D V Bishop is truly skilled at bringing an historic period to vibrant and vivid life. I’ve read a couple of books in this series and truly feel as if I’ve been transported back to mid 16th century Italy, with all the grandeur of the buildings in Florence and Venice. The fabric of these cities is almost palpable and adds to the story. Aldo is such a convincing character. He’s now working freelance and in this case, he has to return to Venice. He’d vowed never to go back, but becomes embroiled in one intrigue after another as he races to find missing personal papers. That could spell disaster for Florence. The odds are stacked against him and he encounters some characters from the past.

Murder, mystery and mayhem; this is a rollicking ride which surprises with twists and turns and the pace rarely lets up. I really loved this story and applaud Bishop for a memorable creation. My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for an early copy.

Another twisty atmospheric historical mystery with Cesare Aldo centre stage.This third novel can be read as a stand alone but it does feature several characters and previous events from earlier novels.
In this story Cesare has to work with the scheming contessa to retrieve Cosimo de Medici’s personal diary. The plot is full of lucky escapes,plots and counter plots .It’s a thrilling ride and hugely entertaining.The setting in Venice with damp buildings and dangerously deep waters adds to the overall ambiance.
My thanks to the publisher and to NetGalley for this ARC

Simply, the best Cesare Aldo story yet.

"Carnival of Lies" opens in February 1539. Our hero, Aldo Cesare, no longer works for the Otto, instead opting for the life of a freelance soldier-for-hire. When his sometime employer, Duke Cosimo de’ Medici starts receiving death threats, he hires Aldo for protection. As usual, life for him is not simple, and the attack when it comes, Aldo is drawn into a larger conspiracy, where players including Contessa Valentine Coltello and members of the de'Medici family vie for control of Florence. Furthermore, when private and incriminating papers belonging to the Duke are stolen, he charges Aldo with recovering them at all costs.

Soon Aldo is on the trail of the papers, and is alarmed to discover they are being delivered to Venice - a place he has vowed never to return to. He also learns that he is not the only one after them. The reader is then drawn into a fast-moving and intricate story of revenge, conspiracy and a struggle for power. We swap the sights and smells of Florence for the dank, waterlogged canals of Venice, with smells and shadows all of its own. Aldo is surrounded by enemies, some obvious, others not, and even old friends may not be what they seem. Aldo suffers imprisonment, a dunking in the canals, and effects some daring moves as he infiltrates the very heart of the conspiracy. He is on unfamiliar territory, in more ways than one.

Fans of the series will be glad to know that some favourite characters are back, albeit in diminished roles - his niece, Isabella, secret lover, Saul, and of course, my favourite spymaster Contessa Valentine Coltello, who continues to fascinate. The scenes between her and Aldo are a delight. But this book is all about Aldo, and we learn much more about his past and how he became the man he is. There are several heart-aching scenes that really bring Aldo's life into focus. But mainly, he is running - towards danger, away from danger, and towards a crossroads in his life.

If any of the Cesare Aldo books deserve to be made into a film, it's this one - preferably directed by Christopher McQuarrie, Renny Harlin or Michael Bay. It's definitely the most action-packed yet, and with strong espionage themes. Heartily recommended.

Cesare Aldo is back where he belongs, almost. He’s no longer working for the Otto but is freelancing & trying to stay out of trouble, with no success at all. Venice is the setting of this story, with glimpses of the Florence we’ve come to know from the previous novels.

I enjoyed this story, with a few caveats. The ‘baddies’ are almost pantomime like, I expected them to twirl their moustaches while they were being dastardly. I found the Contessa & her feminine wiles annoying, she just doesn’t resonate with me. Other than that, the story was well told, with various returning characters & more insight into Aldo’s past. I can really see these books as a beautifully shot series for Netflix - can someone sort that out?

I love this book and I love this series. It is so strong and detailed yet flows so effortlessly. Loved the move to Venice in this one from the usual Florence although there is so much to discover about Florence still with all the dark corners and alleyways. This was a mission in volving spies, revolt and revenge and i ATE IT UP

PLEASE let us have a film of every book. Although they wouldn't be as excellent as the books themselves.

