The Book of Secrets: The dark and dazzling new book from the bestselling author of The Clockwork Girl!

In the novel "The Book of Secrets," set in 17th-century Rome, prosecutor Stefano Bracchi investigates unnatural deaths and encounters horror, magic, and a cast of characters. The book is inspired by real events and explores themes of women's rights, power, and survival in a male-dominated society.

Format: Hardback
Length: 384 pages
Publication date: 21 March 2024
Publisher: Orion Publishing Co

The Thrilling and Unputdownable New Novel from Bestselling Author of The Clockwork Girl!

Vividly alive with menace, magic, and mystery, The Book of Secrets is a gripping tale that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last page. Written by the acclaimed bestselling author of The Clockwork Girl, Anna Mazzola, this exceptional novel showcases Mazzola's finest work yet.

Elodie Harper, in her review for The Times, praises Mazzola's exceptional talent, describing her as a writer of great variety and inventiveness. She calls The Book of Secrets a haunting, complex work that will leave readers in awe.

Set in 1659, in the aftermath of the plague that ravaged Rome, men are still dying in unnatural numbers, and rumors circulate that their corpses are not decaying as they should. The Papal authorities commission prosecutor Stefano Bracchi to investigate these strange occurrences. Bracchi is a man of considerable mettle, and he knows that he will need all his skills to unravel the truth behind these mysterious deaths.

To the west of the Tiber, Girolama and her female friends are at work, helping other women with childbirths and foretelling their futures. Meanwhile, in another part of the city, a young wife, Anna, must find a way to escape her abusive husband. However, in a city made by men for men, there are no easy paths out.

Stefano's investigation at the Tor di Nona prison will introduce him to a world of horror, magic, and an astonishing cast of characters. He will be left wondering if certain deeds should remain forever unpunished, and he will be forced to confront the dark secrets that lie within the walls of the prison.

The Book of Secrets is inspired by real events that took place city in 17th century Italy. Mazzola has done an incredible job of bringing these historical events to life, creating a vivid and immersive narrative that is both thrilling and deeply moving.

Praise for The Book of Secrets:

"Dark, viscerally-atmospheric, and richly-imagined," The Book of Secrets has been hailed as a masterpiece by Tammy Cohen. She describes it as "utterly compelling, brilliant, and rage-inducing." Caroline Lea praises it as "deeply unsettling in all the best ways," and she absolutely loved it. James Oswald calls it "compelling and brilliantly atmospheric," and Andrew Taylor describes it as "another superb historical thriller from Anna Mazzola." Caroline Green praises it as "a hugely entertaining read but also an important one in an era when women's rights are being called into question." Liz Nugent describes it as "a fascinating, evocative read that will leave you spellbound."

In conclusion, The Book of Secrets is a must-read for anyone who loves historical fiction, mystery, and suspense. With its vivid prose, compelling characters, and intricate plot, this novel is sure to leave you breathless and wanting more. Don't miss out on this exceptional work from one of the most talented authors of our time.

Weight: 608g
Dimension: 241 x 165 x 32 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781398714304