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Giordano Bruno #0.5
The Secret Dead
A short story featuring Giordano Bruno: heretic, philosopher and spy. Perfect for fans of C.J. Sansom.
Even the dead have a story to tell…
Naples, 1566. During a sweltering summer, eighteen-year-old Giordano Bruno takes his final vows at San Domenico Maggiore and is admitted to the Dominican Order – despite doubts over his tendency to ask difficult questions.
Assisting in the infirmary, Bruno witnesses an illicit autopsy performed on the body of a young woman. Her corpse reveals a dark secret, and Bruno suspects that hers may not have been an accidental death.
His investigation leads him to a powerful figure who wants to keep the truth buried – and Bruno is forced to make a choice between his future in the Order, and justice for an innocent victim and her grieving family… (Amazon product description)
Even the dead have a story to tell…
Naples, 1566. During a sweltering summer, eighteen-year-old Giordano Bruno takes his final vows at San Domenico Maggiore and is admitted to the Dominican Order – despite doubts over his tendency to ask difficult questions.
Assisting in the infirmary, Bruno witnesses an illicit autopsy performed on the body of a young woman. Her corpse reveals a dark secret, and Bruno suspects that hers may not have been an accidental death.
His investigation leads him to a powerful figure who wants to keep the truth buried – and Bruno is forced to make a choice between his future in the Order, and justice for an innocent victim and her grieving family… (Amazon product description)
67 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2014
169 people are currently reading
1210 people want to read
About the author
S.J. Parris
29 books999 followersPseudonym for author Stephanie Merritt
S.J. Parris began reviewing books for national newspapers while she was reading English literature at Queens' College, Cambridge. After graduating, she went on to become Deputy Literary Editor of The Observer in 1999. She continues to work as a feature writer and critic for the Guardian and the Observer and from 2007-2008 she curated and produced the Talks and Debates program on issues in contemporary arts and politics at London's Soho Theatre. She has appeared as a panelist on various Radio Four shows and on BBC2's Newsnight Review, and is a regular chair and presenter at the Hay Festival and the National Theatre. She has been a judge for the Costa Biography Award, the Orange New Writing Award and the Perrier Comedy Award. She lives in the south of England with her son.
S.J. Parris began reviewing books for national newspapers while she was reading English literature at Queens' College, Cambridge. After graduating, she went on to become Deputy Literary Editor of The Observer in 1999. She continues to work as a feature writer and critic for the Guardian and the Observer and from 2007-2008 she curated and produced the Talks and Debates program on issues in contemporary arts and politics at London's Soho Theatre. She has appeared as a panelist on various Radio Four shows and on BBC2's Newsnight Review, and is a regular chair and presenter at the Hay Festival and the National Theatre. She has been a judge for the Costa Biography Award, the Orange New Writing Award and the Perrier Comedy Award. She lives in the south of England with her son.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews
June 27, 2020
Looking to binge read S.J. Parris’ intense Giordano Bruno series, I thought it best to begin with this short story prequel, which appears to lay the groundwork for much of what is to come. It is Naples in 1566 and the city is in the middle of a stifling heat wave. Giordano Bruno is all of eighteen and has recently entered the monastery to devote himself to God. He is known not to be completely on the straight and narrow, having issues listening to those in authority. However, when Bruno is called away one night to help Fra Gennaro, he goes with all the curiosity that he can muster. Gennaro admits that he wishes to share something with Bruno that must be kept highly secret, taking him to the site of a body. This is a young whore who appears to have been strangled, though the reasons are as yet unknown. During the anatomising of the body (one might call it early autopsy work), Bruno and Gennaro discover that she was pregnant, which only adds to the drama. While Bruno vows to keep this to himself, he cannot help but try to piece it all together, trying to determine who would have done this to a young woman, even if she held an unwanted offspring. This is surely the spark that led to the great crime solving work of Giordano Bruno in the years to come, all while holding up his end of a monastic life. An interesting piece to launch the series and I am intrigued to see where things will go from here. Recommended to those who enjoy mysteries of another era, as well as the reader who has discovered the Giordano Bruno series or wants something along these lines.
I remember reading a few of the novels in this series by S.J,. Parris years ago and being quite interested, though I felt them a little heavy. This opening salvo, for lack of. better word, is still light enough that I was able to get it finished in a single sitting and not feel too overwhelmed. Bruno is still young here, trying to come into his own and I think some of the backstory offered up will help as the series progresses. Parris surely introduces that spark that will lead to many an adventure, layering it beneath the rules and regulations that come with living as a monk. The handful of characters who become a part of the story all have their place and Parris may lay some breadcrumbs to help the reader better understand relationships in the larger series, though I have to read those full novels to make the proper connections. The story moved along well and held my attention throughout. I am eager to see how Bruno and others will handle larger mysteries and whether events of the day (in history more than simply daily events) play into the stories to add another depth to them. With this ‘housekeeping’ done, it’s time to tackle the full novels, so let’s get to it!
