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The Man In Milan
When NYPD detectives Paul Rossi and Hamilton P. Turner begin investigating the Sutton Place murder of an Italian air force pilot, the last thing they expect is that they will and find themselves sucked into the potential cover-up of the Ustica massacre, the most horrific aviation crime in Italian history, in which all 81 souls on board perished, where Italian President Francesco Cossiga blamed a missile deployed by the French Navy for the disaster.
But as they begin investigating, Rossi, recovering from a broken marriage, and Turner, an African-American opera buff, poet, and former lawyer with ambitions to be mayor, come up against NYPD bureaucratic obstacles and stonewalling by the Italian Consulate in NYC. Lieutenant Laura Muro, the policewoman sister of the victim, comes to New York to aid the investigation, but soon the trio finds themselves in the crosshairs of the Gladio, Italy’s powerful, shadowy political cabal whose reach extends to the highest reaches of New York political and ruling class.
But as they begin investigating, Rossi, recovering from a broken marriage, and Turner, an African-American opera buff, poet, and former lawyer with ambitions to be mayor, come up against NYPD bureaucratic obstacles and stonewalling by the Italian Consulate in NYC. Lieutenant Laura Muro, the policewoman sister of the victim, comes to New York to aid the investigation, but soon the trio finds themselves in the crosshairs of the Gladio, Italy’s powerful, shadowy political cabal whose reach extends to the highest reaches of New York political and ruling class.
336 pages, Hardcover
Published November 24, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
March 12, 2021
After months of reading mediocre fiction, $1.99 Kindle specials etc., I stuck literary gold with this outstanding book. Two NYPD Detectives investigate a murder victim on the street in tony Sutton Place. The victim was a Colonel in the Italian Air Force and attached to the Italian Embassy in NY. The complex plot expands exponentially when the Embassy stonewalls the detectives resulting in a fast paced pursuit of the truth which lead the two very charismatic Detectives to Rome, Sicily and Milan. Great characters, pace and a quite original story powered this exceptionally entertaining novel. It's the best crime fiction I've read this year.
January 26, 2021
Entertaining read in the sense of plot, placements, characters. It had spots where it was absolutely 4.5 stars with action that was perfect for a full length film with multi climax scenes extravaganza. Rome, Ustica, Sicily, Milan locations! I recommend to all action international genre lovers.
For me, the book took quite longer to read than most which interest me this much. There were parts that were so flip in NYPD copper conversations and filled with such timing/parlance/nearly dialect of police banter? That quality with all the Italian interposed and snark remarks of which origins it was sometimes questionable? And multiply that with the depths of erudite Opera, Greek and Roman poetry and other inputs from Hamilton? Add a dozen other operatives of questionable loyalty? And don't forget to add the jumpy quality of locations and conversations to the women or the "new"! At times I needed a chart. No more so than with the Italian "special" people like the Baron/Gnome or Senator or Mayor or Marco's "secret service" gig spot.
Because I do know forms and somewhat context for Italian government- I can only imagine it will be more difficult for those who don't. But I do recommend this one anyway. Jump in. You will start to discern the ear pull or the chin point too by the ending.
There are points and language that are not PC. If you are highly sensitive to irate anger over men's lusting actions as well- this is probably not the book for you. I absolutely loved the American "eyes" observations at points. Especially upon waiting in lines. SO TRUE. But as an American with Italian language- I did think our hero Rossi was truly outlier. Not in just cop "eyes" either.
Regardless, this is both a romping and high body count enterprise. Let me warn you about that. And it isn't from the Mafia or the Red Brigades either that the sirens and the body bags are needed in repeat fashion. Or why soldiers are sliding down ropes from helicopters with AK-47's in arms.
There were points at the beginning and before the mid-way point were I would have given it 3 stars because the snark and banter got over the top. Like an overwritten sit com in its 5th season. But after the NYC portions, the rest took off like a space shot.
It's his first seller novel success beyond the short story. He could keep it up with some finer discernments in the politico if he has some guts. Hamilton is an immensely interesting posit for later than this period (it seems to be 2003 or thereabouts with tech and "history" within NYC).
I'd love to see Rossi deal with what has been done to the Knights of Columbus too. That kind of thing. I wonder if Racanelli is that real or brave?
Dig in. Italian government is really that corrupt. So is ours, but in a different and much more stolid fashion to facial expressions. The Gnome would be meat in Chicago within months.
For me, the book took quite longer to read than most which interest me this much. There were parts that were so flip in NYPD copper conversations and filled with such timing/parlance/nearly dialect of police banter? That quality with all the Italian interposed and snark remarks of which origins it was sometimes questionable? And multiply that with the depths of erudite Opera, Greek and Roman poetry and other inputs from Hamilton? Add a dozen other operatives of questionable loyalty? And don't forget to add the jumpy quality of locations and conversations to the women or the "new"! At times I needed a chart. No more so than with the Italian "special" people like the Baron/Gnome or Senator or Mayor or Marco's "secret service" gig spot.
Because I do know forms and somewhat context for Italian government- I can only imagine it will be more difficult for those who don't. But I do recommend this one anyway. Jump in. You will start to discern the ear pull or the chin point too by the ending.
