City of Vengeance

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 <i>The Way of All Flesh</i> 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 <i>The Wicked Cometh</i> 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 *