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Giordano Bruno #7
Alchemy
Prague, 1588
A COURT IN TURMOIL
The Holy Roman Emperor, Rudolf II, wants to expand the boundaries of human knowledge and his court is a haven for scientists, astrologers and alchemists. His abiding passion is the elusive hunt for the philosopher’s stone and thus immortality. The Catholic Church fears he has pushed too far – into the forbidden realm of heresy – while the greatest powers in Christendom are concerned about the imperial line of succession.
A MURDERED ALCHEMIST
Giordano Bruno is sent to his court by Sir Francis Walsingham, Elizabeth 1’s spymaster. His task: to contact the famous English alchemist and mystic John Dee, another of Walsingham’s spies. But Bruno’s arrival in Prague coincides with the brutal murder of a rival alchemist – and John Dee himself has disappeared.
AN UNFORGIVING ENEMY
Ordered by the emperor to find the killer, Bruno’s investigations bring him face to face with an old enemy from the Inquisition and he finds himself once more pitted against the might of the Catholic Church. When another murder takes place, Bruno is forced to re-evaluate everything he thought he knew. And he soon realizes that his own life is at stake…
A COURT IN TURMOIL
The Holy Roman Emperor, Rudolf II, wants to expand the boundaries of human knowledge and his court is a haven for scientists, astrologers and alchemists. His abiding passion is the elusive hunt for the philosopher’s stone and thus immortality. The Catholic Church fears he has pushed too far – into the forbidden realm of heresy – while the greatest powers in Christendom are concerned about the imperial line of succession.
A MURDERED ALCHEMIST
Giordano Bruno is sent to his court by Sir Francis Walsingham, Elizabeth 1’s spymaster. His task: to contact the famous English alchemist and mystic John Dee, another of Walsingham’s spies. But Bruno’s arrival in Prague coincides with the brutal murder of a rival alchemist – and John Dee himself has disappeared.
AN UNFORGIVING ENEMY
Ordered by the emperor to find the killer, Bruno’s investigations bring him face to face with an old enemy from the Inquisition and he finds himself once more pitted against the might of the Catholic Church. When another murder takes place, Bruno is forced to re-evaluate everything he thought he knew. And he soon realizes that his own life is at stake…
Paperback
First published April 27, 2023
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About the author
S.J. Parris
29 books990 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 212 reviews
August 5, 2023
I really enjoy this series and was an auto request for me although I do admit to rolling my eyes a bit at the title: I have read many books in this genre and time period with Alchemy as the theme. However I’m sorry I doubted the author because this was a great read, set in Bohemia with Rudolph as Holy Roman Emperor. The plot was a good one and I really had no idea how the story would end. It felt like quite a long book but I took it slowly and was thoroughly absorbed. Many thanks to Netgalley for an arc of this book.
November 27, 2023
Peril in Prague…
The Holy Roman Emperor, Rudolf II, is fascinated by all things mystical, especially the fabled Philosopher’s Stone which it is said will give immortality to anyone who possesses it. He has filled his court in Prague with alchemists and mystics of all kinds, offering patronage to anyone he believes has the talent to make progress in his quest for the stone. At one time his favourite was John Dee, philosopher and mystic, late of Elizabeth’s court in England and one of Walsingham’s ring of spies, but recently John Dee’s position has slipped in favour of a younger man, a skilled alchemist called Zikmund Bartos. So when Bartos is found dead and horribly mutilated with cabalistic signs on his body, Dee falls under suspicion – it was known he resented the younger man’s rise. Walsingham asks Giordano Bruno to travel to Prague to aid Dee, but by the time Bruno arrives, Dee has disappeared…
I loved the first couple of books in this series about the fictional adventures of the real-life Giordano Bruno, but gradually Parris gave more prominence to his love interest – one of these dreadful anachronistic “strong females” that contemporary authors seem to feel obliged to insert inappropriately into historical fiction, who live outside all the conventions and outsmart and outfight all the men. I found her so annoying I stopped reading the books. So when I was sent a copy of this one for review I had mixed feelings about it. However I’m delighted to say that apparently their love affair is over and she’s still in England while Bruno is wandering the courts and universities of Reformation-era Europe alone – hurrah!
Parris’ great skill is in creating her settings and here she brings Rudolf’s court to life. It’s refreshing to get away from the Tudors and see what was happening in the rest of Europe at the time while, by bringing Dee and Bruno into the story, and Walsingham from a distance, there are still the connections with the English history of that period in which most historical fiction fans are well versed. Knowing nothing about Rudolf’s court I have no way to judge the accuracy of the portrayal of him and of Prague, but based on Parris’ previous outings in Tudor history I’m happy to assume this will have been just as well researched and based on a sound factual footing. It certainly seems to be the case that both Dee and Bruno did go to Prague in real life.
The upheavals in religion are still plaguing Europe with the Church of Rome and its adherents trying to undermine those of the monarchs who have turned to Protestantism. Rudolf is flirting not only with the new religion but with the supernatural – heresy as far as Rome is concerned, and entirely unsuited to his role as Holy Roman Emperor. Dee and Bruno too have both fallen foul of Rome for different reasons, so Rudolf’s openness is a kind of protection to them and to many others who have been exiled from their home countries. There is also a large Jewish enclave inside Prague, and Rudolf is tolerant towards them – too tolerant, in the eyes of many. The Jews in turn know that their position is precarious – if anything happens to turn Rudolf against them they will be expelled from the city, and may face even harsher treatment than that. All of these factors play into the plot.
I loved the setting and all this insight into the religious/political turmoils of the time. The plot itself, however, gets rather bogged down and occasionally lost among all the historical detail. Like so much contemporary fiction, the book could have easily lost a hundred pages and been the better for it – the central section required the exertion of willpower to pull myself through it. However the first and last thirds made up for this dip in the middle, and the solution when it eventually comes is a good mix of the personal and political and with enough thrills to raise the excitement level.
