Historical Fiction Book Review: The Cameo Keeper: A Novel of Poison and Power in the Italian Renaissance (Giulia Tofana Series) by Deborah Swift

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Rome 1644: A Novel of Love, Power, and Poison

In the heart of Rome, the conclave is choosing a new Pope, and whoever wins will determine the fate of the Eternal City. Astrologer Mia and her fiancé Jacopo, a physician at the Santo Spirito Hospital, plan to marry, but the election result is a shock and changes everything..

The fourth book in Deborah Swift’s Giulia Tofana Series, The Cameo Keeper, is set in a richly‐evoked 17th-century Rome. In terms of the series, this is a turning point, transitioning the narrative from the survival of Giulia to the ascendancy of Mia — and signals that the shadow of the past could give way to a new era. 

I particularly liked the mercurial villainess, Donna Olimpia Maidalchini, (like several of the key characters, based on a real person), "a woman with no moral compass" who will not take no for an answer. 

I've enjoyed reading the previous books, and highly recommend reading the series in order to gain the most from The Cameo Keeper. However, if you jump in here, expect a strong story that hints at deeper roots.

Tony Riches

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About the Author

Deborah Swift lives in North Lancashire on the edge of the Lake District and worked as a set and costume designer for theatre and TV. After gaining an MA in Creative Writing in 2007 Deborah now teaches classes and courses in writing and provides editorial advice to writers and authors. Find out more at Deborah's website www.deborahswift.com and follow her on Facebook and Twitter @swiftstory