"Mystery Italian 'tec ?

carpetmojo · 01-22-2012, 04:56 AM

We have fairly recently had a short series on UK TV about a normally unusual Police Inspector (or carabiniere?) in Rome (?) that I cannot remember anything more about, but I thought possibly was a better book - any thoughts come to mind on finding if it was indeed a book, series, whatever, anyone ?

Rumpelteazer · 01-22-2012, 07:34 AM

It might be Michael Dibdin's Aurelio Zen series you're looking for.

HarryT · 01-24-2012, 11:13 AM

Yes, it was Zen. Three of the books were adapted for TV. I thought it was pretty good.

Mike L · 01-24-2012, 12:21 PM

Or, was it perhaps the Inspector Montalbano series? There are about a dozen books, written by Andrea Camilleri. I think there was also a TV series.

Rumpelteazer · 01-24-2012, 12:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HarryT

Yes, it was Zen. Three of the books were adapted for TV. I thought it was pretty good.

I agree, it's a shame the BBC decide to cancel it and focus "original drama". Although I like the books, at least the 3 that I've read so far, I prefer the tv series (probably because I like the actor Rufus Sewell

)

HarryT · 01-24-2012, 12:27 PM

I only recently found out that the "Inspector George Gently" TV series is based on books. I think the TV version is excellent - I'll have to try the books. Some, at least, are available as eBooks.

Rumpelteazer · 01-24-2012, 06:07 PM

I love British detectives. I love the new Sherlock Holmes series (which the BBC, strangely, classifies as an Original Drama"), but also the older series as Midsommer Murders (not sure what to think of the new Barnaby), Frost, Inspector Lynley, etc.

I've tried reading several books which has series based on them and most of the time I found the tv series better than the books.

SeaBookGuy · 01-25-2012, 12:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike L

Or, was it perhaps the Inspector Montalbano series? There are about a dozen books, written by Andrea Camilleri. I think there was also a TV series.

I'm listening to that series as audiobooks these days -- the translation and narration are terrific!

carpetmojo · 01-25-2012, 06:12 AM

Yes ! Zen, that was it - as I said, I just felt it might be better as a book, although the series was very watchable.
As for Midsommer Murders, I find rather like scrambled eggs on wholemeal bread, or warm custard - nice to indulge now and then, but not quite comfort food....
Definitely can't work without Old Stoneface

And if ever offered a house, even at a bargain price, anywhere near Midsommer - forget it, you're bound to be bumped off in the first month !

I too mean to catch up with the literary George Gently, a splendid series.
Could I also recommend the few (compared with the TV version) Inspector Frost books - don't know if they're out digitally though - which are excellent.

HarryT · 01-25-2012, 06:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by carpetmojo

Could I also recommend the few (compared with the TV version) Inspector Frost books - don't know if they're out digitally though - which are excellent.

Yes, all 6 are available (at Amazon, anyway). Written by R.D. Wingfield. As you say, they are very good. A different feel to the TV versions.

Rumpelteazer · 01-25-2012, 06:52 AM

If you like the Italian setting you might want to try David Hewson's Nic Costa series.

My problem with the books is that the stories are good but that the main character is a lot less sympathetic, for instance Lynley and Barnaby (at least in the first book).

HarryT · 01-25-2012, 06:55 AM

The Inspector Lynley series on TV is enjoyable, but it's VERY different to the Elizabeth George books.

01-22-2012, 04:56 AM	#1
carpetmojo Wizard Posts: 3,117 Karma: 9269999 Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: UK Device: Sony- T3, PRS650, 350, T1/2/3, Paperwhite, Fire 8.9,Samsung Tab S 10.5	"Mystery Italian 'tec ? We have fairly recently had a short series on UK TV about a normally unusual Police Inspector (or carabiniere?) in Rome (?) that I cannot remember anything more about, but I thought possibly was a better book - any thoughts come to mind on finding if it was indeed a book, series, whatever, anyone ?

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01-22-2012, 07:34 AM	#2
Rumpelteazer Grand Sorcerer Posts: 5,323 Karma: 27919658 Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Utrecht, the Netherlands Device: Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition	It might be Michael Dibdin's Aurelio Zen series you're looking for.

01-24-2012, 11:13 AM	#3
HarryT eBook Enthusiast Posts: 85,544 Karma: 93383099 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: UK Device: Kindle Oasis 2, iPad Pro 10.5", iPhone 6	Yes, it was Zen. Three of the books were adapted for TV. I thought it was pretty good.

01-24-2012, 12:21 PM	#4
Mike L Wizard Posts: 1,479 Karma: 3846231 Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Edinburgh, Scotland Device: Kindle 3, Samsung Galaxy	Or, was it perhaps the Inspector Montalbano series? There are about a dozen books, written by Andrea Camilleri. I think there was also a TV series.

01-24-2012, 12:27 PM	#6
HarryT eBook Enthusiast Posts: 85,544 Karma: 93383099 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: UK Device: Kindle Oasis 2, iPad Pro 10.5", iPhone 6	I only recently found out that the "Inspector George Gently" TV series is based on books. I think the TV version is excellent - I'll have to try the books. Some, at least, are available as eBooks.

01-24-2012, 06:07 PM	#7
Rumpelteazer Grand Sorcerer Posts: 5,323 Karma: 27919658 Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Utrecht, the Netherlands Device: Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition	I love British detectives. I love the new Sherlock Holmes series (which the BBC, strangely, classifies as an Original Drama"), but also the older series as Midsommer Murders (not sure what to think of the new Barnaby), Frost, Inspector Lynley, etc. I've tried reading several books which has series based on them and most of the time I found the tv series better than the books.

01-25-2012, 06:12 AM	#9
carpetmojo Wizard Posts: 3,117 Karma: 9269999 Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: UK Device: Sony- T3, PRS650, 350, T1/2/3, Paperwhite, Fire 8.9,Samsung Tab S 10.5	Yes ! Zen, that was it - as I said, I just felt it might be better as a book, although the series was very watchable. As for Midsommer Murders, I find rather like scrambled eggs on wholemeal bread, or warm custard - nice to indulge now and then, but not quite comfort food.... Definitely can't work without Old Stoneface And if ever offered a house, even at a bargain price, anywhere near Midsommer - forget it, you're bound to be bumped off in the first month ! I too mean to catch up with the literary George Gently, a splendid series. Could I also recommend the few (compared with the TV version) Inspector Frost books - don't know if they're out digitally though - which are excellent.

01-25-2012, 06:52 AM	#11
Rumpelteazer Grand Sorcerer Posts: 5,323 Karma: 27919658 Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Utrecht, the Netherlands Device: Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition	If you like the Italian setting you might want to try David Hewson's Nic Costa series. My problem with the books is that the stories are good but that the main character is a lot less sympathetic, for instance Lynley and Barnaby (at least in the first book).

01-25-2012, 06:55 AM	#12
HarryT eBook Enthusiast Posts: 85,544 Karma: 93383099 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: UK Device: Kindle Oasis 2, iPad Pro 10.5", iPhone 6	The Inspector Lynley series on TV is enjoyable, but it's VERY different to the Elizabeth George books.