Book review : The Assassin of Venice by Alyssa Palombo

The Assassin of Venice
by Alyssa Palombo
GENRE: #Historical-mystery-romance

My rating: ★★★★★
A resounding 5 stars!

This historical novel is a real page-turner, blending mystery, secrets, murder, romance, passion, political games, and friendship against the rich backdrop of 16th-century Venice. Absolutely captivating!


___THE PLOT IN A NUTSHELL:

Venice, 1538.

Valentina Riccardi is a woman of beauty, intellect, and deadly skill. As a celebrated courtesan in Venice, she's in the perfect position to charm, dominate, and eliminate influential men. Spies? Traitors? It doesn't matter. All that matters to her is that these men are enemies of the Council of Ten, the shadowy and all-powerful group that governs the Republic, and therefore potentially dangerous to the people of Venice.

Venice is her beloved home, and having once lost everything to an invading army, she's willing to do anything to protect it, because nothing is more precious to her.

Valentina enjoys her profession and is happy to spend her evenings and nights with several attractive and handsome lovers. However, Bastiano Bragadin, the third son of a noble family (one of Venice's wealthy families), is the one who has truly captured her heart, and he loves her back with genuine passion. Unfortunately, their different social standings make marriage impossible.

Bastiano also works for the Council of Ten, but this is not the only secret between them; a far more significant connection unites them.

One day, Valentina receives the order to kill an enemy of the Ten: Bastiano. If she refuses, those she cares about will pay the price...

Could Bastiano be a traitor? Or is there a conspiracy brewing, where the lines between good and evil are blurred, and where the interests of the Venetian people are not the priority, but rather the ambition of men hungry for power?

How can Valentina possibly choose between love and duty?

_____________ ********** _____________

MY TAKE:

As I mentioned earlier, this novel is a complex tapestry, where fiction is expertly woven into the historical fabric of Renaissance Venice, a powerful commercial republic and a vital hub for trade between Europe and the East.

On one side, Venice gleamed with its riches, its magnificent palaces, its silks, its spices, its glasswork, its art, its festivals, its culture... on the other, it was a breeding ground for spies and political schemes, where even the walls had ears and trust was a rare commodity.

When you add a passionate love story and compelling characters, skillfully brought to life by the author, you'll understand why I was completely enthralled from the very first page.


___ THE CHARACTERS ____

_____ VALENTINA is a strong, bright, and spirited heroine, skilled in both the arts of seduction and assassination.
She is prepared to do anything to protect her freedom, her wealth, and the ones she loves.
The story is narrated by Valentina herself, in the first person and present tense, as the events unfold.
From time to time, we get glimpses into our courtesan's past, when she was still a young girl from a wealthy family in another city. We learn about her past and her wounds, and what led her to make certain choices in her life.

I didn't exactly *like* her being a killer, but considering the limited options for women back then, I can understand why many chose the life of a courtesan; it was often the only way for women to have some control over their own lives.

---> Throughout the narrative, I wasn't able to fully get behind her character as some other readers did.
This wasn't because she was a killer (which the book justifies by saying she was eliminating traitors who would bring only war and ruin to the Venetian people), but because her painful past had made her so cynical that she almost always put herself first.

More than that, despite her feelings for Bastiano, she not only did her job by sleeping with other men, but she clearly relished it. I mean, for her, it wasn't just a job, it was also a pleasure.
She enjoyed the physical intimacy and and emotional complicity with some of her clients immensely, from the dinners and private conversations to the parties and, ultimately, every single moment of the sexual act. It seemed to me that she was at least a little infatuated with others as well, and I perceived this as a sort of emotional betrayal of Bastiano.

I can accept the physical infidelity in this situation because it was part of her job, but the emotional betrayal is unacceptable if we're talking about true love for Bastiano.

What's more, I didn't feel particularly moved by the chapters detailing her painful past.
I was more bothered by the pity she felt for herself than the pain she experienced due to the horrific deaths of others. Ambition and self-centeredness have been part of her character from the start.

Looking at it objectively, it's clear that the protagonist had to be tough and ruthless; she couldn't have survived in her profession otherwise. However, this made me follow the story with curiosity and complete fascination, rooting for Bastiano instead of her.

_____ BASTIANO is a charming, intelligent and handsome young man. He enjoys playing the part of the carefree charmer who seduces women with just his knowing smile, but deep down, he's a good soul, kind, devoted, and protective.
While he could have many lovers, he doesn't. He is jealous of the other men, and it hurts him to see them with Valentina and to know that she'll share a bed with them, but he never becomes possessive. He expresses his jealousy in a healthy way and wants to share his life with her, even though the customs of the time only allowed firstborn sons to marry and produce heirs.

You might think that a man who accepts this kind of relationship is weak, but that's not true. It is his strength of character that allows him to stay by her side even when things get difficult and everything seems dark and uncertain.

He's willing to sacrifice his life to save the woman he loves.

I was worried about him right up until the end, because the story takes so many unexpected turns, and it's hard to guess what the author will do with this character, who became the one I cared about most in the whole book.

As the story unfolds, we also meet some of Valentina's clients, other courtesans (including a very close friend), and, naturally, the "villain" of the moment.

Each character has well-defined personality traits, which made them either likable (making me fear for their safety) or loathsome, and which skillfully added depth to the picture of Valentina's life, thus lending meaning to her choices and her mistakes.


__ THE MYSTERY PART ___

The mystery is compelling and kept me guessing until the very end, though I have to admit there were a couple of somewhat predictable moments.

The most fascinating parts of the book are the characters and the way they navigate blackmail and try to expose a dangerous plot. The intriguing setting of Venice is equally important, acting as a third main character: glittering, powerful, decadent, and perilous.

Moreover, the author's writing style is perfectly balanced, never too wordy, never too brief, always managing to intrigue and engage you, making you feel like you're right there with the characters.


_____ HISTORICAL BACKGROUND ____

While the story of Valentina and Bastiano is fictional, the author presents the real world of courtesans, the "honest courtesans," with considerable skill. These women distinguished themselves from ordinary prostitutes through their extensive education, refinement, and comfortable way of life.
Since women of "patrician families" weren't allowed to read or study, wealthy and noble men turned to courtesans not only for sexual gratification but also for companionship at events and parties, and to have someone they could converse with as equals. The politics of the era and the system of government in the Republic of Venice, the famous Serenissima, are also explained clearly and concisely, which greatly helps the reader understand the roles of certain characters and the kind of power they possessed or sought.

You can find additional information in the author's fascinating HISTORICAL NOTES at the end of the book.


___ WHO SHOULD READ THIS? ___

Although it touches on themes of sex and murder, this is actually a "clean" read, with CLEAN LANGUAGE and NO GRUESOME DESCRIPTIONS.
The intimate scenes are always depicted elegantly and never descend into vulgarity.

If you enjoy historical settings that are true to life and want something different from the usual stories set in England or America, if you want a romance that's not just about romance but also filled with intrigue and dark secrets... then this book is for you.

----> I found the ending satisfying, although I would have preferred a more traditional happily-ever-after. However, I realize that would have felt unrealistic and improbable. Don't worry, it's still a positive ending.

