mutually exclusive to two parties.)

There is one really often-repeated phrase in this fine book that I found hilarious. It is too hard to describe the setup, but the author talks about one of the suspects and his "picknicking friends." Over and over. It is just like when David Letterman is annoyed with something and flogs a dead horse for the whole show; it can be funny, and it surely is funny here.

I've been to Italy a couple of times, and I will give that country a strong recommendation, at least on their sights. And I'll give a strong recommendation on this book. But if you're planning on travelling to Italy, I might recommend reading it on the flight home. If you read it before your section is called leaving an American airport, you might just grab your luggage and drive home.
13 people found this helpful
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BTST
5.0 out of 5 stars Bizarre and unbelievable
Reviewed in the United States on August 12, 2013
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4.5 stars. First, let me start by saying that crime stories, especially true crime, are definitely not something I would usually read. However, after becoming interested in the Kercher/Knox/Sollecito story, I decided to read this one to better understand the prosecutor Mignini and the trouble he got into with the MOF case.

This book is the story of the serial killer in Italy in the 70s and 80s, the Monster of Florence. Spezi and Preston, the authors, are journalists who try to get through the mountains of evidence to find the killer. This story becomes increasingly convoluted as more and more theories and suspects are brought up. Eventually, by the time Mignini became involved, the theories and stories became so incredibly bizarre and unbelievable, culminating in accusations against Spezi and Preston themselves.

I thought the authors did a pretty good job of keeping the story going. Inherently, because of the bizarre theories, it did get confusing (plus all the Italian names!). One minor thing, I wish there was a better map in the book. I found myself looking at the included map, but sometimes I still couldn't find the town or place in question on the map. Also, I wish there was more said about Spezi and Preston's families. Not too much was said, and I wondered sometimes how all this was affecting them.

Two things especially struck me about this book... First is the concept of "dietrologia" described in the book as a "national sport" in Italy. We learn this is the idea that things are not as they seem. Whatever happens, the answer is certainly not the logical, simple explanation. There must be a convoluted, darker explanation that REALLY explains it. I found this concept quite interesting, and it helps explain why Mignini and Co. wouldn't follow the logical, factual evidence in Amanda Knox's case, either.

Second, I was shocked at the role Carlizzi, the internet blogger, had in this case. Truly unbelievable! It seemed Mignini was more or less letting this crazy person direct the theories and investigation.

I am shocked that Italy has this kind of "justice" system. It seems that prosecutors can basically get away with almost anything they want. It makes me so glad to live in the US, although I know our system is not perfect, either. I cannot figure out why the people of Italy would let this kind of thing go on... maybe since it has been going on so long, they figure why bother.

After reading these books, I do not think I will ever travel to Italy, and I am going to discourage everyone I know not to travel there, or at least read these books beforehand. You need to know that the last people you should trust, should you get into any trouble, is the police.

I recommend this book if you like crime stories or are interested in the Amanda Knox case... or if you really are traveling to Italy!
6 people found this helpful
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William D. Brisbane
3.0 out of 5 stars Will likely keep this reader away from the Tuscan sun & sunset!!
Reviewed in the United States on November 25, 2019
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Perplexing, troublesome & eventually a bit tedious. I have read Mr. Preston previously & thought I'd also enjoy this tale. I did but the chronical is more about the dysfunctional Italian judicial system and the self-serving prosecutors, judges, police & related figures than the actual Monster of Florence. It is hard to fathom that the road to justice in a 1st world country as is Italy can be so convoluted...authors Preston & Spezio certainly get to make their case, but when I finished the book I was just plain worn out & felt like resolution of this high profile case or any others of a lesser degree would be impossible in Italy. Readable & worth contemplating, but I'll take my Italian dishes at a trattoria in the USA or elsewhere but not in the home country.
2 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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Mochi
2.0 out of 5 stars llego maltratado y manchado
Reviewed in Mexico on April 20, 2022
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The media could not be loaded.
 Compre él pasta dura, pero simplemente viene una cubierta de papel suelta encima, llego manchada y rayada.
Probablemente, lo que se derramó encima es perfume porque huele muy fuerte a colonia y las páginas vienen manchadas también.
Lo demás está bien, pero arruina mucho el hecho que esté manchado y se sienta aceitoso.
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David Hatherly
5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding read
Reviewed in Canada on May 10, 2019
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Amazing true story that is largely unknown in North America. Sheds significant light on how the Amanda Knox investigation and conviction was so badly handled. For me, the police and justice incompetence in Italy makes me never want to travel there again! :-)
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Iria M.
5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic
Reviewed in Spain on November 10, 2019
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Very detailed, and well written. I recommend it for any true crime reader.
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Lorenzo
5.0 out of 5 stars CONSIGLIATO SENZA RISERVE
Reviewed in Italy on October 11, 2016
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Mi rivolgo a tutti coloro che - italofoni - si stanno domandando se acquistare la versione inglese di Preston, essendo Dolci Colline di Sangue pressochè irreperibile: il romanzo è scorrevole e di facile lettura, non presuppone un livello linguistico particolarmente avanzato, a patto ovviamente che l'inglese non sia tabù (per intenderci, ho personalmente fatto più fatica a seguire il Blu Notte di Lucarelli).
The Monster of Florence offre essenzialmente due pregi:
- è un resoconto estremamente accurato degli eventi, brillante e cronologicamente ordinato, è una sorta di docufilm che ha l'incredibile capacità di fotografare gli angoli più bui della vicenda, illuminandoli alla logica del lettore, e allo stesso tempo di gettare ombre pesanti su quanto dato per acquisito in sede processuale
- è un romanzo coinvolgente, agghiacciante, è una storia dell'orrore dove il sublime e il morboso sono inesorabilmente intrecciati in una vicenda tanto improbabile quanto reale
Aggiungo che la narrazione di un americano, tanto estatica nei confronti delle italiche virtù, quanto poco indulgente nei confronti dei vizi, offre uno spaccato mai banale del palcoscenico su cui muovono gli attori, che credo risulterà stimolante ai più, o irritante talvolta per i più suscettibili.
Superflua - per quanto mi riguarda - l'appendice sul delitto Kercher.
8 people found this helpful
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Hartmut Lehmann
5.0 out of 5 stars Suspense at its best, but not for the faint-hearted
Reviewed in Germany on March 10, 2013
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Every now and then I read a book in english, because the german translation doesn't get everything out of the original text. Douglas Prestons work about the Monster of Florence ist truely gripping - some pages into the story, I couldn't put it down an had to read it in one single night, reading until sleep overwhelmed me, waking up in the middle of the night just to continue reading until the first rays of light. Having been on a students vacation in the mid-80ies in Florence fueled my curiosity - and horror - even more. Since this memorable night, I had to read the book more than once again, and bought some copies as gifts for friends and family. It's the ultimate proof that reality is much more colourful and interesting than any fictional plot.
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