Reviews

The lore and mystique of male transvestite lifestyles in Florence--wigs, silicone implants, makeup, gowns and, notably, confusions of gender in ``a culture dominated by men''--provide the interest in this competent mystery by the author of The Marshal and the Madwoman. As the novel opens, home-loving Marshal Guarnaccia, wife Teresa and small sons Toto and Giovanni, shopping for school supplies, rescue a lost child. Next, elderly Signora Fossi reports her missing adult son. Before long, grisly remains of the corpse of ``Lulu'' are found on a grassy riverbank. The Marshal takes the case that no one wants, a situation underscoring the novel's theme of unloved and troubled children. When Totoo is caught shoplifting a sweater, the problem of discontented youth hits close to the Guarnaccia home. Police interviews with men calling themselves Carla and Peppina afford sociological insights in a tale that proves more sobering than entertaining. (July)

Marshal Salva Guarnaccia, featured in six previous outings, finds himself saddled with the case of a beautiful (until murdered and dismembered) transsexual prostitute. At first embarrassed and dismayed, the marshal nonetheless plods into the nether world of Florence to question Lulu's many enemies. His search finally centers on a mysterious ``patron'' of Lulu, nicknamed Nanny. Back home, meanwhile, troubles brew with the marshal's two young sons. Nabb offers a distinctly foreign flavor, approachable protagonist, and offbeat list of coloful characters. Recommended for most collections.