This is the first book I've read by this author, but it definitely won't be the last. I'm eager to explore her other novels!!

Thank you my friends for reding my opinion, I hope this helps you choose your next read!


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Book review : A Christmas Promise by Anne Perry

A Christmas Promise by Anne Perry

GENRE: #Victorian-Christmas-novella #cozy-mystery
My rating: ★★★★☆

I just finished reading "A Christmas Promise" by Anne Perry, and while it's technically a Christmas story, it's less about tinsel and carols and more about those truly important human values we should all be striving for, things like friendship, loyalty, compassion, and good old human warmth. You know, the "stuff that _really_ matters", not just at Christmas but all the time.

This is a mystery story, but not your typical one with detectives and police.
Nope, we've got the murder of a man and the disappearance of a donkey being investigated by two super-poor little girls!
One is driven by her love for the missing donkey and her dead uncle, and the other by pure compassion and friendship.
They bravely face the dark, cold, and scary streets of Victorian London, which is quite something!


__ **THE PLOT IN SHORT**__
London, Victorian era.
It's three days before Christmas, and the East End slums are freezing. That's where thirteen-year-old Gracie Phipps meets Minnie Maude Mudway, who's only eight years old! Minnie Maude is determined to find Charlie, the donkey who belonged to her Uncle Alf. Gracie's shocked when she finds out that someone brutally murdered Uncle Alf _the day before_ and stole his rag cart, along with poor Charlie! Now, Minnie Maude is set on saving Charlie, no matter what, and Gracie decides to help her. Uncle Alf was a ragpicker, and the suspicion is that he had something valuable hidden on his cart. Someone was so desperate that they were willing to kill to get their hands on it!

________ **************** ________
I did have a little bit of a struggle while I was reading. The dialogue, which is mostly between working-class people, isn't in standard English. It's all contracted words and spelled phonetically – you have to listen to the sound of the words to understand! I guess it's a kind of dialect.

Being Italian, and with English not being my first language, I was a bit thrown at first! But I got used to it, and it didn't stop me from enjoying the story.

Even though there wasn't a traditional investigation, the story kept me in suspense and totally curious about who the culprit might be.
And little Minnie Maude’s constant worry about Charlie, her four-legged friend, really got to me. I'm a big animal lover, so it made me even more anxious to find the poor donkey! I was right there with her, hoping and praying for a happy ending.

I'm often a little disappointed by short stories, because they don't always have time to really delve into the characters and themes. But this author did an amazing job of creating a vivid setting and making me feel deeply connected to those little girls.

I've had Anne Perry's Christmas stories on my TBR pile for ages, and I feel bad admitting I let my own prejudices hold me back.
She committed a pretty serious crime when she was younger, and it shocked me. Even though religion teaches us to forgive and give people a second chance, I just couldn't get past it.

It's not my place to judge her as a person, but I'm honestly happy I was able to appreciate her talent as a writer. I'm definitely going to read more of her Christmas stories and her longer mystery novels, and I highly recommend you give them a try too!

Thanks for reading my opinion :-)

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Book review : Season of Blood by Jeri Westerson

Season of Blood
Crispin Guest Book #10
Medieval noir by Jeri Westerson
GENRE : #Medieval-mystery

My rating: ★★★★☆

As always, I loved Crispin and his friends, and I already miss them now that I've finished reading!, but I have to admit, this book was a little less engaging than the previous installments in the series.
That's why I'm giving it 3.8 stars, rounded up to 4. Crispin usually gets a full 5 from me!

What I most appreciated about this tenth book in the Crispin Guest series was Crispin's near-falling in love. Although, as usual, it's with the wrong woman, the ending is sweet and definitely leaves plenty of room for reader curiosity! I also loved the investigative collaboration with a recurring character whom I adore and who's been a longtime friend to our hero.


But let's start with THE SYNOPSIS:

1390, London. Crispin is _finally_ enjoying his new, more spacious, and comfortable home when a beautiful and mysterious woman shows up, demanding that he find none other than former sheriff (and frequent troublemaker for Crispin) Simon Wynchcombe. She accuses him of kidnapping and theft. Just then, a monk appears on Crispin's doorstep, stabbed to death with Simon's knife in the back, and in his hands he holds an important relic: a crystal containing the blood of Jesus. Something doesn't add up about the woman's story, and Crispin struggles to believe that, as arrogant and hateful as Wynchcombe is, he's also a murderer. The investigation begins with the help of the faithful Jack. The leads are ambiguous and confusing, and Crispin needs more eyes on the case. Also involved are our dear friend John/Eleanor Rykener, a young lawyer (who we met in the previous book and who is now Crispin and Jack's landlord), and another old acquaintance, the cunning and slimy crook, Lenny. * * * ________ * * *
As you can see, the plot is intriguing, and I really enjoyed the cast of characters, both old and new. Each familiar character in the series evolves book after book, and it's wonderful to follow not only their personal development but also how their bonds evolve, how old friendships are strengthened and renewed, and how new friendships and loves are born.


______ MAIN CHARACTERS ______

* Crispin Guest, a former knight accused of treason who survived the death penalty thanks to the intervention of the 1st Duke of Lancaster. For years, he's earned his living as "the Tracker," tracking down missing persons, culprits, and criminals of all sorts.
The years pass, his life has finally taken a turn for the better, but certain mistakes are inexorably repeated: he can't resist the allure of a beautiful woman, and despite sensing danger, he always gives in to temptation, finding himself in ambiguous and tangled situations.
You can't help but sympathize with him because his heart is pure, and in order to ensure truth and justice triumph, he always sacrifices his own personal gain. Crispin once again proves himself not only bold and determined but also sensitive and capable of grasping the nuances of other people's souls.

I fell in love with him from the first book, and seeing him almost happily in love and reciprocated made me satisfied.
Unfortunately, the author puts obstacles in his personal path every time, and I'm under no illusions, but for once, at least, the ending of the love affair wasn't so bitter. I liked it!

* Jack Tucker, the young and faithful apprentice, is no longer a child. After getting engaged in the previous book, he's found new ways to scold his master when he sees him derailed by drinking too much or being seduced by the charms of some beautiful woman. But no one dares speak ill of Crispin;
Jack is faithful to the death, and now that he's 18 and taller than Simon Wynchcombe, he doesn't hesitate to put himself physically on the line to defend the one to whom he owes everything.
It was difficult for me to accept Jack's character as he grew up in the last two books. I was very fond of that little boy with disheveled red hair, a puppy with a difficult past, who, despite his fears, showed all his determination to help Crispin.
Jack has always been a wise child, who knew how to care for an adult who was sometimes out of control. Now as an adult he continues to do so, but since there is no longer only Crispin in his life, but also his future wife...well...everything becomes more complicated, and I make no secret of the fact that engaged Jack is not my favorite Jack.