A fantastic historical book that captures the attention and refuses to let go. From Florence to Venice, this is a story of betrayal, revenge, theft, attempted assassination, murder, the nature of justice and the lies one spins to create a narrative that will go down in history.

A blend of fictional and real historical characters pepper the page, all of them engaging - even the ones you don't like. They feel like real people, and it is so easy to get drawn into them and the maelstrom that is swirling around them all, with plenty of different motivations and desires.

A mix of a chase, a murder investigation - albeit one you're trying to avoid - and a series of heists, this is a fast paced book that will keep you turning the pages.

I also adore the queer representation within this book. Not only Cesare, but the Contessa and the gender fluid boundaries that shift and blur in Venice, that most open of cities.

The Contessa steals this book however. She is an absolute delight to behold, and effortlessly holds the attention in every scene she is in. I would be more than happy with every book focused on her.

Aldo is back ........ no longer a policeman he is now a Private Investigator/Enforcer helping those
who need it most , those often ignored by their rulers .
But those who matter won't leave him be , he is called to investigate a plot against the Duke by Cosimo de Medici
- a summons he cannot say no to . A case that brings back the Contessa Coltello into his life , a woman hard
to forget for a variety of reasons .
The case takes him from Florence to Venice , a city he swore never to return to ..... old betrayals are
at the forefront of his mind . Just who can he trust ? what will be the cost ? The Contessa has her own agenda ... will it align with
his own quest ?
The Author is a master at writing Renaissance murder mysteries , characters leap of the page , the historical details are full of colour and life , drawing the reader into a world politics , betrayals with a well written storyline - I cannot recommend this series enough and look
forward to the next book

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own

“Carnival of Lies” is a gripping historical thriller that cements D. V. Bishop as a master of Renaissance intrigue. Cesare Aldo is a brilliant protagonist—his secret life in 16th-century Florence adds layers of depth and tension to an already thrilling narrative. In this installment, Aldo is thrust into the shadowy world of Venetian politics, where deception is an art form and danger lurks behind every mask.

The stakes couldn’t be higher as Aldo races to recover a stolen journal filled with secrets that could topple the Medici dynasty. The novel is rich with political maneuvering, deadly conspiracies, and atmospheric detail that transports the reader straight to the bustling streets and candlelit palazzos of Renaissance Venice.

One of the book’s standout elements is Contessa Coltella, the Venetian spy mistress who makes for a formidable and fascinating adversary and ally. The interplay between her and Aldo crackles with tension, making every encounter a delight to read. Bishop’s deep understanding of the period shines through, blending historical accuracy with page-turning suspense.

Superb, immersive, and utterly unputdownable—I’ll be going back to read the earlier books in the series. If you love historical thrillers with depth, intelligence, and razor-sharp intrigue, Carnival of Lies is a must-read.

Full of danger, strategy, humour and atmosphere, ‘Carnival of Lies’ races away from Renaissance Florence to the intrigue and peril of Venice during Carnival. There are two main characters, Aldo: resourceful, ex police and mercenary who is loyal, loving and likeable. And the brilliant Countess, strategic, highly intelligent and beautiful who has to outwit those men who want her power and are determined to destroy her. Will this unlikely couple survive Venice? And if so, at what cost? I am new to this series and now want to read more of Aldo’s adventures. This book (5 I believe) never made me feel I was missing out by not having read previous books in this series.

Another twisty thriller rich in historical detail by DV Bishop which sees Aldo facing enemies and treachery in a city he had sworn nerver to return to - Venice.
No longer a member of the Otto, the Florentine police, Aldo has turned private enforcer, helping those too poor or inconsequential to be noticed by those who rule Florence. But he can't stay under the radar for long, called upon to help investigate a plot against the Duke and his wife, a plot which sees him once again a reluctant ally of the intriguing and devious Contessa Coltello. Meanwhile, both in Florence and Venice, his past haunts him, old betrayals feeling very fresh indeed.

Fascinating and very readable, I think this is the best in the series yet. Highly recommended.

