Carnival of Lies

The fifth installment in D.V. Bishop’s superb historical mystery series takes readers from Florence to Venice for a richly atmospheric, suspense-filled tale of danger, conspiracy, and espionage.

Florence, 1539: Aldo Cesare is no longer an officer of the Otto di Guardia, the city’s law enforcement body, but he remains as sharp and resourceful as ever. Now a freelance security consultant, he survives on odd jobs, a small retainer from Duke Cosimo de’ Medici, and the protection work he does for a local bordello—an arrangement that also keeps his secret relationship with his lover, Saul, hidden. Being discovered as a gay man would mean death for both of them.

When Aldo’s ally, the cunning and underestimated Contessa Valentine Cotello, warns of a Venetian plot to assassinate the Duke, Aldo is drawn back into the dangerous world of espionage. But the assassination plot turns out to be just a cover for something far more sinister, forcing Aldo to travel to Venice—a city he once swore never to return to—on a mission he cannot afford to fail.

Bishop’s ability to weave meticulous historical detail with gripping fiction is once again on full display. The political rivalry between Florence and Venice feels tangible, and the Carnevale setting bursts with color, decadence, and menace. The descriptions of Venice—its canals, bridges, and palazzos, from crumbling facades to opulent halls—immerse readers completely.

The heart of the story lies in Aldo’s complicated partnership with the Contessa. Their relationship, layered with mistrust and begrudging respect, provides lighter moments even as they navigate betrayal, shifting alliances, and the constant threat of death in a city teeming with spies.

Carnival of Lies is gritty, gripping, and packed with action. Bishop masterfully balances intrigue and character depth, while a tantalizing cliffhanger promises revelations about Aldo’s birth and the family that cast him out—setting the stage for an even more personal next chapter.

Highly recommended for fans of historical thrillers and anyone who loves Renaissance intrigue brought vividly to life.

Thanks to Pan Macmillan for providing a copy to review.