Three, Imperfect Number

Three, Imperfect Number (Murder Mystery)

By Patrizia Rinaldi

ISBN #978-1609451240

Europa Editions

Price $15.00

176 Pages

Rating 3-Stars

In Naples, a famous singer is found murdered. Captain Malano calls it a serial killing and assigns the case to Captain Vincenzo Martusciello’s office. With Detective Arcengelo Liguari and Sergeant Blanca Occhiuzzi, they interview witnesses and act like policemen. Blanca is blind, and sees more through voices than her partners. Half way through the book a second murder is discovered with the same MO, proving the case to be a serial killer. But is it a false trail?

The characters were cardboard while the dialogue did not feel real, and the police investigation meaningless. One murder might have been a ritual killing, but I’m not sure it would constitute a serial killing until more than one was murdered.

The story had possibilities. Perhaps if better written with more believable characters and dialogue, it would hold readers’ interest. Liguari is a rich playboy, working as a detective for who knows what reason. He certainly doesn’t need a job or money. Blanca could have overshadowed her partners, but wasn’t used properly. Even the killer didn’t stand out as true. A shame.

Tom Johnson

Detective Mystery Stories