_____ SIDE CHARACTERS ______

* John/Eleonor Rykener, my favorite of the series' recurring characters.
John is a real historical figure, known only through historical documents from a trial, who used to earn his living as an embroiderer by day and a prostitute by night, disguised as a woman.
The author invented his personal traits, giving him a cheerful, affectionate, sociable, and loyal personality towards those close to him.
We meet John/Eleonor both dressed as a man and as a woman, alternating between fisticuffs and fluttering eyelashes in a soothing voice. He is intelligent and intuitive but also has a heart of gold and is capable of great humility and empathy towards others.
Crispin's affectionate attitude toward him often makes me laugh. In fact, he respects his friend, accepts his nature, but at the same time is annoyed when J./E. overdoes his feminine behavior, ranging from playful advances to offended sulks. Their friendship endures because there is mutual respect, without presumptuous judgments on either side. It is thanks to their friendship that others also learn to appreciate Rykener's heart and personality.

* Nigellus Cobmartin is a very young but capable lawyer, first encountered in the previous book. He's rented Crispin a larger apartment, but above all, he acts like a good new friend. His intelligent intuitions and logical reasoning are a great help in the investigations, and combined with his kind nature and appropriate Latin quotations, he's a great character. From the very first moment, Nigellus shows no prejudice towards John/Eleonor, with whom he forms a good investigative partnership and friendship. I hope we'll see him positively involved in Crispin's cases in the future.

* Lenny, the earless thug with greasy hair and dirty, smelly clothes... a shady character, but useful to Crispin from time to time. His presence may seem unnecessary, but actually, he serves to counterbalance the positivity of the good characters and adds a little spice to discussions about the investigations.

* Among other minor but recurring characters, we find the new Abbot of Westminster and one of Crispin's old monk friends.

* Simon Wynchcombe remains true to himself: the usual ungrateful asshole, but at least this time it's our hero who holds the proverbial "handle"! Such a great satisfaction!

* Catherine...the mystery woman...I don't want to say anything about her, every word could be too much and would ruin the pleasure of the book.


----> There's no real one VILLAIN; this time, evil hides beneath the sentiments of lust and greed, which in turn strikes down the weak of character and those far from pure of heart.


______ THE HISTORICAL CONNECTION:The blood of Jesus.

These are two holy relics that actually existed, then were stolen and destroyed during the vicissitudes of history.
I had never heard of them, and I enjoyed discovering how they arrived in England and how they were then stolen and destroyed.
Mrs. Westerson discusses them in an interesting and comprehensive way in the historical notes, which I always find so precious and which you will find at the end of the book.


______ THE BOOK'S ONLY FLAW, which however partially detracted from my engagement and enjoyment of the book, is that this story, unlike all the previous ones, lacks action.
Tight fights, daring escapes, pathos, and desperate rescues, all at a fast pace, greatly contributed to my passion for the series, while this story remains on a smoother level and lacks that heart-pounding excitement that catapults the reader into the scene as if they were experiencing it firsthand.

Of course, it's a matter of personal taste. In fact, you'll find another review that starts with the sentence: "Crispin at his best," while for me, it was quite the opposite.

So, while I highly recommend this series, even though each book is perfectly readable as a standalone, please start with book 1 and never, ever start with this one.

It still remains my all-time favorite series of the last 3 years, and Crispin remains my medieval crush.

Thanks for reading my opinion!

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If you want to know more about PREVIOUS BOOKS, you can read my reviews here :

BOOK #1 "Veil of Lies" :

BOOK #2 "Serpent in the Thorns" :

BOOK #3 "The Demon's Parchment" :

BOOK #4 "Troubled Bones" :

BOOK #5 "Blood Lance" :

BOOK #6 "Shadow of the Alchemist"

BOOK #7 "Cup of Blood"

BOOK #8 "The Silence of Stones"

BOOK #9 "A Maiden Weeping"

Book review : The Square of Sevens by Laura Shepherd-Robinson

The Square of Sevens
by Laura Shepherd-Robinson
Standalone
GENRE : #Historical-mystery #Gothic-vibes

My rating: ★★★★★
5 FULL STARS !! :-D

Well, hello there, fellow bookworm!
If you're looking for a historical mystery that will completely sweep you off your feet and keep you guessing until the very last page, then you have to pick up Laura Shepherd-Robinson's "The Square of Sevens."

I'm usually someone who gravitates towards shorter reads, but this magnificent, lengthy novel captivated me from start to finish. It’s a rich blend of historical mystery fiction, set in the 1730s and 1740s, with just the right touch of magical realism and a delightful gothic flair that truly made it shine.

While the Goodreads introduction suggests a Dickensian style, I actually found myself thinking more of Wilkie Collins. He’s often regarded as the father of the mystery genre and, fun fact, was a great friend of Charles Dickens himself!
Collins' knack for intricate plots and psychological depth feels very much alive in this book.

I wholeheartedly gave "The Square of Sevens" a full 5 out of 5 stars, and it truly earned every single one.

Yes, it’s a long book, but let me assure you, it’s never boring!
It's packed with so many unexpected twists and turns that you’ll constantly be on the edge of your seat.
And speaking of the ending – wow! It was completely different from what I’d imagined, and 100% unpredictable for me as a reader ( and I guess to every other reader too ).
The end was, I must admit, a bit disconcerting at first, but in the best possible way.
The characters and the story have genuinely stayed with me, lingering in my thoughts days after I turned the final page. That, for me, is the mark of a truly great book!


But let's dive into THE PLOT:

The journey begins in Cornwall, England, in 1730.
We meet a young girl known only as Red, the daughter of a Cornish fortune-teller. Together, they eke out a living predicting fortunes using the ancient system of the Square of Sevens.
But their life takes a dramatic turn when her father suddenly dies. Red, now an orphan, becomes the ward of a kind-hearted gentleman scholar.

Fast forward a bit, and Red is being raised as a lady amidst the Georgian splendor of Bath. Her fortune-telling skills, once a means of survival, are now a charming amusement for high society.
Yet, beneath this polished facade, burning questions gnaw at her: Who was her mother? How did she die? And who are the mysterious enemies her father was always so terrified would find him?

Her relentless pursuit of these family secrets takes her on an incredible odyssey. From the rugged beauty of Cornwall and the refined elegance of Bath, she travels to the bustling streets of London and the picturesque landscapes of Devon.
Her quest leads her through the rough and tumble bawdiness of Bartholomew Fair and into the grand, imposing houses of two of England’s most powerful families. While Red’s journey offers the tantalizing possibility of great reward, it also plunges her into grave danger…

___________ *************** ___________


THE TROPES: A Familiar Path, Expertly Retread

Now, you might think the tale of an orphan who loses her father, searches for her mother, and faces countless misfortunes, including serpentine relatives who wish her ill, sounds a bit familiar. But let me tell you, this story is anything but unoriginal!

It's so brimming with surprises, both good and bad, that constantly shift and evolve without pause, keeping you utterly gripped.
You'll never be bored, not even during the descriptive passages that beautifully set the mood and scene, allowing you to gather your thoughts and immerse yourself fully.


TWISTS, TURNS, and TAROT CARDS:

The author has brilliantly structured the novel into four main parts, each containing 21 chapters.
And here’s a fantastic touch: every single chapter begins with a card and a prediction!
This not only crafts a wonderfully surreal atmosphere, where life is seemingly read through the cards, but it also cleverly foreshadows what's about to unfold within the chapter.

