Victoria Westfield’s new thriller (with an undercurrent of repressed romance) is an engrossing read, particularly if you enjoy foreign settings, in this case, Italy. The protagonist, Genie, is a travel writer, nearing the end of a trip to Rome and vicinity, when she sits down at a café and inadvertently overhears four men talking about something that sounds nefarious. Genie speaks Italian well enough to get the gist, then attempts to get herself out of harm’s way, but one of the men chases her and nearly kills her. A priest from the church where Genie sought sanctuary intervened in time to save her life. So begins an adventure Genie did not seek or want.

            While recovering in the hospital (she missed her plane home), Leo, a police detective, helps Genie piece together the conversation she overheard and who the men who tried to kill her might be. The author deftly weaves together Italian words and phrases as Genie and Leo establish a rapport, and the obvious seeds of attraction. When Leo concludes that Genie’s attacker is likely linked to a Mafioso and that they might try again to silence her, he moves her out of the hospital to what he thinks is a safe haven. The day Genie leaves the hospital, another female patient who is placed in Genie’s former bed is murdered. It’s obvious to everyone that the killer intended to get Genie. Now, the question is whether Leo and the police can keep her alive long enough for her to help them capture her attackers, who appear to be planning some kind of major theft.

            The intertwining points-of-view of Genie, Leo, and several of the criminals follows their story through several twists and coincidental connections, each of which puts Genie further in danger. It is a compelling story that keeps the reader turning pages and genuinely connecting with Genie, who feels obligated to help the police because an innocent girl is dead – and it should have been her. She is also drawn to Leo and wants to help him help her.

            In addition to an intricate plot, Ms. Westfield skillfully weaves her word tapestry and the exotic location of the story. Phrases that stand out include: “his wheezing breath filled the cramped space like static.” And, “The wiggling toothpick reminded Madoor of the jerking leg of a half-swallowed locust.” And, “How hopeful they were! At each subsequent visit, a bit of that hope melted, its icy runoff seeping into his veins.” And, “His rotund body lifted out of the thickly cushioned sofa in stages, like a hot air balloon struggling to rise.” The prose here is scrumptious!

            The characters are complex, with deep backstories and, with the exception of the principle villain who is a vicious and violent asshole, everyone’s motives are layered. The story moves slowly at times, owing to the author’s desire to immerse the reader in the locations and the characters, but always has a payoff at each stage. Even when you think things are settled down, the next surprise is lurking.

            I found this book to be an easy read. The author marks POV changes clearly, avoiding confusion and giving many points to pick up the narrative after a break for dinner or other of life’s interruptions. The story hinges on a few coincidences, but accepting them as the author’s literary license, the events are logical and exciting – all the while leaving the reader wondering not only whether Genie will survive and whether the bad guys will get caught, but whether Genie and Leo will ever admit to each other (or themselves) that they care far more than a cop and a victim. I can highly recommend She Knew Too Much to any fan or thrillers, especially if you love strong female protagonists. This is a sophisticated action thriller with a deep heart.