Kudos, Madam Parris, for an interesting start to the series. I cannot wait to see what else you have in store for your readers and this series.
This book fulfils Topic #2: Brief>/b> in the Equinox #11 Reading Challenge.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
I remember reading a few of the novels in this series by S.J,. Parris years ago and being quite interested, though I felt them a little heavy. This opening salvo, for lack of. better word, is still light enough that I was able to get it finished in a single sitting and not feel too overwhelmed. Bruno is still young here, trying to come into his own and I think some of the backstory offered up will help as the series progresses. Parris surely introduces that spark that will lead to many an adventure, layering it beneath the rules and regulations that come with living as a monk. The handful of characters who become a part of the story all have their place and Parris may lay some breadcrumbs to help the reader better understand relationships in the larger series, though I have to read those full novels to make the proper connections. The story moved along well and held my attention throughout. I am eager to see how Bruno and others will handle larger mysteries and whether events of the day (in history more than simply daily events) play into the stories to add another depth to them. With this ‘housekeeping’ done, it’s time to tackle the full novels, so let’s get to it!
Kudos, Madam Parris, for an interesting start to the series. I cannot wait to see what else you have in store for your readers and this series.
This book fulfils Topic #2: Brief>/b> in the Equinox #11 Reading Challenge.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
December 2, 2024
4 stars
short review for busy readers:
A good novella introduction to Parris’ series about iconoclastic Italian monk, Giordano Bruno.
The historical atmosphere of Renaissance Naples is weighty without being over-laden with description or facts. Pleasant writing style, convincing characters and a decent mystery with a grey moral bent. Very much enjoyed the comments about the city and that Bruno knows when he needs to keep his mouth shut, even if he doesn't agree with what's happening. A rare quality among literary detectives/police!
short review for busy readers:
A good novella introduction to Parris’ series about iconoclastic Italian monk, Giordano Bruno.
The historical atmosphere of Renaissance Naples is weighty without being over-laden with description or facts. Pleasant writing style, convincing characters and a decent mystery with a grey moral bent. Very much enjoyed the comments about the city and that Bruno knows when he needs to keep his mouth shut, even if he doesn't agree with what's happening. A rare quality among literary detectives/police!
November 22, 2019
Even the dead have a story to tell....
Awaiting the new book on Giordano Bruno, 'Conspiracy', which is due in May, I still had this novella to read. A short story, sharp, to the point. Maybe even better than the multi hundred page books on Bruno. An entertaining historic read.
Naples, 1566. During the sweltering summer, eighteen year old Giordano Bruno takes his final vows at San Domenico Maggiore and is admitted to the Dominican Order - despite doubts over his tendency to ask difficult questions. Assisting in the infirmary, Bruno witnesses an illicit autopsy performed on the body of a young woman. The corpse reveals a dark secret, and Bruno suspects that hers may not have been an accidental death...
Looking forward to the new book in the Bruno series!
Awaiting the new book on Giordano Bruno, 'Conspiracy', which is due in May, I still had this novella to read. A short story, sharp, to the point. Maybe even better than the multi hundred page books on Bruno. An entertaining historic read.
Naples, 1566. During the sweltering summer, eighteen year old Giordano Bruno takes his final vows at San Domenico Maggiore and is admitted to the Dominican Order - despite doubts over his tendency to ask difficult questions. Assisting in the infirmary, Bruno witnesses an illicit autopsy performed on the body of a young woman. The corpse reveals a dark secret, and Bruno suspects that hers may not have been an accidental death...
Looking forward to the new book in the Bruno series!
December 30, 2021
"I felt increasingly sure that God, whatever form He took, had not created us to kill and torture one another over the name we give Him."
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
December 18, 2024
Fratres Secreto
A review of the Doubleday Canada/HarperCollins eBook edition (June 19, 2014).
I read the first Giordano Bruno novel Heresy (2010) back in my pre-GR/pre-reviewing days. That historical fiction thriller found the ex-Neapolitan monk in the Elizabethan England of 1583 as an agent of Queen Elizabeth I's spymaster Sir Francis Walsingham.
GR friend Berengaria's recent enthusiastic review of the prequel novella The Secret Dead reminded me of the series and I was intrigued enough to return to it with the benefit of being able to read the back stories as well.
A portrait of the historical Giordano Bruno. Image sourced from Wikipedia CC BY 4.0, Link.
The Secret Dead finds Bruno as an 18-year-old novice monk back in 1566 Naples where he is being mentored by the Dominican monastery's healer Fra Gennaro. A secret autopsy leads him to discover a murder and coverup conspiracy which may threaten his own life.
