A Long Finish

Italian police detective Aurelio Zen is dispatched to investigate a murder case in a small wine-growing region. The son of a prestigious vintner stands accused of a brutal killing, and time is running short to clear his name before the critical grape harvest begins. In the remote rural community, Zen encounters a wall of silence and deep-rooted tensions dating back to World War II. While pursuing the investigation, he must also navigate personal complications when a young woman appears claiming to be his daughter. The story moves between Rome's corridors of power and the insular world of Italian wine country, exploring how past events continue to influence present-day relationships. The novel examines themes of family loyalty, buried secrets, and the complex intersections of justice and power in Italian society.

Readers appreciate the rich details about Italian wine culture, truffles, and rural life in Alba that create an authentic sense of place. The complex family dynamics and local politics add depth to what starts as a murder investigation. Many note the book builds momentum in its second half after a slower start. Common criticisms include the measured pacing of the first third and some readers found the number of Italian characters and terms overwhelming without translation. Several reviewers mention the plot complexity makes it challenging to follow at times. Review Scores: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (628 ratings) Amazon: 4.1/5 (54 ratings) Sample Reader Comments: "The food and wine descriptions transport you right to Piedmont" - Goodreads reviewer "Too many untranslated Italian phrases made it hard to follow" - Amazon reviewer "Best in the series for capturing Italian culture" - LibraryThing review "Plot takes too long to get moving but pays off in the end" - Goodreads reviewer

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🍷 The Aurelio Zen series, including A Long Finish, has been adapted into a BBC television series starring Rufus Sewell in the lead role. 🔍 Detective Aurelio Zen's character was groundbreaking when introduced, as he was one of the first fictional Italian detectives written by a non-Italian author to gain international acclaim. 🌿 The novel's setting, the Piedmont wine region, is home to some of Italy's most prestigious wines, including Barolo and Barbaresco, made from the Nebbiolo grape variety. 📚 Michael Dibdin lived in Italy for several years, teaching English at the University of Perugia, which greatly influenced his authentic portrayal of Italian culture in his works. 🏺 The book's title, "A Long Finish," is a wine-tasting term referring to how long the taste of a wine lingers in the mouth after swallowing - reflecting both the wine-making backdrop and the lingering nature of the mystery.