Ritual of Fire: From The Crime Writers' Association Historical Dagger Winning Author

In "Ritual of Fire," a wealthy merchant is found hanged and set ablaze in Florence, reminiscent of the execution of Girolamo Savonarola forty years earlier. Officer Cesare Aldo and Constable Carlo Strocchi are on the case, as religious fervor and a heatwave drive the city closer to madness. Someone is stalking the powerful men who forged lifelong bonds in the dark days of Savonarola, and unless Aldo and Strocchi work together, all of Florence will be consumed by an inferno of death and destruction.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 432 pages
Publication date: 15 February 2024
Publisher: Pan Macmillan

Florence has once again witnessed the chilling spectacle of ceremonial murder, leaving the city in a state of fear and uncertainty. The stakes are high, as only two men can bring an end to this destruction. Officer Cesare Aldo, the skilled investigator, is at the forefront of this thrilling historical thriller, set in the vibrant Renaissance Italy of 1538.

With his reputation soaring, D. V. Bishop has quickly emerged as a formidable rival to the likes of C. J. Sansom and S. J. Parris, captivating readers with his atmospheric storytelling and intricate plotlines.

As the night patrol discovers a wealthy merchant brutally hanged and set ablaze in the heart of Florence's main square, it becomes clear that this killing is not just a mere act of violence. It is a calculated attempt to instill fear and terror into the hearts of the people. Forty years earlier, the puritanical monk Girolamo Savonarola met a similar fate, executed in the same manner. The question on everyone's mind is: does this new killing signal the revival of the monk's regime of holy terror?

Cesare Aldo, the dedicated officer, is currently engaged in a relentless pursuit of thieves in the picturesque Tuscan countryside, leaving his colleague Constable Carlo Strocchi to investigate the murder in Florence. However, when another merchant is burned alive in public, the wealthy residents of the city begin to flee to their country estates, seeking safety from the growing unrest.

Yet, the Tuscan hills are not immune to danger. The religious fervor and scorching heatwave that envelops Florence push the city to the brink of madness. As tensions escalate, someone is lurking in the shadows, stalking the powerful men who forged lifelong bonds during the dark days of Savonarola. Unless Aldo and Strocchi join forces, the entire city will be consumed by an inferno of death and destruction.

Ritual of Fire is the third installment in the captivating Cesare Aldo mystery series, preceded by City of Vengeance and The Darkest Sin. The series continues with A Divine Fury, promising even more thrilling adventures and suspenseful revelations.

D. V. Bishop's writing has been praised by the Crime Writers' Association, earning him the prestigious Historical Dagger Award. His meticulous research and attention to detail bring Renaissance Italy to life, immersing readers in the rich tapestry of history and culture.

With his talent for storytelling and his ability to create compelling characters, D. V. Bishop has firmly established himself as a rising star in the world of historical fiction. His novels are a testament to the power of literature to transport readers to different times and places, while also exploring the darker aspects of human nature.

In conclusion, Ritual of Fire is a must-read for fans of historical fiction and anyone who enjoys a thrilling adventure set in the captivating world of Renaissance Italy. D. V. Bishop's skill as a storyteller and his ability to create a vivid sense of place make this novel a true masterpiece. Prepare to be captivated by the dark secrets and deadly intrigues that unfold in Florence as Officer Cesare Aldo and Constable Carlo Strocchi race against time to save the city from destruction.

Weight: 296g
Dimension: 197 x 129 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781529096507