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Pentimento Mori: An Art History Mystery
Renowned art historian Dr. Edna Silvera is not your typical detective. In fact, she’s not a detective at all.
But when she stumbles across an apparently impossible medieval painting in the suddenly-deceased Nando Folli’s junk shop, her curiosity lands her in trouble with the police and on the trail of a shadowy world no one wants to admit exists.
Valeria Corciolani, the author of Pentimento Mori, is an Italian publishing phenomenon. Her books have over 62000 reviews on Amazon.it and have been made into award winning films. Pentimento Mori (originally published as Con l’arte e con l’inganno) is the first of her works to be translated into English. Combining scrupulously-correct art history with international intrigue, murder, and a solid dose of humor, this is Corciolani’s most ambitious work yet.
But when she stumbles across an apparently impossible medieval painting in the suddenly-deceased Nando Folli’s junk shop, her curiosity lands her in trouble with the police and on the trail of a shadowy world no one wants to admit exists.
Valeria Corciolani, the author of Pentimento Mori, is an Italian publishing phenomenon. Her books have over 62000 reviews on Amazon.it and have been made into award winning films. Pentimento Mori (originally published as Con l’arte e con l’inganno) is the first of her works to be translated into English. Combining scrupulously-correct art history with international intrigue, murder, and a solid dose of humor, this is Corciolani’s most ambitious work yet.
244 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 16, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
March 18, 2025
This is my first book from this author. I received this copy for review and this is my voluntary review.
This is such a smart, fascinating book. It helps to have knowledge of the history of painting, and I am a huge fan of Bosch and enjoyed the inclusion and references of his work. Artists will appreciate the history and meaning of paints and color development and I must say I learned I learned a lot about symbolism, triptychs and color use in Renaissance paintings. Oh, the character development is quite good and there is murder, betrayal, art thievery from the nazis and a wonderful puzzle of a possible recovered artwork to figure out.
This is such a smart, fascinating book. It helps to have knowledge of the history of painting, and I am a huge fan of Bosch and enjoyed the inclusion and references of his work. Artists will appreciate the history and meaning of paints and color development and I must say I learned I learned a lot about symbolism, triptychs and color use in Renaissance paintings. Oh, the character development is quite good and there is murder, betrayal, art thievery from the nazis and a wonderful puzzle of a possible recovered artwork to figure out.
February 21, 2025
I was kindly sent a review copy of this book by Chiara Giacobbe at Kazabo publishing for which my thanks.
With a delightful cast of (mostly eccentric) characters, Pentimento Mori, first in the Edna Silvera set of mysteries combines humour and art history to give readers an entertaining, funny and yet well-grounded story. Published in Italian in 2021, this English translation, the first time the author’s work has been rendered in English, was published by Kazabo in 2024.
In her late fifties, Edna Silvera is an art historian and restorer who doesn’t much care for teaching and is happier engaged in her own research, particularly on Hieronymus Bosch while living a quiet life with her cat Cagliostro and seven hens, named after old movie stars. Her boss (also her former lover), Schiaffino seems to allow her much leeway, but still insists on her keeping at least certain engagements—in this case, participating in an event in Siestri to commemorate 700 years of Dante’s death. Reluctant though she is (and cursing—not necessarily under her breath), she heads there to discuss things and while following Councilor Orietta Repetto to the venue, runs into a tree branch. To get help, the two enter an ‘antique’ (junk) shop run by Nando Folli, where Edna spots a wooden panel which she realises could be of value, while Orietta finds Nando—dead! Public Prosecutor Jacopo Bassi, in charge of the case, is initially suspicious of Edna and Orietta, given the former’s background and the panel involved, but soon enough enlists Edna’s help in the investigation (at times having to overlook strict protocols). Meanwhile, a young man, Leonardo Sacco moves in next door to Edna’s home, annoying her initially but with his knowledge of computers proving to be of much help in the investigation. Edna studies the panel, likely part of a triptych or polyptych (a picture/relief carving, usually an altar piece comprised of three or more wooden panels), revealing many secrets and taking the investigators into the world of art theft and smuggling—both in the present and back in history.