There are points and language that are not PC. If you are highly sensitive to irate anger over men's lusting actions as well- this is probably not the book for you. I absolutely loved the American "eyes" observations at points. Especially upon waiting in lines. SO TRUE. But as an American with Italian language- I did think our hero Rossi was truly outlier. Not in just cop "eyes" either.
Regardless, this is both a romping and high body count enterprise. Let me warn you about that. And it isn't from the Mafia or the Red Brigades either that the sirens and the body bags are needed in repeat fashion. Or why soldiers are sliding down ropes from helicopters with AK-47's in arms.
There were points at the beginning and before the mid-way point were I would have given it 3 stars because the snark and banter got over the top. Like an overwritten sit com in its 5th season. But after the NYC portions, the rest took off like a space shot.
It's his first seller novel success beyond the short story. He could keep it up with some finer discernments in the politico if he has some guts. Hamilton is an immensely interesting posit for later than this period (it seems to be 2003 or thereabouts with tech and "history" within NYC).
I'd love to see Rossi deal with what has been done to the Knights of Columbus too. That kind of thing. I wonder if Racanelli is that real or brave?
Dig in. Italian government is really that corrupt. So is ours, but in a different and much more stolid fashion to facial expressions. The Gnome would be meat in Chicago within months.
November 21, 2020
This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader.
---
WHAT'S THE MAN IN MILAN ABOUT?
NYPD detective Rossi is called to the scene of a homicide. It looks like a mugging gone bad, but there's something wrong with the scene that Rossi can't accept the first impression. Soon, he and his partner discover that this man is attached to the Italian embassy (although it's initially denied). The deeper they get into the investigation, the murkier things get and the deadlier things get, too.
While they try to deny it, try to avoid the conclusion, the detectives have to admit that the evidence is pointing to a solution in Italy. They're able to follow the evidence to the victim's homeland, leading to an explosive conclusion.
THE POLICE
Probably the strongest part of this book—and it's key to the success of a police procedural are the characters—particularly the police characters*. From practically the instant we meet Detectives Paul Rossi and Hamilton P. Turner, I felt I knew them. Racanelli nailed these characters. They're at once characters we've seen before, and know well—but made them feel fresh.
* There are a few other strong characters that I don't have the space to talk about, for example: a newspaper journalist who's almost as strong and developed as Rossi and Turner, that we don't get quite enough of; and Rossi's ex-wife and daughter, who I'd like to see again, too.
Rossi is divorced, in AA, more than a little jaded, but driven by the work that's the only thing he has left in the world aside from the daughter he doesn't get to see as often as he wants. He has strong ties to his Italian heritage—can speak and read it fluently (which comes in handy)—without being a stereotype. He has a medical condition that crops up to make life inconvenient, if there's a sequel or two in the future, I'd like to learn more about this.
Turner is a solid cop, but he has ambitions beyond the NYPD, he wants to get into city politics—ultimately that mayor-ship. And he's open about it. But more, he's a poet, who regularly presents at events throughout the city, he can't seem to go anywhere without finding a woman to seduce, dresses better than most detectives (shades of Connelly's Jerry Edgar?), and has been described as a "black beatnik." Some authors would take these traits and give us a character that's just a collection of quirks, but Racanelli uses them to turn Turner into a well-rounded character.
The deceased's sister, Tenente Laura Muro, is a policewoman from Italy. She arrives to claim the body and return it to be buried. But she's also interested in helping the investigation and brings a knowledge of both Muro as a person, his past and his home that prove invaluable to Rossi and Turner. That she's attractive and intelligent just makes her presence all the more welcome to the partners.
Rossi and Turner have a Lieutenant who has no interest in the case until it becomes something the mayor is taking an interest in, and actually wants them to drop it almost immediately. He's the kind of petty bureaucrat that you hope doesn't exist outside fictional police departments (but sure seem to show up in all sorts of police procedurals). He's a solid character, but not one you'll enjoy (and aren't supposed to).
WHAT REALLY WORKED
The initial chapters following Rossi and Turner as they look into Muro's death, talking to the Italian ambassador, Muro's estranged wife and so on. Once others associated with Muro are killed, there's a lot of political pressure put on them to make an arrest. Once it becomes clear that someone wants to add their deaths to the list, the external pressures to make an arrest outweigh all the politics.
When the evidence begins to point to an Italian group that seems more Urban Legend than reality, things take off plot-wise and the stakes get higher. Racanelli handles this skillfully, both the reticence of the detectives to follow the evidence and the way they come around when they have to.
WHAT WASN'T AS STRONG
Once it became clear to me that the case was going to take the detectives to Italy*, I worried a little about things. And sadly, those worries were valid. But maybe it's just me.
* It'd been a few weeks since I read the pitch for the book, so I'd forgotten all of it.
Whether it's Michael Connelly (Nine Dragons) or Neil Lancaster (Tom Novak series)—and probably other examples I can't think of at the moment, anytime when you take police detectives and put them into a foreign context (especially when it becomes less police procedural and more international thriller), I think the book loses something. This one didn't lose a lot, but I think it stumbled a little bit—Racanelli handled the switch in flavors as well as anyone, though, I want to stress that this is a me-thing, not a Racanelli-thing.
THE SETTING
There are plenty of reasons for this to be set in 2002 for the plot to work—beyond that, it's a great setting for this kind of book. The characters can use cell phones and the internet, but smart phones aren't ubiquitous and what characters can do with phones/internet is still limited enough that the detectives have to work for their information, not everything is captured on phones, and so on. It may have been a practical choice to set the book when he did, but the benefits make it a great choice.