Each chapter feels like a discovery, revealing a new "truth" that then gets completely overturned by the events of the next.
It’s a dizzying dance between reality and appearance, truth and lies, dark secrets and equally dark threats.
You'll find yourself clinging to faint glimmers of hope for the future, while witnessing a desperate struggle to solve the overarching mystery.
I deliberately chose this as my Halloween read, and I absolutely adored the gothic vibes and how seamlessly cartomancy was woven into the fabric of the story.
The continuous transformation of truth into lies, lies into truth, good characters into villains, and suspected villains into heroes (and back again!) creates a continuous whirlwind of emotions that kept me glued to the pages, devouring them with eager anticipation.

I truly believe Laura Shepherd-Robinson has done a superb job crafting such an intricate mystery.
The events intertwine and overlap with incredible precision, and we discover that many characters, seemingly disparate, are all connected by an invisible thread, which will become truly clear only towards the end of the story.

The author also excelled at making the read captivating, which is no easy feat, especially in such a long novel, and remarkably comprehensible despite the complexities and the many names of characters, both past and present in the narration. (At first, you might feel a little overwhelmed trying to keep track of everyone and their connections, but trust me, after a while, thanks in part to the author's helpful diagrams, everything falls into place and becomes wonderfully clear!)


THE MAIN CHARACTERS :

__ Red (or Rachel Antrobus): Our protagonist, who partly narrates her story in the first person.
We meet Red as a child and watch her grow up, witnessing her make impulsive, sometimes poor, choices, and then courageously face the consequences.
There might be moments where you feel a bit frustrated with her, she’s a passionate, headstrong teenager, after all! But it's only towards the very end that you truly uncover Red's authentic nature and understand how life's adversities shaped her fight for survival.

__ Lazarus Darke: The other intriguing protagonist, a man who believes himself to be a servant of truth.
His story is told sometimes in the third person, and sometimes in his own first-person voice.
It takes many chapters and a multitude of events to truly understand who Lazarus is.
This very "not knowing much about him" and his relentless "search for the truth" makes his chapters utterly fascinating.
Not knowing if he was good or evil, I tried to keep my thoughts neutral, yet I couldn't help but constantly speculate and place bets on his true character as I read!


THE SUPPORTING CAST:

You'll encounter completely positive characters who, surprisingly, harbor dangerous secrets ( but you'll find out only in the very end ).
And then there are those whose sheer malevolence will genuinely shock you; when their true nature is revealed, it will disappoint and even hurt you.
I can't say too much about characters without risking spoiling all the wonderful surprises!

What I can say, however, is that every single character, no matter how minor they seem, plays a very specific and fundamental role in the story.
Each personality is incredibly well-drawn, bringing them vividly to life and making you root for one, then another, only to be suddenly surprised and find your feelings changing toward them.

In any case, the author has made them unforgettable.
Much like a classic novel by Charles Dickens or Wilkie Collins, I loved this book so much that it has stayed with me even now, more than a week later, after I've already moved on to two other books! In fact, as soon as I finished it, I bought an Italian copy for my mother, who is now halfway through and equally thrilled!


FASCINATING CONNECTIONS TO TRUE HISTORY:

The historical setting of "The Square of Sevens" doesn't necessarily feature famous historical figures or major celebrated events, but it weaves in some incredibly interesting links to real past history that truly enriched the narrative:

__ Witchcraft and Fortune-Telling Laws: While death sentences were a thing of the past, the laws on witchcraft and fortune-telling (like card reading) meant prison and the pillory for those accused of fraud.

__ Superstitions and Societal Brutality: The story vividly portrays the prevalent superstitions and the raw brutality of society at the time towards those condemned to the pillory, including the slanders invented to fuel that cruelty.

__ Popular Electrical Experiments: The fascination with early experiments in electricity (which didn't truly become widespread until the late 19th century) and the public demonstration shows that became a genuine craze of the era.

__ The Clockwork Universe: This concept, which posits that the universe operates with predictable, mechanical regularity, an idea born from the scientific works of figures like Isaac Newton, plays a subtle but significant role.

__ Ingenious Mechanical Objects: The era's passion for intricate mechanical objects whose ingenious mechanisms made them move and operate as if by magic.

__ Real Historical Places: Descriptions of buildings and squares are directly inspired by real historical locations, meticulously researched and detailed in the author's invaluable historical notes at the end of the book. (And here’s a crucial tip: DO NOT READ THESE NOTES before finishing the book—you'll spoil all the surprise and emotional tension of the story!)

__ The well known Bartholomew Fair: a historically significant London event that began in 1133 and lasted until 1855, initially as a cloth market and later evolving into a massive, multi-week festival known for its rowdy entertainment and crowds.

__ Corruption and Inspiration: The corruption of a real political figure, and an architect inspired by a real historical figure: Nicholas Owen, renowned for creating "priests' holes" and other hiding places for Catholic gentry.

__ Hired Hermits: Something that seems absolutely absurd but is completely true: did you know that in the 18th century, "hermits" were actually hired and paid as attractions? Of course, the condition was that they had to live on noblemen's lands, never speak to anyone, and truly live as hermits. Absolutely wild!

__ A Historical Court Case: a case debated in court in the early 18th century, is cited during the trial in the book and it is a case still cited in courtrooms in modern times!

__ In the historical notes there is also something that I cannot reveal without spoiling all the fun, because it is the secret of the whole story itself.


IN CONCLUSION:
Is This Book Worth Reading?
My answer, as a reader who adores mystery and intrigue, but who in recent years has only chosen short books and dared to read a very long one simply because the plot thoroughly intrigued her: YES, ABSOLUTELY, YES! You will not regret picking this one up. And as for me, I honestly can't wait to read more books by this fantastic author!


A LITTLE NOTE ON CONTENT:
The language is clean, and there are no explicit sex scenes or gruesome depictions, making it suitable for all ages.

Thanks for stopping by and reading my opinion ! :-)

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Book review : The Mosaic of Shadows by Tom Harper

The Mosaic of Shadows
Demetrios Askiates Book #1)
by Tom Harper
GENRE : #Historical-action-mystery

My rating: ★★★★★

😃Wow ! It’s an absolutely amazing historical mystery!

I’m giving it 5 out of 5 stars, but honestly, I’d give it 6 out of 5 if I could. Alongside the gripping and complex mystery, there are several other intriguing subplots that really add depth to the story.
This historical novel kept me hooked from the very first page all the way to the end.

It nails everything—suspense, tension, action, nonstop twists and turns, a fast-paced historical setting, and even a touch of romance that fits perfectly without feeling out of place.

____Before I dive into the details, let's take a look to the SUMMARY OF THE PLOT:

In the year 1096, in Byzantium, an unknown killer directs his lethal shaft toward the emperor. His target is not merely a man, but the crucial foundation of a realm teetering on the brink of collapse. If the emperor should perish, the most formidable Christian state on Earth faces utter fragmentation.

Recognizing the gravity of this crisis, the emperor engages Demetrios Askiates, renowned as the revealer of secrets, to identify and apprehend the potential murderer. Yet, Demetrios is stepping into an entirely unfamiliar realm, a chaotic mix of princes, slaves, mercenaries, pimps, and eunuchs... And he has to navigate a tangled web of betrayal and lies before time runs out.

