Day after day by Carlo Lucarelli - A review

Released in Italy back in 2000 and the UK five years later (as I have seen a different cover online, I am guessing it had a re-release or at least a second pressing), ‘Day after day’ by Carlo Lucarelli see’s the return of plucky Inspector Grazia Negro as she once again hunts down a seemingly faceless killer.

Still primarily based in Bologna, our killer travels the country with anonymity, but a misunderstanding in an internet chatroom spurs him to take on an unpaid job and ensure his privacy.

One thing readers will notice is that ‘Day after day’ is about a third longer than ‘Almost Blue’, and Lucarelli uses this extra space to be a little less direct in his narrative and a little more introspective with his characters, although he does still skim over several relationships.

The benefit of this approach is that when the author drops a vital nugget of information or shows us a piece of restrained brutality, then the impact is all the greater for it. And when combined with a well-crafted and compelling story, then the book becomes an easy read.

But with a caveat. This is typical Lucarelli, and so if you didn’t enjoy the first book, then you won’t fare much better here. Why Grazia has a predilection for vulnerable young men who are victims I don’t know, and the sexual scenes seem unnecessary in this book and don’t help add anything to the story or our understanding of the characters. In fact, one uncomfortable scene confused me regarding the perpetrator. But hey ho.

Overall, for fans of the author and Italian crime fiction, this is a solid read. Lucarelli has a unique style, and a powerful concept here which overcomes its shortcomings. Although perhaps not for everyone.