Last Testament in Bologna

By Tom Benjamin

'Benjamin's latest captivating mystery will keep the reader hooked to the very last page while also bringing the city of Bologna to fascinating life. Bravo '
Camilla Trinchieri, author of Murder in Chianti

'Excellent This time, English detective Daniel Leicester takes us on a hairpin ride through the glamorous, perilous world of Formula One. An absorbing portrayal of what happens when wealth, rivalry and corruption collide, this is a compelling read from a writer who knows Italy inside out and is at the top of his game.'
Eleni Kyriacou, author of The Unspeakable Acts of Zina Pavlou, selected for BBC 2 Between the Covers Book Club 2023

'Raced through this latest in the fab crime series featuring English 'tec Dan Leicester. Set in the murky world of Formula 1, this souped-up thriller should ensure that Tom Benjamin takes his rightful place at the front of the crime-writing grid' Trevor Wood

'High-octane, fierce rivalry, ever-present sense of danger and carnage is one of the many reasons why this is my favourite of his novels so far.' Judith Cranswick, Mystery People

When an old man makes a bequest to investigate the mysterious death of his son, English detective Daniel Leicester follows a trail leading to one of Bologna's wealthiest families - makers of some of the world's most coveted supercars. He soon discovers that beneath the glitz and glamour of the Formula One circuit lurk certain people, with sinister interests, who may just be prepared to kill to keep their secrets. Time and tide wait for no man - or woman - and while biology obliges one of Faidate Investigations' team to finally undergo a long-delayed operation, history catches up with another. Shadowing a suspect along one of Bologna's blood-red porticoes or mixing with the glitterati in the paddock at Imola, the English detective comes to learn in Italy the past not only has a long tail, but its sting can be deadly.

Praise for Italian Rules

'There are two major stars in this book, the laconic private eye Daniel Leicester and the city of Bologna itself. Tom Benjamin mixes these ingredients perfectly making Italian Rules a really great read.' Ian Moore, author of DEATH AND CROISSANTS

' Benjamin skilfully combines a cracking crime novel with a love letter to Italian cinema . . . Italian Rules is an absolute treat' Trevor Wood

Praise for Tom Benjamin

"Tom Benjamin does it again Last Testament in Bologna is another brilliantly-immersive crime mystery, seeped in the culture and scenery of Italy, that leads you through a compellingly-twisty plot balanced with authentic and heartfelt characterisation, and unspools to a perfectly satisfying conclusion." Philippa East

'The locale is brought to life . . . the plot keeps you guessing' The Times

'A slow-burning, tense and brooding thriller' The Herald Scotland

'Tom Benjamin's debut novel blows the lid off a political cauldron in which Leftist agitators, property moguls, the police and city elders struggle for survival and dominance' Daily Mail

'It's an immensely promising debut, which leaves the reader feeling they really know the city.' Morning Star
'Another great crime novel set in Bologna' Reader Review

'The mystery smolders away nicely and the wrap-up throws some curve balls. Another indulgent offering in this rewarding series.' Reader Review

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1408715570
• ISBN13: 9781408715574
• Release Date: September 2025
• Publisher: Constable & Robinson
• Length: 336 Pages