The Dark Heart of Florence

A Lady Emily Mystery, Book 15

By: Tasha Alexander

Narrated by: Bianca Amato

Length: 10 hrs and 19 mins

Publisher's summary

In the next Lady Emily mystery The Dark Heart of Florence, critically acclaimed author Tasha Alexander transports listeners to the legendary city of Florence, where Lady Emily and Colin must solve a murder with clues leading back to the time of the Medici.

In 1903, tensions between Britain and Germany are starting to loom over Europe, something that has not gone unnoticed by Lady Emily and her husband, Colin Hargreaves. An agent of the Crown, Colin carries the weight of the empire, but his focus is drawn to Italy by a series of burglaries at his daughter’s palazzo in Florence - burglaries that might have international ramifications. He and Emily travel to Tuscany where, soon after their arrival, a stranger is thrown to his death from the roof onto the marble palazzo floor.

Colin’s trusted colleague and fellow agent, Darius Benton-Stone, arrives to assist Colin, who insists their mission must remain top secret. Finding herself excluded from the investigation, Emily secretly launches her own clandestine inquiry into the murder, aided by her spirited and witty friend, Cécile. They soon discover that the palazzo may contain a hidden treasure dating back to the days of the Medici and the violent reign of the fanatic monk, Savonarola - days that resonate in the troubled early 20th century, an uneasy time full of intrigue, duplicity, and warring ideologies.

Emily and Cécile race to untangle the cryptic clues leading them through the Renaissance city, but an unimagined danger follows closely behind. And when another violent death puts Emily directly in the path of a killer, there’s much more than treasure at stake....

A Macmillan Audio production from Minotaur Books

©2021 Tasha Alexander (P)2021 Macmillan Audio

Bianka at her best

This was a great performance by Bianka Amato. However this was not my favorite Tasha’s works. A little hard to get into, but overall, well worth it. I really enjoy the way she goes back-and-forth between the centuries and the historical information in her works.

Excellent

Excellent. But left me hanging and will now have to do research! You will understand once you have listened!

I actually loved the parallel story back in the 1400 this time and was excited when it went back and how everything tied together. This author truly is brilliant.

Cannot wait for more !

Perfection again

I love how the author juxtaposes two ladies’ lives hundreds of years apart. It is a mastery!

Excellent Mystery and History

if you like a good mystery and great history about Florence, Italy, then this is for you.
I totally enjoyed and the narrator
is fantastic!

So much fun!

If you have ever visited Florence or even if you just hope to this is a wonderful book. I always appreciate her Flair for the dramatic and how she weaves in poignant historical facts. before this book I knew nothing of the Bonfires of the Vanities and this book gives you a great introduction to that tumultuous time. The relationship between Emily and her husband is very sweet and respectful. It was a joy to read/listen to this book.

Dual timelines

I don't know if the dual timelines is a permanent feature, but if so I hope the past does not stay so depressing. I loved the story with Emily and Colin investigating a murder that happens shortly after they arrive in Florence. The story set in medieval Florence was riveting and sad at the same time. Both stories were fantastic and I loved them . The narrator was excellent and truly brings the story to life.