The period atmosphere and setting here were well done and I'm eager to continue this series further and to circle back to the later novels.
Soundtrack
With the medieval monastery setting of this novella, I couldn't resist listening to Estonian composer Arvo Pärt's Fratres which has been adapted into several arrangements for soloists and/or ensembles. You can listen to a version performed by the Tapiola Sinfonietta on YouTube here or on Spotify here.
Trivia and Links
S.J. Parris is the penname used by writer Stephanie Merritt for her historical fiction novels featuring Giordano Bruno.
S.J. Parris's fictional character Giordano Bruno is based on the real-life Giordano Bruno (1548-1600) [Note: Potential spoilers if you click through].
Aside from being available as individual eBooks, the Giordano Bruno prequel trilogy is collected in the anthology The Dead of Winter (2020).
A review of the Doubleday Canada/HarperCollins eBook edition (June 19, 2014).
I read the first Giordano Bruno novel Heresy (2010) back in my pre-GR/pre-reviewing days. That historical fiction thriller found the ex-Neapolitan monk in the Elizabethan England of 1583 as an agent of Queen Elizabeth I's spymaster Sir Francis Walsingham.
GR friend Berengaria's recent enthusiastic review of the prequel novella The Secret Dead reminded me of the series and I was intrigued enough to return to it with the benefit of being able to read the back stories as well.
A portrait of the historical Giordano Bruno. Image sourced from Wikipedia CC BY 4.0, Link.
The Secret Dead finds Bruno as an 18-year-old novice monk back in 1566 Naples where he is being mentored by the Dominican monastery's healer Fra Gennaro. A secret autopsy leads him to discover a murder and coverup conspiracy which may threaten his own life.
The period atmosphere and setting here were well done and I'm eager to continue this series further and to circle back to the later novels.
Soundtrack
With the medieval monastery setting of this novella, I couldn't resist listening to Estonian composer Arvo Pärt's Fratres which has been adapted into several arrangements for soloists and/or ensembles. You can listen to a version performed by the Tapiola Sinfonietta on YouTube here or on Spotify here.
Trivia and Links
S.J. Parris is the penname used by writer Stephanie Merritt for her historical fiction novels featuring Giordano Bruno.
S.J. Parris's fictional character Giordano Bruno is based on the real-life Giordano Bruno (1548-1600) [Note: Potential spoilers if you click through].
Aside from being available as individual eBooks, the Giordano Bruno prequel trilogy is collected in the anthology The Dead of Winter (2020).
October 27, 2021
Even the dead have secrets too . . .
In this prequel to a historical fiction/mystery/thriller series by author S.J. Parris, we're introduced to our main character Giordano Bruno, who's a monk/heretic/philosopher.
Naples, Italy 1566. Our main character, as mentioned above is witness to an autopsy of a "nobody" girl as he has an interest in the area, and he's ideal as he's sworn to ask no questions as part of his role as a Dominican.
However, he starts to realize that this autopsy is "illicit or taboo". He then decides to find out what he can about this nobody girl who is brushed aside as per the anatomist as a "whore".
This nobody mentioned above, is of Jewish descent which I learned through also reading this story that "Officially there were no Jews left in Naples. They had been expelled in 1541".
Historical fiction/mystery is not a genre that is well known to me, but I do have to say I was interested in this story, and it kept me enough to keep reading . . .
I did like the setting of this short story being set in 1566, and the whole premise of the Dominican Order, etc. I did learn throughout reading this story the name of a famous anatomist (Andreas Vesalius).
All in all, not a bad short story prequel to introduce me once again to historical fiction/mystery since I only read one of these in summer (The London Monster).
Now to look into this author's official Giordano Bruno Elizabethan historical mystery/thriller novels after this introduction . . .
In this prequel to a historical fiction/mystery/thriller series by author S.J. Parris, we're introduced to our main character Giordano Bruno, who's a monk/heretic/philosopher.
Naples, Italy 1566. Our main character, as mentioned above is witness to an autopsy of a "nobody" girl as he has an interest in the area, and he's ideal as he's sworn to ask no questions as part of his role as a Dominican.
However, he starts to realize that this autopsy is "illicit or taboo". He then decides to find out what he can about this nobody girl who is brushed aside as per the anatomist as a "whore".
This nobody mentioned above, is of Jewish descent which I learned through also reading this story that "Officially there were no Jews left in Naples. They had been expelled in 1541".
Historical fiction/mystery is not a genre that is well known to me, but I do have to say I was interested in this story, and it kept me enough to keep reading . . .
I did like the setting of this short story being set in 1566, and the whole premise of the Dominican Order, etc. I did learn throughout reading this story the name of a famous anatomist (Andreas Vesalius).
