I’m going to start this review by honestly declaring that I’m a big fan of Aldo. This is the third in the series, and in my opinion, the one where everything comes together. All the little loose ends of the previous two books are tied up in a neat bow & presented for your entertainment. It’s nice to see (some) characters reoccurring, others not so much. Throughout the book, Aldo & Stocchi do their best to do their jobs, usually hindered by others who aren’t trying quite so hard. I really enjoyed this novel & the only disadvantage to getting an early copy is that I’m going to have to wait a bit longer for my next fix!

If you like CJ Sansom books, as I do, this may very well be right up your street. The third in the series following Cesare Aldo an officer of the Otto in 16th century Florence, this goes along at a good pace and keeps the reader turning the pages. A little bit hammy in places, it is an enjoyable read nonetheless. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in return for an honest review of the book.

The third outing for Cesare Aldo. This book is more capable of being read as a stand alone than the previous two books. Once again, the Florence of the sixteenth century is vividly brought to life, and I love the historical detail. I found this book a little slower to get into than the previous ones. Aldo is no longer based in the city of Florence, having taken up a post in the Tuscan countryside. Most of the action in the city relates to the investigations of newly promoted Strocchi. As such the book, initially felt like two stories, with the one set in the city involving Strocchi being the more interesting storyline. Once the two plots began to merge the pace of the story increased. Strocchi was the more clearly defined character to start with but that of Aldo did improve dramatically. The lesser characters could do with a bit more definition to make them convincing. The ending was dramatic and exciting to read. I finished the book looking forward to the next outing for Aldo and Strocchi.

I really love these stories, and that is despite finding the background characters too two-dimensional and moustache-twirling. The use of random Italian words adds little (palle, please, no more) but for all that the story lives and the mystery resolves beautifully - ok, yes, the main ‘villain’ here was flagged up very early, but I don’t read to disentangle the plot, I read for the character of Aldo etc.

I have loved these books set in Florence by DV Bishop since the first one. This is the third in the series following Cesare Aldo an officer of the Otto in 16th century Florence. The books are so atmospheric and depict life in that era. They gallop along from the first page , keeping you wanting more. If you like CV Sansom, Ken Follett you will love these. Excellent

The Cesare Aldo books are a series that has grown to become more compelling as I’ve continued it, and Ritual of Fire is culmination of that. Following on a few months after The Darkest Sin, Aldo is now in the dominion, banished as it were from Florence after Strocchi’s ultimatum in book two. Meanwhile, Strocchi finds himself wrapped up in a case of death by fire, that looks eerily like the death inflicted on the preacher Savonarola by the Church, forty years before.

The appeal of this series has never really been in its prose — not that it’s bad, but it’s really nothing special in particular. Instead, what draws you in is the characters and the absorbing nature of the mysteries they’re investigating. While in previous books, Aldo and Strocchi were uncovering different puzzles, in this, they’re working in concert (although not quite together, with the tension from the end of book two still very much prevalent), even if they don’t always realise it (Strocchi, at least).

In a sense, the mystery in this book is a continuation of the previous two or, at least, the second book’s. Once again, Ruggerio plays a central role, although this time it seems that he is more directly involved in things. Is he the culprit or the next victim? At times, it’s hard to say. But if, like me, you were waiting for Ruggerio to get his comeuppance, well… you’ll see.

As I said, the mystery aspect is probably the best part of this book. The characters are reasonably well fleshed out by now, the third book of the series, particularly those who are afforded POVs. That said, some of them, for example Bindi, can feel a little one-note at times. I guess that’s just the way Bindi is though. Others, like Strocchi and Aldo, only grow more interesting as the story progresses. In Strocchi’s case, it’s seeing the gradual disillusionment as he reckons with what justice means in Florence. In Aldo’s, he seems to have softened slightly since the first book, as he develops more and closer relationships with the people around him.

