Audiobook Review: The Monster of Florence

I thought this was a fictional account about a serial killer in Florence, Italy. After listening for a while, I realize that this is more of a non-fiction account about the sad state of journalism and the Italian criminal justice system.

The book, Monster of Florence, written by Douglas Preston in collaboration with Italian journalist Mario Spezi recounts the details of the Florence serial murders, and the incredible black hole of the Italian criminal justice system. The true story of how Spezi's coverage of the murders led to a frenzy of speculations, ridiculous accusations and ultimately to his own arrest as a potential suspect. Unsubstantiated annecdotes of satanic worship become evidence on which the prosecutors and judges charge and hold the innocent. Journalists's publications can unwittingly land them in jail without so much as a formal charge.  The lack of accountability in accusing and jailing citizens provide a fascinating look into the Italian criminal justice system. While Preston's interview at the end states that there are systemic problems with the United States justice system as well, what is left in the readers' mind is the that the shoddy Italian justice system is more of a "Monster of Florence" than the serial killer himself.