Ratking

I'll be the first to admit that I went into Ratking with high expectations – after all, who doesn't love a good crime novel set in Italy? And I'm happy to report that Dibdin delivers on every level. But what truly sets Ratking apart is Michael Kitchen's narration. His dry, wry delivery perfectly captures the essence of Aurelio Zen, making it impossible not to get swept up in the detective's world-weary persona. And yet, despite the novel's relatively slow-burning pace, Kitchen's performance keeps the story moving at a breakneck clip – it's a true tour-de-force. My only real criticism is that the supporting cast feels slightly one-dimensional at times, with some characters relegated to the background in favor of Zen's ongoing struggles with corruption and power. Still, this is a minor quibble in an otherwise outstanding listen.