Review: Curiosity killed the cat... and perhaps the friar too
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 07 15, 2014
If author S.J. Parris's intention in writing The Secret Dead was to interest readers in her series of novels featuring fictional character Giordano Bruno's exploits in 16th century Europe, she succeeded splendidly. It was an intriguing story of eighteen-year-old Giordano Bruno, who had recently taken his vows in a Dominican order in Naples, Italy. One night, in a move he would later deeply regret, Bruno followed Fra Gennaro, the order's physician, to see what he was up to. Suddenly drawn into a situation that Bruno was both repulsed and fascinated by, the young friar soon realized the danger he faced from powerful forces.Set against the backdrop of the Spanish occupation of Naples and the Inquisition, The Secret Dead is a compelling story of intrigue and mystery, and a nice introduction to Fra Giordano Bruno.