DownloadThe Portobello Bookshop Gift Guide 2024

Blues for Outlaw Hearts and Old Whores

A dark tale of crime, betrayal, and the human condition

Massimo Carlotto author Will Schutt translator

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Europa Editions (UK) Ltd

Published:6th Feb '20

Should be back in stock very soon

Blues for Outlaw Hearts and Old Whores cover

In this complex noir tale, Marco Buratti faces a treacherous web of crime and morality, with high stakes and dark humor throughout Blues for Outlaw Hearts and Old Whores.

In Blues for Outlaw Hearts and Old Whores, the narrative unfolds against a backdrop of international secret police operations, drug trafficking, and identity theft. This gripping tale explores the eternal struggle between good and evil, immersing readers in a world where morality is constantly tested. Renowned for his noir writing, Massimo Carlotto weaves a complex story filled with biting humor and psychological depth, showcasing his talent for character development and intricate plotting.

The protagonist, Marco Buratti, also known as the Alligator, finds himself ensnared in a perilous situation orchestrated by his nemesis, Giorgio Pellegrini. As a wanted man who has turned police informant, Pellegrini's actions put Buratti and his partners in a dire predicament. With the threat of ruthless sicarios looming over Pellegrini's loved ones, the Alligator and his crew are blackmailed into investigating a crime they did not commit. The stakes are high, and the consequences of their choices could lead to imprisonment or worse.

As the story progresses, readers witness the unraveling of families and societies, highlighting the human condition's fragility amidst chaos. Carlotto's ability to create three-dimensional characters, even among minor roles, adds depth to the narrative. The exploration of their lives, desires, and disappointments resonates with readers, making Blues for Outlaw Hearts and Old Whores a compelling read for fans of crime fiction and psychological thrillers alike.

“More than merely hardboiled, his novels are sexy, seedy, cynical and nihilistic, but with moments of idealism.” * London Review of Books *
“Carlotto’s taut, broody Mediterranean noir is filled with blind corners and savage set pieces." * The New Yorker *
“Amoral and unlikeable as he is, Pellegrini will stay in your head long after the book is closed. Carlotto’s Italy is a corrupt place far removed from that of any tourist brochure.” * EuroCrime *

ISBN: 9781787702134

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: unknown

208 pages