SO, WHAT DID I THINK ABOUT THE MAN IN MILAN?
From the voice, the style, the characters and the nature of the story—this is a solid, entertaining story. The persons responsible for the murder are dark and mysterious, but it's not overplayed. The motive behind the (initial) killing, and its method make sense and are just chilling. The escalation in terms of violence and scale feels natural, it felt like this could be based on real events.
Racanelli's take on Italian culture isn't one that I think I've seen before and it's one I'd like to learn more about, too.
The more action-thriller parts of the novel are as tense and compelling as you'd want, the procedural material is as good as you'll find anywhere. The Man in Milan is a great way for Vito Racanelli to introduce himself to Crime Fiction readers, and I look forward to seeing what he produces next.
Disclaimer: I received this book from the author via Saichek Publicity in exchange for this post and my honest opinion—thanks to both for this.
---
WHAT'S THE MAN IN MILAN ABOUT?
NYPD detective Rossi is called to the scene of a homicide. It looks like a mugging gone bad, but there's something wrong with the scene that Rossi can't accept the first impression. Soon, he and his partner discover that this man is attached to the Italian embassy (although it's initially denied). The deeper they get into the investigation, the murkier things get and the deadlier things get, too.
While they try to deny it, try to avoid the conclusion, the detectives have to admit that the evidence is pointing to a solution in Italy. They're able to follow the evidence to the victim's homeland, leading to an explosive conclusion.
THE POLICE
Probably the strongest part of this book—and it's key to the success of a police procedural are the characters—particularly the police characters*. From practically the instant we meet Detectives Paul Rossi and Hamilton P. Turner, I felt I knew them. Racanelli nailed these characters. They're at once characters we've seen before, and know well—but made them feel fresh.
* There are a few other strong characters that I don't have the space to talk about, for example: a newspaper journalist who's almost as strong and developed as Rossi and Turner, that we don't get quite enough of; and Rossi's ex-wife and daughter, who I'd like to see again, too.
Rossi is divorced, in AA, more than a little jaded, but driven by the work that's the only thing he has left in the world aside from the daughter he doesn't get to see as often as he wants. He has strong ties to his Italian heritage—can speak and read it fluently (which comes in handy)—without being a stereotype. He has a medical condition that crops up to make life inconvenient, if there's a sequel or two in the future, I'd like to learn more about this.
Turner is a solid cop, but he has ambitions beyond the NYPD, he wants to get into city politics—ultimately that mayor-ship. And he's open about it. But more, he's a poet, who regularly presents at events throughout the city, he can't seem to go anywhere without finding a woman to seduce, dresses better than most detectives (shades of Connelly's Jerry Edgar?), and has been described as a "black beatnik." Some authors would take these traits and give us a character that's just a collection of quirks, but Racanelli uses them to turn Turner into a well-rounded character.
The deceased's sister, Tenente Laura Muro, is a policewoman from Italy. She arrives to claim the body and return it to be buried. But she's also interested in helping the investigation and brings a knowledge of both Muro as a person, his past and his home that prove invaluable to Rossi and Turner. That she's attractive and intelligent just makes her presence all the more welcome to the partners.
Rossi and Turner have a Lieutenant who has no interest in the case until it becomes something the mayor is taking an interest in, and actually wants them to drop it almost immediately. He's the kind of petty bureaucrat that you hope doesn't exist outside fictional police departments (but sure seem to show up in all sorts of police procedurals). He's a solid character, but not one you'll enjoy (and aren't supposed to).
WHAT REALLY WORKED
The initial chapters following Rossi and Turner as they look into Muro's death, talking to the Italian ambassador, Muro's estranged wife and so on. Once others associated with Muro are killed, there's a lot of political pressure put on them to make an arrest. Once it becomes clear that someone wants to add their deaths to the list, the external pressures to make an arrest outweigh all the politics.
When the evidence begins to point to an Italian group that seems more Urban Legend than reality, things take off plot-wise and the stakes get higher. Racanelli handles this skillfully, both the reticence of the detectives to follow the evidence and the way they come around when they have to.
WHAT WASN'T AS STRONG
Once it became clear to me that the case was going to take the detectives to Italy*, I worried a little about things. And sadly, those worries were valid. But maybe it's just me.
* It'd been a few weeks since I read the pitch for the book, so I'd forgotten all of it.
Whether it's Michael Connelly (Nine Dragons) or Neil Lancaster (Tom Novak series)—and probably other examples I can't think of at the moment, anytime when you take police detectives and put them into a foreign context (especially when it becomes less police procedural and more international thriller), I think the book loses something. This one didn't lose a lot, but I think it stumbled a little bit—Racanelli handled the switch in flavors as well as anyone, though, I want to stress that this is a me-thing, not a Racanelli-thing.
THE SETTING
There are plenty of reasons for this to be set in 2002 for the plot to work—beyond that, it's a great setting for this kind of book. The characters can use cell phones and the internet, but smart phones aren't ubiquitous and what characters can do with phones/internet is still limited enough that the detectives have to work for their information, not everything is captured on phones, and so on. It may have been a practical choice to set the book when he did, but the benefits make it a great choice.
