Cesare Aldo returns for a second novel set in 16th century Florence. This time Aldo faces danger as he tries to discover who is responsible for the death of a man found naked and stabbed within the confines of a convent. Meanwhile, in the outside world , another death brings problems for his colleague Constable Strocchi.
Good characterisation and historical detail once again make this an enjoyable read. Highly recommended.

When City of Vengeance was first published here in Australia earlier this year, both the spectacular jacket and story line intrigued me. I have always adored the Shardlake novels by C J Sansom and was looking for something in a similar vein to read in between the long wait for the next in his series.

I was hooked from the first few pages. It is well-researched with characters that you become totally invested in. City of Vengeance introduces the reader to Florence in the 1500’s and the main character Cesare Aldo who is investigating the death of a money lender while in his charge. The Darkest Sin continues Cesare’s story and developing the characters around him as he becomes embroiled in the horrific death of a naked man found brutally stabbed in a convent. Meanwhile, one of the juniors in the criminal court for which he works is coming dangerously close to discovering a secret that Cesare has been trying to conceal since the revelations in book one.

The best historical crime/thrillers teach the reader something about the period they are set in. D V Bishop now sits with my favourites of C J Sansom, Ambrose Parry and Ken Follett.