Synopsis
The Crime Writers’ Association Historical Dagger Winning Author
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, City of Vengeance, The Darkest Sin and Ritual of Fire.
Details
09 July 2026
9781035042036Reviews
A brilliant series
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
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
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.
