Description

City of Vengeance is an explosive debut novel by D. V. Bishop set in Renaissance Florence, the first in a historical thriller series which continues with The Darkest Sin, winner of the CWA Historical Dagger Award 2023.

‘He is fast becoming a serious rival to C. J. Sansom and S. J. Parris’ – Historical Novel Society

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. But a rival officer of the court is determined to expose details about Aldo’s private life that could lead to his ruin. Can Aldo stop the conspiracy before anyone else dies, or will his own secrets destroy him first?

‘A first-class historical thriller . . . Bishop’s spirited and richly detailed story is a tour-de-force’ – David Baldacci

‘An impressive and immersive debut set in a beautifully realized sixteenth-century Florence’ – Antonia Hodgson, author of The Devil in Marshalsea

‘Richly atmospheric . . . transports you to another time and place’ – Ambrose Parry, author of The Way of All Flesh

Publisher Review

An impressive and immersive debut set in a beautifully realized sixteenth-century Florence. Investigator Cesare Aldo is a fascinating and charismatic protagonist. Highly recommended -- Antonia Hodgson A first-class historical thriller with echoes of The Name of the Rose. Bishop's spirited and richly detailed story, layered with issues of humanity that still bedevil society today, is a tour-de-force and clearly demonstrates the sixteenth century was as full of thrills and mysteries as the twenty-first, perhaps even a shade more -- David Baldacci Richly atmospheric . . . transports you to another time and place -- Ambrose Parry, author of The Way of All Flesh So fluid and fluent, the pages almost turn themselves . . . Aldo is a great creation, resourceful, driven and forced to hide who he really is, but nevertheless is compelled to find justice for those who deserve it -- James Oswald, bestselling author of the Inspector McLean series Cross-dressing, torture, oodles of violence - this pungent example of historical noir has the lot * The Times * Brings to life the 16th century Italian city, from the rankest taverns in its darkest alleys to the corridors of power showing a city of art and literature that is also riddled with corruption, anti-Semitism and violence * Evening Standard * Written with a finesse and authenticity which augurs well for a series with all the hallmarks of historical fiction masters like CJ Sansom and Ken Follett, City of Vengeance delivers a trip to Florence that you won't forget! * Lancashire Evening Post * A complex, intriguing plot which weaves its way through the treacherous streets of sixteenth century Florence, encountering danger at every dark corner -- Sarah Maine In Cesare Aldo, Bishop has created a character with the cunning, bravery and balls of steel to take on the twisty, toxic politics of the Medicis with panache. I can't wait for his next outing -- Alison Belsham This atmospheric murder mystery is packed with political intrigue and questionable morality. Secrets and conspiracies abound, danger is ever present and tension rises within the complex plotting * Choice * Rich in period detail - a compelling journey into Florence's dark past -- Philip Gwynne Jones, author of the Nathan Sutherland Venetian mysteries Compelling and assured. Does not miss a step through the dark intrigues of sixteenth century Florence, but convinces to the last. Aldo is a man as fitting for our times as for the bloody streets he takes us to. And D. V. Bishop makes it all seem effortless -- Shirley McKay Dramatic and compelling, a great example of quality historical crime fiction . . . But the crowning glory of the book has to be the character of Cesare Aldo: bold, disquieting and complex; beautifully crafted with a deep and sensitive understanding of human frailty. An exciting, engaging story, masterfully told -- Laura Carlin, Author of The Wicked Cometh This dramatic and compelling book, with the larger than life, complex, charismatic and enduring and towering figure of Aldo holding it all together, is for all who enjoy well-written and enthralling historical mysteries * Crime Review * D. V. Bishop has hit the ground running by introducing us to Cesare Aldo, a "hero" we can all root for as he continues to seek justice in this beautiful, rich but corrupt medieval city . . . A terrific historical thriller that held me gripped from start to finish * Historical Novel Society * Rich in atmosphere, and chilling in its authenticity, Bishops paints a vivid image of 16th-century Italy * Scottish Field * Bishop has an impressive command of Florence's history, its beauty, ambition, and taste for violence. Readers will eagerly await the sequel * Publishers Weekly * A thrilling historical crime novel, with more twists and turns than the river Arno, and a fantastic cast of characters both fictional and factual -- Bookliterati