All in all, not a bad short story prequel to introduce me once again to historical fiction/mystery since I only read one of these in summer (The London Monster).
Now to look into this author's official Giordano Bruno Elizabethan historical mystery/thriller novels after this introduction . . .
July 10, 2017
Good
Good little story, that captures the politics of the 1500. With the struggle between religion and science with a twist of drama.
Good little story, that captures the politics of the 1500. With the struggle between religion and science with a twist of drama.
December 19, 2014
“Because I believe God is bigger than the rules we impose on one another. I think He does not mind if we find different paths to Him.”
The more I keep reading these Historical mysteries , the more I come to realise that religion in its purest form still remain as Holy as ever, but somewhere down the line the "HOLY MEN" took matter into their own hands and turned religion and the concept of God, into one of the most vilified and untrustworthy of all human beliefs.
The story was fast, and the character of Giordano Bruno reminded me of another God fearing true man of God, Brother Cadfael. The story came out as a tragedy mystery element in the story was not that potent, but the writing skill of the author kept the pace high from the very first paragraph, and never slacked in between.
My first S.J. Parris experience, and it was a sad but a beautiful one.
The more I keep reading these Historical mysteries , the more I come to realise that religion in its purest form still remain as Holy as ever, but somewhere down the line the "HOLY MEN" took matter into their own hands and turned religion and the concept of God, into one of the most vilified and untrustworthy of all human beliefs.
The story was fast, and the character of Giordano Bruno reminded me of another God fearing true man of God, Brother Cadfael. The story came out as a tragedy mystery element in the story was not that potent, but the writing skill of the author kept the pace high from the very first paragraph, and never slacked in between.
My first S.J. Parris experience, and it was a sad but a beautiful one.
February 7, 2017
A short Novella which has got me very interested in reading more from S J Parris. Her writing style is very similar to Karen Maitland who is one of my favourite writers of this genre. Historical nastiness, superstitions galore, and believable, likeable characters. My TBR shelf is just about to become even bigger!
August 23, 2020
This was a rather engaging novella, but I shall say straight away that the story that The Secret Dead told didn't do much to make me feel that I should keep reading the series. Maybe this was my fault for reading this first, but I just wanted to see what Parris' writing was like and I can safely say that I liked it. It was rather plain, no doubt, but it was accessible and it carried darker tones and themes marvellously.
I am not generally a reader of crime fiction - I'm not even much of a historical fiction reader, but I picked this up during the quite periods at work and thought I would give it a go, and despite my seemingly luke-warm review thus far, I enjoyed it.
As is to be expected in a crime novel, it starts with a murder, immediately followed by an disturbing and intimate autopsy. It is intriguing and dark, and the setting and circumstances were all very well constructed and felt unique. Power, corruption, ethics and the morality of religion all play their part it the way the story is shaped.
I presume a big part of why this novella exists is to give some context regarding the main character, Giordano Bruno, and his backstory but without having read the full length novels I cannot say for sure how important the events that transpire here are to him in the grander scheme of his life.
All round this was a nice time-filler. I know now that if I were to make the effort to pick up more historical crime fiction in the future that I would start with Parris.
3.5 stars, rounded down.
__________________________
Thank you for reading my review.
I hope you are all enjoying your current reads and that life in general is treating you well!
I am not generally a reader of crime fiction - I'm not even much of a historical fiction reader, but I picked this up during the quite periods at work and thought I would give it a go, and despite my seemingly luke-warm review thus far, I enjoyed it.
As is to be expected in a crime novel, it starts with a murder, immediately followed by an disturbing and intimate autopsy. It is intriguing and dark, and the setting and circumstances were all very well constructed and felt unique. Power, corruption, ethics and the morality of religion all play their part it the way the story is shaped.
I presume a big part of why this novella exists is to give some context regarding the main character, Giordano Bruno, and his backstory but without having read the full length novels I cannot say for sure how important the events that transpire here are to him in the grander scheme of his life.
All round this was a nice time-filler. I know now that if I were to make the effort to pick up more historical crime fiction in the future that I would start with Parris.
3.5 stars, rounded down.
__________________________
Thank you for reading my review.
I hope you are all enjoying your current reads and that life in general is treating you well!
July 3, 2017
This short was a rather wonderful picture of our Benedictine Giordano Bruno at a young age, embroiled in a murder done by a fellow monk rather by accident as he followed the infirmarian on a late-night task.
September 17, 2017
I want to know more about this character!
This is a short story in the early days of Giordino Bruno's career and gives an insight into his personality when he is confronted with bare-faced corruption and murder...and revenge.
I like the style and would be interested in beginning this historical fiction series 'properly'.
This is a short story in the early days of Giordino Bruno's career and gives an insight into his personality when he is confronted with bare-faced corruption and murder...and revenge.
