City of Devils

The brightest mind meets the darkest killer 1887 When James Murray, a young Scottish doctor fascinated by the workings of the criminal mind, travels to the vibrant city of Turin, it is to study with Cesare Lombroso, the world-renowned criminologist. But just hours after his introduction to the unconventional Lombroso, the discovery of a horrifically mutilated body in the nearby Piazza Statuto, and a note that appears to implicate the celebrated criminologist himself, changes everything. With the help of his fellow apprentice, Ottolenghi; Tullio, a local investigator; and Lombroso’s beautiful but enigmatic housekeeper, Sofia; Murray must put his learning to the test and endeavour to understand the mind of a truly evil serial killer if he is to stop the rapidly escalating bloodbath and clear the name of his mentor. Have Lombroso’s many enemies attempted to frame him? Are the notes an accusation or a challenge? And will Lombroso’s own influential theories about criminal behaviour help to catch a cunning and ruthless killer? Meet the world’s first criminologist in this compelling, fast-paced historical thriller.

Reviews of City of Devils

Bretherick weaves together a number of strands into a complex tale that ends with a genuinely surprising revelation of the identity of the murderer… This is a historical crime novel with real originality and narrative energy. BBC HISTORY MAGAZINE A gripping novel, full of suspense. GOOD HOUSEKEEPING Bretherick delivers shock after shock to the nervous system with deft and deadly style. NORTHERN ECHO