Rachel Reviews: Femme Fatale : Shades of Retribution by Italia Tornabene
Italia Rossi is a woman on a mission: to avenge her friend and make the world a safer place for her son, despite the dangers she faces
I do like a book with a strong female character: one who is a mother, a fighter, a friend, smart, determined and who has the resolve to see things through to the end. Italia Tornabene has created such in Italia Rossi who is a single mum, trying to make ends meet by working as a dancer whilst also being a good role model to her son, Dominic. Supported by her sister, Sheila, she is able to go off to work knowing that her son is cared for and this allows her to concentrate on bringing in what money she can at the club, where she works alongside her friend, Olive.
But when Olive doesn't come into work one day, Italia discovers that her friend is battling other demons and vows that she will be there for Olive no matter what and this is soon tested. The result is a mission of vengeance which requires all of Italia's courage to execute, the stakes being incredibly high for her and her family if she doesn't play it just right.
I have really mixed feelings about this book. Italia Tornabene is a good writer in many ways. It's clearly written and has purpose in the plotting. She has a grasp of character and the exchanges she creates between Italia and the men she is trying to ensnare are well conceived. They feel right for this book and the story that Tornabene wants to convey: parrying duels of words, laced with suggestion and double meaning, alluring and mysterious which go with the temptress that Italia Rossi wants her victims to be drawn towards.
However, I found the interactions with the crime lords a little repetitive and lacking substance or meaning - they verbally spar and the gestures and movements of Italia and her target are described but I never really felt the tension or the threat. This could be because Rossi is so good at what she does and so they never see it coming but without the possibility of her failing, where's the suspense? The FBI investigation provides it to a degree as links are made but I did feel this could be ramped up to greater effect at times.
It's not a bad book at all and I think it will satisfy as an easy read for those readers who love female characters who are ballsy, resourceful and maternal in equal measure.
Rachel Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
This review was first published on Reedsy Discovery where I was privileged to read it as an ARC:
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Comments (3)
"but without the possibility of her failing, where's the suspense?" You're not wrong there. There's no suspense if we are not shown that things could go wrong anytime. Loved your review!
Great review, Rachel, and as someone who loves the action drama I think I will skip this book based on your review.
This is definitely tricky and challenging terrain to write about. But it the character is navigating a world fraught with danger we should be on the edge of our seats, not yawning with boredom. The really good writers in this genre will terrify you. Another excellent review, Rachel!