Donato Carrisi

Donato Carrisi is an Italian novelist, screenwriter, and director known for psychological thrillers and crime fiction. His work frequently explores dark themes, criminal psychology, and the nature of evil. Born in 1973 in Martina Franca, Italy, Carrisi studied law and specialized in criminology and behavioral science before turning to writing. His debut novel "The Whisperer" (2009) became an international bestseller and has been translated into over 20 languages, establishing him as a prominent voice in contemporary Italian crime fiction. Carrisi's background in criminology heavily influences his writing style, with detailed attention to forensic procedures and psychological profiling. His novels often feature complex investigations, supernatural elements, and intricate plots centered around serial killers and missing persons cases. Many of Carrisi's works have been adapted for film and television, including "The Girl in the Fog" and "Into the Labyrinth," both of which he directed himself. He continues to work across multiple media, combining his roles as author, screenwriter, and filmmaker.

Readers consistently note Carrisi's intricate plotting and psychological depth, particularly in "The Whisperer" and "The Vanished Ones." Many appreciate his background as a criminologist informing the authentic procedural details. Positive reviews highlight: - Complex, layered mysteries that avoid standard thriller tropes - Detailed insights into criminal psychology - Unexpected endings that reframe earlier events - Strong atmosphere in Italian settings Common criticisms: - Pacing issues, especially in middle sections - Too many characters to track - Some plot twists feel forced or implausible - Translations can be awkward in English editions Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: - The Whisperer: 3.9/5 (31,000+ ratings) - The Lost Girls of Rome: 3.8/5 (12,000+ ratings) Amazon: - The Whisperer: 4.3/5 - The Girl in the Fog: 4.1/5 One reader noted: "He makes you work to follow the threads, but the payoff is worth it." Another complained: "The constant perspective shifts left me confused."

The Whisperer - A criminal profiler hunts a killer who abducts young girls and buries them alive, while uncovering a complex web of interconnected crimes.

The Vanished Ones - An investigator searches for missing people in Rome who seem to have vanished without a trace, leading to the discovery of an underground network.

The Lost Girls of Rome - A forensic analyst investigates her husband's murder while uncovering a secret organization of "hunters" who solve cold cases in Rome.

The Girl in the Fog - Special agent Vogel investigates the disappearance of a teenage girl in an Alpine town, where nothing is as it seems.

The Hunter of the Dark - A priest with no memory of his past investigates ritualistic murders in Rome while confronting his own mysterious history.

Into the Labyrinth - A private investigator and a psychiatric profiler work to find a kidnapped girl by following clues left by a mysterious individual called "the man in the labyrinth."

House of Voices - A woman who identifies bodies through their clothing investigates a series of mysterious deaths connected to an abandoned hotel.

The Game - A hypnotist helps police solve cold cases by accessing witnesses' memories, leading to dangerous revelations about connected murders.