Dante's Numbers

Like the first reviewer I found the change of scene to America distracting and could not emphathise with the American characters at all. I hope David Hewson's next book is again set in Rome and we again have the full interaction between Costa, Falcone et al. Saul Reichlin was superb as always but confess I was quite glad when the book ended. And that was a first!

I have followed the whole of Hewson's Rome series featuring the thoughtful detective, Nic Costa and I wasn't disappointed by this latest book. Unlike earlier books in the series this one is set both in Rome and San Fransisco, which, I think, added to the story as it allowed for some comparisons between two different society's cultures, attitudes and scenery. As I've come to expect from the author he has created an intricate plot, this time revolving around clues from Dante's Inferno and the film Vertigo. Though each book in the series stands alone, you get more from listening to them in sequence as there are references to past events and the experiences of the main characters have been developed in earlier books with only passing references in this book to their back-stories. But don't be put-off starting with this book: I think you'll enjoy it and, if you do you, you'll know that there are five previous books waiting for you. The reading by Saul Reichlin is excellent as usual and adds to the enjoyment and comprehensibility of a complex plot with many characters to keep track of.

I've listened to all the Nic Costa series and have really enjoyed them, especially when read by Saul Reichlin. Much of their appeal is the setting in Rome and in my opinion, something was lost by transferring the team to San Fransisco. There is little interaction between Costa, Peroni and co which I missed and I found it hard to sympathise with any of the new American characters. Hewson writes brilliantly and his plot is ingenious but too complicated and contrived for me. If I had read Dante's Inferno or seen Vertigo I might have enjoyed it more. For the first time I was glad when the audio book came to an end but it won't stop me listening to the next one, especially if it's back on home ground.

Rather disappointing. You kept hearing about Costa's late wife, but never really found out what happened to her particulary after in Book 5 you had been hearing about their marriage. Generally found it rather muddled. Not up to Hewson's general standard in my opinion.

this is my second audio book and i wasn't to be dissapointed i was captivated from begining to the end, i found myself willing the characters on and many a time my heart was in my mouth. what a great writer hewson is, also i thought the narration was spot on, looking forward to listening to many more.