The danger isn’t just inside the city walls: with the Turks advancing across Asia, the emperor called for mercenaries from the west. But what he gets is a massive army of tens of thousands at the gates—the first Crusaders, who are out for their own gain and hold no loyalty to the empire ...

____________******____________

MY THOUGHTS:
Like I said, the story grabs you right away. We jump straight into the action when Demetrios is taken from his home and summoned by the eunuch Krysaphios, who assigns him the task of finding the assassin targeting the emperor.


___CHARATCTERS____

The author does a fantastic job introducing the main characters—Demetrios and his daughters, Krysaphios the chancellor, and Sigurd and Aelric, the Varangian guards—with just a few lines and scenes.
It’s done in such a clear and effective way that you instantly feel connected to them.

As the story moves forward, more characters come into play—some are clearly good people like Anna, the woman doctor and some are obvious villains, others shrouded in mystery until the very end like the young Frank named Thomas, plus real HISTORICAL FIGURES like Emperor Alexius Comnenus and his brother Isaac, along with crusaders Baldwin and Godfrey of Bouillon.

Sometimes novels with a large cast get confusing, but not here.
Every character has a meaningful role that ties into the events and their relationships with others.


____ DEMETRIUS is MAIN CHARATER of the story:

He’s a regular young man with strong principles. Once a soldier, he now uses his smarts to solve cases like thefts and disappearances. He cares deeply for his daughters and always stands up for the weak, even though he’s not a super warrior and knows he might be outmatched by dangerous enemies. That makes him all the more relatable.

I really liked him because he’s not perfect, he shows his vulnerabilities, like the hesitation of a loving father about marrying off his daughter, or the quiet attraction a 35-year-old widower feels toward a female doctor after years alone. Demetrios is open-minded, even toward foreigners called “barbarians”, i.e. all the people born outside the empire.
He’s forgiving and knows when to offer a second chance. He’s decisive but also empathetic, understanding the pain behind betrayal.
He’s a positive, easy character to root for, and the author brings him to life so vividly that he feels like someone who really could have existed.

___SETTING and HISTORY:____

The story takes place in the Byzantine Empire (also known as the Eastern Roman Empire) in 1096 under Emperor Alexius Comnenus, who dreamed of restoring the empire to its former glory.

The empire faced threats from Turks, Normans, Bulgarians, Germans, and Venetians.
Alexius’s call for help from the Pope backfired a bit when the first Crusaders arrived: a huge armies looking to claim lands for themselves, bringing famine and hardship to many villages.

The book talks about Byzantium, but during Alexius’s reign, the city was actually called Constantinople (named after Emperor Constantine I in 330 AD), built on the site of the ancient Greek colony Byzantium.

I know a bit about this history since I'm Italian and our schools cover the Roman Empire and the Popes, but I'm no expert. So don’t worry if you’re new to this era, the book is easy to follow even if you know nothing about it.
It’s actually a great starting point to explore more through blogs or Wikipedia.
Everything is explained in an engaging, never boring way :-)

----> One moment I really enjoyed was during the chariot races, where four teams in white, red, green, and blue competed. I pictured Demetrios and his new friend Sigurd, captain of the Varangian guards, cheering and joking from the stands.
It was fun experiencing that with the characters, learning about entertainment back then, and it even inspired me to watch some YouTube videos to dive deeper.

The author keeps the tension high by showing the greed of some Crusaders and the oath Alexius and his brother Isaac forced them to take before continuing their crusade.

Another fascinating part involves the Varangians, the emperor’s elite guards, introduced through two characters who become Demetrios’s friends.
These northern soldiers were prized for their loyalty, ferocity, and fighting skills, serving as bodyguards, shock troops, and police.

The book also introduces the Patzinacks (or Pechenegs), a group of Turkish mercenaries I had never heard of before. The emperor hired them for their loyalty and impressive horsemanship.


___ THE MYSTERY PART:____

The mystery itself is brilliantly complex, full of twists, surprises, and characters who seem to bring you closer to the truth only to lead you down new confusing paths.

---> The title fits perfectly, the truth is like a mosaic made up of countless pieces and shadows, until it suddenly clicks in a way that left me speechless but totally satisfied.

The action scenes balance perfectly with the detective work, so there’s never a dull moment. Every chapter grabs your attention and keeps your curiosity fired up.

The pace is mostly fast, but the last 30% of the book?
I read it all in one sitting, I just couldn’t put it down!

:-) For me, it’s the best historical mystery I’ve read in 2025!


___ A TOUCH OF SENSUALITY:___

Like I mentioned, there’s a subtle romantic subplot, but don’t worry, male readers: there’s no cheesy, over-the-top lovey-dovey stuff.
It’s hinted at gently and done with just the right touch of charm and spice, making it easy to understand and connect with Demetrios.

----> This book is the first in a three-part series called "Demetrius Askiates," and I’m definitely planning to read the next two.

-----> The great news is that it has a SATISFYING ENDING with NO CLIFFHANGER, so you can enjoy it as a standalone novel if you want.

By the way, I recently realized I’ve already read another book by the same author, writing under the name Edwin Thomas. That one’s set during the Napoleonic Wars and I really liked it too (I gave it 4 stars).
It was more adventure-focused with a bit of humor, it's called The Haunted Cliffs (The Reluctant Adventures of Lieutenant Martin Jerrold, #1).

WOULD I RECOMMEND "THE MOSAIC OF SHADOWS" TO A FRIEND WHO LOVES HISTORICAL MYSTERIES? Absolutely, yes!

Thanks for reading my opinion, I hope this can be helpful in some way in choosing your next reading.
If you'll read the book I hope you'll love it as much as I did!

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Book review : Shadows of Athens by J.M. Alvey

Shadows of Athens
Philocles Book #1)
by J.M. Alvey
GENRE : #Historical-mystery

My rating: ★★★★★
Actually 4.5 rounded up to 5

I rate this mystery 4.5 stars, which I've rounded up to 5.
It was a beautiful and engaging read, perhaps due to the setting, which is quite different from my usual choices. Stepping outside my comfort zone could have been a hit or miss, but thankfully, it was a hit. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

Before sharing my opinion, let me give you a brief overview of THE PLOT:

Ancient Greece, Athens, 443 BC. After decades of war with Persia, peace has finally arrived. Athens is being rebuilt, and commerce and culture are flourishing.

Aspiring playwright Philocles returns home to find a man with his throat cut, slumped against his front gate. Was it simply a robbery gone wrong? If so, why did the thieves leave the dead man's valuables? With the play that could make his career just days away, he must discover the man's identity, the motive for his murder, and why the corpse was left in his doorway.
Philocles soon realizes he is caught up in something far bigger, and powerful forces want him to stop investigating.

__________ *******___________

From the first chapter, the story captivated me!!!

___ A RIVETING STORY ___ The author seamlessly blended a wholly imaginative mystery with the historical realities of Athenian politics, culture, and governance.
She also skillfully incorporated Greek mythology into this already well-crafted mix, drawing from their beliefs, customs regarding the gods, and mythological texts recounting heroic deeds.

