As a dangerous and mysterious sickness grows in 17th century Rome, Stefano Bracchi is tasked with investigating.

It is the men who are dying, but many of the women left behind are revealed to be abused and terrified. Who are the real victims?

Manipulated and pressured by his father, his brothers, and the governor of Rome, Stefano’s investigation quickly turns into a witch hunt.

What is real justice? And will Stefano lose his own humanity trying to find out?

A richly embroidered tale of 17th century Rome ripe with a secret women’s history. Another literary tour de force from Anna Mazzola.

I almost gave up reading "The Book of Secrets" as the beginning was really slow and I had to put it down and read something else for a while. However, once I had picked this Anna Mazzola book up again, I really did start to get into the story. Once the mysterious poisonings are being investigated and we get to know the women imprisoned in the tower, the story really came alive. This reaffirms that Anna Mazzola is an excellent author and I shall continue to read her books.

I think is the first time I read an historical mystery book set in Italy and it was quite enjoyable. I found it a biy slow at the beginning but then the pace got better and I was invested on the story. I really liked the talk about why women did what they did and how a man also understood their rationale. It is based on historical events with some changed as the author explains at the end.

A Roman life in 17th century imagined, for me I somehow pictured it centuries before but added details and characters correct this thinking. All together an incredible journey throughout.

The Book of Secrets is what you come to expect from Anna Mazzola: a dark, mesmerising story, full of compelling characters and plenty of heart. When I found out Mazzola was writing this story, I knew it would be absolutely perfect, and it really is.

This cements Mazzola as an autobuy author for me.
It's fascinating, and a bit more than heartbreaking but also a bit "sisters are doing it for themselves"
Strong characters in awful situations.
Rome, and all its inhabitants and their ways came alive for me
Super.

After recently visiting Rome I really enjoyed the setting of this book, especially the time period when the landmarks are in use. The multiple POV was very well done with each narrator having a distinct voice and the storyline was very engaging would highly recommend.

Another outstanding novel from this author. I loved her previous book The Clockwork Girl, and was thrilled to receive a review copy of her latest book- The Book of Secrets.
This one is set in Rome and again, this author transports us to the story settings so vividly, whether it be the humble homes of the wise women dabbling in herbs and potions, or the dank dark prison settings whereby the lawyer tries to extract confessions.
A fabulous, intricate piece of storytelling based on true events and highly recommended.
Thank you NetGalley, the author and the publisher for the opportunity to read this excellent historical fiction.

"The Book of Secrets" by Anna Mazzola is an incredible novel that takes readers back to 17th-century Italy, specifically to the captivating city of Rome in 1659, just months after the devastating plague wreaked havoc. Get ready for a chilling and mesmerizing journey through real historical events!

Our protagonist is prosecutor Stefano Bracchi, who finds himself embarking on a thrilling investigation assigned by the Papal authorities. He's tasked with unraveling the mysterious deaths of several men and the astonishing rumor that their bodies refuse to decay as they should. But there's more to this story than Stefano's pursuit of justice. We also follow the extraordinary experiences of Girolama and her female cohorts, who provide aid to women in childbirth and dabble in the art of fortune-telling. Then there's Anna, a young wife desperate to escape the clutches of her abusive husband. These multifaceted characters come together in the haunting Tor di Nona prison, where they encounter horror, magic, and an unforgettable cast of personalities. As Stefano delves deeper into this eerie world, he begins to question whether some acts should remain unpunished.

Prepare yourself for a gripping historical thriller that offers a unique glimpse into the struggles faced by women in a society dominated by men. The novel masterfully explores the alluring power of secrets and the profound impact they have on individuals and their actions. Our characters grapple with the weighty choice of keeping or revealing their secrets, with far-reaching consequences. Through their trials and tribulations, you'll witness the lasting effects of past secrets on the present, and the delicate balance between curiosity and respect for others' privacy.

Moreover, as our characters untangle the truth and face the aftermath of their secrets, they must also seek forgiveness for the harm caused. In a world filled with deception and hidden truths, Anna Mazzola takes us on a journey that examines the complexities of secrets and the unwavering pursuit of truth.

Prepare to be captivated by the author's enthralling writing style, as well as the believable and endearing characters who will truly leave a mark on your soul.