Renaissance Historical Mystery

Betrayed by the ruling families of Italy, Ezio Auditore embarks upon an epic quest for vengeance. To eradicate corruption and restore his family's honor, he will learn the art of the Assassins. Along the way, Ezio will call upon the wisdom of such great minds as Leonardo da Vinci and Niccolò Machiavelli, knowing that survival is bound to the skills by which he must live.To his allies, he will become a force for change in his fight for freedom and justice.

In the glittering world of 1920s New York, the seven Ridley heirs seem to have it all: wealth, status, and protection as the city’s most powerful family. But when notorious gossip columnist Dale Caimen is found dead during their family’s renowned summer soiree, their carefully constructed world begins to crack. Behind the champagne and jazz, each adopted Ridley sibling harbors secrets that could destroy them.

“In this terrific series opener, Afia evokes the women’s lives in all their wayward and beautiful glory, especially the abruptness with which their dreams, hopes and fears cease to exist.”--The New York Times The start of an exciting new historical mystery series set during the Harlem...

Shortlisted for the Grindstone 2023 Novel Prize. In Italy, 1477, Andrea works as a bodyguard for the Duke of Urbino. He uncovers a plot to assassinate the two men who rule Florence—Lorenzo de' Medici. "the Magnficient", and his brother Giuliano. The plot involves Andrea's employer the Duke of Urbino, the King of Naples, and even the Pope. But Andrea is a close friend of Giuliano. He means to save the Medici brothers with the help of family and friends. Based on extensive research, this novel brings fifteenth-century Italy and its powerful personalities to life with a new twist on what is ...

In a city of masks, no one is what they seem . . . Englishman Richard Hughes has survived a stint as a galley slave and is now a free man in Venice, where he enjoys a modest life as a fencing master. He believes he has long-since left behind the ideals that landed him in slavery...until he...

Leonardo da Vinci and Niccolo da Pavia return to Florence hoping for peace and quiet. It is not to be! An unwanted gift greets Leonardo as he enters his workshop. The gift he knows comes with “strings” but not accepting it could come with dire consequences. A debt to Cesare Borgia is incurred. Meanwhile, Florence is in turmoil, religious, social and political unrest leads to violence in the streets. Most horrifying – famous paintings are discovered slashed and burned, and sculptures are reduced to rubble. Which one of the disruptive forces terrorizing the city could be responsible. ...

-Publishers Weekly starred review- -Elit Award Silver Medalist- -Book Excellence Award finalist- Italy 1464: Power hungry aristocrats are battling for control of Florence. Can a young Florentine stop his birthplace from plunging into chaos? When young lawyer Nico Argenti returns home from the university eager to start a promising career, he is recruited by the Florentine Chancellor to help defeat power hungry aristocrats who are plotting to overthrow the government. Nico must rely on more than his quick wits when the shadowy villains put him in life-threatening danger as an assassin's ...

"Combine elements of evil kings and dukes, Game of Thrones-style characters, and the horrific Bastille Prison, and you have everything set for an explosive medieval thriller novel. It's a great cast with very engaging characters. Fantastic dialogue that pulls you in. And there are already enough stakes within the story to keep you engaged.” - Reedsy Discovery “An interesting premise coupled with a colourful set of characters and a twisting plot makes for a fun and engaging read. Mr Freeman takes his readers on quite the adventurous journey. This is an entertaining, well-written read ...

Named a 2022 People Magazine best book of the summer! A riveting Harlem Renaissance Mystery featuring Louise Lloyd, a young Black woman working in a hot new speakeasy when she gets caught up in a murder that hits too close to home... Harlem, 1927. Twenty-seven-year-old Louise Lloyd has found the...

"Freeman kicks off a new series set in Renaissance-era Italy with this stylish espionage thriller [and] brings the period to vivid life. Historical fans should give this a look." Publishers Weekly "Rise of the Black Cross has it all: action, adventure, high-seas villains, corrupt officials, and even romance." Readers' Favorite (5-star review) "A Renaissance spy adventure that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Steve Freeman has done well to cleverly interweave suspense, history, culture, and a mystery to keep the reader engaged. Highly recommend for those that enjoy action historical ...

