Please read this book! I am sorry that I waited 20 years to read it - being housebound during the pandemic has one bright side - I finally have time to read!! Mr. Girardi blends fiction with history in these 7 stories. Each story was so compelling that I had trouble putting the book down even after my eyes started to close at bedtime. Mr. Girardi is also the author of 'Madeleine's Ghost' which is probably his most well-known book. However, according to him, 'A Vaudeville of Devils' is his best book. I'll let you know after I read the rest of his books!