SO, WHAT DID I THINK ABOUT THE MAN IN MILAN?
From the voice, the style, the characters and the nature of the story—this is a solid, entertaining story. The persons responsible for the murder are dark and mysterious, but it's not overplayed. The motive behind the (initial) killing, and its method make sense and are just chilling. The escalation in terms of violence and scale feels natural, it felt like this could be based on real events.
Racanelli's take on Italian culture isn't one that I think I've seen before and it's one I'd like to learn more about, too.
The more action-thriller parts of the novel are as tense and compelling as you'd want, the procedural material is as good as you'll find anywhere. The Man in Milan is a great way for Vito Racanelli to introduce himself to Crime Fiction readers, and I look forward to seeing what he produces next.
Disclaimer: I received this book from the author via Saichek Publicity in exchange for this post and my honest opinion—thanks to both for this.
December 8, 2020
The story is based on real-world events of an aviation disaster, the ‘Ustica Massacre:’ The 40-Year-Old Aviation Mystery Almost exactly 40 years ago, in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, civil aviation experienced what would become one of the most mysterious accidents of its history.
Rossi and Turner, partner NYPD detectives start with the body that turns out to belong to an Italian national married to a daughter of a very wealthy New Yorker ad the due diligence takes them to reporters, hit men, a Carabinieri officer, and a whole lot more. Fun guys who do things like sitting in an obvious unmarked police car with opera blasting out the windows. A really great read!
I requested and received a free ebook copy from Polis Books via NetGalley. Thank you!
Rossi and Turner, partner NYPD detectives start with the body that turns out to belong to an Italian national married to a daughter of a very wealthy New Yorker ad the due diligence takes them to reporters, hit men, a Carabinieri officer, and a whole lot more. Fun guys who do things like sitting in an obvious unmarked police car with opera blasting out the windows. A really great read!
I requested and received a free ebook copy from Polis Books via NetGalley. Thank you!
October 4, 2020
Murder, Conspiracy and Mayhem from NYC to Milan.
When an Italian air force pilot is murdered in NY, NYPD detectives Paul Rossi and Hamilton P. Turner are called on to solve the crime. They soon find out what they're up against. The Italian consulate has shut and them out and there is not much help from their own department. When the victims sister, a policewoman in Italy, comes to help in the investigation, things get very interesting.
Filled with intrigue and an abundance of mistrust, our trio must travel to Italy to uncover the truth about an airline disaster from years ago that the victim might have been involved with and is at the center of the investigation. Solve one you solve the other, or do you? There are formidable forces at work that also want the answers and will stop at nothing to get what they want.
I found the writing to be succinct with a fast pace while the characters are believable and well rounded. I really enjoyed this one and highly recommend it.
Thank you to the author and Saichek Publicity for the gifted copy.
When an Italian air force pilot is murdered in NY, NYPD detectives Paul Rossi and Hamilton P. Turner are called on to solve the crime. They soon find out what they're up against. The Italian consulate has shut and them out and there is not much help from their own department. When the victims sister, a policewoman in Italy, comes to help in the investigation, things get very interesting.
Filled with intrigue and an abundance of mistrust, our trio must travel to Italy to uncover the truth about an airline disaster from years ago that the victim might have been involved with and is at the center of the investigation. Solve one you solve the other, or do you? There are formidable forces at work that also want the answers and will stop at nothing to get what they want.
I found the writing to be succinct with a fast pace while the characters are believable and well rounded. I really enjoyed this one and highly recommend it.
Thank you to the author and Saichek Publicity for the gifted copy.
February 8, 2021
When a man is found shot to death on the streets in New York Detective Paul Rossi and his partner Hamilton P. Turner are called in to investigate.
The victim is identified as Gaetano Muro a diplomat who works at the Italian consulate.
Days later, Muro’s estranged wife’s house is ransacked, and shortly after she’s killed.
As the police investigate they discover that Muro had approached a reporter earlier trying to sell some kind of story to him. Now it’s up to the police to find the connection between their deaths.
Overall an interesting read. Would recommend.
Thank you to Vito Racanelli, NetGalley, and Polis Books for the ARC of this book.
The victim is identified as Gaetano Muro a diplomat who works at the Italian consulate.
Days later, Muro’s estranged wife’s house is ransacked, and shortly after she’s killed.
As the police investigate they discover that Muro had approached a reporter earlier trying to sell some kind of story to him. Now it’s up to the police to find the connection between their deaths.
Overall an interesting read. Would recommend.
Thank you to Vito Racanelli, NetGalley, and Polis Books for the ARC of this book.
November 29, 2020
NYPD detectives Paul Rossi and Hamilton P. Turner catch a call to investigate a dead body. That’s not really rare on the streets of New York. But Rossi takes a closer look and immediately thinks something is fishy with this one. At first blush, it might appear to be a hit, but not the mob. The victim, Gaitano Muro, is Italian. A diplomat, by the identification on him. But, for some reason, the consul wants to deny that. So, if not the mob, then who? Is he working with the consulate or not?
Rossi fills in his partner, who had been delayed to the scene by --- well, what he’s usually delayed by, a woman. Rossi only wishes he were so lucky. As it stands, he has an ex-wife he still loves, a daughter he cherishes, an AA sponsor he relies on, and a desire for cigarettes that torments him daily. Turner has expensive suits, an affinity for poetry and an eye for the ladies. And now they both have a very problematic case on their hands.
