Step into the gritty, pulse-pounding world of Leone Scamarcio, where a principled detective battles corruption in the shadowy heart of modern Italy! Nadia Dalbuono’s crime-mystery series follows Leone Scamarcio, a Rome-based cop with a dark twist: he’s the son of a notorious Mafioso. Torn between his criminal roots and a fierce desire for justice, Scamarcio’s investigations unravel conspiracies that shake Italy’s power structures, blending thrilling plots with raw social commentary.
With a knack for weaving Rome’s beauty and flaws into every page, Dalbuono crafts a series that’s as much about the human struggle as it is about solving crimes. If you love complex characters and stories that dive deep into society’s underbelly, Leone Scamarcio is your next obsession.
How Leone Scamarcio Began
Nadia Dalbuono, an English-born author with a background in documentary filmmaking, moved to Italy in 2006 and fell under Rome’s spell. Her work with Fox Television brought her to the capital, where she witnessed its charm and contradictions firsthand. Inspired by real-life stories of mafia children breaking free and the pervasive corruption in Italian society, Dalbuono created Leone Scamarcio—a detective haunted by his father’s ‘Ndrangheta legacy. Her debut novel, The Few, launched in 2014, introducing a character who’s as compelling as the city he navigates.
The Heart of Leone Scamarcio
The series kicks off with The Few (2014), where Scamarcio tackles a scandal involving compromising photos of a politician, only to uncover a web of murder and child trafficking. In The American (2015), a suspicious suicide near the Vatican pulls him into a conspiracy linking 9/11, Vatican corruption, and the Mafia. The Hit (2016) sees him investigating a TV executive’s missing family, forcing him to confront his own past. The Extremist (2018) pits Scamarcio against terrorists demanding his involvement, while The Devil (2020) explores occult practices and church corruption after a teen’s death during an exorcism.
Dalbuono’s Rome is a character in itself—vibrant yet decaying, romantic yet ruthless. Themes of corruption, power, and personal redemption run deep, with Scamarcio’s moral struggles mirroring Italy’s own. His outsider status as a cop with mafia ties adds layers of tension, making each book a slow-burning, twist-filled ride. Fans of Donna Leon and Andrea Camilleri will find a familiar yet fresh take on Italian crime fiction, with Dalbuono’s outsider-insider perspective sharpening the lens on society’s flaws.
Why Leone Scamarcio Resonates
The Leone Scamarcio series has carved a niche in crime fiction, earning praise for its intricate plots and vivid settings. Readers and critics, like those on Goodreads, laud its authentic portrayal of Italy’s complexities, comparing it to Donna Leon’s Venetian mysteries. Dalbuono’s background in documentaries lends a gritty realism, making the series a compelling mirror to real-world issues like political corruption and organized crime. Its cult following appreciates Scamarcio’s growth—from a conflicted cop to a man grappling with fatherhood—ensuring the series’ lasting appeal.
- About Leone Scamarcio
- First book published: 2014
- Total books: 5
- Setting: Rome, Italy
- Notable nomination: The American longlisted for the 2016 CWA Ian Fleming Steel Dagger
Ready to dive into a world of danger, deception, and Italian intrigue? Grab The Few and join Leone Scamarcio on a thrilling ride through Rome’s darkest corners!