Synopsis
Longlisted for the CWA Gold Dagger 2026
Tuscany. Winter, 1540.
Travelling north into the hills above Florence, investigator Cesare Aldo seeks answers about his past. The trail leads him to Ospedale de’ Pazzi, a secure institution for the criminally insane.
Soon after arriving, a blizzard engulfs the area, trapping Aldo and his companion, Doctor Saul Orvieto. Even more alarming, their cart driver is found dead. It looks like he fell over a nearby cliff in the whiteout – but Aldo suspects foul play. When a brutal slaying occurs in the central courtyard, it becomes clear a killer lurks among them.
With the snowstorm sealing everyone in and a murderer hunting fresh victims, Aldo’s search for the truth proves deadlier than he could ever have imagined . . .
Shadow of Madness is the sixth Cesare Aldo mystery by D. V. Bishop, preceded by Carnival of Lies, A Divine Fury, Ritual of Fire, The Darkest Sin and City of Vengeance.
Praise for D. V. Bishop:
‘It’s hard to think of a better guide than D. V. Bishop to the brutality and glamour of Renaissance Florence’ – Andrew Taylor, author of A Schooling in Murder
‘A brilliant series’ – Anna Mazzola, author of The Book of Secrets
‘Aldo is a magnificent creation’ – Vaseem Khan, author of The Edge of Darkness
Details
Reviews
“A brilliant series”Anna Mazzola, author of The Book of Secrets
“Shadow of Madness is a book to savour. With a set-up as pleasing as Murder on the Orient Express and a gloriously weird and wonderful cast of characters, the story doesn’t let up for a single moment. A superb addition to the Cesare Aldo universe, as well as a great standalone story in its own right”Anna Caig, author of The Wise Witch of Orkney
“Plotting is excellent and I didn’t guess anything in advance. Aldo is three-dimensionally interesting, someone with a complex past who has developed through the series. Absolutely loved it! A contender for my favourite Cesare Aldo”Fiona Forsyth, author of the Lucius Sestius historical thrillers
“A brilliantly absorbing and atmospheric thriller that is vividly imagined and utterly immersive. The labyrinthine plot has more twists and dark corners than the isolated ospedale setting itself. Both the characters and settings are so richly evoked, you’ll find yourself fully immersed in this chilling historical thriller”Jamie West, author of Murder at the Matinee
