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Published Aug 2009
336 pages
Genre: Historical Fiction
Publication Information
In Potosí, the richest city in the Western Hemisphere, Inez de la Morada, the bewitching, cherished daughter of the rich and powerful Mayor, mysteriously dies at the convent of Santa Isabella de los Santos Milagros, where she had fled in defiance of her father. It looks as though the girl committed suicide, but Mother Abbess Maria Santa Hilda believes her innocent and has her buried at the convent in sacred ground. Fray Ubaldo DaTriesta, local Commissioner of the Inquisition, has been keeping an eye on the Abbess, who is too "Protestant" for his tastes, and this action may be just what he needs to convince the lazy, cowardly Bishop to punish her.
Annamaria Alfieri writes with astounding detail, showing an appreciation for the complexities and social nuances of this intriguing time in Latin American history when politicians, religious leaders, and an indigenous people all competed for power and survival in the thin mountain air of the Andes.
"Starred Review. The author nicely balances action and deduction in a mystery that works as a political thriller as well as a historical whodunit." - Publishers Weekly
"Starred Review. An intriguing era in Latin American history comes alive under Alfieri's sure hand. Highly recommended for historical fans." - Library Journal
"Alfieri's debut is a vividly rendered historical soap opera, replete with political intrigue, church scandal, feuding families, illegitimacy, lovers past and present and women fabulously gowned and jeweled." - Kirkus Reviews
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Any "Author Information" displayed below reflects the author's biography at the time this particular book was published.
A lover of South American history, Annamaria Alfieri lives in New York City. This is her first novel. It is set in 17th century Peru.
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