A Divine Fury

by D V Bishop
A Divine Fury cover
Good Books rating 4.0
Historical Fiction
Technical:
  • ID: 526
  • Added: 2025-09-13
  • Updated: 2025-09-21
  • ISBN: 9781529096545
  • Publisher: Macmillan
  • Published: 2024-06-20
  • Formats: 12
  • Reviews: 3
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £9.99 Hardback • £18.99

Set in Florence in 1539 during the reign of Duke Cosimo, A Divine Fury immerses readers in a vividly depicted Renaissance city where the Church wields immense power and influence. Cesare Aldo, once an officer of the feared criminal court and now relegated to night patrol, discovers a corpse posed like a crucifix beneath Michelangelo's David, signaling a killer with dark religious motives. As more bodies appear, Aldo and his partner Strocchi navigate a complex investigation constrained by the Church’s authority, uncovering secrets that expose the tensions between faith, power, and justice. Beyond the gripping murder mystery, the novel explores the social and political fabric of 16th-century Florence, including the impact of exorcisms and the precarious lives of those like Aldo, whose personal secrets put him at risk. The story balances intricate plotting with rich historical detail and character development, continuing the acclaimed Cesare Aldo series with a tense, atmospheric thriller that delves into the darker side of Renaissance religion and society.

Reviews
In Another Era · 2024-10-05
intriguing 4.00

The most complex and best book in the series so far, with an interesting mystery full of subplots and strong character development.

This reviewer considers 'A Divine Fury' the best in the Cesare Aldo series due to its intricate mystery and well-developed subplots that keep readers guessing until the end. They highlight the rich personal lives of Aldo and Strocchi, the political intrigue involving Duke Cosimo, and the tension from multiple investigations happening simultaneously. The book’s complexity and character focus make it highly entertaining, and the reviewer eagerly anticipates the next installment.

Quick quotes

    This is the most complex case they’ve had to deal with.

    Bishop really writes an interesting mystery with lots of subplots.

    This series is getting better and better. And I hope there will be a next book!

CravenWild · 2024-09-11
compelling 3.75

The mystery is compelling and the atmospheric setting of Florence adds charm, though the plot feels somewhat predictable with fewer twists than expected.

The reviewer liked the book overall, appreciating the vivid world-building and the serial killer’s stylised crime scenes, which add a creepy, sinister tone reminiscent of Hannibal. However, they felt the mystery was a bit straightforward, with the main suspects emerging early and the killer’s identity not as well developed as hoped. The subplot involving Aldo’s political tightrope walk added tension and intrigue, and while the reviewer wanted more complexity and character focus, especially on Contessa, they found the novel entertaining and a solid addition to the series.

Quick quotes

    It’s very creepy and sinister, very Hannibal.

    This case felt similar to the previous one. I still really liked it though.

    Aldo’s involvement with her involves Cosimo Medici, which means he’s walking a tightrope of two careful investigations at once.

Goodreads · Paromjit · 2024-06-04
engaging 4.25

The book excels in vividly evoking 16th century Florence and explores the power of the church through its crime and espionage plots, with strong character development especially of Aldo and Strocchi.

Paromjit appreciates the atmospheric setting of Renaissance Florence and how the author uses the crime narrative to delve into the social, political, and religious tensions of the period. The interplay between Aldo and Strocchi, their personal histories, and their navigation of the church’s power add depth to the story. The reviewer notes that while the mystery itself is not overly complex, the focus on historical detail and character growth makes this installment compelling and suggests promising directions for the series going forward.

Quick quotes

    Bishop brings 16th Century Florence to life and uses his crime and espionage plots to explore social, political and religious aspects of the time.

    Aldo and Strochhi themselves are great central characters with interesting histories and complex personal lives who continue to grow and develop.

    By the end of the book Aldo, particularly is in a new place, opening interesting opportunities if the series continues.

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