The Tears of the Madonna

Leonardo da Vinci and Niccolo da Pavia #2

by George Herman

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

Genres: Mystery, Historical Fiction

279 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1996

About the author

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 He has five published plays, and number of his award winning unpublished plays are also available through his website.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.

Reviews

[Richard Copeland · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked the idea of the trilogy, but 2 books in I think I've had enough. The novelty of a fictional tale populated with historical figures and interesting characters could not be sustained, and this edition contained too many typos and missing words. The plethora of characters, often with a name in one situation and a title in another, made it difficult to sort out the players, and while the locations in northern Italy were of interest, they were not really integral to the plot in a significant way. Finally, the plot disintegrated into a rather hastily developed conclusion which made little sense. Some of it was just unbelievable. When even Leonardo da Vinci can't save your plot, you've failed. I have the 3rd book in the series but I will have to be desperate for something to read to pick it up. I'm not that desperate.

[Papri · Rating 2 out of 5]

Good read but not enough twist

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.

[Regine · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.