OVERVIEW
Well, this is getting to be a long series - The Cotton Malone Series. This historical fiction mystery novel was an interesting read with information about Florence, Sienna, and the Medicis (pronounced MED-i-chis).
Sadly, this series leaves us with the same cliffhanger from the last book in this series. C'mon, Steve Berry! This is book 19 - PLEASE, write book 20 and wrap it up. Cotton needs to really retire to his bookshop in Copenhagen!!!
I was so lucky to receive this book from the library the day it was released!! Please get a library card if you don't already have one. There is so much more than books at the library to explore!
TRIGGER WARNING: Violence, guns, murder, assassination, classicism, war, infidelity, and toxic relationships
OVERALL REVIEW: 4.0 stars
Writing: 4.0 stars
Steve Berry is an amazing researcher which is evident in his writing. He travels to the locations he writes about which makes me so jealous. Plus, he adds details and descriptions.
I like that he always includes a detailed Author Note that breaks down the facts from fiction. The only issue for me is the Italian language references and terms in this novel that I couldn't find more via Google Translate. A glossary would be helpful to this reader!
Character development: 4.0 stars
The main character is Cotton (a former CIA-type operative) who gets called by his former boss to help the Vatican with a problem. Cotton is a hugely multifaceted and fascinating character who has been fully developed through the nineteen books in this series. Honestly, I would love to have Cotton as a friend or neighbor!
The secondary characters are Bishops Richter, Stamm, and Ascolani (Roman Catholic bishops); Father Giumenta (Roman Catholic priest); and Eric (Italian political operative).
The tertiary characters are the Pope, the Vatican, the Roman Catholic church hierarchy, and assorted people in the various locales.
Many historical and current minor characters moved this fictional story along.
Storyline: 3.0 stars
The story starts with Cotton surreptitiously doing a "sneak and peek" in a church residence in Germany. Then everything goes haywire with five or six storylines that tie up at the end.
The multiple storylines were hard to follow due to the many characters involved. Additionally, some of the things that were done by these characters were unbelievable and unreasonable (not getting into specifics to avoid spoilers). It seemed like a real stretch at times.
The main locations were primarily Rome, Florence, and Siena.
Memorable/Informative: 4.0 stars
I now know how to pronounce Medici correctly (MED-i-chi)!
But, seriously, I really didn't realize the power and wealth that the Medici family had in Tuscany and beyond including multiple Medici popes. Unfortunately, the line died out along with the wealth and power.
Thankfully, Anna Maria Luisa Medici left all of her wealth including jewels, artwork, etc. to Florence upon her death. There was a condition that this gift never left the city. This provided a treasure trove of so much beauty that made Florence one of the most incredible cities in the world.
Book cover: 4.0 stars
So pretty!
Book title: 4.0 stars
Excellent!
DEFINITE recommend
Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL) borrowed (eBOOK)
The Medici Return (Cotton Malone Series #19) by Steve Berry
405 pages
Grand Central Publishing
Release date of 2/18/2025
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL)
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
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