The characterisations are another of Parris’ strengths. Bruno is a likeable protagonist (even if I never can truly believe the real Giordano Bruno would have been anything like him) and in this one he has a young assistant, Besler, who is great fun – a young man brought up by strict Protestant parents sampling the delights of freedom for the first time. There’s a large cast of characters in Prague, most of whom are potential suspects and each of whom give us a look at some aspect of society, from the alchemists to the publicans to the religious leaders and the spies. And Rudolf himself is interestingly portrayed as a man who is highly superstitious, nervy, but also with a kind of determination not to be boxed in by the role he has inherited.
Overall, this one reminded me of why I loved the early books in the series and I enjoyed it far more with Bruno back as a loner. The historical setting is interesting and refreshingly different, and although I felt the plot was a bit weak in places and stretched out over far too many chapters where nothing much happened, in the end it all comes together satisfyingly. So long as Bruno stays away from “that woman”, I’ll be happy to read more of his wanderings through Europe and the adventures he meets there. 4½ stars for me, so rounded up.
NB This book was provided for review by the publisher, HarperCollins.
www.fictionfanblog.wordpress.com
The Holy Roman Emperor, Rudolf II, is fascinated by all things mystical, especially the fabled Philosopher’s Stone which it is said will give immortality to anyone who possesses it. He has filled his court in Prague with alchemists and mystics of all kinds, offering patronage to anyone he believes has the talent to make progress in his quest for the stone. At one time his favourite was John Dee, philosopher and mystic, late of Elizabeth’s court in England and one of Walsingham’s ring of spies, but recently John Dee’s position has slipped in favour of a younger man, a skilled alchemist called Zikmund Bartos. So when Bartos is found dead and horribly mutilated with cabalistic signs on his body, Dee falls under suspicion – it was known he resented the younger man’s rise. Walsingham asks Giordano Bruno to travel to Prague to aid Dee, but by the time Bruno arrives, Dee has disappeared…
I loved the first couple of books in this series about the fictional adventures of the real-life Giordano Bruno, but gradually Parris gave more prominence to his love interest – one of these dreadful anachronistic “strong females” that contemporary authors seem to feel obliged to insert inappropriately into historical fiction, who live outside all the conventions and outsmart and outfight all the men. I found her so annoying I stopped reading the books. So when I was sent a copy of this one for review I had mixed feelings about it. However I’m delighted to say that apparently their love affair is over and she’s still in England while Bruno is wandering the courts and universities of Reformation-era Europe alone – hurrah!
Parris’ great skill is in creating her settings and here she brings Rudolf’s court to life. It’s refreshing to get away from the Tudors and see what was happening in the rest of Europe at the time while, by bringing Dee and Bruno into the story, and Walsingham from a distance, there are still the connections with the English history of that period in which most historical fiction fans are well versed. Knowing nothing about Rudolf’s court I have no way to judge the accuracy of the portrayal of him and of Prague, but based on Parris’ previous outings in Tudor history I’m happy to assume this will have been just as well researched and based on a sound factual footing. It certainly seems to be the case that both Dee and Bruno did go to Prague in real life.
The upheavals in religion are still plaguing Europe with the Church of Rome and its adherents trying to undermine those of the monarchs who have turned to Protestantism. Rudolf is flirting not only with the new religion but with the supernatural – heresy as far as Rome is concerned, and entirely unsuited to his role as Holy Roman Emperor. Dee and Bruno too have both fallen foul of Rome for different reasons, so Rudolf’s openness is a kind of protection to them and to many others who have been exiled from their home countries. There is also a large Jewish enclave inside Prague, and Rudolf is tolerant towards them – too tolerant, in the eyes of many. The Jews in turn know that their position is precarious – if anything happens to turn Rudolf against them they will be expelled from the city, and may face even harsher treatment than that. All of these factors play into the plot.
I loved the setting and all this insight into the religious/political turmoils of the time. The plot itself, however, gets rather bogged down and occasionally lost among all the historical detail. Like so much contemporary fiction, the book could have easily lost a hundred pages and been the better for it – the central section required the exertion of willpower to pull myself through it. However the first and last thirds made up for this dip in the middle, and the solution when it eventually comes is a good mix of the personal and political and with enough thrills to raise the excitement level.
The characterisations are another of Parris’ strengths. Bruno is a likeable protagonist (even if I never can truly believe the real Giordano Bruno would have been anything like him) and in this one he has a young assistant, Besler, who is great fun – a young man brought up by strict Protestant parents sampling the delights of freedom for the first time. There’s a large cast of characters in Prague, most of whom are potential suspects and each of whom give us a look at some aspect of society, from the alchemists to the publicans to the religious leaders and the spies. And Rudolf himself is interestingly portrayed as a man who is highly superstitious, nervy, but also with a kind of determination not to be boxed in by the role he has inherited.
Overall, this one reminded me of why I loved the early books in the series and I enjoyed it far more with Bruno back as a loner. The historical setting is interesting and refreshingly different, and although I felt the plot was a bit weak in places and stretched out over far too many chapters where nothing much happened, in the end it all comes together satisfyingly. So long as Bruno stays away from “that woman”, I’ll be happy to read more of his wanderings through Europe and the adventures he meets there. 4½ stars for me, so rounded up.
NB This book was provided for review by the publisher, HarperCollins.
www.fictionfanblog.wordpress.com
July 25, 2023
This book is the latest offering from a gifted author featuring Giordano Bruno who shows us a generous dollop of silliness in this episode. There are many comical threads throughout wherein Bruno must outwit, outlast and outsmart a variety of physical and personal challenges. He is sent to Prague to find alchemist John Dee on behalf of Sir Francis Walsingham and has quite a time of it. There are so many roadblocks and hazards along the way the reader almost gives up on the notion that Dee could still be alive...somewhere!
All seven of the books in this series are quite wonderful.
"I believe the angels came to me with this story as a warning to Your Majesty." Rudolf considered this, frowning. 'Hm. On the other hand, was not Bathsheba mother to King Solomon, who was David's heir and the greatest king whoever lived? So, you know. Pros and cons.'"
All seven of the books in this series are quite wonderful.
"I believe the angels came to me with this story as a warning to Your Majesty." Rudolf considered this, frowning. 'Hm. On the other hand, was not Bathsheba mother to King Solomon, who was David's heir and the greatest king whoever lived? So, you know. Pros and cons.'"
