Ana Spitzmesser

Bomarzo is a fantastic book. The Italian Renaissance comes to life in all its brilliance of wily popes, magnificent art, and rapacious condottiere. Humor and irony, cruelty and compassion give an astonishing picture of a historical time but also of the private pain and anguish of human beings looking for happiness and a reason to live. I recommend it wholeheartedly.

An absolute marvel. Sherlock Holmes in the 16th century. Full of literary quotes, masterly tricks to fool the unsuspecting reader. Impossible to put down. Why aren't more books like this anymore?