REVIEW: The Book of Secrets (Anna Mazzola)

Book: The Book Of Secrets

Author: Anna Mazzola

Premise: Many women in Rome seek Girolama for help. Her secret recipes are the women's most precious possessions - and their husbands' most feared. So when men are reported dying in unnatural numbers, the gaze of Stefano Bracchi, prosecutor for the papal authorities, falls quickly on Girolama and her suspected sorcery.

This book is based on true events from the mid 17th century. It's a cat-and-mouse story told primarily from Stefano and Girolama's points of view. Throughout we see Stefano become increasingly obsessed with the mystery and the panic being spread amongst the women of Rome. The other protagonist is Anna, a customer of Girolama. Through her we get an idea of why someone would chose poisoning and the effects of the inquisition.

There was an ongoing moral dilemma in this story. On the one hand, women are committing murder. On the other, they are resorting to this as they fear for themselves and have suffered greatly. I liked how I kept changing my mind over whether I wanted Stefano to come out top or Girolama. So a book that encourages thought, as well as being enjoyable!