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quietjenn's review
3.0
There are some really interesting aspects to this book, although overall I wouldn't say I'm 100% on board. I found it a little slow and it was difficult to figure out who to focus on or, rather, who exactly is supposed to be the hero (although I guess if I'd paid attention to the Niccolo Bendetti subtitle or remembered the introduction, that would've been a clue). And while I thought the solution was clever, in some ways, I'm so tiring of mysteries that reiterate the "the killer is just so crazy!" line. Because while it is maybe often true, it's also very much a cop-out. No pun intended. (Seriously. I hate puns.)
maddiekp's review
3.0
The Hog Murders, the first in the Niccolo Benedetti series, was first published in 1979 and won an Edgar. It featres the brilliant and eccentric Italian professor, Benedetti and his protegee Ron who is a private detective. Thanks to Mysterious Press for publishing digital copies of many of the old books, I could get my hands on this one through Netgalley.
Professor Benedetti is called into the small town of Sparta, New York to solve a series of brutal murders that take place in a span of three weeks. The only clues are the notes that taunt the police and are delivered to a local newspaper reporter and signed ‘HOG’.
This is a classic whodunit filled with twists and turns and interesting plot. The mystery is satisffying enough but I expected to be blown away by it but ended up with an ‘Oh’. I liked the characters of the detectives, though they are completely different from Poirot and Marple, they are charming in their own way and I woud definitely like to read more of their adventures.
Professor Benedetti is called into the small town of Sparta, New York to solve a series of brutal murders that take place in a span of three weeks. The only clues are the notes that taunt the police and are delivered to a local newspaper reporter and signed ‘HOG’.
This is a classic whodunit filled with twists and turns and interesting plot. The mystery is satisffying enough but I expected to be blown away by it but ended up with an ‘Oh’. I liked the characters of the detectives, though they are completely different from Poirot and Marple, they are charming in their own way and I woud definitely like to read more of their adventures.
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