Through the unfolding story and the investigation into the murder of a foreigner (a member of the Delian League, which united Athens and other cities against Persia), the author tells us of the famous games dedicated to Dionysus.
She describes how comedies and tragedies were performed, the actors employed, and how the city's wealthiest citizens served as patrons.

Furthermore, the novel sheds light on the rights and duties of Athenian citizens, the role of slaves (and the common practice of owning them) and the role of women, particularly wives: did you know that only Athenian women could marry Athenian citizens and enjoy certain rights? Foreign women could only be concubines.

____THE CHARACTERS ___
While the story features a main character and a few key co-protagonists, it also includes a wide array of supporting characters (acquaintances, family members, friends, villains, friends of villains, people with brief appearances, and others only mentioned).
Despite this, the author masterfully delineates the salient traits of each character's personality.

The descriptions of domestic scenes and the emotional bonds between Philocles and his closest family (his companion/concubine and his slave, who is also his best friend) allowed me to immediately empathize with the protagonist and his loved ones, even amidst the constant flux of characters.
Initially, I was concerned about the sheer number of Greek names (and I admit, it intimidated me at first!), but this fear quickly dissipated. Although I initially worried I'd get lost in a flood of similar names ending in "es" and "tos/os" (Philocles, Lysicrates, Menakles, Apollonides, Pericles, etc... Nymenios, Aristarchos, Nikandros, Stratos, Dados, etc...plus other recurring endings that made the names similar), I found them surprisingly easy to remember. Perhaps it was because each character is associated with specific qualities, flaws, or roles, and ultimately serves a purpose within the narrative.

___ IS IT READABLE AS A STAND-ALONE BOOK? ___
Yes, it is! It's the first book in a series, but offering a satisfying ending without any kind of cliffhanger.

__ MY ONLY WARNING__
While there are no gory scenes and the only sex scene is not described in detail, this cannot be considered a "cozy mystery."
-----> The language is not always particularly delicate or polite: several serious insults among the characters.
Furthermore, it looks like the presence of phalluses on stage was a source of great humor in ancient comedy, consequently, since Philocles is a comedy writer, they are repeatedly cited!

_____ WHY NOT 5 FULL STARS?
The half-star deduction is due to the author's absence of historical notes at the end of the novel and the lack of footnotes throughout the book, particularly at points where history and mythology are referenced.
----> Readers unfamiliar with ancient Greece may struggle to distinguish between factual accounts, the author's creative liberties, and elements derived from ancient Greek poets' imaginations.

_____ COCLUDING :
Overall, I award this book a well-deserved 4.5 stars for its compelling and solid plot, a well-crafted mystery, fluid and light-hearted writing, likable characters, the author's extensive historical research, and the perfect blend of mystery, history, mythology, investigation, action, and character-driven storylines.

I want to know more about the adventures of Philocles and his friends, I will definitely read the other 2 books included in this series as well!!

Thank you for reading my opinion, I hope it helps you choose your next book. :-)

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Book review : A Maiden Weeping by Jeri Westerson

A Maiden Weeping
Crispin Guest Book #9
Medieval noir by Jeri Westerson
GENRE : #Medieval-mystery

My rating: ★★★★★
5 full stars!😃

This series never disappoints me and this installment is no exception! Absolutely amazing !!!!

Once again Crispin Guest and his friends have involved me in an exciting adventure full of suspense and mystery.

As always, the book can be read as a standalone. However, I STRONGLY DISCOURAGE DOING SO, especially with this installment.
While the mystery is intricate and very suspenseful, kepting me thrilled until the end, the greatest emotional impact comes from the development of Crispin and his loved ones personal life.

---> MY ADVICE IS TO READ ALL THE BOOKS IN ORDER FROM #1 TO #15.

This book marks an important turning point in the series.
Only readers who have followed Crispin and Jack's journey from the beginning will fully appreciate the nuances of this story and connect deeply with our heroes and all the returning characters.

Before delving deeper,
_________ here's a BRIEF OVERVIEW of THE PLOT :

Crispin Guest is a former knight, who after being banished from court, reinvented his life as the Tracker, that is, the one who finds lost or stolen objects of great value and discovers the culprits even in cases of murder.
One day, while at his favorite tavern, he's approached -- seemingly by mistake -- by someone who wants to hire him as a killer.
After spending the night warning the intended victim first and then bedding her, Crispin finds himself arrested for her murder.
The only person he can rely on to start the investigation that will lead to the truth, is his young but smart apprentice Jack.

_________*********** _______

__ ABOUT THE FOREWORD ____ This book #9 begins, unlike the others, with a lengthy foreword by the author, detailing the legal system of the time period.

This introduction can be useful, but I don't find it essential for enjoying the story and fully understand all the procedures of the trial.
Anyway, if you find it tedious, don't be discouraged! You can always skip that preliminary matter.

I admit that by reading that boring ( according to my tastes ) foreword I was briefly discouraged, fearing the author had lost her way and could no longer write thrilling adventures for these characters.
If I weren't such a fan of Crispin, I might have given up after that opening speech. Fortunately, I love Crispin Guest so much that I persisted in reading and after the first few pages of chapter 1 I found myself filled with excitement again.

____ MAIN CHARACTERS : Crispin, the Tracker and his apprentice Jack ____

As mentioned earlier, this book marks a turning point. Several years have passed since the previous book, and six years since the first.

Crispin, now approaching 40, is no longer the young man of 31. In medieval times, this was an age for reflection on life, actions, and achievements.

Jack is no longer the eleven-year-old pickpocket and orphan who, with determination, settled into Crispin's house as his servant and apprentice.
Over the years, Jack has not only learned Crispin's trade but also learned to read, write, and even speak Greek and Latin, thanks to Crispin's lessons.
He has repeatedly demonstrated his loyalty and value as an apprentice, friend, and person, earning the respect of Crispin and others.

Now he is 19, he feels all the responsibility that comes from affection and gratitude, he would not abandon Crispin even in the worst case scenario and once again he discovers in himself a new strengths and resources he didn't think he had.
It's a stage of life where a boy not only changes physically but also experiences the awakening of physical and emotional instincts.
Instincts that were previously hinted at now emerge forcefully, and the thought of marrying the woman he loves becomes a constant worry, even at the most inopportune moments.

Reading the previous books is essential to fully appreciate the emotional depth of this installment.
The great emotional tension that the reader feels in living through internal turmoils and related changes, together with the characters, can only happen with the knowledge of their past torments and hopes, past sufferings and joys, past events and actions.

___________ SIDE CHARACTERS ______
Unlike previous installments, this story features a wider array of recurring characters, emphasizing their emotional and moral dimensions rather than their actions.
It's as if both the characters and the author are taking stock of the series' direction.

Among the characters who appear alongside Crispin and Jack throughout the series, some of them have strong personalities, and some are even based on real historical figures.

---> John/Eleanor Rykener (one of Crispin's best friends, an embroiderer who dresses as a woman by day and works as a prostitute, still dressed as a woman, by night) and Henry Bolingbroke (the son of John of Gaunt and future King Henry IV of England) are real historical figures who appear in the previous books and return here.

While Henry IV is well known through history books, very little is known about Rykener, but the author has been able to give such depth to the character's multifaceted personality, that I feel great enthusiasm every time I see him involved in Crispin's vicissitudes.

