Downies experience with historical novels (good research), her first-hand knowledge of the location (she lived there as a girl) and her theatre skills (slick dialogue, good characters) stand her in good stead in what appears to be the beginning of a new series.
– The Globe and Mail

a deftly constructed story with bunkers and decaying buildings serving as vital elements for Downies clever assumptions, clues and clouded truths. There are colourful moments of storytelling, working with descriptions and character portraits that transport this from a mere mystery to a convincing, complex story.

– The Hamilton Spectator

Both Ed Moretti and Liz Falla are attractive investigative figures, with typically appealing off-work passions, including the music of their different generations and tastes. And theres plenty of good, interesting information, painlessly administered, about the multiple sides of Italian politics and loyalties during the war, as well as the gender politics of the time.
– The London Free Press

There are fascinating depths to both the novel and to the mystery that has been written about it, depths that do indeed reach back to the war and its bitter events. Moretti is a strong and endearing protagonist in a novel jammed with characters.
– The Saskatoon Star-Phoenix

All of the aspects of the book were perfect for an interesting mystery.
– Examiner.com (online)