Portrait of a Conspiracy
by Donna Russo Morin
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Pub Date May 10 2016 | Archive Date Mar 09 2017
Description
Seeking to wrest power, members of the Pazzi family drew blades in church and slew the beloved Giuliano. But Lorenzo de’ Medici survives the attack, and seeks revenge on everyone involved, plunging the city into a murderous chaos. Bodies are dragged through the streets, and no one is safe.
Five women steal away to a church to ply their craft in secret. Viviana, Fiammetta, Isabetta, Natasia, and Mattea are painters, not allowed to be public with their skill, but freed from the restrictions in their lives by their art. When a sixth member of their group, Lapaccia, goes missing, and is rumored to have stolen a much sought after painting before she vanished, the women must venture out into the dangerous streets to find their friend. They will have help from one of the most renowned painters of their era—the peaceful and kind Leonardo Da Vinci.
It is under his tutelage that they will flourish as artists, and with his access that they will infiltrate some of the highest, most secretive places in Florence, unraveling one conspiracy as they build another in its place.
Historical fiction at its finest, Donna Russo Morin begins a series of Da Vinci’s disciples with a novel both vibrant and absorbing, perfect for the readers of Sarah Dunant.
Advance Praise
“A 15th-century Florence of exquisite art, sensual passion and sudden, remorseless violence comes vividly to life in Donna Russo Morin's new novel.”—Nancy Bilyeau, author of THE CROWN
“In PORTRAIT OF A CONSPIRACY, Russo Morin's rich detailing transports the reader to the heart of Renaissance Italy from the first page.”—Heather Webb, author of BECOMING JOSEPHINE
“Illicit plots, mysterious paintings, and a young Leonardo da Vinci all have their part to play in this delicious, heart-pounding tale.”—Kate Quinn, author of THE EMPRESS OF ROME SAGA
“This riveting book is filled with art, assassinations, retribution, and a sisterhood of fascinating women who inspire as well as entertain.”—Stephanie Dray, author of AMERICA’S FIRST DAUGHTER
“In PORTRAIT OF A CONSPIRACY, Russo Morin's prose is as sharp as a Medici dagger...Thwarting danger, finding love, and creating masterpieces, [these women] remind us just how powerful the bonds of womanhood can be.”—Marci Jefferson, author of THE ENCHANTRESS OF PARIS
Available Editions
| EDITION | Ebook |
| ISBN | 9781682300596 |
| PRICE | $4.99 (USD) |
Featured Reviews
Debra S, Reviewer
Portrait of a Conspiracy is not for the faint of heart or weak of stomach. The story opens amidst a bloodbath of violence between the Pazzi and the Medici. Thrust into the midst of political upheaval and revenge are six women artists united through their love of art (despite coming from very different backgrounds and social classes) who practice their respective artistic skills with utmost secrecy.
When one of their fellow artists goes missing, they set out on dangerous missions to find her before she is found by those seeking revenge. A painting mysteriously disappears at the same time and the five remaining women must determine why the painting is so important. A surprise is the involvement of Leonardo da Vinci as a young man. He becomes their mentor and confidante and it is interesting to imagine him as a real person apart from his life as a painter.
Although this book is described as historical fiction, I would add “thriller” and “mystery” to describe the book. The subplots keep you turning the pages until its ultimately satisfying conclusion.
Although not based on historical incidences, it is interesting to imagine how much artwork was actually produced by women during this time period.
Cheryl M, Reviewer
This novel is not for the faint of heart. Portrait of a Conspiracy starts out with the brutal murder of Giuliano. It is intense and it is bloody. The mix of historical and fictional characters against this backdrop is a character-driven reader's dream. You truly get to know these women, watch them flourish with Da Vinci's guidance, and go to place they never could have imagined they would go.
Morin has researched every detail of this fascinating novel and it shows. My only niggle is that I was over halfway through the book before I could begin putting the pieces together. I'm thinking this was on purpose to symbolize the chaos of the times, but it drove me a bit insane that the people and the happenings wouldn't just gel for me. There are a ton of characters to get to know, so that might have added to it.
That said, I will definitely be on the lookout for Book Two when it comes out.
If you're looking for a thrilling historical mystery, Portrait of a Conspiracy will fit the bill.
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