December 8, 2025
If you are at all interested in 16th century European history this is probably not the book for you. If you enjoy crime fiction and whodunnits that play with the historical facts to make a good story, then you are in your element here.
Giordano Bruno, in his seventh adventure, has reached Prague and the court of Rudolf II, the Holy Roman Emperor. Prague is about as safe as it is possible for a city to be for those outside the faith of the Catholic Church, be they Lutherans, atheists, philosophers, alchemists, or Jews. Bruno arrives there on a mission from Francis Walsingham, Queen Elizabeth's spymaster, to find John Dee. Dr. Dee, among other things, is a spy and he has sent word to Walsingham that the Emperor is in grave danger. It is no secret that the Church wants Rudolf deposed and replaced by his loyally Catholic brother Matthias and Bruno must find out the truth behind the stories and rumours.
But John Dee has disappeared. Is he in hiding? Is he dead? Bruno and his young assistant Besler enter the lion's den to uncover the truth, quite literally as it turns out by the end. The author spends little time describing the milieu of Prague as a major urban centre in northern Europe, she concentrates on the five small areas relevant to the leading characters: the royal palace, the House of the Green Mound (the residence of Dr. Hajek where Bruno and Besler stay), Golden Lane (the location of Ziggi Bartos' home), the inn of the Winged Horse, and the Jewish Town.
It is the characters who turn a straight-forward plot of greed, theft, deception and murder into a lively adventure that holds the reader's interest through 460 pages. Emperor Rudolf is portrayed as an amiable man who is easily misled and somewhat gullible. Where other noblemen may have their cabinets of curiosities, Rudolf has a castle full along with an immense library of, mainly unread, arcane and theological volumes. Guiding him, or prowling around him, are his librarians Jacopo and Ottavio Strada, both of them not exactly adherents of the straight path, Thaddeus Hajek the court physician, the ingenious and financially stretched alchemist and inventor Ziggi Bartos (watch out for his eyes and tongue), the Spanish agent and Papal inquisitor Montalcino, and several others. Someone is a killer and Bruno must delve into their midst to ensure the Emperor is not the next victim.
In a plot that brings in all manner of violent crimes: murder, mutilation, child abduction, violent assault, will Bruno survive to the end? If he knew what his fate would be in the real world he may not have fought so hard to win through. But this was a fictional crime thriller, and a very good one.
Giordano Bruno, in his seventh adventure, has reached Prague and the court of Rudolf II, the Holy Roman Emperor. Prague is about as safe as it is possible for a city to be for those outside the faith of the Catholic Church, be they Lutherans, atheists, philosophers, alchemists, or Jews. Bruno arrives there on a mission from Francis Walsingham, Queen Elizabeth's spymaster, to find John Dee. Dr. Dee, among other things, is a spy and he has sent word to Walsingham that the Emperor is in grave danger. It is no secret that the Church wants Rudolf deposed and replaced by his loyally Catholic brother Matthias and Bruno must find out the truth behind the stories and rumours.
But John Dee has disappeared. Is he in hiding? Is he dead? Bruno and his young assistant Besler enter the lion's den to uncover the truth, quite literally as it turns out by the end. The author spends little time describing the milieu of Prague as a major urban centre in northern Europe, she concentrates on the five small areas relevant to the leading characters: the royal palace, the House of the Green Mound (the residence of Dr. Hajek where Bruno and Besler stay), Golden Lane (the location of Ziggi Bartos' home), the inn of the Winged Horse, and the Jewish Town.
It is the characters who turn a straight-forward plot of greed, theft, deception and murder into a lively adventure that holds the reader's interest through 460 pages. Emperor Rudolf is portrayed as an amiable man who is easily misled and somewhat gullible. Where other noblemen may have their cabinets of curiosities, Rudolf has a castle full along with an immense library of, mainly unread, arcane and theological volumes. Guiding him, or prowling around him, are his librarians Jacopo and Ottavio Strada, both of them not exactly adherents of the straight path, Thaddeus Hajek the court physician, the ingenious and financially stretched alchemist and inventor Ziggi Bartos (watch out for his eyes and tongue), the Spanish agent and Papal inquisitor Montalcino, and several others. Someone is a killer and Bruno must delve into their midst to ensure the Emperor is not the next victim.
In a plot that brings in all manner of violent crimes: murder, mutilation, child abduction, violent assault, will Bruno survive to the end? If he knew what his fate would be in the real world he may not have fought so hard to win through. But this was a fictional crime thriller, and a very good one.
May 5, 2023
I read this through my online bookclub, Pigeonhole. It is the latest in the series about Bruno Giordano and presents as a rollicking ride, playing out in Prague. The emperor, Rudolph, a colourless man, has outrageous ambitions that transcend religious differences and at the same time is willing to pay alchemists who are able to deliver prized possessions- the Philosopher's Stone, Elixirs, Golems.
Filled with multiple characters, some utterly delightful including Bruno's apprentice Besler, and a young lady, Suki, wise beyond her years, we are drawn in to a riveting tale in which Bruno has to solve two murders. The first is Zigi Bartos, alchemist and friend to Suki, who is found hanging. The second is David, a Jewish bookseller. Murder, poison, secrets, deception, ambition, religious differences, illicit affairs, books, and a punch up or three and the reader is transported on a colourful journey that is written so well, one becomes totally immersed in the story. SJ Parris is at the top of her game when it comes to historical fiction, and I look forward to the next book in this series. 5 stars!
Filled with multiple characters, some utterly delightful including Bruno's apprentice Besler, and a young lady, Suki, wise beyond her years, we are drawn in to a riveting tale in which Bruno has to solve two murders. The first is Zigi Bartos, alchemist and friend to Suki, who is found hanging. The second is David, a Jewish bookseller. Murder, poison, secrets, deception, ambition, religious differences, illicit affairs, books, and a punch up or three and the reader is transported on a colourful journey that is written so well, one becomes totally immersed in the story. SJ Parris is at the top of her game when it comes to historical fiction, and I look forward to the next book in this series. 5 stars!
April 18, 2023
As always, excellent! An extremely interesting historical background (I learned a lot!) set in Prague, with an intriguing and most compelling plot. Bruno is never disappointing, and the other characters perfectly fit the chilling and fascinating world of alchemy.