Cesare Aldo has left the Otto but he hasn’t retired by any means. Freelancing as a kind of Florentine private detective he is now engaged by Cosimo d’Medici to investigate a life-threatening rumour. Aldo’s powers of observation, natural curiosity and skill as an investigator soon embroil him in an intriguing mission to recover Cosimo’s private journal which takes him to Venice in the company of Venetion spymaster Contessa Coltello. This story draws on events from Aldo’s previous outings, but necessary detail is subtly woven into the narrative, although it might well tempt the reader to explore earlier books in the series. The writing is steeped in historical detail, the characters are colourful and full of life and there is plenty of action and a good meaty plot to keep the reader entertained. Put James Bond into hose and doublet and this is what you get!
I am looking forward to the next book already as the story ends with unanswered questions and the mystery of Aldo’s past yet to be revealed. Can’t wait!

Huge thanks to Pan Macmillan and Netgalley for an opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book.

Really enjoyed this book , a real romp in Venice/Florence in the 1530s. A very easy read about some very interesting characters

I really enjoy Aldo's world of intrigue, lies and secrets! His new adventure(s!) in this novel enabled me to fully get immersed into a journey paved with action, murder and betrayals. I like Aldo's character, his sense of justice and his simply being human with weaknesses and strengths. A great plot leaving me often riveting and wondering whom should Aldo trust ??? I loved reading about Venice and its palazzi as well as getting some idea of what Carnival felt like in the XVIth century! A great series!
I received a digital copy of this novel from NetGalley and I have voluntarily written an honest review.

The fifth book in the series sees Cesare Aldo travel to Venice . The writing is excellent and I could almost smell the odours of the canals and damp palazzos. The tension builds during this adventure with different characters in the plot generally looking out for themselves! Anyone new to this series by DVBishop is in for a treat. Look forward to the next adventure. Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to review.

At last, Aldo goes to Venice! I've thoroughly enjoyed the previous four books in the Cesare Aldo series, and Carnival of Lies did not disappoint. I loved seeing Aldo travel to la Serenissima, and spending so much time in the company of the Contessa Coltello (such a delicious character). As ever I've got to the end of the book only to wish I could immediately read the next one in the series...

It has been a long time since I didn´t read anything set in Venice, so I was very excited when I realized this story was going to take us there.

This is the 5th book I read about Cesare Aldo (who is currently not working for the Otto anymore) and let me tell you, this author never dissapoints. In this one, instead of a murder mystery, we got a sort of treasure hunt: Someone has stolen a journal that belonged to Cosme de Medici, and Aldo is tasked to retrieve it before it´s too late. If he cannot achieve this mission, he might never be able to return to Florence.

Now, several things here.

Although I missed Strocchi (I´ve grown awfully fond of his character, after so many adventures in which he appeared), I think it was such a delight to have Contessa Coltello as the other protagonist in this book. I already liked her from previous ones, but I think this one reinforced my opinion of her. She´s probably my favorite villain all through this series, always charismatic and being Aldo´s ally only when it suits her (and let me tell you, this time it suited her a lot, since this journal Aldo was trying to retrieve, had clues that she was the head of... something terrible that I´m not going to mention because it´s a spoiler. And thus, she needed to get her hands on that journal as well, to remove those pages that incriminated her).

I believe she was one of the strongest points of the novel. Because, although in this one there is no murder mystery per se, it is very suspenseful. All the time, since Aldo left Florence in pursuit of the people who stole the journal, I had the feeling anyone could be an ally or a traitor at any given moment (and I was right).

I also loved that we got to see a bit more about Aldo´s past relationships and what Venice meant to him. I hope, in future books, we also find out what happened between his stay in Venice (twenty year ago) and his time as mercenary, because I see so much potential for more plot and character development.

Without much more to say, I´ll just add: This series is 100% recommended, and I hope I´ll be able to read more in the future.

I enjoyed this - the fifth in the Cesare Aldo series. The novel sees Aldo reluctantly returning to Venice, a city he fears and hates, with the task of finding and returning the stolen journals of Cosimo di Medici, which could trigger even more hostilities between Venice and Florence. He is accompanied by Contessa Coltello, the alluring widow who is a match for him in stealth and cunning, if not strength. Aldo's personal life is a background to his time in Venice and he meets once more the man who has been the love of his life.

The plot races along and engaged me - right until the last few chapters (no spoilers) when it began to break any bounds of credibility. Long term fans and new readers would enjoy this book and thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a review copy.