Alongside, the misanthropic Edna has another persistent problem to deal with—her mother, former cellist, Zara Gugliemi, now nearly eighty has successfully driven away a succession of housekeepers, the latest in line being Kalina who walks out with her luggage and prized frying pan in tow. Entrusting her care (at least temporarily) to her friend and her mother’s neighbour Ottavio Battiston, esteemed musicologist and music critic, who demands an interesting price, she must also find a new housekeeper for Zara, a task she is loathe to do.
Pentimento Mori is an entertaining and fun mystery filled with humour, reflected both in the dialogue (especially the banter between Edna and other characters—Schiaffino, Bassi, Battiston and her mother, among them) and characters themselves. Whether it is the irritable and misanthropic Edna; Zara, somewhat of a diva (who enjoys tripping up her housekeepers with her intelligence and flinging things at them); the larger-than-life Ottavio; the frying-pan carrying Kalina, or even young Leonardo (who doesn’t mind having his pretty date wait, even fall asleep while he helps Edna enhance photographs), each of them are well drawn out and singular as also amusing and likeable in their own ways. There are also Edna’s hens, who add another layer of fun, but believe it or not, this is the second time in fiction that I’ve encountered hens named after old movie stars. I liked Edna’s character very much (and could relate to her on many levels). I also loved this description of her overloaded bookshelves
She can remove a six-hundred-page tome from her shelves and the rest of her books, like some sort of art historical gas, expand, leaving no trace of the slightest opening.
The lightness of the tone doesn’t in anyway take away from the foundation of the book, art and art history—around which the mystery too revolves, for surely that valuable panel has to have had something to do with Nando’s death? Edna’s examination of the panel brings up not only aspects of the use of different pigments and their import but also the panel’s religio-philosophical underpinnings. Nazi art theft turns out to have a link while Edna’s beloved Bosch and his Earthly Delights—even if not directly involved—helps Edna reach a vital conclusion.
As to the murder mystery thread, it was one with several surprises and twists as well, the final solution turning out to be one I wouldn’t have guessed at all, and I’m sure other readers won’t be able to either, even if they pick up on some of what occurred.
The book’s description as being somewhere between cozy and more gritty fare captures it perfectly and this will be one that fans of cozies (who don’t mind a little more substance) will enjoy as will lovers of art and art history!
The mystery is resolved satisfactorily while also leaving open room for further aspects to be investigated and I’m eager to see how these shape up in the next book (there are only two in the series that I can see from Goodreads). I can’t wait for it to be translated and to spend time with these characters again.
p.s. some of the writing is in present tense and while I’m used to this by now, it does still give me that slightest jerk in the flow of things. Only a very minor one though, and not an issue with the book but rather my personal preference.
4.5 stars rounded off
With a delightful cast of (mostly eccentric) characters, Pentimento Mori, first in the Edna Silvera set of mysteries combines humour and art history to give readers an entertaining, funny and yet well-grounded story. Published in Italian in 2021, this English translation, the first time the author’s work has been rendered in English, was published by Kazabo in 2024.
In her late fifties, Edna Silvera is an art historian and restorer who doesn’t much care for teaching and is happier engaged in her own research, particularly on Hieronymus Bosch while living a quiet life with her cat Cagliostro and seven hens, named after old movie stars. Her boss (also her former lover), Schiaffino seems to allow her much leeway, but still insists on her keeping at least certain engagements—in this case, participating in an event in Siestri to commemorate 700 years of Dante’s death. Reluctant though she is (and cursing—not necessarily under her breath), she heads there to discuss things and while following Councilor Orietta Repetto to the venue, runs into a tree branch. To get help, the two enter an ‘antique’ (junk) shop run by Nando Folli, where Edna spots a wooden panel which she realises could be of value, while Orietta finds Nando—dead! Public Prosecutor Jacopo Bassi, in charge of the case, is initially suspicious of Edna and Orietta, given the former’s background and the panel involved, but soon enough enlists Edna’s help in the investigation (at times having to overlook strict protocols). Meanwhile, a young man, Leonardo Sacco moves in next door to Edna’s home, annoying her initially but with his knowledge of computers proving to be of much help in the investigation. Edna studies the panel, likely part of a triptych or polyptych (a picture/relief carving, usually an altar piece comprised of three or more wooden panels), revealing many secrets and taking the investigators into the world of art theft and smuggling—both in the present and back in history.