Lieutenant Patrick Dunne, their immediate boss, tells them to drop the case. The victim is a foreigner, so just close it and move on. Well, Rossi and Turner don’t work that way. And when more bodies start to pile up, even Dunne has to retract his previous order, albeit grudgingly. The streets of New York have become more dangerous than ever since Muro’s murder. But all too soon, the leads peter out in the city, and much to Turner’s delight, it appears that they will need to take a trip to Italy to have any chance of solving the crime. Rossi, though, thinks this just might be a suicide trip. As unlikely as it seems, the clues appear to be pointing to a decades-old airline catastrophe near the tiny Italian island of Ustica. How could something that happened over 20 years ago be connected to slayings in New York today? Rossi and Turner aim to find out.
Before they head across the pond, Muro’s sister Laura shows up to claim her brother’s body and take him home to his final resting place. It’s convenient timing for the detectives, because now they can accompany her to Italy, using her as a sort of escort in the country. Even more convenient, Laura is a lieutenant in the carabinieri. That’s a big advantage for them as she can provide resources otherwise unavailable to them.
Once they touch down in Rome, the action ramps up almost immediately. The local police have loaned the detectives a man to help, but they don’t necessarily believe in the adage “The more the merrier.” Not certain who to trust, Rossi and Turner play it close to the chest. They have a secret but decide not to share it. At one of the interviews they conducted in the States, Rossi found a clue that he has brought along to Italy. And now it’s time to head to Ustica to find their treasure. For a sleepy little islet, Ustica sees far too much action in the short time the detectives are there. But the key to unlocking what happened in the skies over the Tyrrhenian Sea all those years ago lies there. And apparently, keeping the past buried is worth taking more lives to those who buried it. Rossi and Turner need to survive in order to bring justice to the scores of lost souls. Fortunately, they are a determined pair.
THE MAN IN MILAN is a refreshing yet gritty thriller. Vito Racanelli has produced a superb combination in Rossi and Turner, and readers will want to see more of them. They act like real street cops, and know how to work a case and spot BS. Besides keeping themselves out of hot water as much as possible, they walk the walk and talk the talk. Throw in a shocking airline disaster with a despicable motive behind it, and you have a gripping novel that deserves to be a hit.
Reviewed by Kate Ayers
Rossi fills in his partner, who had been delayed to the scene by --- well, what he’s usually delayed by, a woman. Rossi only wishes he were so lucky. As it stands, he has an ex-wife he still loves, a daughter he cherishes, an AA sponsor he relies on, and a desire for cigarettes that torments him daily. Turner has expensive suits, an affinity for poetry and an eye for the ladies. And now they both have a very problematic case on their hands.
Lieutenant Patrick Dunne, their immediate boss, tells them to drop the case. The victim is a foreigner, so just close it and move on. Well, Rossi and Turner don’t work that way. And when more bodies start to pile up, even Dunne has to retract his previous order, albeit grudgingly. The streets of New York have become more dangerous than ever since Muro’s murder. But all too soon, the leads peter out in the city, and much to Turner’s delight, it appears that they will need to take a trip to Italy to have any chance of solving the crime. Rossi, though, thinks this just might be a suicide trip. As unlikely as it seems, the clues appear to be pointing to a decades-old airline catastrophe near the tiny Italian island of Ustica. How could something that happened over 20 years ago be connected to slayings in New York today? Rossi and Turner aim to find out.
Before they head across the pond, Muro’s sister Laura shows up to claim her brother’s body and take him home to his final resting place. It’s convenient timing for the detectives, because now they can accompany her to Italy, using her as a sort of escort in the country. Even more convenient, Laura is a lieutenant in the carabinieri. That’s a big advantage for them as she can provide resources otherwise unavailable to them.
Once they touch down in Rome, the action ramps up almost immediately. The local police have loaned the detectives a man to help, but they don’t necessarily believe in the adage “The more the merrier.” Not certain who to trust, Rossi and Turner play it close to the chest. They have a secret but decide not to share it. At one of the interviews they conducted in the States, Rossi found a clue that he has brought along to Italy. And now it’s time to head to Ustica to find their treasure. For a sleepy little islet, Ustica sees far too much action in the short time the detectives are there. But the key to unlocking what happened in the skies over the Tyrrhenian Sea all those years ago lies there. And apparently, keeping the past buried is worth taking more lives to those who buried it. Rossi and Turner need to survive in order to bring justice to the scores of lost souls. Fortunately, they are a determined pair.
THE MAN IN MILAN is a refreshing yet gritty thriller. Vito Racanelli has produced a superb combination in Rossi and Turner, and readers will want to see more of them. They act like real street cops, and know how to work a case and spot BS. Besides keeping themselves out of hot water as much as possible, they walk the walk and talk the talk. Throw in a shocking airline disaster with a despicable motive behind it, and you have a gripping novel that deserves to be a hit.
Reviewed by Kate Ayers
June 14, 2021
This was extremely fun ride. Story revolves around two murder squad detectives - one older, serious, other younger, highly ambitious and lover-boy :) - as they get involved in what at first seems to be a rather weird murder case in "posh" parts of New York but then escalates extremely fast in bloodbath and high-level political conspiracy on the other side of the world.
