Leonardo da Vinci and his companion, Niccolo, a dwarf with a photographic memory, race about Renaissance Venice in search of a priceless diamond necklace, a quest that puts them in the middle of an assassination plot in the Mantuan court
George Adam Herman, Jr. (born April 12, 1928) was an American playwright and writer.
Herman taught playwrighting and was the artist-in-residence at numerous American universities. For 16 years he lived and worked in Hawaii on the staff of the State Superintendent of Education. He directed over 200 plays for numerous schools and theatres, served as the Artistic Director for at least one theatre (the Commedia Repertory Theatre in Hawaii), and designed sets and lighting for more than 40 productions.
While in Hawaii, Herman also worked for as a theatre columnist and drama critic. He turned to writing novels at age 65, and published seven novels and one children's book to date.
As a playwright, Herman won numerous awards since 1953. His best known play is "A Company of Wayward Saints", which has been in print continuously since it was first published in 1963. His plays for radio, TV, and the stage have been produced around the world. He has five published plays, and number of his award winning unpublished plays are also available through his website. Herman has received more than 30 awards for his writing.
This novel is a smooth read. There is not much suspense about the 'who' but the revelation of the 'how' is quite good. At least I liked it. So,if you are looking for a decent storyline and have a love of the complex politics and intrigue ,that was Renaissance Italy,you should enjoy the book. In fact, for me,it grew better towards the end after a slow ,and not so interesting, start.
Leonardo da Vinci and Niccolo are involved in Machiavellian intrigue, the investigation of jewel theft and murder, consultation on military defenses, and assassin avoidance. The politics are corrupt, cruel, and bacchanalian. The pot roils.