May the Wolf Die

A Novel

By: Elizabeth Heider

Narrated by: Simon Vance

A New York Times Best Crime Novel of 2024 • A Washington Post Best Mystery of 2024 • A Publisher's Weekly Best Book of 2024

For readers of Jane Harper, a gripping mystery set in Italy, following a female detective haunted by her family’s past and tasked with untangling the city’s organized crime and the modern U.S. military presence there.

Nikki Serafino is enjoying the sunset from her boat in her beloved port city of Naples, Italy, when she discovers the body of a man in the warm waters of the bay. An investigator working as the liaison between local police and American troops, Nikki is certainly no stranger to violence and organized crime, but this case grows complicated when the victim turns out to be a U.S. Navy captain stationed at the nearby military base—and the autopsy reveals foul play. As she delves into the case, another body is found and Nikki must face connections linking the murders to her own complicated history as a daughter of Naples. Smart and steeped in sun-soaked Italy, this propulsive mystery is the perfect summer binge read.

Critic reviews

“An intriguing mystery, a smart central character to root for, gorgeous setting, and authentic detail. This tense and brooding debut is everything crime fiction should be.” –Dervla McTiernan, author of The Murder Rule and The Ruin

“Heider delivers an intricate and impressive debut…Nikki, in particular, jumps off the page, with her struggles as a woman in law enforcement vividly highlighted. Toss in a pulse-pounding climax, and Heider has a promising potential series on her hands.”
–Publisher's Weekly Starred Review

“The Neapolitan setting and the details of underwater investigation give Heider’s debut an offbeat and entertaining gloss…A lively procedural with a high-powered heroine and a setting that would be idyllic if not for those murders.”
–Kirkus Review

“May the Wolf Die…bowled me over with its descriptions of Naples — seedy, beautiful, baroque — and the trials and tribulations of its main character, Nikki Serafino.”
–New York Times Book Review

“May the Wolf Die is a brilliant thriller, cleverly crafted and unpredictable.”
–Criminal Element

“[An] energetic, labyrinthine police procedural. Heider invests her debut with a strong sense of place with complicated, believable characters and authentic details…Heider is off to an impressive start in her new series with May the Wolf Die.”
–South Florida Sun Sentinel

Good Story

This was compared to Jane Harper and I agree with the comparison. Excellent characters and plot. Really interesting. And a fascinating look into beautiful but gritty Naples,

The narration is captivating and perfect for the book’s tone.

Wow! It's been a while since I've read a book that flows so effortlessly!

the mystery was good. the characters well developed. every scene was a gem. the atmosphere and ambiance is perfect and took you right there. it's been awhile since I read a book that flows so effortlessly. it also feels more like a book of our time than most books like it. Can't wait till they make it a movie.

Engaging and unpredictable

The pacing and story telling is reminiscent of Cormoran Strike novels. The danger feels menacing, the characters feel human and the story was intriguing and unpredictable.

Gripping story from the first page!

I am a lifelong mystery reader writing my first review! I was at the edge of my seat and completely absorbed from the first page. Her characters, both heroes and villains, are complex, unpredictable and yet believable. And of course Simon Vance does his usual superb performance! I really hope we’ll get more of Nikki’s adventures - including Valerio and even Tito. And we have to learn more about her mother’s back story. I can’t wait for Heiders next mystery. I am a fan!!

Smart & Engaging Mystery

The author wove a compelling and interesting story with complex, well-developed characters. The mystery was incredibly engaging and kept me guessing until the very end. I particularly appreciated the literary and historical references, which helped build the atmosphere of the the book and added relatability to the characters. Finally, the reader's performance was excellent!