Alongside, the misanthropic Edna has another persistent problem to deal with—her mother, former cellist, Zara Gugliemi, now nearly eighty has successfully driven away a succession of housekeepers, the latest in line being Kalina who walks out with her luggage and prized frying pan in tow. Entrusting her care (at least temporarily) to her friend and her mother’s neighbour Ottavio Battiston, esteemed musicologist and music critic, who demands an interesting price, she must also find a new housekeeper for Zara, a task she is loathe to do.
Pentimento Mori is an entertaining and fun mystery filled with humour, reflected both in the dialogue (especially the banter between Edna and other characters—Schiaffino, Bassi, Battiston and her mother, among them) and characters themselves. Whether it is the irritable and misanthropic Edna; Zara, somewhat of a diva (who enjoys tripping up her housekeepers with her intelligence and flinging things at them); the larger-than-life Ottavio; the frying-pan carrying Kalina, or even young Leonardo (who doesn’t mind having his pretty date wait, even fall asleep while he helps Edna enhance photographs), each of them are well drawn out and singular as also amusing and likeable in their own ways. There are also Edna’s hens, who add another layer of fun, but believe it or not, this is the second time in fiction that I’ve encountered hens named after old movie stars. I liked Edna’s character very much (and could relate to her on many levels). I also loved this description of her overloaded bookshelves
She can remove a six-hundred-page tome from her shelves and the rest of her books, like some sort of art historical gas, expand, leaving no trace of the slightest opening.
The lightness of the tone doesn’t in anyway take away from the foundation of the book, art and art history—around which the mystery too revolves, for surely that valuable panel has to have had something to do with Nando’s death? Edna’s examination of the panel brings up not only aspects of the use of different pigments and their import but also the panel’s religio-philosophical underpinnings. Nazi art theft turns out to have a link while Edna’s beloved Bosch and his Earthly Delights—even if not directly involved—helps Edna reach a vital conclusion.
As to the murder mystery thread, it was one with several surprises and twists as well, the final solution turning out to be one I wouldn’t have guessed at all, and I’m sure other readers won’t be able to either, even if they pick up on some of what occurred.
The book’s description as being somewhere between cozy and more gritty fare captures it perfectly and this will be one that fans of cozies (who don’t mind a little more substance) will enjoy as will lovers of art and art history!
The mystery is resolved satisfactorily while also leaving open room for further aspects to be investigated and I’m eager to see how these shape up in the next book (there are only two in the series that I can see from Goodreads). I can’t wait for it to be translated and to spend time with these characters again.
p.s. some of the writing is in present tense and while I’m used to this by now, it does still give me that slightest jerk in the flow of things. Only a very minor one though, and not an issue with the book but rather my personal preference.
4.5 stars rounded off
July 23, 2025
Genre: History and mystery
Description: This fits into a number of genres. It is a history and mystery, also a police procedural murder mystery, also an art historical mystery. One thing is for certain: it is a work of fiction in which there is much mystery. And hens.
Author: the author is an authority on history and art history – and her knowledge certainly shines through in this book. And she imparts that knowledge lightly: good! She is also an instructor in Fine Arts, and an accomplished illustrator and animator.
Since 2010 she has published in Italian, winning numerous awards. Her meat is crime. She has several series on the go. She has 20 titles on Goodreads. Her books are huge in Italy (all in Italian). This is the first one translated into English. Big Al doesn’t usually get sent this sort of work by authors already so well-established. I’m very glad I found it in the ”for review’ list. It has been an unusual read. I hope she succeeds in reaching the wider audience she seeks.
She was born, and lives in, Chiavari on the Italy Riviera (where Dr Silvera and her hens live in the book).
Appraisal: This is an interesting book, for several reasons. The first is that it gives insights into Italian police procedures that one normally doesn’t find outside the Inspector Montalbano Mysteries (books and TV series, set in Sicily, in Sicilian/Italian dialect), or Signora Volpe (original TV series, set in Italy, in English).
The second reason is the joyous and flavourful backdrop of Italy, its scenery, its wine, its way of life in general. Bellissima!
The third is that, after clopping along demurely for the first 25% of its length, it suddenly bursts into life and throws at the reader explanations of fifteenth century multi-panel paintings and the hierarchy of subjects and colours incorporated within them; Nazi art thefts; a reinterpretation of the treachery of Judas; and the shadier parts of the international art market. Nice.
