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Shadow of Madness

A Gripping and Suspenseful Renaissance Murder Mystery Set in Tuscany

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Shadow of Madness

By: D. V. Bishop
Narrated by: Mark Meadows
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Longlisted for the CWA Gold Dagger 2026

Trapped with a killer in a remote asylum, investigator Cesare Aldo must face his fears in Shadow of Madness, an atmospheric historical thriller by D. V. Bishop, set in Renaissance Italy.

Tuscany. Winter, 1540.

Travelling north into the hills above Florence, investigator Cesare Aldo seeks answers about his past. The trail leads him to Ospedale de’ Pazzi, a secure institution for the criminally insane.

Soon after arriving a blizzard engulfs the area, trapping Aldo and his companion, Doctor Saul Orvieto. Even more alarming, their cart driver is found dead. It looks like he fell over a nearby cliff in the whiteout – but Aldo suspects foul play. When a brutal slaying occurs in the central courtyard, it becomes clear a killer lurks among them.

With the snowstorm sealing everyone in and a murderer hunting fresh victims, Aldo’s search for the truth proves deadlier than he could ever have imagined . . .

Shadow of Madness is the sixth Cesare Aldo mystery by D. V. Bishop, preceded by Carnival of Lies, A Divine Fury, City of Vengeance, The Darkest Sin and Ritual of Fire.

Praise for D. V. Bishop:

'It’s hard to think of a better guide than D. V. Bishop to the brutality and glamour of Renaissance Florence' – Andrew Taylor, author of A Schooling in Murder

'A brilliant series' –Anna Mazzola, author of The Book of Secrets

'Aldo is a magnificent creation' – Vaseem Khan, author of The Edge of Darkness

 Crime Thrillers Historical Historical Fiction International Mystery & Crime Mystery Renaissance Thriller & Suspense Murder Crime Scary Fiction Italy
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Critic reviews

A brilliant series (Anna Mazzola, author of The Book of Secrets)
Shadow of Madness is a book to savour. With a set-up as pleasing as Murder on the Orient Express, and a gloriously weird and wonderful cast of characters, the story doesn’t let up for a single moment. A superb addition to the Cesare Aldo universe, as well as a great standalone story in its own right (Anna Caig, author of The Wise Witch of Orkney)
Plotting is excellent and I didn’t guess anything in advance. Aldo is three-dimensionally interesting, someone with a complex past who has developed through the series. Absolutely loved it! A contender for my favourite Cesare Aldo (Fiona Forsyth, author of the Lucius Sestius historical thrillers)
A brilliantly absorbing and atmospheric thriller that is vividly imagined and utterly immersive. The labyrinthine plot has more twists and dark corners than the isolated ospedale setting itself. Both the characters and settings are so richly evoked, you’ll find yourself fully immersed in this chilling historical thriller. (Jamie West, author of Murder at the Matinee)
It doesn’t get much creepier than being trapped in a remote asylum run by monks. D. V. Bishop turns the claustrophobia and paranoia up to the max in this fantastic instalment of the Cesare Aldo series (L. C. Winter, author of Spider, Spider)
I'd like to know Cesare Aldo in real life. Love the setting, Black Narcissus meets Shutter Island vibes. Who doesn't love an unsettling whodunnit in a creepy asylum run by nuns and monks!!! (Claire Whitfield, author of Poor Girls)
All stars
Most relevant
Enjoyed this book especially the reader who manages to convey so vividly the environment within which the plot unfolds. Hopefully more books to come exploring Aldo’s Florentine adventures

Another gripping Aldo tale

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Shadow of Madness works as a novel, but is best appreciated if listen to or read in the correct place within the series, otherwise the riches of the story arc is compromised thereby missing the real benefits of what has gone before. Bishop returns to a closed community setting that increases the tensions and provides a pressure cooker of a small community. The characters are clearly drawn which helps a great deal. Those who know the history of some of the characters may find at least one surprise no surprise at all. Listening to the novel I was believing it might be the novel that closed the sequence, but then... There is more about personal relationships in this episode. Some may find the mechanics of place a little credulity stretching. Aldo is least like himself in this novel which is more about context than lack of authorial skill. My reduced star rating is me being picky. The audiobook is brilliantly performed by Mark Meadows who manages the insertion of Italian words when English might do with much belief and confidence.

A Rewarding Listen And A Prize For The Hero

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Another great tale from the Cesare Aldo series. The back story is developing nicely too. My new favourite series.

Florence, 1540, murder, mystery, what’s not to like…

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