Finalist for the 2024 McIlvanney Prize!

Full of dash and atmosphere - The Times, a historical fiction Book of the Month

A brilliant historical novel which feels strangely contemporary - 2024 McIlvanney Prize judges

A Florentine Shardlake - David Hewson

Darkly atmospheric journey through Medici Florence, keeping us constantly on our toes - S. G. MacLean

Florence. Autumn, 1539.

Cesare Aldo was once an officer for the city’s most feared criminal court. Following a period of exile, he is back – but demoted to night patrol, when only the drunk and the dangerous roam the streets.

Chasing a suspect in the rain, Aldo discovers a horrifying scene beneath Michelangelo’s statue of David. Lifeless eyes gaze from the face of a man whose body has been posed as if crucified. It’s clear the killer had religious motives.

When more bodies appear, Aldo believes an unholy murderer is stalking the citizens of Florence. Watching. Hunting. Waiting for the perfect moment to strike again . . .