I like the style and would be interested in beginning this historical fiction series 'properly'.
July 1, 2017
I thought that I had read all of the books in this series and was quite surprised to come across this one.
Albeit a short story, I think that I was expecting to learn more about the early life of Giordano Bruno as that was how it was billed. I have to admit to being disappointed that the book covers just one incident in his early life which, although significant, did little to tell us about that early life or explain why, specifically, the Inquisition always seemed to be a real threat lurking in his background.
I enjoyed all of the other books and appreciated the author's style and abilities of description and narration but this one seems the odd one out.
I am left wondering , why was it written? If it was an an 'advert' aimed at new converts to Bruno then it did not show the author anywhere near her best and if it was aimed at existing readers of the series then they must have been as disappointed as me at this one.
May be it was a 'taster' for the publisher before the series but apart from the character of Bruno himself there was little to show the depth of the books to come.
Albeit a short story, I think that I was expecting to learn more about the early life of Giordano Bruno as that was how it was billed. I have to admit to being disappointed that the book covers just one incident in his early life which, although significant, did little to tell us about that early life or explain why, specifically, the Inquisition always seemed to be a real threat lurking in his background.
I enjoyed all of the other books and appreciated the author's style and abilities of description and narration but this one seems the odd one out.
I am left wondering , why was it written? If it was an an 'advert' aimed at new converts to Bruno then it did not show the author anywhere near her best and if it was aimed at existing readers of the series then they must have been as disappointed as me at this one.
May be it was a 'taster' for the publisher before the series but apart from the character of Bruno himself there was little to show the depth of the books to come.
September 16, 2019
This is a short prequel to the Giordano Bruno series. Bruno is an 18 year old novice at San Dominico Maggiore in Naples. Despite his tendency to ask too many questions, he has taken his final vows, and been admitted to the Dominican order. He helps out in the infirmary, and one night he participates in an illicit autopsy, on a young female, very recently murdered. The church would take a dislike to this kind of work, as science is seen as heretical. Whilst performing the autopsy, the infirmarian discovers that the young woman was pregnant. Bruno can’t get the murdered woman out of his mind, and starts to investigate her death. His investigations lead him to a fellow monk, the son of a powerful nobleman. He is very keen to leave the circumstances, along with the truth about the young woman a secret. This means that Bruno must decide between justice for the woman and her family, or his future within the Dominican order.
I absolutely adore Bruno, and although this book is too short for my liking, I absolutely loved every page of it.
I absolutely adore Bruno, and although this book is too short for my liking, I absolutely loved every page of it.
November 27, 2018
A novella to die for
A captivating introduction to the young friar, Bruno, named Giordano by his order. An overly-inquisitive teenager in sixteenth century Naples can soon find trouble, and Bruno finds himself unwittingly drawn into investigating a suspicious death. A neat novella that takes the reader to the smelly streets of medieval Europe, a place of intrigue and danger.
A captivating introduction to the young friar, Bruno, named Giordano by his order. An overly-inquisitive teenager in sixteenth century Naples can soon find trouble, and Bruno finds himself unwittingly drawn into investigating a suspicious death. A neat novella that takes the reader to the smelly streets of medieval Europe, a place of intrigue and danger.
April 12, 2022
A good Yarn if you are a Bruno Fan.
Always a bit frustrating with novellas that they end just when you are getting into them!
Always a bit frustrating with novellas that they end just when you are getting into them!
February 5, 2017
A short intriguing story with great blend of mystery and excellent history. I never thought a short book can be as effective as this. If you enjoy old church mysteries this series is must. Can't wait to get my hand on the next book.
January 14, 2017
This little novella gives us an insight into Giordano Bruno at the age of 18 years in 1566. Bruno has just taken holy orders and is proving to be an outstanding scholar, but one with a taste for difficult questions and trouble submitting to authority.
One night Bruno stumbles across the infirmarian, Fra Gennaro, performing a secret autopsy on a young woman who has been recently murdered. Bruno is sickened by the violent way in which the woman died and has his suspicions about Fra Gennaro's claims that the woman is a whore who will not be missed.
When Bruno learns the truth of how the young woman died he finds himself caught between the powerful families who run the city and the powerless who could be destroyed by the Inquisition. Bruno must decide whether to take a course of action that will keep him safe, or follow the path of truth and justice.
This was an enjoyable wee prequel to the Bruno Giordano series, but the part I enjoyed most was the note from the author at the end revealing that Giordano Bruno was a real person whose life had inspired this series.
One night Bruno stumbles across the infirmarian, Fra Gennaro, performing a secret autopsy on a young woman who has been recently murdered. Bruno is sickened by the violent way in which the woman died and has his suspicions about Fra Gennaro's claims that the woman is a whore who will not be missed.