I received a complimentary DRC of this novel from NetGalley and I am leaving voluntarily an honest review.
I received a complimentary DRC of this novel from NetGalley and I am leaving voluntarily an honest review.
July 12, 2024
Not my favourite of this wonderful series as Bruno tries to solve a murder for the Emperor in Prague. All a bit long windee and meanders to a pretty predictable city conclusion. Good not great.
October 10, 2023
My first of the Giordano Bruno series. Parris writes historical suspense really well. Dark themes and well drawn characters. Great fun. Loved it.
June 11, 2023
Ah Bruno. As the 7th book in a series I can safely say I’m obsessed with this story, bruno: the dr, the spy, the heretic, the mystery. Since being run out of his home country for his theories and reading Bruno has been in many places working for many royals but none have benefited him a place to call home despite his uncoverings of betrayals, plots and murders. Prague is the next in a long list and as always Bruno is hopeful for patronage from the Emperor who rules these lands, even more so knowing the emperor has a liking for science and the unusual as well as having the most lax rules of religion, Prague is one place the Jews have not been run out off or mass murderer for existing. But this is Bruno’s story, so nothing will be as simple and easy as it seems. Bruno along with his apprentice travel to Prague on the request of John Dee, a friend and previous Englishman aswell as the English spy master Sir Francis Walsingham. Before they have even entered the city news travels of a hideous murder of one of the emperors favourite alchemists and rumours spread that the Jewish community has set a Gollum against their enemies. Bruno is not one to believe in any religious stories and makes it his mission to clear his good friend John Dee of any accusations, in doing so he dives deeper into the conspiracy’s surrounding the murder, risking his and his apprentices life’s and even coming face to face with an old enemy he hasn’t seen since fleeing his homeland. Truly unable to put this down, every chapter brings a new revelation and no one is what they seem. Multiple groups are both involved and vulnerable, from the Catholic Church, to the Jewish community, to the alchemists and even the emperor himself.
August 21, 2023
This is book number seven in this very good and enjoyable series. Our hero is Giordano Bruno of Nola a one-time Catholic priest, too clever by half and an escapee from the Inquisition. He has spent time in London but is too Catholic for the Protestants yet too heretical for the Catholics so struggles to settle anywhere to follow his studies which uncomfortably questions orthodox wisdoms. This book is set in Prague in 1588. Bruno has been asked by Francis Walsingham (Queen Elizabeth’s spymaster) to travel to Bohemia to meet and assist the esteemed alchemist, John Dee.
Prague, under Holy Roman Emperor Rudolf ll, is a permissive place where scientists, astrologers and alchemists are encouraged to work and expand the boundaries of knowledge. However, as the fly-cover warns is, it is also the place ‘where the search for immortality ends in death’.
Upon arrival, Bruno not only finds out that John Dee is missing, but also that a prominent alchemist has been brutally murdered. Rudolf orders Bruno to investigate the murder and he is soon caught up in a complex plot involving the Court, the Jewish community (who also live happily under Rudolf), Spanish thugs and the Catholic Church.
At 466 pages, this is a big book but worth every page. The plotting is always tight, the characters excellent and the tension remains right through to the end with several unexpected twists.
For fans of historical fiction, this is a very good and enjoyable series. Bruno is an original and credible hero set at a time of great change across the continent of Europe. In many ways Bruno sits right in the middle of that change which makes him both a dangerous and fascinating character. Highly recommended.
Prague, under Holy Roman Emperor Rudolf ll, is a permissive place where scientists, astrologers and alchemists are encouraged to work and expand the boundaries of knowledge. However, as the fly-cover warns is, it is also the place ‘where the search for immortality ends in death’.
Upon arrival, Bruno not only finds out that John Dee is missing, but also that a prominent alchemist has been brutally murdered. Rudolf orders Bruno to investigate the murder and he is soon caught up in a complex plot involving the Court, the Jewish community (who also live happily under Rudolf), Spanish thugs and the Catholic Church.
At 466 pages, this is a big book but worth every page. The plotting is always tight, the characters excellent and the tension remains right through to the end with several unexpected twists.
For fans of historical fiction, this is a very good and enjoyable series. Bruno is an original and credible hero set at a time of great change across the continent of Europe. In many ways Bruno sits right in the middle of that change which makes him both a dangerous and fascinating character. Highly recommended.
July 15, 2023
Bruno ends up in Prague, at the court of Emperor Rudolph who is a man of mercurial passions and inconsistent patronage. A man has been murdered, a friend of his is missing and the Jewish population are being blamed for releasing a Golem. The Emperor gives Bruno the task of finding the murderer which he does really much more by chance and having ruled everyone else out! There are some good scenes between him and an old enemy from the Catholic Church. This took a bit of time to get me interested as you have to become familiar with quite a vast array of characters; however, after that the story moves at a great pace and is another enjoyable instalment in the series, Thank you to Netgalley for an ARC.
July 23, 2023
Another brilliant story featuring Giordano Bruno, a vivid and well researched historical background, a solid plot that kept me guessing
Fun fact: i’m not a fan if the real Giordano Bruno even if his philosophical ideas are interesting and he is a stmbol of free thinking
Highly recommended
Many thanks to the publisher, all opinions are mine
Fun fact: i’m not a fan if the real Giordano Bruno even if his philosophical ideas are interesting and he is a stmbol of free thinking
Highly recommended
Many thanks to the publisher, all opinions are mine
April 22, 2024
Another thoroughly enjoyable adventure from a proven talent in the field. Honestly, I haven't much more to say than that - we've danced this dance before.
I most enjoyed the addition of new faces in this installment - Parris really made the most of an international adventure and of the complex and sometimes comically messy history of Prague - and the story was the usual enjoyable mix of twisty, turny, mildly silly, and very enjoyable.
Unfortunately, my ongoing gripe with the series (shoehorning underdeveloped, repetitive "love" infatuations between Bruno and the first female character unfortunate enough to earn an adjective) continues, and it's getting increasingly unpleasant. Bruno constantly repeats that he is nearly forty, and despite the fact we're repeatedly shown unhappy young women married to much older men, his love interests remain firmly in their twenties. With the addition of Bruno's plucky new assistant (who I hope will reappear in future books, because he's hilarious, and the shared banter is really refreshing), who is closer in age to these unhappy romantic prospects, it's just getting increasingly grating - and, if I'm honest, kind of gross.
