Crossing the Line by Isabella Muir Narrator: Charles Johnston
Series: Giuseppe Bianchi #1
Published by the author on December 16, 2020
Source: Rachel's Random Resources
Genres: Mystery
Length: 7 hrs 5 mins
Pages: 264
Format: Audiobook
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Tragic accident or cold-blooded murder?
Retired Italian detective, Giuseppe Bianchi, travels to England to escape one tragic death, when he comes face-to-face with another. When the body of a teenager is found on a Sussex beach, Giuseppe is drawn to the case – a case with no witnesses, and a case about which no one is prepared to talk.
National news reports of a missing twelve-year-old in Manchester spark fear across the nation. The phrase ‘stranger-danger’ filters into public consciousness. Local reporter, Christina Rossi, already has concerns about her local community. Families are not as close-knit as they first appear.
As the sea mist drifts in and darkness descends, can Giuseppe and Christina discover the truth and prevent another tragedy?
Retired detective Guiseppe Bianchi is visiting with family on the Southern coast of England, when a local child is found dead, probably not an accident. Guiseppe can’t stop himself from thinking about the case. He teams up with his niece, reporter Christina Rossi, to do their own investigating, sharing information with the police as they go. It’s the 1960s, at a time when ‘stranger danger’ was becoming part of the national consciousness, and that fear is woven into the story.
Guiseppe is charming, but sad. This open-ended vacation may be good for him. Christina is smart, but has a lot on her plate and lacks confidence in her own skills. They make a good team.
I listened to the audio and thought the narrator did a fine job. The characters were well-distinguished and his tone fit the seriousness of the crime.
The plot was put together well. It’s not a quick moving mystery, but I enjoyed the pace. The characters feel real and each of the suspects has their own secrets. This is very much a story about family and love and loss. The ending pulled all the various strands together in a satisfying way.
About Isabella Muir
Isabella is never happier than when she is immersing herself in the sights, sounds and experiences of the 1960s. Researching all aspects of family life back then formed the perfect launch pad for her works of fiction. Isabella rediscovered her love of writing fiction during two happy years working on and completing her MA in Professional Writing and since then has gone to publish six novels, two novellas and a short story collection.
A new street detective author and book for me. Thanks for the review
It was a new author for me. I’m always happy when I enjoy new authors; I don’t know about you, but there’s always a little nervousness.