When Bruno learns the truth of how the young woman died he finds himself caught between the powerful families who run the city and the powerless who could be destroyed by the Inquisition. Bruno must decide whether to take a course of action that will keep him safe, or follow the path of truth and justice.
This was an enjoyable wee prequel to the Bruno Giordano series, but the part I enjoyed most was the note from the author at the end revealing that Giordano Bruno was a real person whose life had inspired this series.
July 30, 2024
3.5
The 52 Book Club Reading Challenge: 48: The word 'secret' in the title.
"The Secret Dead" by S.J. Parris is a short story featuring Giordano Bruno, a heretic, philosopher, and spy, set in Naples in 1566.
The story is engaging and dark, with an intimate and graphic autopsy scene at the beginning. S.J. Parris creates believable and likeable characters and provides a glimpse into the younger years of Giordano Bruno.
The themes of the book include religion, superstition, and engaging historical elements.
The story is intriguing and may appeal to fans of the crime genre. Overall, it is a well-written and engaging novella that offers a taste of S.J. Parris's storytelling style.
The 52 Book Club Reading Challenge: 48: The word 'secret' in the title.
"The Secret Dead" by S.J. Parris is a short story featuring Giordano Bruno, a heretic, philosopher, and spy, set in Naples in 1566.
The story is engaging and dark, with an intimate and graphic autopsy scene at the beginning. S.J. Parris creates believable and likeable characters and provides a glimpse into the younger years of Giordano Bruno.
The themes of the book include religion, superstition, and engaging historical elements.
The story is intriguing and may appeal to fans of the crime genre. Overall, it is a well-written and engaging novella that offers a taste of S.J. Parris's storytelling style.
March 23, 2025
The Secret Dead (Giordano Bruno #0.5) by S. J. Parris is the introductory short story beginning the Giordano Bruno series, which comes highly recommended for fans of historical fiction (similar in style to C. J. Sansom).
Set in Naples during 1566 an eighteen year old Bruno has recently taken his final vows at San Domenico Maggiore and is admitted to the Dominican Order, but his path as a Dominican Friar soon becomes exacting for Bruno when one evening he notices one of his senior compatriots acting furtively. When Bruno investigates further by offering his assistance, he finds his colleague is in the midst of performing an illicit autopsy on the body of a local prostitute. Bruno's inquisitive nature has previously made him the focus of the attention of the seniors within the Order, but Bruno cannot help himself when he begins to believe the death of the young woman was anything but accidental, and that she wasn't the lowly whore that she has been made out to be.
As a result, Bruno is forced to decide whether to continue his investigations after already giving his colleague a vow not to ask any further questions on the matter. Additionally, it seems to Bruno that he will have to decide between his future in the Order or pursuing justice for the young woman who he fears may have been the victim of a senior and powerful figure, who can hold Bruno's future in his hands.
I'm a fan of some historical fiction, mainly when it doesn't become too dry by trying to hard to prove its integrity to history and this novella is absolutely not guilty of becoming a slave to history. Paradoxically though, it feels both honest to the period, but also quite modern in its storytelling which makes it a compelling read. The paradox is heightened when you consider that Bruno isn't a fictitious figure at all but was in fact an actual historical figure and an Italian philosopher, poet, alchemist, astrologer, cosmological theorist, and esotericist. Such is the respect for his modern thinking that the SETI League makes an annual award honouring his memory to a deserving person or persons who have made a significant contribution to the practice of the search for extraterrestrial intelligence. The trophy presented is called a 'Bruno'. When weaving fact with fiction with history like this on your side, I feel this is going to be a very good series indeed.
⭐⭐⭐⭐ from me, and I've gone and bought the next 5 in the series on offer on Amazon at 99p each! Happy days!!
Set in Naples during 1566 an eighteen year old Bruno has recently taken his final vows at San Domenico Maggiore and is admitted to the Dominican Order, but his path as a Dominican Friar soon becomes exacting for Bruno when one evening he notices one of his senior compatriots acting furtively. When Bruno investigates further by offering his assistance, he finds his colleague is in the midst of performing an illicit autopsy on the body of a local prostitute. Bruno's inquisitive nature has previously made him the focus of the attention of the seniors within the Order, but Bruno cannot help himself when he begins to believe the death of the young woman was anything but accidental, and that she wasn't the lowly whore that she has been made out to be.
As a result, Bruno is forced to decide whether to continue his investigations after already giving his colleague a vow not to ask any further questions on the matter. Additionally, it seems to Bruno that he will have to decide between his future in the Order or pursuing justice for the young woman who he fears may have been the victim of a senior and powerful figure, who can hold Bruno's future in his hands.
