This was a dark horse read for me! I wasn't sure what to expect from it, but I got an intense mystery that built steadily along with a cast of unique, complex, and fascinating characters. And those characters really grew with the story.

I don't think I can stress how awesome that is. A lot of books have characters just solve the mystery without any personal growth. In this, I saw Barbara grow more confident, which was illustrated in her interactions with her husband and her women in waiting. She had to make sacrifices, sure, but every adult has to do that. Even her husband and the Italian lady in waiting (I can't remember her name) evolved over time.

There was a lull in the middle that frustrated me where Barbara gets caught investigating when she'd promised she wouldn't be and then recalls everything she'd done in the book up to that point. Knowing how the plot progresses after this event justified the incident, but it took me out of the story.

What made this book for me was the ending. It was so intense, and everything came together. That's why I love mysteries. All the little clues and incidents that seem out of place all tie up in a neat bow and actually have an impact on the novel. ( )

The history is impeccable, and the story is a real page-turner. There were a couple of times early on, as I would think maybe it was starting to drag a bit, I'd turn the page and *wham*! This book definately kept me up past my bedtime! ( )

What a marvelous idea for this enthralling novel! From Robert Browning's interior-monologue poem "My last duchess" as a jumping-off point, the author has fashioned a plausible mystery. Set in 16th century Ferrara, Italy, the novel tells how Barbara, Archduchess of Austria and second wife to Alfonso d'Este, Duke of Ferrara, investigates every lead as to the murder of Alfonso's first wife. She believes him when he says he didn't do it, although he **is** a frightening, arrogant figure. She investigates on her own, then finally the two work in tandem. The denouement came out of the blue and was completely unexpected.

You will fall in love with Barbara, this strong woman character, who follows her nose where it leads her. Someone tries to stop her with a poisoning which someone else suffers and on a hunt someone cuts her horse's girth, but she survives this assassination attempt. Stunning descriptions of the d'Este court permeated the book: balls, celebrations, rich food, gorgeous clothes and jewels. I'm glad my copy included Browning's original poem at the end. ( )

This was a great book, especially if you like the historical mystery genre. The book was enhanced by the commentary of the murdered Lucrezia, now in spirit form. The only thing I really didn't like was how much of a jerk Alfonso was, and how hell-bent Barbara was on becoming pregnant. The author's inclusion of Barbara's pet beagles only made me like the book more. The book lacked in romance of any sort, except through Lucrezia's commentary. Overall, a good read, if you prefer mystery to romance. ( )

I loved this! From beginning to end I was caught up in the mystery & suspense. I wasn't sure Barbara would survive it all & I long wanted to give Alfonso a good thrashing in kind. I laughed at the tone & tellings immobili Lucrezia &some of the others in court at Ferrara. It was all well done in the telling. I won't give up the ending because it's too good & must be read for oneself. It's worth it! Trust me.

I read this after reading Gabrielle Kimm's His Last Duchess & must say that I love both portrayals of Lucrezia offered. I like not having to decide which is so but I must say that I understood Alfonso a lot more in this book. I wanted to understand him more fully in the other book, so I feel sated on all accounts. I am hoping tha the author does write another story with Barbara & Alfonso as she mentioned in her interview at the end of the book. She handled them so expertly, I would love to spend more time with them. ( )