Overall, though, this is definitely a very fun book, and it comes with the additional perk of its material not being based in a historical event that fans of historical mysteries written in this period are likely to know much about. The plot is mostly invented, rather than being based in a grand historic scheme, and not taking place in England grants much more room for surprises and originality rather than re-treading a lot of the same old ground as its genre stablemates. I foresee a return to the former in future books, and while I'm not mad about it - I'll be waiting for the next book just like everyone else - I'm glad we got a break from it for this one.
I most enjoyed the addition of new faces in this installment - Parris really made the most of an international adventure and of the complex and sometimes comically messy history of Prague - and the story was the usual enjoyable mix of twisty, turny, mildly silly, and very enjoyable.
Unfortunately, my ongoing gripe with the series (shoehorning underdeveloped, repetitive "love" infatuations between Bruno and the first female character unfortunate enough to earn an adjective) continues, and it's getting increasingly unpleasant. Bruno constantly repeats that he is nearly forty, and despite the fact we're repeatedly shown unhappy young women married to much older men, his love interests remain firmly in their twenties. With the addition of Bruno's plucky new assistant (who I hope will reappear in future books, because he's hilarious, and the shared banter is really refreshing), who is closer in age to these unhappy romantic prospects, it's just getting increasingly grating - and, if I'm honest, kind of gross.
Overall, though, this is definitely a very fun book, and it comes with the additional perk of its material not being based in a historical event that fans of historical mysteries written in this period are likely to know much about. The plot is mostly invented, rather than being based in a grand historic scheme, and not taking place in England grants much more room for surprises and originality rather than re-treading a lot of the same old ground as its genre stablemates. I foresee a return to the former in future books, and while I'm not mad about it - I'll be waiting for the next book just like everyone else - I'm glad we got a break from it for this one.
July 3, 2024
Set in Prague in 1588, this novel sees Giordano Bruno appear at the court of Holy Roman Emperor Rudolf II, where he hopes to gain Rudolf’s patronage while at the same time carrying out more espionage jobs for Walsingham. When he arrives, the town is in chaos as an alchemist has been murdered and his body left hanging from the city’s bridge. Bruno is tasked with investigating the crime, but soon finds the tensions between various religious and political groups are obstructing his search for the truth.
It took me a while to get into this story, although I enjoyed the descriptions of Prague and the various characters that made their appearance. There is always an element of humour in these books, and Bruno’s exasperation with his naive new student Besler provides some amusement. After quite a lot of scene setting, the investigation gets underway and I was then gripped by an atmospheric and compelling story.
This is an intelligent and entertaining book with a complex plot and interesting characters. It shed light on an unfamiliar aspect of medieval history as well as being a thrilling mystery. Bruno is a great character and this is one of my favourite historical mystery series.
It took me a while to get into this story, although I enjoyed the descriptions of Prague and the various characters that made their appearance. There is always an element of humour in these books, and Bruno’s exasperation with his naive new student Besler provides some amusement. After quite a lot of scene setting, the investigation gets underway and I was then gripped by an atmospheric and compelling story.
This is an intelligent and entertaining book with a complex plot and interesting characters. It shed light on an unfamiliar aspect of medieval history as well as being a thrilling mystery. Bruno is a great character and this is one of my favourite historical mystery series.
April 5, 2024
Another in the Giordano Bruno series where Bruno the spy is sent by Elizabeth's court to discover what has happened to alchemist, John Dee.
Set in the main in Prague Parris gives us a sense of the city from the crowded streets to the squalor. You can almost smell the filth.
It was hard to keep track of some of the characters as the story at times got a bit convoluted although it was always engaging.
Set in the main in Prague Parris gives us a sense of the city from the crowded streets to the squalor. You can almost smell the filth.
It was hard to keep track of some of the characters as the story at times got a bit convoluted although it was always engaging.
October 7, 2024
Another superb historical faction romp for Dr Giordano Bruno.
This time we find him off to Prague looking for John Dee at the request of Sir Francis Walsingham.
When Bruno arrives John is nowhere to be found.
He stays with a mutual acquaintance, Dr Thaddeus Hajek, & soon runs into trouble after being asked to look into the murder of an alchemist by the Emperor Rudolf
This time we find him off to Prague looking for John Dee at the request of Sir Francis Walsingham.
When Bruno arrives John is nowhere to be found.
He stays with a mutual acquaintance, Dr Thaddeus Hajek, & soon runs into trouble after being asked to look into the murder of an alchemist by the Emperor Rudolf
June 28, 2024
Gah! A slow and rich build, an anxiety filled climax, and a wistful and satisfying conclusion, all laced with incredible setting and character development, not to mention interesting and thought-provoking social/religious commentary and history. I honestly couldn’t ask for a better historical fiction experience. SJ Parris and her Giordano Bruno series can live, rent free, on my bookshelf forever. Maybe Bruno can eke out one more?
A full and well-deserved 5 stars.
A full and well-deserved 5 stars.
February 13, 2024
Last one so far in series. Didn’t disappoint. Absolutely excellent
April 14, 2024
Really strong characters in a wild and elaborate mystery.
November 5, 2024
One of the best series of books I have ever read!
July 25, 2023
An intriguing murder mystery set against a very interesting historical background.
November 4, 2025
Yet another to go on my list of the best books I have read in 2025. I have been wanting to read this for a long time and was surprised and delighted when my friend lent it to me.
I think this is book number seven in the Giordano Bruno series and I now want to go back and read them from the first novel, as they are in date order chronologically. I will now look to see if the author has written a follow-up to this one.
I am pleased that I have visited Prague, prior to reading this novel, which is set in that beautiful city. I can picture some of the sights and the narrow cobbled streets that are described so atmospherically in the story.
I have always been interested in the practice of alchemy but have never investigated the practices in any detail. This novel has inspired me to research more information.
