The Scarlet Contessa: A Novel of the Italian Renaissance
Italian: The Scarlet Contessa is a historical novel centered on Caterina Sforza, her struggle to defend her lands, and the political threats surrounding Renaissance Italy. The story is narrated by her lady-in-waiting Dea, whose investigation into her husband's murder unfolds alongside the siege by Cesare Borgia.
At a glance
- Follows Caterina Sforza as she defends her title and lands from invading forces.
- The narrative is told by her lady-in-waiting Dea, who is also seeking the truth about her husband's murder.
- The plot combines Renaissance court politics, conflict, and personal intrigue.
Reference price: $23.99
Price checked: Nov 13, 2026
View offerAhead of Black FridayExplore the selectionPros and cons
Pros
- The dual focus on Caterina's defense and Dea's investigation gives the story two connected sources of tension.
- Kindle edition supports Screen Reader and includes enhanced typesetting, Word Wise, and Page Flip.
Technical specifications
12 specifications| Publisher | St. Martin's Press |
|---|---|
| Publication date | June 29, 2010 |
| Edition | First |
| Language | English |
| Print length | 464 pages |
| ISBN-13 | 978-1429922562 |
| File size | 2.8 MB |
|---|---|
| Screen Reader | Supported |
| Enhanced typesetting | Enabled |
| X-Ray | Not Enabled |
| Word Wise | Enabled |
| Page Flip | Enabled |
Who is it for?
A good fit for
- Readers interested in Renaissance Italian historical fiction and political intrigue.
- Readers drawn to stories centered on a determined historical woman and a parallel murder investigation.
Customer reviews on Amazon
- 5 stars
50% 50% - 4 stars
33% 33% - 3 stars
12% 12% - 2 stars
3% 3% - 1 star
2% 2%
Customer feedback describes the novel as engaging, with well-developed characters, an absorbing storyline, and appreciated historical detail and writing. Some customers reportedly value its research and perceived closeness to period facts, while reactions to its emotional content are mixed. This feedback may appeal to readers seeking character-led historical fiction, but the listing's historical setting and plot description are not proof of scholarly accuracy.
Positive themes
- Readers report an engrossing storyline and developed characters.
- Customers praise the writing and historical detail.
Mixed feedback
- Reactions to the emotional content are mixed.
Frequently asked questions
What is The Scarlet Contessa about?
It follows Caterina Sforza as she tries to hold her lands against invaders, while her lady-in-waiting Dea investigates her husband's murder.
Who narrates the story?
The tale is told by Dea, Caterina's lady-in-waiting.
What Kindle reading features are listed?
The listing says Screen Reader is supported, enhanced typesetting, Word Wise, and Page Flip are enabled, and X-Ray is not enabled.
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