Characters are very likeable and presented in an way that is almost cinematic. Although having completely different personalities both detectives are smart, witty and very very tired of their job and seeing the worst people can offer. Story ends with a teaser for a possible follow up books and I have to say I would truly like to follow the adventures of the duo.
Now the weird part.... book could benefit from better editing and page break structure (I think this is what it is called) - some parts look weird because of title on the very end of page (sometimes in cursive) and then story begins on next page with some empty space at the top. I know, maybe nit-picky, but should not happen. Also paragraph formatting is sometimes off - lots of empty space in one line and then very "texty" follow up lines. Again something that can happen to me (as amateur writer and editor) but should be handled by professional editing and page formatting.
And truly weird.... I know that people working on hard murder cases get saturated with violence. There is no way not to be. But when two senior detectives are brutally attacked by assailants unknown (literally physical attack, cold-blooded murder of a person close to them, 1920's style machine gun attack on a vehicle and at the end firebombing of ones home - all attacks in which innocents also die) I would expect PD to act in a way to protect policemen and their families. Maybe this happened in the background, I do not know but I find it weird that nobody mentioned this in any way as story moves on. Like this happens all the time (??? I truly hope not!).
All in all very interesting story, good plot and lots of twist that will keep you on your toes.
Recommended to all fans of thrillers.
Characters are very likeable and presented in an way that is almost cinematic. Although having completely different personalities both detectives are smart, witty and very very tired of their job and seeing the worst people can offer. Story ends with a teaser for a possible follow up books and I have to say I would truly like to follow the adventures of the duo.
Now the weird part.... book could benefit from better editing and page break structure (I think this is what it is called) - some parts look weird because of title on the very end of page (sometimes in cursive) and then story begins on next page with some empty space at the top. I know, maybe nit-picky, but should not happen. Also paragraph formatting is sometimes off - lots of empty space in one line and then very "texty" follow up lines. Again something that can happen to me (as amateur writer and editor) but should be handled by professional editing and page formatting.
And truly weird.... I know that people working on hard murder cases get saturated with violence. There is no way not to be. But when two senior detectives are brutally attacked by assailants unknown (literally physical attack, cold-blooded murder of a person close to them, 1920's style machine gun attack on a vehicle and at the end firebombing of ones home - all attacks in which innocents also die) I would expect PD to act in a way to protect policemen and their families. Maybe this happened in the background, I do not know but I find it weird that nobody mentioned this in any way as story moves on. Like this happens all the time (??? I truly hope not!).
All in all very interesting story, good plot and lots of twist that will keep you on your toes.
Recommended to all fans of thrillers.
December 3, 2020
As NYPD Detective Paul Rossi and his partner, Detective Hamilton P. Turner investigate however, they’re pulled ever-deeper into an intriguing and sinister plot with political overtones and roots that go back decades . . . to the worst air disaster in Italian history. Eighty-one souls were lost when an airline crashed on the island of Ustica, between the shin of Italy and the island of Sicily, in June of 1980. The cause of the crash has never been determined, but foul play may have occurred, because Russian-backed Libyan MiG fighters, French Mirages, as well as NATO and Italian warplanes were all in the same airspace at the time. It’s suspected that a crime may have been committed and covered up . . . but no one knows for certain . . . because the Italian Government continues to investigate but still hasn’t determined a cause, more than twenty years after the crash. And the man who was assassinated in NYC? His name was Gaetano Muro, and he was flying an Italian fighter jet in the melee where the ill-fated airliner went down.
Trying to fit together the pieces of an insanely complex puzzle Rossi and Turner are thwarted by the NYPD bureaucracy and stonewalled, obfuscated and misled by the Italian Consulate in New York City. The two detectives are joined by Gaetano Muro’s sister Laura, a policewoman from Italy who comes to America to claim her brother’s body and return it to the old country for burial. And that’s when another element known as the Gladio, a powerful and shadowy Italian political cabal whose tentacles extend all the way across the Atlantic Ocean to the innermost circles of New York’s political, social and ruling classes steps in to try and prevent the Sutton Place murder from ever being solved.
Based in part on actual events, The Man in Milan is stuffed full of action, intrigue and enough plot twists to satisfy Niccolo Machiavelli himself, and announces the arrival of a major new talent in thriller fiction. Read it for yourself and see why the MBR is calling it one of the best first novels we’ve seen in quite some time!
Trying to fit together the pieces of an insanely complex puzzle Rossi and Turner are thwarted by the NYPD bureaucracy and stonewalled, obfuscated and misled by the Italian Consulate in New York City. The two detectives are joined by Gaetano Muro’s sister Laura, a policewoman from Italy who comes to America to claim her brother’s body and return it to the old country for burial. And that’s when another element known as the Gladio, a powerful and shadowy Italian political cabal whose tentacles extend all the way across the Atlantic Ocean to the innermost circles of New York’s political, social and ruling classes steps in to try and prevent the Sutton Place murder from ever being solved.
Based in part on actual events, The Man in Milan is stuffed full of action, intrigue and enough plot twists to satisfy Niccolo Machiavelli himself, and announces the arrival of a major new talent in thriller fiction. Read it for yourself and see why the MBR is calling it one of the best first novels we’ve seen in quite some time!
