Ritual of Fire

D. V. Bishop is the Crime Writers Association Historical Dagger Winning Author. The book is set in Renaissance Florence and follows the story of Officer Cesare Aldo as he investigates a series of ritual murders that are reminiscent of the regime of puritanical monk Girolamo Savonarola.

Format: Hardback
Length: 416 pages
Publication date: 01 June 2023
Publisher: Pan Macmillan

The Crime Writers' Association Historical Dagger-winning author, D. V. Bishop, provides an insightful guide to the brutality and glamour of Renaissance Florence. Andrew Taylor, the bestselling author of "The Royal Secret," praises Bishop's work, stating that she rivals C. J. Sansom and S. J. Parris in the historical fiction genre. The novel takes place in Florence during the summer of 1538, where a wealthy merchant is found hanged and set ablaze in the city's main square. This killing is not just a simple murder; it is intended to instill fear in the hearts of the people. Forty years earlier, puritanical monk Girolamo Savonarola was executed in the same manner, raising concerns that his fanatical disciples are reviving his regime of holy terror.

Cesare Aldo, a skilled hunter of thieves in the Tuscan countryside, entrusts Constable Carlo Strocchi with the investigation of the murder. As another merchant is burned alive in public, the wealthy individuals begin to flee to their country estates, seeking safety. However, the Tuscan hills can be treacherous as well. The growing religious fervor and a scorching heatwave push the city towards madness. Meanwhile, someone is stalking the powerful men who formed lifelong bonds during the dark days of Savonarola. Unless Aldo and Strocchi work together, Florence will be consumed by an inferno of death and destruction.

"Ritual of Fire" is an atmospheric historical thriller by D. V. Bishop, set in Renaissance Italy. It is the third installment in the Cesare Aldo mystery series, following "City of Vengeance" and "The Darkest Sin." The novel delves into the dark and mysterious world of Florence, where danger lurks around every corner, and the stakes are high. With its vivid descriptions, compelling characters, and intricate plot, "Ritual of Fire" is a must-read for fans of historical fiction and those who are intrigued by the turbulent history of Renaissance Italy.

Weight: 638g
Dimension: 163 x 242 x 40 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781529096484