Carte Blanche.

"Carte Blanche" by Carlo Lucarelli is a gripping mystery that delves into the shadowy underbelly of 1990s Milan. The novel masterfully portrays the city as a labyrinth of intrigue and moral ambiguity, reflecting post-war Italy’s complex socio-political landscape. Through the eyes of Commissario De Luca, a tenacious yet morally conflicted police officer, readers are plunged into a world rife with corruption, political tension, and the ever-present specter of violence. Lucarelli’s storytelling vividly captures Milan's dark allure, making the city not just a backdrop but a central character in this intense, atmospheric tale of crime and redemption.