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Matta Book Selection January 2026

Commissario Ricciardi:
La condanna del sangue

di Maurizio de Giovanni



Nel secondo romanzo della serie, Ricciardi e Maione si trovano a indagare sull’omicidio di una donna controversa — una cartomante-usuraia che viveva di segreti, superstizioni e paure altrui — la cui morte sconvolge Napoli proprio mentre la città si apre alla primavera. L’inchiesta porta alla luce una fitta rete di gelosie, debiti, rancori latenti e relazioni complicate, oltre al ritorno di personaggi che abbiamo imparato ad amare (e talvolta a detestare!) come Maione, Enrica e Livia, insieme a nuovi volti pronti a sorprenderci. Nel frattempo Ricciardi, gravato dalla sua personale condanna del sangue, ascolta gli ultimi sussurri dei morti e segue le ferite emotive dei vivi per arrivare alla verità, crescendo a poco a poco e scoprendo — lentamente, dolorosamente — che forse non deve portare da solo tutto il peso del suo dono.

In this second novel of the series, Ricciardi and Maione investigate the murder of a controversial woman—a fortune-teller and moneylender who lived off secrets, superstition, and the fears of others—whose death unsettles Naples just as spring begins to bloom. The case uncovers a dense web of jealousy, debts, simmering resentments, and tangled relationships, along with the return of characters we’ve grown to love (and occasionally disdain!) such as Maione, Enrica, and Livia, plus new faces ready to surprise us. All the while, Ricciardi—burdened by his own condanna del sangue—listens to the final whispers of the dead and follows the emotional wounds of the living to uncover the truth, slowly, painfully learning with each case that he may not have to carry the weight of his extraordinary gift entirely on his own.

Paolo Cresta is the brilliant Italian voice behind the 15-book Commissario Ricciardi series — and he’s truly a masterful narrator. I’ve listened to all fifteen audiobooks, and I continue to be amazed by the depth and nuance of his performance. Cresta effortlessly shifts tone, rhythm, and even regional accents to bring both male and female characters to life in a way that feels natural, theatrical, and thoroughly engaging. His narration adds another layer of emotion and atmosphere to de Giovanni’s already poetic writing. I highly recommend experiencing the series in audio format — you can find all the titles on Audible.com or Audible.it.

The Matta Book Club

Che idea fantastica!

What a Novel Idea!

Matta Group Book Club

Group Book Club for Anyone: The Matta Group Book Club presents a new Italian book to read each SPRING and FALL.  Details and book selections are announced on the Book Club page. Each group caters to 2-3 readers and offers flexible start dates. Small, intimate groups offer a personalized reading experience.

Group Book Club for Friends or Study Buddies: Now or at any time of the year, you can organize a group book club with your Italian study buddies to read a book with Melissa. Select the current Matta Book Club selection or from any of the previous reads. Contact Melissa to create a personalized book club journey for your private group,

FIVE 1-HOUR GROUP MEETINGS: 
$250 (per person)

One-on-One Book Club

Enjoy a private one-on-one Matta Book Club with Melissa. This exclusive version can start any time throughout the year based on availability.

Meetings:  5 weekly 1-hour sessions via Zoom. 

Choose from any previous Matta Book Club Selections to customize your experience. Sessions will be tailored to your language level and focused on the language aspects and topics that interest you.

FIVE 1-HOUR
ONE-TO-ONE MEETINGS: 
$300 (per person)