All of which to say, I’m really hoping this isn’t the final book of the series. It didn’t feel it to me, but I guess all I can do is wait to find out.

Set in Florence in the 15 hundreds a mystery of murder and intrigue linked to events 40 years before.
Aldo and Strochi in the Florence's police force must find who is behind the ritual killing of a Silk merchant.
I really enjoyed this having read another book by the same author.
The squalor and intrigue in Florence during the rule of Cosimo Medici is brought to life.
Interesting from my point of view having visited Florence so i could imagine the locations some of which I have walked.
Would recommend to anyone who likes historical crime dramas.
I look forward to the next installment.

Ritual of Fire is just as good as the first two in this series. I love good historical/crime fiction and D V Bishop has easily become one of my favourites alongside C J Sansom and Ken Follett.
The main character of Cesare Aldo, an officer of 16th Century Florence’s criminal court, is cleverly imagined and the period is well researched with the crimes based around real events. The best characters in stories are ones that make the reader care about them and their lives and D V Bishop certainly does that brilliantly. Cesare’s personal struggles throughout the books are the perfect back drop to the crimes and issues of the time.
I highly recommend this extremely addictive series!

This is the third outing for Cesare Aldo, officer of the Otto in 16 th century Florence.
I liked the way that the author builds on the first two books, including familiar characters and relating to previous events but there is enough background detail I think to make it enjoyable without having read them. The historical detail is well researched and the characters continue to develop and mature, particularly young Strocchi, now with a wife and child to support and continually torn between the rigid beliefs of his upbringing and his growing understanding that life is never as cut and dried as he would like it to be. Aldo is a very likeable character, intelligent and dogged in his determination to get to the truth. I love the way he reasons things out , making sense of events and his understanding of the different personalities he comes into contact with. The plot is very satisfying, murders invoking the spirit of the monk Savonarola, not overly complex but as the heat rises in Florence building up the tension, Aldo and Strocchi find themselves in a race against time to track down the killer. I like the way that the author looks at the case from the viewpoint of different characters, drawing conclusions and teasing out the truth. Bindi is his usual pompous self but finds himself equally threatened by Cosimo d'Medici demanding action and results. The conclusion is thrilling, action packed and kept me on the edge of my seat with anticipation.
I look forward to further books in the series.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy.

Life doesn't get easier for Aldo in this fast-paced adventure.

It's early Summer 1538, and following the events of "The Darkest Sin" we find Cesare Aldo serving the Otto outside Florence, in the Tuscan countryside, a result of the ultimatum handed to him by former friend and colleague Carlo Strocchi. Meanwhile within the walls, Strocci find himself immersed in a seeming resurgence of the cult of Savonarola , resulting in a series of public burnings and rising religious fervour. The bodies soon start to mount up, both inside and outside the walls of Florence and the growing unrest and a scorching heatwave drive the city ever closer to madness.

And so we launch into the third Cesare Aldo story, and a belter it is too. We soon meet up with most of the characters from the previous stories - Aldo's lover, Saul, continues to practise as a doctor, Bindi rules the Otto with a ruthless and ineffective hand, and young duke Cosimo struggles to lead the city, in the face of Ruggerio and his merchant brothers.

The city of Florence is painted bright, the smells and the heat come vividly to life, as does the parched countryside. It's easy to imagine the luxurious villas dotting the land. There are several threads picked up from the previous book, and it's a pleasure to see some of the answers to our questions appearing. The strained relationship between Aldo and Strocchi continues to dismay, but there's hope, as perhaps also that between Saul and Aldo. I suspect there's a lot more to learn about them all. We also learn about the real-life events which took place in Florence during this time, all of which adds to the richness of the story.

Fans of the previous Aldo books will love this one, and followers of SJ Parris and SW Perry will find a new hero to embrace. I was lucky to receive a Netgalley ARC to review, but as before, I'll be queuing up for a real copy upon its release. Heartily recommended.