Michael Gregorio is a pseudonym for Michael G. Jacob and Daniela De Gregorio, who write historical mysteries from their home in Spoleto, Italy. They also teach English and philosophy respectively. This is their second novel, "Days of Atonement."
Those who like European history during the Napoleonic era, particularly those who like sprinkling historical fiction with mystery, will love this very well written novel. The plot: three children are brutally killed in the French occupied Prussian town of Lotingen and their mother is missing. Their father is stationed miles away at a renegade Prussian outpost. Where is the mother and who killed the kids?
Local magistrate, Hanno Stiffeniis, is teamed with French inspector, Serge Lavedrine, to solve the mystery. Hanno's wife, Hanna, plays a key role in solving the mystery.
The historical details are, I believe, very accurate. The best aspect of the book, however, is how effectively the psychological impact of the French invasion and the deep rooted cultural differences between Prussians and French, as well as between Prussians and the native Jewish population are explored in this book. The animosities literally jump off the page as many of these cultural themes are woven into the plot. By the same token, the way the main characters are able to put aside their natural distrust of each other to solve this murder as a team shows and extraordinary insight into how cultural differences can be overcome.
I look forward to the next book by this pair.
Liz Nichols
Iowa City
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