He may be difficult for others to understand, but he lives with less emotional complication because he has embraced who he is and lives his life with happiness, joy, and kindness towards others.
---> The previous stories in which we find him as a co-protagonist are so hilarious !!!!

Other recurring, purely fictional characters include:
the owners of Crispin's favorite tavern, the landlords of his and Jack's home, and old friends made during past investigations.
With so many supporting characters, the story doesn't dwell on their actions but emphasizes their importance in Crispin's life and the role their feelings play in the lives of our hero and his apprentice.

____ THE RECURRING THEME throughout the series:
It isn't historical relics, as one might expect, but the value of friendship.
The series emphasizes the importance of true friendship and judging people by their character, not by societal labels that deem some acceptable and worthy of respect while marginalizing others.
I appreciate very much the strong emphasis on these two themes.

______ A WELL-CRAFTED MYSTERY ____

While this book focuses more on introspection than renetic and sometimes violent action, the murders are still compelling.
Expect the usual web of lies, deceit, greed, perversity of the villains, plots and tenacious and clever investigations by our beloved and sharp-witted heroes.

There is no shortage of brilliant improvisations, a new funny character and a new charming one, who will reappear later in the series (you'll find out why in the final pages), and some laughs.

____ TWO NOVELTIES:

___ 1) In the first part of the book we find Crispin as the victim of a situation and unable to act, the new young emerging Tracker, Jack, will lead the investigation.
Initially, I was disappointed, but then I realized it was wise of the author to give Jack more prominence. This helps readers understand the significant changes he's undergone. Besides, Crispin is never truly inactive, even when he appears to be.

Around the halfway point, the pace picks up as the original Tracker becomes operational and more determined than ever.

___ 2) The introduction of a new four-legged friend touched my heart since I am a passionate animal lover, especially cats lover ( and loving owner ).

___ THE HISTORICAL ASPECT ___
This is the only book so far where historical elements are almost non-existent.
While past mysteries revolved around real relics and objects, the Tears of the Virgin are a product of Jeri Westerson's imagination, serving as a central element connecting the various misdeeds in this adventure.
The historical aspect is likely found in the judicial figures and the interesting development of the legal process (hence the author's foreword).

____ SUITABLE FOR ______
Recommended for readers seeking a mix of mystery, action, irony, sentiment, history, and fantasy.
----> There are no explicit scenes of sex or violence, and the language is appropriate.

_____ CONCLUDING _____
If it isn't obvious by now, I'm crazy about Crispin and this series.
I've loved him and his adventures since book #1.
I have six books left to read, and I'm pacing myself because I want to stay with this charming medieval man as long as possible.

Thanks you all for reading my opinion :-)

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If you want to know more about PREVIOUS BOOKS, you can read my reviews here :

BOOK #1 "Veil of Lies" :

BOOK #2 "Serpent in the Thorns" :

BOOK #3 "The Demon's Parchment" :

BOOK #4 "Troubled Bones" :

BOOK #5 "Blood Lance" :

BOOK #6 "Shadow of the Alchemist"

BOOK #7 "Cup of Blood"

BOOK #8 "The Silence of Stones"

Book review : The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon

The Frozen River
by Ariel Lawhon
GENRE : #historical-mystery
Standalone
My rating: ★★☆☆☆

Given the overwhelmingly positive reviews, my opinion likely diverges from the norm.
While categorized as a mystery, the book read more like a straightforward chronicle, lacking significant twists or emotional depth.
Plus I didn't dislike the protagonist, but I also didn't find myself particularly attached to her or the other characters.

Ultimately, the story, and particularly its narrative style, didn't align with my personal preferences.

My two-star rating is not intended as a judgment on the author's writing ability, but rather reflects my level of engagement and overall satisfaction with the reading experience, including what I perceived as a self-righteous ending. I found the first half of the book rather tedious. Despite my efforts to persevere, it became increasingly unenjoyable, and I struggled to finish it.

Normally, I abandon books I dislike after the first few chapters. However, because I was participating in a group read, I wanted to complete it, hoping for some element that would finally capture my interest and motivate me to continue.

_______ SYNOPSIS: Maine, 1789.
When the Kennebec River freezes, entombing a man in the ice, Martha Ballard is summoned to examine the body and determine the cause of death.
As a midwife and healer, she is privy to much of what goes on behind closed doors in Hallowell. Her diary is a record of every birth and death, crime, and debacle that unfolds in the close-knit community.
Months earlier, Martha documented the details of an alleged rape committed by two of the town's most respected gentlemen, one of whom has now been found dead in the ice. But when a local physician undermines her conclusion, declaring the death to be an accident, Martha is forced to investigate the shocking murder on her own.

Over the course of one winter, as the trial nears, and whispers and prejudices mount, Martha doggedly pursues the truth. Her diary soon lands at the center of the scandal, implicating those she loves, and compelling Martha to decide where her own loyalties lie.

___________________________

____ REAL HISTORICAL CHARACTER ____ I appreciate that the plot is inspired by a real person: Martha Ballard, a midwife who delivered a remarkable number of newborns (over a thousand) and never lost a mother in childbirth.
The author discovered her story in an article while pregnant. The book includes historical notes that confirm Martha's biography and diaries, where she meticulously recorded events in a concise manner.

In addition to the character, the rape also occurred in real life. This historical basis initially intrigued me and encouraged me to read the book, but I was ultimately disappointed and unable to connect with the story in the way I had hoped.

_____ DISAPPOINTMENT WITH THE WRITING STYLE ____ I often enjoy books inspired by true events, or those that create fictionalized narratives around real individuals, whether well-known or obscure, like Martha.
This is why I enjoy historical fiction.
However, I read "fiction" to become more immersed than I typically would with non-fiction.
I appreciate stories told with suspense and pathos, eliciting a range of emotions beyond simple curiosity about the plot's development.

Unfortunately, I didn't share the enthusiasm expressed by other members of my reading group.
To me, it felt like a bland, emotionally sterile chronicle. I wonder if others felt similarly but chose not to comment.

The story is narrated in the first person by the protagonist. While this style initially disconcerted me (when I first encountered this kind of storytelling, many years ago now ), I quickly grew to appreciate it and often prefer it to third-person narration.
In this case, however, the matter-of-fact tone (which may have been intended to mimic the style of a diary, given the real Martha's diaries) prevented me from feeling invested in the story and from developing any empathy for Martha or her family.

______ DISAPPOINTMENT WITH THE ENDING _____ Even if the ending was ultimately desirable, I found it to be conveniently self-serving for the main character.

The book centers on life in 18th-century Maine and highlights the injustices faced by women, as well as the hypocrisy and bigotry prevalent in American society at the time (and, arguably, even now).

Yet, despite the protagonist being an open-minded woman married to an intelligent and equally progressive man, it's ultimately convenient for her and her family that ___WARNING SPOILER[ the whole truth doesn't come to light.
Throughout the book, she seeks to clarify a death that clearly occurred by murder (justice without a fair trial), despite the fact that she knows that the dead man is a complete scoundrel, guilty of despicable acts, but then when the truth is not what she likes, it is okay not to say anything? Come on! ]_SPOILER END__

I'm not suggesting the book is poorly written, only that the style didn't resonate with me.
It's marketed as a mystery, but I doubt it would satisfy typical whodunit fans. Had I known this beforehand, I wouldn't have chosen it for the group read.

