Dantes Numbers

Dantes Numbers is the seventh novel in David Hewsons Italian-set crime sequence. His protagonist is the resourceful Nic Costa, and Costas stamping grounds — Venice and Rome — are conjured for the reader in novels that combine atmosphere with judicious plotting. A selection of writers from England and America have elected to locate their books in Italy, and Hewson is among the most accomplished of such literary travellers.
Dantes Numbers is a particularly winning outing for Nic Costa. A death mask of the great Italian writer Dante is to be displayed to tie in with the premiere of a new film based on the poets classic Inferno. But when the time arrives for the display, a macabre death mask of Allen Prime, the films star, is discovered to have been substituted for the invaluable original. Shortly after, the leading lady, Maggie Flavier, is menaced before her assailant is shot. Is a demented fan of Dante behind the mayhem? The caribinieri think so – but (as usual) Nic Costa refuses to take the establishment line, and he travels to the films next showing in San Francisco. His task: recover the mask – and prevent more deaths.
Hewson fans will be in no doubt as to the effortless level of storytelling acumen on offer here – the only mystery is why Hewsons books (popular though they are) arent yet as celebrated as many a less accomplished series. –Barry Forshaw