City of Devils

In 1887, Scottish doctor James Murray, the hero of British author Bretherick’s intricate debut, travels to Turin, Italy, to study under Cesare Lombroso (1835–1909), a leader in the nascent field of criminal anthropology. Soon after Murray’s arrival, a mutilated corpse is discovered in the Piazza Statuto. On the body, written in blood, is a note that reads: “A Tribute to Lombroso.” When the police believe Lombroso may be implicated and he declines to defend himself, Murray and a colleague mount their own investigation. Relatives of the criminals Lombroso’s theories have helped convict are likely suspects as similar crimes continue. So are rivals eager to discredit him, all in town for his annual symposium—including Walter Horton, a sinister American alienist. Meanwhile, Murray struggles to hide a family secret, as well as his attraction to Sofia, Lombroso’s alluring housekeeper. Vivid evocations of Turin and the scientific milieu of the day balance the inept detective work. Agent: Luigi Bonomi, Luigi Bonomi Associates (U.K.). (July)