I might recommend the book to those interested in a glimpse into 18th-century American society.
However, it's challenging to recommend a book I didn't enjoy.
Given the subjectivity of taste, I can only advise: give it a try, and if you like it from the start, great. If you're bored from the beginning, don't expect that to change.

Thanks for stopping by and reading my opinion!

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Book review : City of Vengeance by D.V. Bishop

City of Vengeance
Cesare Aldo book #1
by D.V. Bishop
GENRE: #Historical-mystery #Renassaince-Italy

My rating: ★★★☆☆
This is a mystery set in mid-16th century Florence, Italy.

I'm Italian (so please forgive my English) and I'm always drawn to historical fiction set in the most beautiful and important cities of my country, especially when real historical figures play a role, even a small one, in the story.

The mystery itself wasn't bad, not the best and most engaging I've read in years, but it had a lot of potential to be a great read, however, some things really bothered me and that's why I rated it 3 stars, when it could have been 4 stars.

__PLOT IN SHORT ___ Florence. Winter, 1536.
A prominent Jewish moneylender is murdered in his home, a death with wide implications in a city powered by immense wealth.

Cesare Aldo, a former soldier and now an officer of the Renaissance city’s most feared criminal court, is given four days to solve the murder: catch the killer before the feast of Epiphany – or suffer the consequences.
During his investigations Aldo uncovers a plot to overthrow the volatile ruler of Florence, Alessandro de’ Medici. If the Duke falls, it will endanger the whole city.

A day before another murder had happened: a young boy, who was prostituting himself disguised as a woman.
Strocchi, a constable, Aldo's colleague, wants to shed light on the case, discovering that here too important people who have in their hands the city's trade, are involved with the dead man (or with the murder).

In all this is intertwined with Aldo's private life, in fact he hides a secret and a rival officer of the court is determined to expose some details about Aldo that could lead to his ruin.
Strocchi on the contrary is a sincere young constable still full of ideals and eager to do the right thing, one Aldo can trust.

Would Aldo and Strocchi be able to stop the conspiracy before anyone else dies or will they be defeated by politics and corrupt people greedy for gain and power?
________________

DID I LIKE IT ? My opinions on this book are controversial :

__ABOUT THE MYSTERY ___

YES ---> I liked that part of this BOOK was INSPIRED BY A REAL HISTORICAL EVENT : the murder of Alessandro de Medici which took place in 1537.
I always find historical fiction very interesting when true history is well mixed with fictional elements and I think the writer did it well.

Those who are not Italian will appreciate the author's historical notes, useful and stimulating for better documentation even just by reading Wikipedia.

NO ---> It is true that the book is written in English, so most readers probably don't know many things about the Medici, but I am Italian and since the son of a famous leader (whom a street in my city is also named after) is involved in the story, I already knew the culprit ( ____WARNING : SPOILER[ and also the fact that he is not captured ] SPOILER END _____ ) so I missed a part of the suspense.
Taking inspiration from real events is right, but putting a murder in a book, which you can even read about on the web, is not the best choice.

Furthermore, the first fictional murder seems to almost be forgotten at a certain point in the book and the connection between the two murders is very weak/non-existent.

__ ABOUT THE MAIN CHARACTERS __

YES ---> I became fond of both main characters: Cesare Aldo (at least until 98% of the book when he disappointed me) and Carlo Strocchi.
It's easy to appreciate characters when they are good-hearted men in a world where money and power can corrupt even men of the church as it happened in those days.
It's even easier when one of them has had a troubled past.

The same goes for a secondary character that I think will be recurring in the following books: Saul Orvieto, a Jewish doctor with whom Aldo develops a sentimental bond.

I would have liked to have a little more of the characters' private lives in the book and if I were to read more books in the series, it would be more out of interest in the characters than the mysteries they investigate.

NO---> As you can see above I liked the character the series is named after, Cesare Aldo, almost until the end, when I never expected him to ruin the ending for the readers and behave like a real hypocrite.
How ?
I can only tell you with a SPOILER ( don't read it if you plan to read the book ) ____WARNING : SPOILER[ _ Aldo in the end reveals a truth that had remained hidden: the real culprit of the fictional murder, who was a good boy who in a fight had killed a man hated by everyone for his wickedness.
Not only does Aldo ruin the happiness of two lovers, but his gesture leads the boy to commit suicide.
Aldo's lover had asked him to keep quiet, he knew that the boy was a good person and Aldo could have given him the chance to redeem himself.
I was disappointed by this ending, but I thought that Aldo wanted justice at all costs, not excusing the murder even if the victim was despicable and even if the murder had not been premeditated, but had occurred by accident.
THE REAL PROBLEM FOR ME was when Aldo, on that same night, killed an equally despicable and evil man, so that he would not reveal his secret and thus save his career and life (Aldo is gay and in those days one would end up rotting in prison).
SO HE SET HIMSELF UP AS JUDGE OF ANOTHER, BUT THEN HYPOCRITICALLY COMMITTED THE SAME ACTION: A MURDER!
I wouldn't have minded killing the blackmailer bastard, if Aldo hadn't first condemned the boy to flee and take his own life.
But he ruined a boy's life for a wrong action and then immediately after committed the same action to save his good name and with it himself.
UNACCEPTABLE ! ] SPOILER END _____
This contributed to making me give up continuing the series.
I can't read books where I don't have respect for the main character.

___ ABOUT THE WRITING STYLE __

NO ---> I don't know if the author has been to Italy or has Italian friends, in any case he stuffed the first half of the book with the most vulgar word that we Italians have to express male genitals: "cazzo" and "palle" (sorry if I report it here).
" C..." It's a disgusting word and within the first 25% of the book, it appears frequently, approximately every two to three pages, even in vulgar contexts such as: sucking his "c....".
Then from 25% to 50% of the book it is still a recurring word even in sentences where it could have been avoided. This thing disgusted me a lot, even if in Italy that dirty word has now become a common exclamation.
The issue is not only the vulgarity of the word itself, but also the vulgarity of the sentences in which it was used.
The constant repetition of this word, appearing on almost every page, was disgusting and made me want to stop reading.
If the author didn't want to use the clinical word "penis", he could have employed other Italian words that indicate the male genital organ, such as "uccello" or "pisello," which are less overtly vulgar than the word chosen by him.

The author also had fun inserting here and there Italian words that are readily translatable into English (secretary, office, family , puttana (whore)...) and the purpose of this stylistic choice makes no sense.

--> The atmosphere was no longer Italian because of those words, the author should have instead concentrated a little on some suggestive description of Florence, but apart from mentioning the name of some palaces, there is no description that transports the reader to 16th century Florence.
I recently read a book set in Venice in which there were words in Venetian (which are explainable in Italian, but do not have a corresponding word) and in Italian of the time that would not be translatable and therefore it was right.
BUT IN THIS BOOK THIS DID NOT MAKE SENSE and it seemed ridiculous to me.

Thanks for reading my opinion :-)

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