I would like to thank Netgalley and Europa Editions for an advance copy of Puppies, the fourth novel in the Bastards of Pizzofalcone series, set in Naples.

When Warrant Officer Romano finds a new born baby outside the station the hunt is on to find her mother. Even with few clues the team is determined to solve the puzzle. Then there is the mystery of Lara, a Ukrainian immigrant and finally Detective Aragona is persuaded by a child to find his missing puppy.

I always had it in mind to read Mr Di Giovanni’s work but never got round to it, so many books, so little time etc. so when the chance to read Puppies came up I took the plunge. I enjoyed it. I like a procedural with its slow, relentless accumulation of information and the logical thought processes involved.

I’m not quite sure where to start as while there are similarities to English language procedurals there are also differences. For a start it is an ensemble piece rather than having one main protagonist with each of the detectives sharing their investigation and thoughts. This is clever as it gives the reader a good idea of the dynamic and a wider view on events. It also makes the novel work as a stand-alone as all the characters are introduced via their thoughts on their posting to what is essentially a dumping ground for Officers unwanted elsewhere. It also shows how they are gradually melding into an effective team.

I really liked the plot which is unglamorous but representative of police work. I found the hunt for the baby’s mother compelling as the team examine various theories and continue their hunt. The resolution says more about our society than I would like it to. The novel is not without humour, not only in the dialogue but in the hunt for the missing puppy which made me laugh at the author’s audacity and imagination.

I don’t think Puppies will be for every reader as it doesn’t have much action and it’s character driven but I liked it and can recommend it as a good read.