Death and the Olive Grove

A real find for anyone who likes their crime novels atmospheric, discursive, humorous and thought-provoking. - Guardian

[Italian] writers are justifiably growing in popularity here: Marco Vichi deserves to be among them … [Bordelli] is stubborn, womanless, cynical and impatient, but strangely appealing. - Marcel Berlins, The Times

With a love of food and drink, a fine sense of justice and a desire to help the underdog Bordelli is a likeable hero. This second book in the series is a delight -

Filled with interesting character sketches and the dirt of Italian street life DEATH AND THE OLIVE GROVE is a haunting and troubling crime story. - Barry Forshaw,

Vichi’s stellar first in a new mystery series introduces endearingly melancholic Inspector Bordelli … [and] delivers a plausible solution worthy of a golden age crime novel. Readers will look forward to seeing more of this flawed hero. - Publishers Weekly, starred review on DEATH IN AUGUST

When I first reviewed DEATH IN AUGUST by Marco Vichi back in June 2011 I knew before I’d finished reading the book that Hodder had a hit on their hands … [they] have once again delivered an outstanding package combining an envious narrative, a colourful and multi-faceted detective and a cornucopia of Italian food to die for … Magical and moreish - on DEATH AND THE OLIVE GROVE

[The Inspector Bordelli books] feature a fascinating cop and disillusioned anti-hero who rails against both injustice and the corrupt system but faces classic murder cases with a familiar Christie-like ring - Maxim Jakubowski

Over the course of his police procedurals, Vichi shows us ever more secret and dark sides to an otherwise sunny and open city. But his happiest creation, in my opinion, remains the character of Inspector Bordelli, a disillusioned anti-hero who is difficult to forget. - Andrea Camilleri