The Book of Secrets

‘The Book of Secrets is a gripping historical thriller where the reader’s dilemma is that we are rooting for both sides, the investigator and the women he is hunting. It is a hugely entertaining read but also an important one in an era when women’s rights are being called into question. Magnificent.’ LIZ NUGENT

‘An exceptional novel, which immerses you in the mysterious, gothic world of seventeenth century Italy, yet also remains deeply relevant for our times. I was completely gripped right up to its devastating conclusion which is both profoundly affecting and masterfully drawn. Moving, compelling, and a stunning evocation of Baroque Rome, this is Anna Mazzola’s finest work yet’. ELODIE HARPER

‘Utterly compelling, brilliant and rage-inducing. The Book of Secrets is a fantastically atmospheric evocation of C17th Rome, with all its grime, claustrophobia, injustice and shocking violence against women. The characters are so compelling and richly drawn and the story propels us brilliantly through the thrills and terrors of the trial, to a nail-biting denouement – I loved it! Beautiful, elegant, sharp, witty, poignant and intense.’ CAROLINE LEA

‘A powerful, perceptive page turner. Feminist historical fiction that is chillingly timely. Bravo!
D V BISHOP

‘A fascinating, evocative, darkly beautiful story. A compelling tale of female strength & ancient knowledge’
HELEN FIELDS

‘Anna Mazzola is not only a superb writer, she transports you to another place & era so completely, that her deep knowledge is imperceptible. Sublime storytelling – magic, mystery & sisterhood in 17th century Rome. Utterly engrossing and heartbreaking’  KATE GRIFFIN

‘Deeply unsettling in all the best ways. I found myself genuinely caring for these characters. Enthralling and enraging in equal measure.’ JAMES OSWALD

‘A compelling and brilliantly atmospheric novel that vividly depicts the squalid splendour of 17th century Rome. Above all it’s a powerful story of women fighting to gain control of their lives by any means they can.’ ANDREW TAYLOR

‘I couldn’t put it down. A spectacular insight into life for women in 17th century Rome. I adored it.’ JULIE OWEN MOYLAN

‘Vividly alive with menace, magic, and mystery ~ The Book of Secrets by Anna Mazzola is the spell-binding retelling of a succession of real-life poisonings in 17th century Rome. Beautifully structured and written by a writer in her prime.’ ESSIE FOX

‘Dark, viscerally-atmospheric, richly-imagined. THE BOOK OF SECRETS is steeped in period detail, political intrigue and moral murkiness. Few writers bring the sordid stench of history to life quite like Anna Mazzola.’ TAMMY COHEN

‘The Book of Secrets is a rich and satisfying read that makes you feel as if you are right there in 17th Century Rome. Another superb historical thriller from Anna Mazzola.’ CAROLINE GREEN