I'm a fan of some historical fiction, mainly when it doesn't become too dry by trying to hard to prove its integrity to history and this novella is absolutely not guilty of becoming a slave to history. Paradoxically though, it feels both honest to the period, but also quite modern in its storytelling which makes it a compelling read. The paradox is heightened when you consider that Bruno isn't a fictitious figure at all but was in fact an actual historical figure and an Italian philosopher, poet, alchemist, astrologer, cosmological theorist, and esotericist. Such is the respect for his modern thinking that the SETI League makes an annual award honouring his memory to a deserving person or persons who have made a significant contribution to the practice of the search for extraterrestrial intelligence. The trophy presented is called a 'Bruno'. When weaving fact with fiction with history like this on your side, I feel this is going to be a very good series indeed.
⭐⭐⭐⭐ from me, and I've gone and bought the next 5 in the series on offer on Amazon at 99p each! Happy days!!
November 18, 2018
Prima boekie van Parris, van wiens Giordano Bruno-serie ik (tot mijn verbazing, ongemerkt) inmiddels alle boeken heb gelezen. Ik vind haar één van de tofste middeleeuwen-mysterie-thriller-romanschrijfsters die ik ken, misschien ook wel omdat zij als vrouw een mannenwereld neerzet, en dus aan heel veel cliché's en conventies voorbijgaat.
Deel 0,5 is een novelle die dusdanig kort is, dat het lastig is om er echt een ervaring bij te beleven. Het bevat alle elementen die Parris interessant maken (de hoofdpersoon natuurlijk, maar ook veel extra karakters die goed uit de verf komen, een mysterieuze dood, veel mooie sfeerelementen om het verhaal tot leven te brengen, prachtige settings, klassieke steden, nu ik het zo opschrijf merk ik hoezeer ik haar volledige boeken waardeer, wat een feest!), maar dusdanig beknopt dat de ervaring aan de oppervlakte blijft. Het voelt meer als een oefening dan als een serieuze exercitie. Jammer, want ze had hiervan net zo goed een heel boek kunnen maken.
Mijn advies: lees deel 1 tot en met 5 (als je van historische wodunnits houd), en pak deze erbij als je (net als ik) moeite hebt om tot mei 2019 te wachten tot deel 6 uitkomt.
Deel 0,5 is een novelle die dusdanig kort is, dat het lastig is om er echt een ervaring bij te beleven. Het bevat alle elementen die Parris interessant maken (de hoofdpersoon natuurlijk, maar ook veel extra karakters die goed uit de verf komen, een mysterieuze dood, veel mooie sfeerelementen om het verhaal tot leven te brengen, prachtige settings, klassieke steden, nu ik het zo opschrijf merk ik hoezeer ik haar volledige boeken waardeer, wat een feest!), maar dusdanig beknopt dat de ervaring aan de oppervlakte blijft. Het voelt meer als een oefening dan als een serieuze exercitie. Jammer, want ze had hiervan net zo goed een heel boek kunnen maken.
Mijn advies: lees deel 1 tot en met 5 (als je van historische wodunnits houd), en pak deze erbij als je (net als ik) moeite hebt om tot mei 2019 te wachten tot deel 6 uitkomt.
May 21, 2024
A short story featuring Giordano heretic, philosopher and spy. Perfect for fans of C.J. Sansom.
Even the dead have a story to tell…
Naples, 1566. During a sweltering summer, eighteen-year-old Giordano Bruno takes his final vows at San Domenico Maggiore and is admitted to the Dominican Order – despite doubts over his tendency to ask difficult questions.
Assisting in the infirmary, Bruno witnesses an illicit autopsy performed on the body of a young woman. Her corpse reveals a dark secret, and Bruno suspects that hers may not have been an accidental death.
His investigation leads him to a powerful figure who wants to keep the truth buried – and Bruno is forced to make a choice between his future in the Order, and justice for an innocent victim and her grieving family…
S.J.Parris is the bestselling author of Prophecy and Heresy. Her historical thrillers follow the renegade monk, philosopher and heretic Giordano Bruno, as he uncovers dark mysteries and plots in Elizabethan England.
Even the dead have a story to tell…
Naples, 1566. During a sweltering summer, eighteen-year-old Giordano Bruno takes his final vows at San Domenico Maggiore and is admitted to the Dominican Order – despite doubts over his tendency to ask difficult questions.
Assisting in the infirmary, Bruno witnesses an illicit autopsy performed on the body of a young woman. Her corpse reveals a dark secret, and Bruno suspects that hers may not have been an accidental death.
His investigation leads him to a powerful figure who wants to keep the truth buried – and Bruno is forced to make a choice between his future in the Order, and justice for an innocent victim and her grieving family…
S.J.Parris is the bestselling author of Prophecy and Heresy. Her historical thrillers follow the renegade monk, philosopher and heretic Giordano Bruno, as he uncovers dark mysteries and plots in Elizabethan England.