London, England. A revolutionary decryption program known as TETRA emerges, revealing a cipher with immeasurable power. However, as quickly as the cipher surfaces, it goes missing. Jack's friend and fellow classicist, Egan Church, pursues the cipher by following a mysterious note written five hundred years before by Niccolo Machiavelli. Church ends up in Italy, descending deep into the path of a shadowy brotherhood known as The Prince's Order.

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...

When the predator becomes the prey… blood will run in the gutters of Tudor London. Myles Devereux rules the streets. A ruthless gangster in the lawless underbelly of Tudor London, he controls the brothels, the taverns, the enforcers—and everyone knows not to cross him. But someone just did. His bookkeeper turns up dead. His debtors are being picked off one by one. And now the sheriff’s men are at his door, accusing him of the murders. Then Richard Fitzwarren, the Queen’s cold-eyed emissary, brings worse: a heresy charge—and death by fire This is no random attack. It’s a setup. ...

.“Here's a marvelous treat, the wittiest historical mystery … introducing the unlikely sleuthing team of Leonardo da Vinci and a young dwarf, this novel deftly intertwines fact and fiction in a deliciously clever tale”. Review from National Advertising A black banner flies from Leonardo’s tower room, warning everyone he is dissecting the latest victim in a series of murders. In the bustling halls of the Sforza Castle in Milan amidst the looming threat of French invasion in 1498, a series of gruesome murders shatter the façade of opulence and revelry. At the heart of the intrigue ...

To save the Republic, a hero must rise... During the height of the Renaissance, merchant ships of Spain and Milan are mysteriously disappearing. Sea captain Niccolo Corsini seeks to explain this rash of missing vessels before the phenomenon spreads to the shores of his own Republic of Florence. In pursuit of this quest, Niccolo must open old family wounds and travel incognito to unfriendly lands. His work uncovers vague rumors of a sinister plot…of an enemy realm bent on total conquest. Is this threat real? If so, is it somehow connected to the missing ships? Seeking the truth, Niccolo ...

In the gripping conclusion to Tracy Borman’s Stuart-era trilogy, Frances Gorges must face a dangerous new enemy deep within the court of James I.

Leonardo watched helplessly as his artistic and engineering achievements were demolished by the invading armies. Exhausted and despondent, the artist abandons his workshop in Milan. But where will he go? Everything was left behind in his escape and he is now without funds. An artist need a patron to survive. An invitation to paint a portrait of Isabella d’Este is welcome but, Leonardo suspects an ulterior motive. If he is right. . . accepting could prove dangerous. Leonardo and Niccolo arrive at a lavish palace in chaos. Spies are everywhere attempting to discover how and why a valuable ...

London, winter of 1589. The city is alive with intrigue, and anticipation. The players of Lord Strange’s Men are rehearsing a daring new play, penned by one of their promising young actors, William Shakespeare. But excitement turns to disaster when the authorities shutter the theatre over a trivial offense, plunging Will into uncertainty and despair. Determined to press on, he begins crafting a grisly revenge tragedy—Titus Andronicus—hoping to sell it to another troupe. But before he can do so, his entire collection of playscripts is stolen. His reputation, his career—everything is ...

A shocking ancient secret. The origins of western civilization discovered. The Renaissance - our most fundamental age of technological and artistic advance, was built upon a secret passed down to a banking family in Florence - the Medici. 500 years ago that secret was buried. Florence, Italy, present day. A trove of letters belonging to the Medici family is discovered underground. Archaeologist Kat Cullen comes across a map that leads her to the Swiss Alps where her partner is murdered and she is left for dead.

In Secrets of the Doge’s Daughter, noblewoman Caterina Foscari and agent Marco Vendramin uncover a deadly conspiracy that threatens Venice’s future—and ignites a forbidden passion. Amid betrayal and political intrigue, they must risk everything to protect their city—and their hearts—in a tale of love, loyalty, and dangerous secrets.