The Faces of Angels    by Lucretia Grindle Order:  USA  Can Felony & Mayhem, 2011 (2006) Hardcover, Softcover     Reviewed by Mary Ann Smyth Mary Warren, an art student studying in Florence, Italy is brutally attacked and her husband murdered while trying to save her. She returns to the States to recover. Her wounds leave scars but the worst is the one she felt she dealt her dead husband. She had realized she no longer loved him and yet he died trying to help her. A lot of baggage to handle. Finally deciding that the city of Florence didn't attack her but rather a single person did, Mary joins an art study group and once again finds herself in Florence, a city she loves and in which she would like to spend the rest of her life. Should the reader be planning a trip to Florence, The Faces of Angels would be a perfect book to use as a guide while there. Mary takes us through the heart of this beautiful city, as well as its parks, piazzas and back streets. The novel builds on the feeling that Mary has that she is being followed. I can't give away the plot. It's too good to do that. Find out for yourself what travails Mary is put through. The local police listen to her but don't seem to be too concerned that the man who attacked her might have a copycat roaming the streets, brutalizing and murdering. It's a tantalizing tale that presents action and intrigue. Mary finds love again, which sweetens the plot. This was a book I found hard to put down, even after I had promised myself I would stop at a certain point. Mary is a strong character who weathers much without breaking. Her friends and fellow art students ring true. At times, I felt the story slowed down too much, but as I kept reading, it would pick up again. I have been to Florence but didn't have the time to spend there that Mary did. Would that I had. The Faces of Angels is a good book beautifully written. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more Mystery books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews