The Master of Knots (Alligator Series) [Paperback]

Massimo Carlotto (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1, 2007 | Series: Alligator Series

Alligator—ex-convict turned private detective—finds himself pulled into a disturbing case involving an Italy known to few. Helena and Mariano Giraldi lead a secret double life in Italy's clandestine S&M scene. When Helena is abducted, her husband approaches Alligator for help. But Mariano seems more worried about losing his reputation than seeing his wife again. As Alligator investigates, he uncovers a world in which brutality, treachery, and passion go hand in hand. Behind Helena's abduction is a shadowy figure known as The Master of Knots—who proves to be as powerful as he is psychotic. As more members of the S&M underground disappear, Alligator races desperately against time to find his true identity.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'What makes this book particularly interesting is the interaction between the three men, whose conversations reflect the author's own experiences and beliefs as a Left-wing activist who spent time in prison in Italy before being pardoned.' -- Susanna Yager SUNDAY TELEGRAPH 'Fans of edgy, fast-paced detective thrillers will find themselves happily tied up in Carlotto's strange and dangerous world.' IRELAND ON SUNDAY 'This is as dark and troubling a thriller as you could ask for, and reveals a side of modern Italy tourists can count themselves lucky they don't see.' -- Myles McWeeney IRISH INDEPENDENT --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author

Massimo Carlotto was at the centre of one of the most controversial law cases in Italian history. In 1976, Carlotto, at that time a member of a left-wing movement, accidentally came across a brutally stabbed body. The police didn't believe him, and just before the appeal, his lawyer advised him to run. Carlotto was captured in Mexico, tortured, then sent back to Italy. Following trials, mistakes, and changes in the law, he was sentenced to prison, before being pardoned in 1993.

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Orion Publishing (April 1, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0752880713
• ISBN-13: 978-0752880716
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 4.3 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,510,810 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Masterful Knot Master, May 13, 2005

By 

CEB (Texas) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Master of Knots (Hardcover)

Set in Italy, Master of Knots has as its main character, Marco, aka Alligator, a private investigator and bar owner. Working with him are two close friends: Beniamino Rossini, a past gangster, and Max the Memory. All three men have spent time in prison, Marco for something he didn't do, and a fair amount of the book describes the horrors of life in an Italian prison in detail.

A friend has sent a client, Mariano Giraldi, to Marco for help. Giraldi's wife, Helena, has been kidnapped, and in the room from which she was abducted, a rose, made from intricate knots in a silken rope, has been left. Further investigation uncovers the fact that the Giraldis were into sadomasochism, and soon other women, also involved in S&M, begin to disappear. A sadistic psychopath nicknamed Master of Knots is at work, and Marco and friends must try to discover his identity and stop him before he can kidnap again.

The Master of Knots is dark, with graphic scenes and gutter language. My one complaint about the book is that everything was tied up in great haste at the end.