Almost blue by Carlo Lucarelli
First published in Italian back in 1997, ‘Almost Blue’ by Carlo Lucarelli is most certainly a thriller of the page-turner variety.
Utilising three different point-of-views, the story focuses on a strange serial killer operating in Bologna. Initially, the city's authorities refuse to admit that they have a problem, but when Detective Inspector Grazia Negro, a specialist in serial killing, is brought in from Rome, they and everyone else must face up to the reality.
Always one step behind, Grazia finds herself unable to track a killer who changes his appearance with every kill, and is forced to pin her hopes on the most unlikely of witnesses - a blind kid named Simone, who utilises scanners and technology to eavesdrop on the city he has never seen.
This unique witness, who interprets the city and its inhabitants through sounds and colours, adds an almost surreal element to the narration, which is fascinating and allows Lucarelli to showcase his craftsmanship beautifully, as well as adding an extra layer of tension to the proceedings.
One other device used by the author is to grant one perspective to that of the killer. It allows us an insight into his mind, his trauma (as in the best gialli), and his primary driver. While you will never side with him, you will feel sympathy despite his brutal actions, which Carlotto does not detail, with this restraint paying off in the final third.
Further literary decisions include eschewing chapter headings, and not dedicating one chapter per individual perspective. Rather, when necessary, Lucarelli moves from perspective to perspective as the action happens, allowing for a seamless experience, and one that is broken up by punctuated action or dialogue, again helping to foster a smooth reading experience and putting the reader first.
As you would expect, things converge and come to a head in a tense finale that really had me gripped, and despite a few dubious character actions or super-charged relationship developments (more for plot convenience), the overall use of tension and pacing proved highly effective overall.
‘Almost Blue’ won’t be for everyone. It’s borderline superficial, but at 169 pages, what do you expect? However, if it is for you, then you won’t be disappointed. That I have read this book previously (maybe a decade ago) and watched the film, yet still couldn’t put it down, just highlights the immersive power it holds.
