A Darkness Descending: A Mystery in Florence

A stunning development at a Florence political rally, witnessed by PI-in-training Giuli Sarto, sets the stage for dark-hued suspense in Kent’s fourth Sandro Cellini novel (after 2012’s The Dead Season). Niccolò Rosselli, the head of a party whose members are disillusioned with mainstream politics, is the hope of the disenfranchised, some of whom compare him to Gandhi. In the middle of a speech, Rosselli collapses, shocking his followers. The politician is treated and released from the hospital, but soon after, Cellini, the former cop turned private eye, learns that Rosselli’s long-term partner, Flavia, has disappeared, leaving behind their infant son without explanation or clue as to her whereabouts. Sarto, a particularly memorable character, has overcome great struggles to be in a position to help Cellini as the investigation builds to its tragic end. Kent does a fine job setting a mournful tone for this sad book and in conveying the average person’s frustrations in the face of endemic government corruption. Agent: Nathaniel Jacks, Inkwell Management. (Sept.)