by D.V. Bishop
Release Date: September 17, 2024
2024 MacMillan
Ebook ARC: 400 Pages
ISBN: 978-1529096538
ASIN: B0CKXN9W6S
Audiobook: B0CLZ16B72
Genre: Fiction / Historical / Mystery
Source: Review copy from publisher
4 / 5 Stars
Summary
Cesare Aldo was once an officer for the city’s
most feared criminal court. Following a period of exile, he is back –
but demoted to night patrol, when only the drunk and the dangerous roam
the streets.
Chasing a suspect in the rain, Aldo discovers a horrifying scene beneath Michelangelo’s statue of David. Lifeless eyes gaze from the face of a man whose body has been posed as if crucified. It’s clear the killer had religious motives.
When more bodies appear, Aldo believes an unholy murderer is stalking the citizens of Florence. Watching. Hunting. Waiting for the perfect moment to strike again . . .
Chasing a suspect in the rain, Aldo discovers a horrifying scene beneath Michelangelo’s statue of David. Lifeless eyes gaze from the face of a man whose body has been posed as if crucified. It’s clear the killer had religious motives.
When more bodies appear, Aldo believes an unholy murderer is stalking the citizens of Florence. Watching. Hunting. Waiting for the perfect moment to strike again . . .
My Thoughts
A Divine Fury is the fourth book in the Cesare Aldo series, and is fast becoming one of my new favourite historical mysteries. The mystery is complex and well-plotted, the descriptions of the time period are detailed and rich, and the character development is top notch. Every book adds a new layer to the complex political system of the 16th century and all the rivalries and intrigues that existed during that time period. This is Florence, just a couple of years after Catherine de Medici left for France to begin her reign, so the aftermath of those political struggles were still affecting Florence.
This one was great at demonstrating the subtle political struggles between the church and state. Cosimo de Medici is firmly establishing his rule, with Aldo caught in the crosshairs of these struggles, finally doing what he is so great at doing, unlocking puzzles. I loved the fine line Aldo had to take while investigating, first to keep himself safe from harm, but most importantly, protecting his comrades from any fallout that might occur. The subtle intrigues going on were fascinating although I couldn’t imagine living my life at the whims of someone else all the time.
Both the character development and the plot were great, and although I did figure out the culprit, it certainly didn’t detract from the tension or the struggles. And there were definitely some surprises along the way. I still think the relationship between Aldo and Strocci remains a highlight of this series, a friendship that is full of struggle, and frustrations, as they navigate the difficult demands of the Otto. There was also an intriguing subplot in this book that I loved, one that will continue in future books so I don’t want to give anything away, but made me excited for the direction in which future books will go.
Verdict
A Divine Fury was not the strongest book of the series, but still had great character development and I felt the plot was being developed to set up future books for some major changes in Aldo’s fate. This meant that the plot was somewhat more predictable than usual and I didn’t quite believe in the culprit’s motivations for doing what they did. There was also less tension than usual. However, the descriptions of the time period were still rich and detailed, and I was happy to submerge myself in Aldo’s world yet again. I am definitely looking forward to the next book and seeing what happens as Aldo’s path changes yet again.
This one was great at demonstrating the subtle political struggles between the church and state. Cosimo de Medici is firmly establishing his rule, with Aldo caught in the crosshairs of these struggles, finally doing what he is so great at doing, unlocking puzzles. I loved the fine line Aldo had to take while investigating, first to keep himself safe from harm, but most importantly, protecting his comrades from any fallout that might occur. The subtle intrigues going on were fascinating although I couldn’t imagine living my life at the whims of someone else all the time.
Both the character development and the plot were great, and although I did figure out the culprit, it certainly didn’t detract from the tension or the struggles. And there were definitely some surprises along the way. I still think the relationship between Aldo and Strocci remains a highlight of this series, a friendship that is full of struggle, and frustrations, as they navigate the difficult demands of the Otto. There was also an intriguing subplot in this book that I loved, one that will continue in future books so I don’t want to give anything away, but made me excited for the direction in which future books will go.
Verdict
A Divine Fury was not the strongest book of the series, but still had great character development and I felt the plot was being developed to set up future books for some major changes in Aldo’s fate. This meant that the plot was somewhat more predictable than usual and I didn’t quite believe in the culprit’s motivations for doing what they did. There was also less tension than usual. However, the descriptions of the time period were still rich and detailed, and I was happy to submerge myself in Aldo’s world yet again. I am definitely looking forward to the next book and seeing what happens as Aldo’s path changes yet again.
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