December 12, 2020
The Man in Milan by Vito Racanelli – 5 Stars
Publisher: N/A
ISBN: 9781951709112
First, thank you Netgalley and author for making this available to me for review prior to the expected publish date. Readers will be in for a real treat.
Very good plot and story. I really enjoyed Rossi and Turner, partner NYPD detectives, whose conversations were not only intelligent, but witty. They were a perfect team and both totally committed to resolving not only their initial mystery of discovering the murderer of an Italian man, but also an answer to the real downing of an Italian passenger plane crash, known as the Ustica Massacre, that killed 81 people that the first murder led them to pursue. This novel was enjoyable and captivating throughout. The author did not disguise the events too much and continually led you to question certain suspects involved in the investigations. I knew immediately that this would end the way it did confirming any doubts that a series is obviously in the making. This was excellent standalone novel and a great tease for follow-on. I certainly will be waiting for the next episode with Rossi and Turner pitted against the mischievous elites in Italy. Although the next assignment has already been decided, one can almost expect these unsolved items from this novel will come up again.
See additional book reviews, may are pre-released books, at https://samscommonscents.blogspot.com...
Reviewer: Rich
Publisher: N/A
ISBN: 9781951709112
First, thank you Netgalley and author for making this available to me for review prior to the expected publish date. Readers will be in for a real treat.
Very good plot and story. I really enjoyed Rossi and Turner, partner NYPD detectives, whose conversations were not only intelligent, but witty. They were a perfect team and both totally committed to resolving not only their initial mystery of discovering the murderer of an Italian man, but also an answer to the real downing of an Italian passenger plane crash, known as the Ustica Massacre, that killed 81 people that the first murder led them to pursue. This novel was enjoyable and captivating throughout. The author did not disguise the events too much and continually led you to question certain suspects involved in the investigations. I knew immediately that this would end the way it did confirming any doubts that a series is obviously in the making. This was excellent standalone novel and a great tease for follow-on. I certainly will be waiting for the next episode with Rossi and Turner pitted against the mischievous elites in Italy. Although the next assignment has already been decided, one can almost expect these unsolved items from this novel will come up again.
See additional book reviews, may are pre-released books, at https://samscommonscents.blogspot.com...
Reviewer: Rich
February 25, 2021
Bright, Humorous, and You Get to Go to Italy
My favorite memory about reading The Man in Milan (and I just finished it about ten minutes ago) is how often I grinned and chuckled. I know! But the wordplay and warmth that comes out of Detective Rossi’s pie hole is what makes this whole New York-to-Italy-gumshoe/femme fatale/plane-crash-intrigue/politics-as-corruption ride so worth the trip. Whether it’s from someone’s puss being more sour than usual or a murdered stripper being separated from her assets (I almost have these quotes right), you just marvel at the rat-a-tat, superbly specific descriptions of actions, the physical world, interpersonal relations and world-weary-yet-optimistic bon mots. I’m all for this kind of thing. Sure, there’s a tradition of the clever, gimlet-eyed detective in the canon, but every writer who attempts this risks dropping leaden garbage all around. Not Racanelli. The decency of Rossi shines through in a world of self-promoters and downright criminals. The trip to Italy, necessary to investigate a murder that takes place in New York, gives the story that international fizz we could all use at anytime. Like so many great detective novels before this one, you can really see how The Man in Milan would make a perfect movie. The pace and tone are made for the big screen. But rest assured, reading this smart gem in the comfort of home is the primary experience. Enjoy it!
My favorite memory about reading The Man in Milan (and I just finished it about ten minutes ago) is how often I grinned and chuckled. I know! But the wordplay and warmth that comes out of Detective Rossi’s pie hole is what makes this whole New York-to-Italy-gumshoe/femme fatale/plane-crash-intrigue/politics-as-corruption ride so worth the trip. Whether it’s from someone’s puss being more sour than usual or a murdered stripper being separated from her assets (I almost have these quotes right), you just marvel at the rat-a-tat, superbly specific descriptions of actions, the physical world, interpersonal relations and world-weary-yet-optimistic bon mots. I’m all for this kind of thing. Sure, there’s a tradition of the clever, gimlet-eyed detective in the canon, but every writer who attempts this risks dropping leaden garbage all around. Not Racanelli. The decency of Rossi shines through in a world of self-promoters and downright criminals. The trip to Italy, necessary to investigate a murder that takes place in New York, gives the story that international fizz we could all use at anytime. Like so many great detective novels before this one, you can really see how The Man in Milan would make a perfect movie. The pace and tone are made for the big screen. But rest assured, reading this smart gem in the comfort of home is the primary experience. Enjoy it!
February 28, 2021
When a former Italian Air force pilot gets bumped off in New York, detectives Paul (Paolo) Rossi and Hamilton P. Turner get drawn into a series of murders that will eventually lead them to Italy where they get entangled in a more than 40 years old aviation crime, the "strage di Ustica". The crash of a commercial airplane with 81 people on board above the coast of a small island called Ustica that already forms a mystery for 40 years has never completely been solved.
While in Italy (Rome, Sicily, Ustica and Milano) they get involved in the rather cloak and dagger developments between various Police forces and Gladio, Italy’s powerful, shadowy political cabal, that is said to be responsible for several attacks during the 80's in Italy. That is to say, either them or the Brigate Rosse (Red Brigades). In this confusion of factions it is very hard to know whom to trust, as they find out to their detriment.