This is a novel full of intrigue and treachery, and the fact that it is set in the late 16th century appeals to me greatly, having studied Tudor and Stuart Britain for my A-level history course many moons ago. I have always retained a strong interest in this period of history and this novel appealed, particularly for the fact that it is set in Europe, as my A-level course also covered the 16th and 17th centuries in Europe.
I can’t wait to read more.
I think this is book number seven in the Giordano Bruno series and I now want to go back and read them from the first novel, as they are in date order chronologically. I will now look to see if the author has written a follow-up to this one.
I am pleased that I have visited Prague, prior to reading this novel, which is set in that beautiful city. I can picture some of the sights and the narrow cobbled streets that are described so atmospherically in the story.
I have always been interested in the practice of alchemy but have never investigated the practices in any detail. This novel has inspired me to research more information.
This is a novel full of intrigue and treachery, and the fact that it is set in the late 16th century appeals to me greatly, having studied Tudor and Stuart Britain for my A-level history course many moons ago. I have always retained a strong interest in this period of history and this novel appealed, particularly for the fact that it is set in Europe, as my A-level course also covered the 16th and 17th centuries in Europe.
I can’t wait to read more.
May 7, 2023
My thanks to HarperCollins U.K. for an eARC via NetGalley of ‘Alchemy’ by S.J. Parris.
I also took part in a group read hosted by The Pigeonhole that allowed me to share my thoughts with my fellow Pigeons.
This is the seventh in Parris’ series of historical political thrillers featuring ex-priest turned spy Giordano Bruno.
Prague, 1588. Giordano Bruno has been sent to the court of The Holy Roman Emperor, Rudolf II, by Sir Francis Walsingham, Elizabeth I’s spymaster. His task is to contact the famous English alchemist and mystic John Dee, another of Walsingham’s spies currently in Prague. Yet Bruno’s arrival coincides with the brutal murder of a rival alchemist and John Dee himself has disappeared.
Rudolf wants to expand the boundaries of human knowledge and has made his court a haven for scientists, astrologers and alchemists. His abiding passion is the search for the philosopher’s stone. Yet the Catholic Church fears that he is flirting with heresy. In addition, there are concerns at the highest levels about the imperial line of succession.
The emperor orders Bruno to find the killer. Bruno complies assisted by his young traveling companion, Besler. However, his investigations bring him face to face with an old enemy from the Inquisition. No further details to avoid spoilers.
S.J. Parris excels at creating labyrinthine mysteries and she also has that rare ability to transport her readers into the time and place of her impeccably researched story, which allows for an immersive reading experience.
There’s plenty of excitement and twists along the way to solving the various mysteries. The characterisation was also strong. I enjoyed Bruno’s interactions with the hapless Besler and Susannah (Sukie), a quick witted Danish girl who was a friend of the murdered alchemist. Both clearly bring out the paternal side of his nature.
Overall, I found ‘Alchemy’ an excellent addition to this outstanding series.
Highly recommended.
I also took part in a group read hosted by The Pigeonhole that allowed me to share my thoughts with my fellow Pigeons.
This is the seventh in Parris’ series of historical political thrillers featuring ex-priest turned spy Giordano Bruno.
Prague, 1588. Giordano Bruno has been sent to the court of The Holy Roman Emperor, Rudolf II, by Sir Francis Walsingham, Elizabeth I’s spymaster. His task is to contact the famous English alchemist and mystic John Dee, another of Walsingham’s spies currently in Prague. Yet Bruno’s arrival coincides with the brutal murder of a rival alchemist and John Dee himself has disappeared.
Rudolf wants to expand the boundaries of human knowledge and has made his court a haven for scientists, astrologers and alchemists. His abiding passion is the search for the philosopher’s stone. Yet the Catholic Church fears that he is flirting with heresy. In addition, there are concerns at the highest levels about the imperial line of succession.
The emperor orders Bruno to find the killer. Bruno complies assisted by his young traveling companion, Besler. However, his investigations bring him face to face with an old enemy from the Inquisition. No further details to avoid spoilers.
S.J. Parris excels at creating labyrinthine mysteries and she also has that rare ability to transport her readers into the time and place of her impeccably researched story, which allows for an immersive reading experience.
There’s plenty of excitement and twists along the way to solving the various mysteries. The characterisation was also strong. I enjoyed Bruno’s interactions with the hapless Besler and Susannah (Sukie), a quick witted Danish girl who was a friend of the murdered alchemist. Both clearly bring out the paternal side of his nature.
Overall, I found ‘Alchemy’ an excellent addition to this outstanding series.
Highly recommended.
August 4, 2023
I was given a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Alchemy is the seventh book in a series featuring Giordano Bruno, a sixteenth century free thinker. It is a rare historical novel that impresses me, particularly in this period of history which I know quite well, but like others in the series it does not disappoint.
The book is set in Prague during the Reign of Rudolph who was known for his patronage of early scientists. Alchemy was not just the search for eternal life or turning lead into gold, it was the search for knowledge of how substances react together and is the beginnings of the discipline of chemistry.
Bruno arrives in Prague in search of his friend the magician John Dee only to find he went missing three weeks earlier and a fellow Alchemist has just turned up murdered. Bruno is called in to investigate and is caught up in high politics, inter-religious tensions, and the perpetual struggle for power and influence at court. There are many twists and turns, reflecting the streets of the city, but of course are hero comes out on top.
It's a classic Bruno story, and one I really enjoyed reading. I think it stands up well on its own, whether or not you have read the other books in the series. Highly recommended.
Alchemy is the seventh book in a series featuring Giordano Bruno, a sixteenth century free thinker. It is a rare historical novel that impresses me, particularly in this period of history which I know quite well, but like others in the series it does not disappoint.
The book is set in Prague during the Reign of Rudolph who was known for his patronage of early scientists. Alchemy was not just the search for eternal life or turning lead into gold, it was the search for knowledge of how substances react together and is the beginnings of the discipline of chemistry.
Bruno arrives in Prague in search of his friend the magician John Dee only to find he went missing three weeks earlier and a fellow Alchemist has just turned up murdered. Bruno is called in to investigate and is caught up in high politics, inter-religious tensions, and the perpetual struggle for power and influence at court. There are many twists and turns, reflecting the streets of the city, but of course are hero comes out on top.
