This novel is a must-read for fans of quality Historical Fiction.

 

The Poison Keeper:
An enthralling historical novel of Renaissance
 (Italian Renaissance Series)
By Deborah Swift

Publication Date: 18th May 2021 
Publisher: Quire Books 
Page Length: 394 Pages
Genre: Historical Fiction

Naples 1633

Aqua Tofana – One drop to heal. Three drops to kill.

Giulia Tofana longs for more responsibility in her mother’s apothecary business, but Mamma has always been secretive and refuses to tell her the hidden keys to her success. But the day Mamma is arrested for the poisoning of the powerful Duke de Verdi, Giulia is shocked to uncover the darker side of her trade.

Giulia must run for her life, and escapes to Naples, under the shadow of Mount Vesuvius, to the home of her Aunt Isabetta, a famous courtesan. But when Giulia hears that her mother has been executed, and the cruel manner of her death, she swears she will wreak revenge on the Duke de Verdi.

The trouble is, Naples is in the grip of Domenico, the Duke’s brother, who controls the city with the ‘Camorra’, the mafia. Worse, her Aunt Isabetta, under his thrall, insists that she should be consort to him.

Based on the legendary life of Giulia Tofana, this is a story of hidden family secrets, and how courage and love can overcome vengeance.

Pick up your copy of

The Poison Keeper

HERE!

Deborah Swift

I’m a delver into archives, drinker of too much tea, and a lover of antiques and old buildings. Whilst you are reading this, I’m probably tapping away on my keyboard surrounded by my books and research. Our sturdy, stone-built house used to be the village primary school, and from my window I have a view of a few 17th century cottages, and behind those, green fields dotted with grazing sheep. This peaceful picture is often the opposite of what is unfolding on the page in front of me because storytelling thrives on conflict. And characters. And of course you, the reader.

Historical fiction was a natural choice for me as a writer because I always enjoyed the research aspect of design – poking about in archives and museums, not to mention the attraction of boned bodices and the excuse to visit old and interesting buildings!

I live close to the glorious countryside of the Lake District and divide my time between teaching and writing. When I’m not at work I  love to walk and explore the landscape around my home – the lakes, the mountains and the sea.

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