What do you think?
Rate this book
GIORGIO
One man’s life is the deadly target in an ancient mystery, highlighting the impact family lineage makes on buried dealings within the Catholic Church.
When art historian Salvatore “Sal” Gagliardo convinces his fellow art historian wife, Theresa, to take a sabbatical, they venture to Italy with their young son. As Theresa works on her book at the prestigious Archivo in Venice, she discovers mysteries that were hidden for hundreds of years in one of Donatello’s most famous sculptures.
While Sal explores further, he continues to find clues in old art and unexpectedly learns sinister secrets the church is keeping, which threaten to uncover corrupt societies and sordid family secrets. Despite cryptic warnings, Sal won’t stop until he figures out what he’s stumbled upon—even when the truth puts his life in danger.
This historical mystery will delight fans of Dan Brown and readers who enjoy shocking twists unfolding in a country that harbors countless secrets.
Until now.
When art historian Salvatore “Sal” Gagliardo convinces his fellow art historian wife, Theresa, to take a sabbatical, they venture to Italy with their young son. As Theresa works on her book at the prestigious Archivo in Venice, she discovers mysteries that were hidden for hundreds of years in one of Donatello’s most famous sculptures.
While Sal explores further, he continues to find clues in old art and unexpectedly learns sinister secrets the church is keeping, which threaten to uncover corrupt societies and sordid family secrets. Despite cryptic warnings, Sal won’t stop until he figures out what he’s stumbled upon—even when the truth puts his life in danger.
This historical mystery will delight fans of Dan Brown and readers who enjoy shocking twists unfolding in a country that harbors countless secrets.
Until now.
- GenresEbooks
201 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 29, 2024
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
April 24, 2024
Argh!
This should have been a five star read but there are two huge problems: the author has no clue how to properly use a comma and THE ENDING IS A MASSIVE CLIFFHANGER - i abhor them. If an author simply must employ one, then have the courtesy to provide information about the sequel. John Rawlings was not courteous; Madonnuzza!
Normally, I’d award an author 2-3 stars for the above issues but Rawlings crafted an excellent tale of intrigue and art. His characters are worthy of rooting for, complicated in the best way or down right cute; cue Vincente, the extremely well behaved, engaging toddler of Sal and Theresa. His baddies are evil in a quiet, insidious manner that I love
When Rawlings writes about historical events and characters, fitting them into his storyline, this is where he is at his best. Rather than creating scenarios that require readers to suspend reality, he weaves a tiny twist into his plot or into a character that becomes an: “oh yeah, of course Mussolini did that!”. They’re natural and flow thru the text with being disruptive; brilliant.
Rawlings has good intentions with the descriptions of Venice and Florence but the miserable grammar was so distracting I want to rewrite those passages myself! It was so frustrating that it took me an entire week to read this 184 page art filled thrillystery.
Even with the aggravating negatives, I’m still recommending GIORGIO for fans of art, mystery, thrillers, off the tourist trap Italy and a reasonable historical and contemporary inclusion of the Catholic Church. There are no issues with language or sexual content and violence is 3/10 with minimal description.
If grammar and cliffhangers don’t bother you, this is an easy 5 stars. If the do bug you, it’s still a good read, no pun intended 📚
This should have been a five star read but there are two huge problems: the author has no clue how to properly use a comma and THE ENDING IS A MASSIVE CLIFFHANGER - i abhor them. If an author simply must employ one, then have the courtesy to provide information about the sequel. John Rawlings was not courteous; Madonnuzza!
Normally, I’d award an author 2-3 stars for the above issues but Rawlings crafted an excellent tale of intrigue and art. His characters are worthy of rooting for, complicated in the best way or down right cute; cue Vincente, the extremely well behaved, engaging toddler of Sal and Theresa. His baddies are evil in a quiet, insidious manner that I love
When Rawlings writes about historical events and characters, fitting them into his storyline, this is where he is at his best. Rather than creating scenarios that require readers to suspend reality, he weaves a tiny twist into his plot or into a character that becomes an: “oh yeah, of course Mussolini did that!”. They’re natural and flow thru the text with being disruptive; brilliant.
Rawlings has good intentions with the descriptions of Venice and Florence but the miserable grammar was so distracting I want to rewrite those passages myself! It was so frustrating that it took me an entire week to read this 184 page art filled thrillystery.
Even with the aggravating negatives, I’m still recommending GIORGIO for fans of art, mystery, thrillers, off the tourist trap Italy and a reasonable historical and contemporary inclusion of the Catholic Church. There are no issues with language or sexual content and violence is 3/10 with minimal description.
If grammar and cliffhangers don’t bother you, this is an easy 5 stars. If the do bug you, it’s still a good read, no pun intended 📚
November 2, 2024
Did…the Vatican threaten this author to stop writing RIGHT NOW, or else? Holy Cliffhanger.
And yes, the grammar issues were terrible, but the story was good! Until that gosh dang cliffhanger (muted language in case the Vatican is watching).
And yes, the grammar issues were terrible, but the story was good! Until that gosh dang cliffhanger (muted language in case the Vatican is watching).
April 17, 2024
You must be a history buff to enjoy this book. Sadly, I am not, and the plot/mystery didn't keep me interested enough to be excited. Quick read, just not my cup of tea.
Read
April 25, 2024Can’t leave a review as it stopped at page 27 then to the end. Would not let me read further.
April 30, 2024
It builds...
A family's story, a history lesson, and finally, a mystery. The writing flows seamlessly, the dialogue fits perfectly, and you care about the characters
A family's story, a history lesson, and finally, a mystery. The writing flows seamlessly, the dialogue fits perfectly, and you care about the characters
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews