ClareR (5726 KP) rated The Darkest Sin in Books
Dec 4, 2023
This story picks up not long after book 1, and Aldo is called to a convent that has had reports of an intruder. This isn’t a harmonious convent, though. There are opposing ideas on what sort of convent it should be (with some very unchristian nuns!), and it has it’s share of secrets.
Meanwhile, Constable Carlo Strocchi has taken his new wife home to introduce her to his mother, and he happens to stumble across the remains of a rather unpopular former officer of the city’s criminal court. And it looks as though he has been murdered.
I love this blend of historical fact and fiction: the Medici’s and the roles of nuns (to be enclosed or not?), the inequalities in Italian society at the time, women’s roles and lack of power, the structure of authority and how the catholic church ruled supreme (and not particularly morally). Aldo is the bastard son of a wealthy man, and when he is ‘reunited’ with his family, he’s not exactly welcomed back with open arms. He does however meet his niece, and she is far more accepting of him, even if it is, I think, a way of getting her own way!!
This is such an atmospheric read, and is thoroughly addictive. There are enough twists, turns and threats to Aldo’s life to make it very difficult to put the book down!
So is Aldo a threat to my love of Giordano Bruno or Matthew Shardlake? Err, nope, but he’s joining them - and if you like either of these, you’ll love Aldo Cesare!
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Sam (74 KP) rated A Tudor Turk in Books
Mar 27, 2019
The novel is constantly exciting, and it kept me gripped right up until the end.
I really can’t wait to see how the story progresses in the second book!
Lindsay (1717 KP) rated Wait...Wait for the Thunder in Books
Feb 15, 2018
It based on a true story with some fiction in it. I completley story. You learn somewhat what to do when in a thunderstorm. Though most of this book is about cattles and the lives of Luke McKeever and Ray. I really enjoyed this book and I was really would recommend it if you you enjoy Cowboys or Ranching and a bit of History.