If you are into fifteenth century European art, Christian conspiracy theories like The Da Vinci Code, alternative gospels such as The Gospel of Judas, Gnosticism, Nazi skulduggery or any combination of these, you will find much to enjoy this book.
I do have a few reservations. As I say, the book begins slowly. The plot only really kicks in around Chapter 16, by which time we have been shown a number of times how waspish and unreasonable Dottore Edna Silvera usually is. I found Dr Silvera unsympathetic as a protagonist, which was a pity as she was on stage for most of the book. The translator wanders between present and past tenses (sometimes in the same sentence) which tends to produce a headache in this reader. A fat bundle of coincidences enabled the plot to function. The slightly amateurish cover was (as far as I could see) completely unrelated to the content of the book. (Checking back on the Italian edition – 'Con l’arte e con l’inganno' – I see that (different) cover also appears unrelated to the story, except for a bird flying pas. Lascia perdere!)
However, the plot, the factual information, the characters (even the unlikeable ones), and not forgetting the super-abundant use of qualifiers, all impel the book forward towards a most satisfying climax and made me forgive its infelicities.
*
Full disclosure: I have long been fascinated by Judas Iscariot, and some time ago wrote a story which revisits his role in the arrest of Jesus Christ. It’s in my book of short stories entitled 'Ice Cold Passion', and is available in the US and the UK for small money on Kindle, if you’re interested. (And no, I had no idea I would be meeting up with Judas again when I picked this book for review.)
*
This review originally prepared for Big Al’s Books and Pals. Received a complimentary soft copy for that purpose.
Description: This fits into a number of genres. It is a history and mystery, also a police procedural murder mystery, also an art historical mystery. One thing is for certain: it is a work of fiction in which there is much mystery. And hens.
Author: the author is an authority on history and art history – and her knowledge certainly shines through in this book. And she imparts that knowledge lightly: good! She is also an instructor in Fine Arts, and an accomplished illustrator and animator.
Since 2010 she has published in Italian, winning numerous awards. Her meat is crime. She has several series on the go. She has 20 titles on Goodreads. Her books are huge in Italy (all in Italian). This is the first one translated into English. Big Al doesn’t usually get sent this sort of work by authors already so well-established. I’m very glad I found it in the ”for review’ list. It has been an unusual read. I hope she succeeds in reaching the wider audience she seeks.
She was born, and lives in, Chiavari on the Italy Riviera (where Dr Silvera and her hens live in the book).
Appraisal: This is an interesting book, for several reasons. The first is that it gives insights into Italian police procedures that one normally doesn’t find outside the Inspector Montalbano Mysteries (books and TV series, set in Sicily, in Sicilian/Italian dialect), or Signora Volpe (original TV series, set in Italy, in English).
The second reason is the joyous and flavourful backdrop of Italy, its scenery, its wine, its way of life in general. Bellissima!
The third is that, after clopping along demurely for the first 25% of its length, it suddenly bursts into life and throws at the reader explanations of fifteenth century multi-panel paintings and the hierarchy of subjects and colours incorporated within them; Nazi art thefts; a reinterpretation of the treachery of Judas; and the shadier parts of the international art market. Nice.
If you are into fifteenth century European art, Christian conspiracy theories like The Da Vinci Code, alternative gospels such as The Gospel of Judas, Gnosticism, Nazi skulduggery or any combination of these, you will find much to enjoy this book.
I do have a few reservations. As I say, the book begins slowly. The plot only really kicks in around Chapter 16, by which time we have been shown a number of times how waspish and unreasonable Dottore Edna Silvera usually is. I found Dr Silvera unsympathetic as a protagonist, which was a pity as she was on stage for most of the book. The translator wanders between present and past tenses (sometimes in the same sentence) which tends to produce a headache in this reader. A fat bundle of coincidences enabled the plot to function. The slightly amateurish cover was (as far as I could see) completely unrelated to the content of the book. (Checking back on the Italian edition – 'Con l’arte e con l’inganno' – I see that (different) cover also appears unrelated to the story, except for a bird flying pas. Lascia perdere!)
However, the plot, the factual information, the characters (even the unlikeable ones), and not forgetting the super-abundant use of qualifiers, all impel the book forward towards a most satisfying climax and made me forgive its infelicities.
