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City of Vengeance

From The CWA Historical Dagger Winning Author

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City of Vengeance

By: D. V. Bishop
Narrated by: Mark Meadows
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About this listen

The Crime Writers' Association Historical Dagger Winning Author

City of Vengeance is an explosive debut novel in an historical thriller series by D. V. Bishop, set in Renaissance Florence.

'An impressive and immersive debut set in a beautifully realized sixteenth-century Florence' – Antonia Hodgson

'A first-class historical thriller . . . Bishop’s spirited and richly detailed story is a tour-de-force' – David Baldacci

Florence. Winter, 1536. A prominent Jewish moneylender is murdered in his home, a death with wide implications in a city powered by immense wealth.

Cesare Aldo, a former soldier and now an officer of the Renaissance city’s most feared criminal court, is given four days to solve the murder: catch the killer before the feast of Epiphany – or suffer the consequences.

During his investigations Aldo uncovers a plot to overthrow the volatile ruler of Florence, Alessandro de’ Medici. If the Duke falls, it will endanger the whole city. But a rival officer of the court is determined to expose details about Aldo’s private life that could lead to his ruin. Can Aldo stop the conspiracy before anyone else dies, or will his own secrets destroy him first?

'Richly atmospheric . . . transports you to another time and place' – Ambrose Parry, author of The Way of All Flesh

Continue the historical series with The Darkest Sin.

 Crime Thrillers Fiction Historical Historical Fiction Mystery Renaissance Thriller & Suspense Crime Thriller

Critic reviews

An impressive and immersive debut set in a beautifully realized sixteenth-century Florence. Investigator Cesare Aldo is a fascinating and charismatic protagonist. Highly recommended (Antonia Hodgson)
A first-class historical thriller with echoes of The Name of the Rose. Bishop’s spirited and richly detailed story, layered with issues of humanity that still bedevil society today, is a tour-de-force and clearly demonstrates the sixteenth century was as full of thrills and mysteries as the twenty-first, perhaps even a shade more (David Baldacci)
Richly atmospheric . . . transports you to another time and place (Ambrose Parry, author of The Way of All Flesh)
So fluid and fluent, the pages almost turn themselves . . . Aldo is a great creation, resourceful, driven and forced to hide who he really is, but nevertheless is compelled to find justice for those who deserve it (James Oswald, bestselling author of the Inspector McLean series)
Cross-dressing, torture, oodles of violence – this pungent example of historical noir has the lot
Brings to life the 16th century Italian city, from the rankest taverns in its darkest alleys to the corridors of power showing a city of art and literature that is also riddled with corruption, antisemitism and violence
Written with a finesse and authenticity which augurs well for a series with all the hallmarks of historical fiction masters like C. J. Sansom and Ken Follett, City of Vengeance delivers a trip to Florence that you won’t forget!
A complex, intriguing plot which weaves its way through the treacherous streets of sixteenth century Florence, encountering danger at every dark corner (Sarah Maine)
In Cesare Aldo, Bishop has created a character with the cunning, bravery and balls of steel to take on the twisty, toxic politics of the Medicis with panache. I can’t wait for his next outing (Alison Belsham)
This atmospheric murder mystery is packed with political intrigue and questionable morality. Secrets and conspiracies abound, danger is ever present and tension rises within the complex plotting
Rich in period detail – a compelling journey into Florence’s dark past (Philip Gwynne Jones, author of the Nathan Sutherland Venetian mysteries)
Compelling and assured. Does not miss a step through the dark intrigues of sixteenth-century Florence, but convinces to the last. Aldo is a man as fitting for our times as for the bloody streets he takes us to. And D. V. Bishop makes it all seem effortless (Shirley McKay)
Dramatic and compelling, a great example of quality historical crime fiction . . . But the crowning glory of the book has to be the character of Cesare Aldo: bold, disquieting and complex; beautifully crafted with a deep and sensitive understanding of human frailty. An exciting, engaging story, masterfully told (Laura Carlin, Author of The Wicked Cometh)
All stars
Most relevant
Immersive plot but main protagonist something of a lone ranger. Didn't like the sprinkling of the occasional Italian word in English narrative and dialogue - inauthentic. However the sights and smells of De Medici Florence are vivid.

Florentine LGBQT!

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Keeps you entertained. Some history stories have the story but not history or the characters’ background stories and are a bit slow. And the reader’s voice doesn’t gel with you. All around, this is an excellent listen and keeps you entertained all the time. The books in the series get better, too.

Story, history, characters and the reader:all excellent

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A brilliantly strong start to this series. I purchased the second installment long before the end of this one.

You'll feel as if you're running breathlessly through Florence, along side the characters, desperate to find out what happens next. And you'll doubtless be delighted about what you discover! I love the liberal smattering of Italian through the prose. Gave me an opportunity to learn some new, albeit sometimes rude, words.

The moments of action AND the moments of calm are equally well written, both serving their respective purposes beautifully. The story, as a whole, is really well paced. All plot points are moved along convincingly, without using tired tropes.
It doesn't drag anywhere. It's not rushed anywhere.

Characterization is thorough, though mystery still abounds! I am so looking forward to getting to know Aldo even more over the next few books.

I read loads of historical fiction and in my humble opinion, this is one of the best. Onwards to Book 2!

Murder! Intrigue! Passion!

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I was quickly caught up in the story and it never let go. The characters were believable - both the likeable ones and the really repulsive ones. The historical setting and details were obviously very well researched, but never got in the way of the cracking plot. The narrator was great, with excellent Italian pronunciation for names and phrases. I can't wait for the next book in the series!

Great debut for historical detective

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A new 16th Century sleuth to rival CJ Samson and SJ Parris’s creations. And excellent narration.

Brilliant recreation of Renaissance Florence

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