It's a classic Bruno story, and one I really enjoyed reading. I think it stands up well on its own, whether or not you have read the other books in the series. Highly recommended.
May 22, 2023
Wow, what a great read. This book has it all, murder, mystery and mayhem all set in Prague in 1588. This is historical fiction at its best. This is the seventh in the series and luckily I’ve got books 1-5 to read now. Highly recommended
Thanks to Pigeonhole and SJ Parris for the chance to read this.
Thanks to Pigeonhole and SJ Parris for the chance to read this.
January 13, 2024
Very slow, plot was convoluted to the extent that I didn’t care what happened at the end. However, well written and I enjoyed the historical background.
April 4, 2025
Prague 1588, the city of a hundred spires is also a city in political and scientific turmoil. In ‘Alchemy,’ seventh in the excellent Giordano Bruno series by SJ Parris, lapsed Catholic Bruno arrives in Prague as a spy for Elizabeth I. He quickly discovers that this tolerant city, famed for freedom of thought and expression, is really seething with barely concealed hatred, suspicion, and violence.
Living a quiet academic life in the German city of Wittenberg, teaching at the university, Bruno receives a secret letter from the Queen’s spymaster, Sir Francis Walsingham. He bids him speed to Prague where he believes there is a plot against Emperor Rudolf, the Holy Roman Emperor and ally of Queen Elizabeth. When Bruno and his young student assistant Besler arrive in the city, they see a grizzly sight; the corpse of an alchemist hanging from the Stone Bridge, his eyes and tongue cut out. Killed, it is rumoured on the streets, by the Golem, a Jewish monster conjured by the Chief Rabbi of Prague and released in the city.
Bruno, who is hoping the emperor may be a patron enabling him to settle in the city to write and publish his philosophical books, arrives at the house where his mentor, scientist and free-thinker John Dee is lodging, to find him disappeared. Keen to find Dee, Bruno is instead tasked by the emperor to find the murderer of the alchemist, a favourite of his, Ziggi Bartos. Soon Bruno is confronted by an old enemy, one he hasn’t seen since he renounced the Catholic faith and fled Italy.
The juxtaposition of wealth and poverty, believers and chancers, scientists, gamblers and swindlers, is handled excellently. Parris has plotted a thriller which twists together the destinies of an eccentric emperor, a powerful Catholic lobby with a gang of toughs ready to threaten and kill, a disparate band of scientists all eager to make a big discovery and win the favour of Rudolf, and a Jewish quarter watched with suspicion and prejudice. As always Bruno is a reluctant detective who throws himself enthusiastically into his investigation, with multiple suspects and plots to explore. Being a stranger in town who doesn’t know the streets or speak the local language is a significant disadvantage. Bruno, sometimes too quick to trust, is made to reflect more than usual on his theories by the logical questions of his young assistant. Besler repeatedly asks why, and how?
A fascinating historical story packed with myth, legend and superstition, it is also great fun. Throw in a lion, the Emperor’s renowned erotic art collection, a precocious 11-year old, the naïve and charming Besler, the mysterious Powder Tower where the alchemists work, and Rudolf’s castle with its dark underground passages and opulent rooms full of artistic and scientific wonders. Wonderful.
Read more of my book reviews at http://www.sandradanby.com/book-revie...
Living a quiet academic life in the German city of Wittenberg, teaching at the university, Bruno receives a secret letter from the Queen’s spymaster, Sir Francis Walsingham. He bids him speed to Prague where he believes there is a plot against Emperor Rudolf, the Holy Roman Emperor and ally of Queen Elizabeth. When Bruno and his young student assistant Besler arrive in the city, they see a grizzly sight; the corpse of an alchemist hanging from the Stone Bridge, his eyes and tongue cut out. Killed, it is rumoured on the streets, by the Golem, a Jewish monster conjured by the Chief Rabbi of Prague and released in the city.
Bruno, who is hoping the emperor may be a patron enabling him to settle in the city to write and publish his philosophical books, arrives at the house where his mentor, scientist and free-thinker John Dee is lodging, to find him disappeared. Keen to find Dee, Bruno is instead tasked by the emperor to find the murderer of the alchemist, a favourite of his, Ziggi Bartos. Soon Bruno is confronted by an old enemy, one he hasn’t seen since he renounced the Catholic faith and fled Italy.
The juxtaposition of wealth and poverty, believers and chancers, scientists, gamblers and swindlers, is handled excellently. Parris has plotted a thriller which twists together the destinies of an eccentric emperor, a powerful Catholic lobby with a gang of toughs ready to threaten and kill, a disparate band of scientists all eager to make a big discovery and win the favour of Rudolf, and a Jewish quarter watched with suspicion and prejudice. As always Bruno is a reluctant detective who throws himself enthusiastically into his investigation, with multiple suspects and plots to explore. Being a stranger in town who doesn’t know the streets or speak the local language is a significant disadvantage. Bruno, sometimes too quick to trust, is made to reflect more than usual on his theories by the logical questions of his young assistant. Besler repeatedly asks why, and how?
A fascinating historical story packed with myth, legend and superstition, it is also great fun. Throw in a lion, the Emperor’s renowned erotic art collection, a precocious 11-year old, the naïve and charming Besler, the mysterious Powder Tower where the alchemists work, and Rudolf’s castle with its dark underground passages and opulent rooms full of artistic and scientific wonders. Wonderful.
Read more of my book reviews at http://www.sandradanby.com/book-revie...
July 12, 2023
Two writers shine when it comes to Tudorbethan murder mysteries: C. J. Sansom for his Shardlake books and S. J. Parris (Stephanie Merritt) for her novels with the unlikely figure of Giordano Bruno as detective. For popular science writers, the historical Bruno is a bit of a problem, as he is often portrayed as a martyr for science, but in reality was a mystic whose ideas were unoriginal and whose execution was for common-or-garden heresy, rather than being ahead of his time on cosmology. But as a detective he makes a great character in the loveable rogue with a conscience tradition. Think a sixteenth century version of Lovejoy (the books, not the TV series), but with less of tendency to kill people. Parris makes great use of this in her series of novels.