*
Full disclosure: I have long been fascinated by Judas Iscariot, and some time ago wrote a story which revisits his role in the arrest of Jesus Christ. It’s in my book of short stories entitled 'Ice Cold Passion', and is available in the US and the UK for small money on Kindle, if you’re interested. (And no, I had no idea I would be meeting up with Judas again when I picked this book for review.)
*
This review originally prepared for Big Al’s Books and Pals. Received a complimentary soft copy for that purpose.
August 19, 2024
Pentimento Mori is prominent Italian mystery writer Valeria Corciolani’s fourteenth novel. It is the first translated into English. It is a delightful read. The amateur investigators remind of Richard Osmond’s Thursday Murder Club and the police inspector reminds of Agatha Christie’s Hercule Perot. The setting is Italy, speech is in the American vernacular, ample cultural references for both, intellectual content that adds interest, for example the significance of various colors in medieval times. The author was born and lives at Chiavari on the Italian Riviera, thus for her this novel’s setting is local, and it appears it will be the first novel in a new series.
The main character is renowned art historian Dr. Edna Silvera, she teaches but her passion is Hieronymus Bosch. When she is at home wrapped in her Bosch research, she listens to tapes of Bach, Three Dog Night, Mozart, Miles Davis,…She has a cat named Cagliosto. Her seven chickens are named after actresses, such as Rita (Hayworth) and they enjoy dancing to the music of Abba. The cat and hens talk. (Edna is on both sides of the conversations.) As if this weren’t enough humor, more is supplied by Edna’s feisty mother Zara and Edna’s very large friend and neighbor Octavia Battiston who takes care of Zara in exchange for pieces of Zara’s art work. Edna has a new next door neighbor, his name is Leonardo Sacco, he is a computer whiz, he is young and handsome, so a bit of romantic tension may be in future store.
The plot: Edna’s boss (a former lover who still carries a torch) sends her to Siestri to represent the university at an event commemorating the 700th anniversary of Dante’s death. When she arrives, she is met by Councilor Orietta Repetto, who informs her the event has been moved to Gattforna. Off they go in their separate cars, Edna following Orietta. While parking at the event, Edna runs her car onto a tree branch, they walk to a nearby workshop belonging to antiques and art dealer Nando Fossi hoping he has a tool that will help them extract the branch. The workshop appears empty. While Orietta searches inside for Nando, Edna spots a painting on wood panel, it looks medieval, possibly an important work. Orietta returns, she has found Nando, dead with his pants down to his shoes. Enters the Public Prosecutor, Jacopo Bassi.
An art-murder mystery has begun, and the unwinding is skillful. I look forward to reading her next in this series.
Footnotes: Page 78, origin of the title. Page 198, math error? Perimeter appears to be one and one-half times the sacred length, not twice it.
The main character is renowned art historian Dr. Edna Silvera, she teaches but her passion is Hieronymus Bosch. When she is at home wrapped in her Bosch research, she listens to tapes of Bach, Three Dog Night, Mozart, Miles Davis,…She has a cat named Cagliosto. Her seven chickens are named after actresses, such as Rita (Hayworth) and they enjoy dancing to the music of Abba. The cat and hens talk. (Edna is on both sides of the conversations.) As if this weren’t enough humor, more is supplied by Edna’s feisty mother Zara and Edna’s very large friend and neighbor Octavia Battiston who takes care of Zara in exchange for pieces of Zara’s art work. Edna has a new next door neighbor, his name is Leonardo Sacco, he is a computer whiz, he is young and handsome, so a bit of romantic tension may be in future store.
The plot: Edna’s boss (a former lover who still carries a torch) sends her to Siestri to represent the university at an event commemorating the 700th anniversary of Dante’s death. When she arrives, she is met by Councilor Orietta Repetto, who informs her the event has been moved to Gattforna. Off they go in their separate cars, Edna following Orietta. While parking at the event, Edna runs her car onto a tree branch, they walk to a nearby workshop belonging to antiques and art dealer Nando Fossi hoping he has a tool that will help them extract the branch. The workshop appears empty. While Orietta searches inside for Nando, Edna spots a painting on wood panel, it looks medieval, possibly an important work. Orietta returns, she has found Nando, dead with his pants down to his shoes. Enters the Public Prosecutor, Jacopo Bassi.
