Herman - Tears of the Madonna (Italian Renaissance Mystery) [paperback]

2023

In Milan, Leonardo watches helplessly as his artistic and engineering achievements are demolished by the invading army. Exhausted and despondent, the artist escapes from his workshop. But where will he go? Everything is left behind and he is now without funds. Leonardo needs a patron to survive. Finally, an invitation to paint a portrait of Isabella d'Este arrives and is welcomed, but Leonardo suspects an ulterior motive. If he is right. . . accepting could prove dangerous. Nevertheless, even with his misgivings he accepts. Leonardo and Niccolo arrive at the lavish Mantuan Palace which is in chaos. Spies are everywhere attempting to discover how and why a valuable necklace is missing. Everyone is under suspicion. The Marquesa is livid, and it appears no one is excluded from her rage. Isabella has a fiery temper and an arrogant disregard for human life. She surrounds herself with fawning, self-indulgent, pleasure seeking courtiers and her pet assassins which she unleashes with pleasure to abuse and humiliate. Tensions in the castle escalate and when a suspect is found poisoned, the finger of suspicion is pointed at Leonardo. He and Niccolo begin to investigate in order to clear his name. A chance visit to the palace gardens unearths a clue to the mysterious disappearance of the Necklace. What Leonardo suspects leads him to Venice and Murano and his conclusions ultimately implicate the Marquesa threatening her power and reputation. In fear of discovery, she unleashes her pet assassin to eliminate the threat. Find out how a troupe of traveling entertainers come to the rescue as the assassin closes in on Leonardo and Niccolo.