I'm a bit at two mind about the book, I rather liked the overall story and some parts were really exciting and full of suspense while I found other parts rather dull and difficult to read. Maybe this was because of a lot of American slang, although normally this doesn't bother me much.
Still and interesting read that I would recommend for a nice read at the pool or the beach, or on a plane to Italy.
a big 3 stars
I want to thank Netgalley, the author and the publisher for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
While in Italy (Rome, Sicily, Ustica and Milano) they get involved in the rather cloak and dagger developments between various Police forces and Gladio, Italy’s powerful, shadowy political cabal, that is said to be responsible for several attacks during the 80's in Italy. That is to say, either them or the Brigate Rosse (Red Brigades). In this confusion of factions it is very hard to know whom to trust, as they find out to their detriment.
I'm a bit at two mind about the book, I rather liked the overall story and some parts were really exciting and full of suspense while I found other parts rather dull and difficult to read. Maybe this was because of a lot of American slang, although normally this doesn't bother me much.
Still and interesting read that I would recommend for a nice read at the pool or the beach, or on a plane to Italy.
a big 3 stars
I want to thank Netgalley, the author and the publisher for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
November 18, 2020
I learned about relatively recent Italian history as a result of reading this book. So I'm glad I requested an ARC of this international thriller from publicist Wiley Saichek. The author makes the plot seem very convincing, but The Man in Milan shouldn't be regarded as actual history. Racanelli is engaging in fictional extrapolation that will delight conspiracy fans everywhere.
The Italian American NYPD detective, Paul Rossi, who is the main point of view character in The Man in Milan, is fluent in Italian. His knowledge of the language and Italian culture furnishes readers with more of an insider perspective. It seems likely that Rossi will continue to play an active role in future investigations if Racanelli publishes any further novels dealing with these characters.
For my complete review see https://shomeretmasked.blogspot.com/2...
The Italian American NYPD detective, Paul Rossi, who is the main point of view character in The Man in Milan, is fluent in Italian. His knowledge of the language and Italian culture furnishes readers with more of an insider perspective. It seems likely that Rossi will continue to play an active role in future investigations if Racanelli publishes any further novels dealing with these characters.
For my complete review see https://shomeretmasked.blogspot.com/2...
July 27, 2022
The Man in Milan reads like a cross between Dan Brown and David Baldacci. The story is based on real-world events of an aviation disaster. The characters are rich, and the story is engaging. I love the atmosphere of the story and the descriptions of the locations. The story goes from Italy to New York and details the powerful political entities. The story is fast-paced and has good twists and turns.
I read this in one sitting! The Man in Milan is a good debut novel by Vito Racanelli.
#TheManInMilan #NetGalley
I read this in one sitting! The Man in Milan is a good debut novel by Vito Racanelli.
#TheManInMilan #NetGalley
December 16, 2020
An excellent thriller that kept me hooked till the end.
It's interesting how it deals with a historical fact, Ustica, and develops a complex and gripping plot.
It's highly entertaining and the plot is tightly knitted.
The characters are interesting and it was a lot of fun trying to understand who the bad guys are.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
It's interesting how it deals with a historical fact, Ustica, and develops a complex and gripping plot.
It's highly entertaining and the plot is tightly knitted.
The characters are interesting and it was a lot of fun trying to understand who the bad guys are.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
January 4, 2021
A new crime master emerges
Vito Racanelli’s first novel is a masterpiece of crime fiction. It’s an addictive blend of New York cops and an ancient Italian crime syndicate, all wrapped up in a true unsolved mystery. The two New York blues are a winning pair, the inter-continental settings are gorgeously described, the mystery is a surprise a minute and the action never lets up. I couldn’t put it down. I sense a long and satisfying series coming, and I can’t wait for the next installment. Bravo!
Vito Racanelli’s first novel is a masterpiece of crime fiction. It’s an addictive blend of New York cops and an ancient Italian crime syndicate, all wrapped up in a true unsolved mystery. The two New York blues are a winning pair, the inter-continental settings are gorgeously described, the mystery is a surprise a minute and the action never lets up. I couldn’t put it down. I sense a long and satisfying series coming, and I can’t wait for the next installment. Bravo!
July 10, 2021
entertaining, a bit off beat mystery. Two NYPD detectives - one black, one Italian American - pursue murder case that takes them to Sicily to solve a mysterious plane crash that killed 81 people 21 years prior.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 13, 2021
Pretty good.
Pretty good. Interesting characters plot and settings in NYC and Italy made it an easy and enjoyable read. Would recommend.
Pretty good. Interesting characters plot and settings in NYC and Italy made it an easy and enjoyable read. Would recommend.
June 20, 2021
The Man in Milan is an excellent thriller. Hoping there will be a second.
October 19, 2021
Fun and fast paced, good characters and an interesting plot. Leaves the door open for another one to come. I enjoyed the two cops and their very different sensibilities.
December 29, 2025
The book started slow and kind of awkward but by the time I got to the end I was disappointed it was over.
November 10, 2020
Oh my gosh. One of my favorite authors is Daniel Silva and if you enjoy his books please consider reading this one. This author sets the bar high with a tale of international political intrigue. If you are looking for a new author to start reading you need to check this one out. Fast paced, well written and exciting are all aspects of this book. I am looking forward to reading many more from this author in the future.
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