Poison : a novel of the Renaissance / Sara Poole.
Record details
- ISBN: 9780312609832 (trade pbk.)
- Physical Description: 392 p ; 21 cm.
- Edition: 1st ed.
- Publisher: New York : St. Martin's Griffin, 2010.
Search for related items by subject
Subject: | Women poisoners > Fiction. Revenge > Fiction. Alexander VI, Pope, 1431-1503 > Fiction. Cardinals > Italy > Rome > Fiction. Nobility > Italy > Rome > Fiction. Borgia, Lucrezia, 1480-1519 > Fiction. Borgia, Cesare, 1476?-1507 > Fiction. Renaissance > Italy > Rome > Fiction. Rome (Italy) > Fiction. |
Genre: | Historical fiction. Suspense fiction. Mystery fiction. Historical fiction. |
Search for related items by series
Available copies
- 3 of 4 copies available at BC Interlibrary Connect. (Show)
- 0 of 0 copies available at Terrace Public Library.
Holds
- 0 current holds with 4 total copies.
Location | Call Number / Copy Notes | Barcode | Shelving Location | Holdable? | Status | Due Date |
---|
- Booklist Reviews : Booklist Reviews 2010 July #1
*Starred Review* Poole's first novel begins a historical-mystery series starring Francesca Giordano, a young woman who takes over her father's job as head poisoner for the Borgia family. Working for Cardinal Borgia as he attempts to become pope is a deadly and dangerous businessâFrancesca's father is already dead in mysterious circumstances, and threats lurk everywhere: the Borgias' meals and clothing must all be checked for poison planted by rival families. But Francesca has one key advantage; no one takes a woman seriously. That's unfortunate because Francesca happens to be one of the greatest poisoners in late-fifteenth-century Rome. Poole weaves her story around the true events leading up to the death of Pope Innocent and the election of Cardinal Borgia, deftly mixing historical fact (Innocent really did drink blood in hopes of prolonging his life) and fiction (the characters of Francesca and her archenemy, the priest Morozzi). It's surprising that the early Renaissance in Rome has not spawned more historical crime fiction, as it was one of Europe's most corrupt and dangerous periods, with cardinals living in lavish mansions with their mistresses and children. Suggest this stunning debut to fans of Ariana Franklin's Mistress of the Art of Death (2007), but, really, anyone looking for a mystery with plenty of history will find exactly what he or she wants here. Copyright 2010 Booklist Reviews. - Library Journal Reviews : LJ Reviews 2010 July #1
Francesca's father served Cardinal Rodrigo Borgia as his poisoner before he was beaten to death by robbers. Francesca vows vengeance and poisons his replacement, thereby assuming the poisoner's position in the Borgia household. The cardinal aspires to be Pope, but the current Pope must die, and Francesca must decide whether to assist with his death. A glassblower, the cardinal's passionate son, and a Jewish warrior compete for Francesca's attention as she serves her patron and investigates her father's murder. She must also thwart a psychopathic priest intent on killing all the Jews in Christendom. The characters are well drawn, and the mores and machinations of powerful families are well described as Francesca seeks vengeance. Descriptions of Roman streets, the Basilica of St. Peter, and the outlandish entertainments of the nobility bring 15th-century Rome to life. Verdict Despite some awkward language, this story of a determined poisoner delivers history, intrigue, and suspense. Poole (a pen name for a New York Times best-selling author) juggles many themes, but the characters, plot, and historical setting will keep readers interested, especially fans of Renaissance-era novels.-Sally Bickley, Del Mar Coll., Corpus Christi, TX Copyright 2010 Reed Business Information. - Publishers Weekly Reviews : PW Reviews 2010 June #4
The pseudonymous Poole makes a promising debut with this fast-moving historical thriller. In 15th-century Italy, Francesca Giordano is the daughter of Cardinal Rodrigo Borgia's poisoner--the man assigned to protect his Eminence from being poisoned, as well as create poisons and antidotes of his own. When her father is murdered, Francesca uses the knowledge she gained from him to become the new poisoner and avenge his death, but little does she know that the poison he was working on when he died was what led to his murder--and now the Cardinal wants her to continue his research. Francesca's a genuine firecracker of a heroine, and her dilemma--is it worth her soul to exact justice for her father--plays out in a riveting fashion. Vivid, suspenseful, and capped with an ending that begs a sequel, this is a great first step on the way to the historical fiction A-list. (Aug.)
[Page ]. Copyright 2010 Reed Business Information.