Adam’s Rib

Manzini’s entertaining second mystery set in Aosta in northwest Italy (after 2015’s Black Run) finds Deputy Police Chief Rocco Schiavone still discontent living in the sleepy Alpine town, where he was transferred from his beloved native Rome as punishment for getting on a powerful government official’s wrong side. When Rocco responds to a report of burglars barricaded inside an apartment, he discovers it’s been ransacked—and a woman’s body is dangling from a lamp hook. He soon pegs this apparent suicide as murder. Rocco uncovers clues, sabotages his liaison with a local woman, and refuses to give up his desert boots for footwear that would be more appropriate for Aosta’s snow-laden streets. In the process, he struggles to control his anger and sadness (with the aid of a daily breakfast-time joint), does not suffer fools gladly, tries to do what is just, and exhibits a sharp sense of irony. Readers will look forward to seeing more of this fascinating and complex character. (Aug.)