This crime novel take us to the Umbrian city of Perugia
, and introduces us to Police Commissioner Aurelio Zen. When a rich industrialist is kidnapped, it's decided a detective should be sent from Rome. Despite being 'out of favour' Zen is dispatched to solve the crime. The novel gives us plenty of detail about the city as well as the character of Italian society and the police system. And if you continue reading the series of Zen novels you will have the opportunity to travel to several other cities around the country.
So if you still have a few weeks or months to go before you set off on your trip, why not begin your journey straight away with these books set in Italy? And if you are leaving soon, then throw a couple into your carry-on bag so you have something to read on the plane. Buon Viaggio!