This latest, Alchemy, is set in Prague in 1588. The setting, with its contrasts of the Emperor's palace and the conditions of the poor is handled excellently. There's a particular opportunity here to explore some of the oddities of the period - and its biases - both in the bizarre work of the alchemists who feature in a big way, the power of the Catholic Church, and the treatment of the Jewish ghetto, which also play a major part.
As is often the case in Parris's books, Bruno is a reluctant detective, with a whole range of factions vying against him and providing potential suspects - including a form Catholic inquisitor and his Spanish thugs and the various hangers on hoping for the benefaction of the Holy Roman Emperor, who is generally a weak individual but is challenging the church.
What's great about both Parris and Sansom's books is that they give us all the enjoyment of the immersing in the period you get from a quality historical fiction novel, but at the same time provide us with some fun in trying to work out what's happening with the murder mystery - in this case one that is blamed by some on a golem, neatly tying in with the legend attached to the historical character Rabbi Loew. The one disadvantage Parris has in comparison with Sansom, whose detective is fictional, is that we do know Bruno's eventual fate (just as we did with Thomas Cromwell in Hilary Mantel's Wolf Hall books), and there's always a slight frisson of 'will this be the last book?' I had to restrain myself from looking up when Bruno was executed (though Parris has confirmed he will have at least a couple more outings).
The only criticism I have is the book is perhaps a little over long - but I had a great time reading it. Parris gives us an engaging and complex mystery to unravel in a dramatically different world from modern Europe.
This latest, Alchemy, is set in Prague in 1588. The setting, with its contrasts of the Emperor's palace and the conditions of the poor is handled excellently. There's a particular opportunity here to explore some of the oddities of the period - and its biases - both in the bizarre work of the alchemists who feature in a big way, the power of the Catholic Church, and the treatment of the Jewish ghetto, which also play a major part.
As is often the case in Parris's books, Bruno is a reluctant detective, with a whole range of factions vying against him and providing potential suspects - including a form Catholic inquisitor and his Spanish thugs and the various hangers on hoping for the benefaction of the Holy Roman Emperor, who is generally a weak individual but is challenging the church.
What's great about both Parris and Sansom's books is that they give us all the enjoyment of the immersing in the period you get from a quality historical fiction novel, but at the same time provide us with some fun in trying to work out what's happening with the murder mystery - in this case one that is blamed by some on a golem, neatly tying in with the legend attached to the historical character Rabbi Loew. The one disadvantage Parris has in comparison with Sansom, whose detective is fictional, is that we do know Bruno's eventual fate (just as we did with Thomas Cromwell in Hilary Mantel's Wolf Hall books), and there's always a slight frisson of 'will this be the last book?' I had to restrain myself from looking up when Bruno was executed (though Parris has confirmed he will have at least a couple more outings).
The only criticism I have is the book is perhaps a little over long - but I had a great time reading it. Parris gives us an engaging and complex mystery to unravel in a dramatically different world from modern Europe.
May 8, 2024
This time Dr. Bruno, the Italian born former Dominican Friar and Elizabethan spy finds himself sent to Prague to hunt for his friend and alchemist John Dee, who apparently has worrying news about the Holy Roman Emperor, Rudolf.
On his arrival a gruesome murder occurs and John Dee is nowhere to be found. Soon it becomes clear that the city, renowned for its religious tolerance, is in danger of turning into a seat of anti semitism. To add to the potential powder keg is the fact that an old antagonist of Bruno, a former inquisitor is in town along the Papal Nuncio, both there to ensure Rudolf, the Holy Roman Emperor, remains in thrall to the Catholic Church.
The next problem is that everyone seems to want him to solve the murder but do they really want the killer found or are they really playing a game with him as a pawn? Then as a stranger to the town who can he trust? Everyone seems to have a secret to hide.
His immediate investigations see him asking questions in the Jewish Quarter and in the Emperor’s palace. The chief rabbi and his family may be involved in some way. The Emperor’s librarian and curator of the royal museum, Ottavio Strada, also, not to mention his sister, Katherina, the Emperor’s mistress. His host the doctor, Hajik, also comes under suspicion.
The plot sees Giordano Bruno try to see through the half truths and discover what is really going on, and why the alchemist, Ziggi, was really killed and his mutilated corpse hung up on the city walls to frighten the population.
As for the book, I found it slow going at first. Maybe that was my fault as I don’t really like reading on my Kindle, but after about 100 pages I felt I could get into it. By halfway I actually cared. From then onwards I was hooked and had to read on to the end.
The story is a good one from there on. I have liked the Giordano Bruno series I’ve read so far and I like this one too. I’m not sure I find his character completely credible, but it’s close enough.
I will read another of the series.
On his arrival a gruesome murder occurs and John Dee is nowhere to be found. Soon it becomes clear that the city, renowned for its religious tolerance, is in danger of turning into a seat of anti semitism. To add to the potential powder keg is the fact that an old antagonist of Bruno, a former inquisitor is in town along the Papal Nuncio, both there to ensure Rudolf, the Holy Roman Emperor, remains in thrall to the Catholic Church.
The next problem is that everyone seems to want him to solve the murder but do they really want the killer found or are they really playing a game with him as a pawn? Then as a stranger to the town who can he trust? Everyone seems to have a secret to hide.
His immediate investigations see him asking questions in the Jewish Quarter and in the Emperor’s palace. The chief rabbi and his family may be involved in some way. The Emperor’s librarian and curator of the royal museum, Ottavio Strada, also, not to mention his sister, Katherina, the Emperor’s mistress. His host the doctor, Hajik, also comes under suspicion.
The plot sees Giordano Bruno try to see through the half truths and discover what is really going on, and why the alchemist, Ziggi, was really killed and his mutilated corpse hung up on the city walls to frighten the population.
As for the book, I found it slow going at first. Maybe that was my fault as I don’t really like reading on my Kindle, but after about 100 pages I felt I could get into it. By halfway I actually cared. From then onwards I was hooked and had to read on to the end.
The story is a good one from there on. I have liked the Giordano Bruno series I’ve read so far and I like this one too. I’m not sure I find his character completely credible, but it’s close enough.
I will read another of the series.
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