City of Vengeance

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 * The Times *
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 * Evening Standard *
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! * Lancashire Evening Post *
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 * Choice *
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
This dramatic and compelling book, with the larger than life, complex, charismatic and enduring and towering figure of Aldo holding it all together, is for all who enjoy well-written and enthralling historical mysteries * Crime Review *
D. V. Bishop has hit the ground running by introducing us to Cesare Aldo, a “hero” we can all root for as he continues to seek justice in this beautiful, rich but corrupt medieval city … A terrific historical thriller that held me gripped from start to finish * Historical Novel Society *
Rich in atmosphere, and chilling in its authenticity, Bishops paints a vivid image of sixteenth-century Italy * Scottish Field *
Bishop has an impressive command of Florence’s history, its beauty, ambition, and taste for violence. Readers will eagerly await the sequel * Publishers Weekly *

D. V. Bishop is an award-winning screenwriter and TV dramatist. His love for the city of Florence and the Renaissance period meant there could be only one setting for his crime fiction debut. City of Vengeance won the Pitch Perfect competition at Bloody Scotland 2018, and he was awarded a Robert Louis Stevenson Fellowship by the Scottish Book Trust while writing the novel. When not busy being programme leader for creative writing at Edinburgh Napier University, he plans his next research trip to Florence.

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