Review: A Curtain Falls (Stefanie Pintoff)

I picked up this book because I read Pintoff's first mystery, In the Shadow of Gotham, which I really enjoyed (see earlier review below). I didn't realize that it was a sequel to Gotham. Annoyed that I had stumbled upon yet another series, I thought about skipping it. So glad I didn't!

A Curtain Falls picks up four months after Detective Simon Ziele and Professor Alistair Sinclair wrapped up their first case together. They had both thought they wouldn't work together again. Simon starts the story mentioning that he actively avoided seeing Alistair again, as well as Isabella.

The case that brings them back together, of course, tests their intellect and their resolve. Simon still works for the police department in Dobson, but he works back in New York once in a while. His former partner calls him for help on this case. A chorus girl is found on a sofa on a stage, dressed as the lead, eyes open, looking every bit like a star. Except, of course, that she is dead. The murderer left a letter on the scene. Simon starts from there.

If you want to follow a series where there is more romantic development, look elsewhere. Isabella hardly shows up. However, Pintoff maintains her great pacing. His father plays an important role in this story and although it's important, their collaboration doesn't reveal anything about Simon the reader doesn't know. I do hope the his personal story moves along a little more in the next book.

Fun read and I'm looking forward to it.

Next up: A Secret Kept, by Tatiana de Rosnay.

Review: The Scarlet Contessa (Jeanne Kalogridis)

Jeanne Kalogridis has made a name for herself writing fiction based on women during the Renaissance. I've enjoyed her work so far, even if she does do some weird things in her stories once in a while. Her books definitely entertain.

Her latest, although the dust cover and the title make it seem like the story focuses Caterina Sforza, countess and all around super cool female leader who fought against Cesare Borgia. Actually, Caterina's lady, Dea, narrates the story. Indeed, this is more her journey than Caterina's. Dea has a gift for seeing the future, which comes in handy once in while even though she can't control it.

Several famous folks from Renaissance Italy make an appearance in this novel. Lorenzo de Medici visits the Sforza's in Milan early in the novel. And, of course, the Borgias play a pivotal role. Caterina holds her own against all of them. I kind of wish the story had her perspective, but Dea makes a great narrator. She may not be as outwardly exciting as Caterina Sforza, but she still gives the story a lot of drama.

Of course, there are dramatic revelations that have no basis on the historical record, but who cares. It's fiction and it's fun. If you've read anything by Kalogridis before, then you know what to expect. I still like The Borgia Bride better, though.

Next: A Curtain Falls, by Stefanie Pintoff