Pentimento Mori

“This means that the blue triangle in the lower right…”


“…was probably a piece of clothing, likely a robe. And a robe painted with extravagantly-expensive ultramarine blue was typically reserved for just one person,” Edna explains. “A young woman who emerged from obscurity, seemingly without a past, yet is widely known in every corner of the world. Someone who has influenced the behavior and choices of people around the world.”

“Taylor Swift?”


“Close. Mary, God’s influencer.”

Renowned art historian Dr. Edna Silvera is not your typical detective. In fact, she’s not a detective at all. But when she stumbles across an apparently impossible medieval painting in the suddenly-deceased Nando Folli’s junk shop, her curiosity lands her in trouble with the police and on the trail of a shadowy world no one wants to admit exists.


What transforms Pentimento Mori from a great mystery to a must-read is Corciolani’s adept use of solidly-researched and uniformly-fascinating art history, ranging from the significance of colors and pigments in medieval art to why the Pope blesses people with three fingers. If you’re interested in art history, you’ll want to read this book. If you’re not interested in art history, read this book and you will be.


Apart from being surreptitiously educational, Pentimento Mori is a fun read. Corciolani’s style hits the sweet spot between cozy mysteries and more gritty fare. While there’s a colorful and engaging cast of characters, lots of laughter, and limited violence, there’s real tension and solid action that drives the plot. With something for everyone, Pentimento Mori has “book club choice” written all over it.



ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Valeria Corciolani was born and lives in the seaside town of Chiavari on the Italian Riviera. She is the author of fourteen novels and the recipient of numerous awards including Best Mystery Writer of the Year in 2022. In addition to being a writer, Valeria is an accomplished illustrator and animator and holds a degree in Fine Arts.



EDITORIAL REVIEWS



“An intriguing plot you can’t put down.” Il Secolo XIX



“[Corciolani] glories in art and exposes the artistic codes and details hidden in that art.” La Repubblica



“Corciolani opens the door to an unexpected world of art admired not only for its beauty but for the meaning behind it.” Le Recensioni della Libraia



“Corciolani serves up an abundance of historically-accurate details on a literary silver platter.” Milano Nera



“Brilliant dialogue and descriptions, lively pacing, and a carefully constructed and entertaining plot.” Ginodeilibri