Maurizio de Giovanni releases crime novel Il Bufalo e Sammarzano

Author Maurizio de Giovanni introduces a new direction for Italian crime fiction with his novel, ‘Il Bufalo e Sammarzano’, published by Rizzoli. The story blends noir elements with comedy, moving away from traditional gritty detective tropes to feature a protagonist who is peace-loving and optimistic.

The plot follows Claudio Bistrotti, a brilliant Milanese police commissioner who relocates to the Naples Railway Police after being pursued by two women seeking marriage. While navigating the unique social laws of the Naples station, Bistrotti investigates the disappearance of Ciociò, an elderly street musician. He finds an unlikely ally in Antonio Lorusso, known as ‘the Bufalo’, a local chef whose trattoria serves the working class. Together, they uncover secrets hidden within the history of the Naples station.