October 27, 2018
An interesting story. I always wanted to know how Giordano Bruno became the investigator he was in later books.
A girl, rumoured to have been a prostitute, turns up dead in the Dominican's house. The infirmerer performs an illegal autopsy on the corpse and finds she was in the early stages of pregnancy. Bruno finds his way into the secret mortuary and sees most of what happens, but is sworn to secrecy.
The corpse is eventually identified, and so is the father of her child.
Bruno keeps his word to the infirmerer and doesn't disclose what he knows of the illegal procedures taking place in secret. He also keeps his word to another young woman, in order to avoid her family getting into trouble with the Inquisitors.
All in all an enjoyable story of Giordano Bruno's early beginnings as a Dominican Friar.
A girl, rumoured to have been a prostitute, turns up dead in the Dominican's house. The infirmerer performs an illegal autopsy on the corpse and finds she was in the early stages of pregnancy. Bruno finds his way into the secret mortuary and sees most of what happens, but is sworn to secrecy.
The corpse is eventually identified, and so is the father of her child.
Bruno keeps his word to the infirmerer and doesn't disclose what he knows of the illegal procedures taking place in secret. He also keeps his word to another young woman, in order to avoid her family getting into trouble with the Inquisitors.
All in all an enjoyable story of Giordano Bruno's early beginnings as a Dominican Friar.
August 9, 2023
A prequel novella to the popular Giordano Bruno series, with what seems to be his first mystery. Because it is a novella and written a few years after the first book but set many years before, the writing is tighter but the central character, whilst recognisably the same person, is less fully formed, but deliberately so. He does however betray some of the theological scepticism and inquisitiveness that would ultimately lead to him fleeing the monastery at the beginning of the first book, although the mindset is not only advanced for his age, but also THE age, with an openess to Judaism/other faiths that sadly was atypical of the Dominicans and Christians in general at that time.
May 4, 2017
A significant meeting.
A novella which contains more information than many full length books. We meet Giordano Bruno as a young man working as a reluctant Dominican friar but hungry for forbidden knowledge which could see him a victim of the Inquisition. He is involved in the concealing of a murder and its consequences. There is a great feeling of place and Time. Bruno himself comes across as a sympathetic and complicated character. I look forward to reading his longer adventures.
A novella which contains more information than many full length books. We meet Giordano Bruno as a young man working as a reluctant Dominican friar but hungry for forbidden knowledge which could see him a victim of the Inquisition. He is involved in the concealing of a murder and its consequences. There is a great feeling of place and Time. Bruno himself comes across as a sympathetic and complicated character. I look forward to reading his longer adventures.
October 31, 2017
True to her tradition, S.J. Parris reveals another slice of Giodano's lifee as a young friar. Ms Parris writes with such style and flair , communicating historical fictiony that I hope we will have many more tales to come about Bruno. I would reccommend this book to any adult who enjoys period literature with a hint of mystery and romance..
I will guarantee that you will quickly become a fan of this Italian philosopher/mystery solver! I chose this book because I had read SJ. Parris's three previous novels about our here.
I will guarantee that you will quickly become a fan of this Italian philosopher/mystery solver! I chose this book because I had read SJ. Parris's three previous novels about our here.
December 11, 2024
This is the opening short story of the Giordiano Bruno series. It is set in Naples in the sixteenth century. Giordano has just taken his final vows in the Dominican order, but like many at that time it is not because of his religious conviction. He is assisting in the infirmary when he follows his mentor and discovers that he is performing an illicit autopsy. It is a short story but the author manages to give a good feel of the period and tells a solid and engaging story. It’s a promising start to a series and I intend to read further adventures of the young heretic monk.
March 6, 2024
RA
A superb little story, steeped in atmosphere with strongly defined characters. Parris has a sumptuous turn of phrase and writing style that engrosses the reader and transports them into the narrative. Science, politics and religion. Always a heady brew in the right hands. This is the first Bruno story I have read, appropriately at the commencement of his extra-monkish career. I think I've already been sold the rest!
A superb little story, steeped in atmosphere with strongly defined characters. Parris has a sumptuous turn of phrase and writing style that engrosses the reader and transports them into the narrative. Science, politics and religion. Always a heady brew in the right hands. This is the first Bruno story I have read, appropriately at the commencement of his extra-monkish career. I think I've already been sold the rest!
July 9, 2017
Soooo good.
I was fascinated by the friars who are both evil and corrupt. It just remind us that such monstrosity is sometimes hidden in people who are religious pretending to be good.
I was fascinated by the friars who are both evil and corrupt. It just remind us that such monstrosity is sometimes hidden in people who are religious pretending to be good.
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