An art-murder mystery has begun, and the unwinding is skillful. I look forward to reading her next in this series.
Footnotes: Page 78, origin of the title. Page 198, math error? Perimeter appears to be one and one-half times the sacred length, not twice it.
June 20, 2024
This is very different murder mystery. A story of art dealers and ancient relics, of forgeries and academics. And above all, about people. Each new character is a work of art, described in the articulate detail of an art dealer’s catalogue. And each is an individual par excellence, including one that seems to be a human-sized bird.
The interaction between the characters is typified by quick wit, both in the dialogue and in the narrator’s voice. The bantering power struggle between the art expert and the police officer is perhaps the most entertaining of the lot. Conflicts abound on many levels, between many people.
This constant sparring is balanced by an overall sense of good humour that contrasts with the interpersonal troubles of the main character. She is a complex combination of harridan, dutiful daughter, public-spirited citizen, and hard-done-by victim. For such a self-proclaimed curmudgeon, she certainly attracts a large number of really cool friends.
The murder mystery plot is intriguing, with many unlikely but surprisingly logical twists and red herrings. However, it all hangs together beautifully right to the nicely twisted ending.
The balance rather falls apart with the historical aspect of the investigation, which is essential to the solution, but tends to take over. Chapter 43 is long and academic, laying out huge swatches of Medieval religious theory that the reader doesn’t really need to know. This opaque aspect of the writing style is compounded by the unfortunate choice of present tense, which necessitates slipping into the past for moments, then back to the present. Combined with the long, convoluted and straggling sentence structure, this slows down one’s reading speed.
The detours you will want to take are the descriptive passages. This book is written by an artist, who gives us the full benefit of her visual acuity.
Before you start this book, sit in a comfortable chair and prepare yourself for a long, slow read. In the end, you’ll be glad you did.
The interaction between the characters is typified by quick wit, both in the dialogue and in the narrator’s voice. The bantering power struggle between the art expert and the police officer is perhaps the most entertaining of the lot. Conflicts abound on many levels, between many people.
This constant sparring is balanced by an overall sense of good humour that contrasts with the interpersonal troubles of the main character. She is a complex combination of harridan, dutiful daughter, public-spirited citizen, and hard-done-by victim. For such a self-proclaimed curmudgeon, she certainly attracts a large number of really cool friends.
The murder mystery plot is intriguing, with many unlikely but surprisingly logical twists and red herrings. However, it all hangs together beautifully right to the nicely twisted ending.
The balance rather falls apart with the historical aspect of the investigation, which is essential to the solution, but tends to take over. Chapter 43 is long and academic, laying out huge swatches of Medieval religious theory that the reader doesn’t really need to know. This opaque aspect of the writing style is compounded by the unfortunate choice of present tense, which necessitates slipping into the past for moments, then back to the present. Combined with the long, convoluted and straggling sentence structure, this slows down one’s reading speed.
The detours you will want to take are the descriptive passages. This book is written by an artist, who gives us the full benefit of her visual acuity.
Before you start this book, sit in a comfortable chair and prepare yourself for a long, slow read. In the end, you’ll be glad you did.
July 20, 2024
PENTIMENTO MORI by Valeria Corciolani
The First Edna Silvera Mystery
An art historian and restorer Edna Silvera has little patience for academia…and everything else for that matter. Though she’d rather stay at home with her cat and chickens, she’s talked into representing the university at the Siestri Dante Festival. She immediately regrets that decision, as she deals with winding roads, bureaucracy, bad weather, and a dead body! The discovery of a medieval polyptych with some unusual aspects has her captivated. Now if she can unravel the mystery of the painting she just may solve a murder. A task that may prove easier than finding a new housekeeper for her cantankerous mother.
PENTIMENTO MORI was a joy to read. I only wish I was able to read in Italian as I think I'd get even more wonderful word play and nuances reading in the original language. As it was I enjoyed this translation even with the use of present tense.
I really enjoyed Edna Silvera as a protagonist. Perhaps as we're almost the same age I feel quite similarly about many things...having little patience, preferring to be home with my cat, and more. In fact, I enjoyed all of the characters, all of whom were imbued with uniquely memorable characteristics. The first Edna Silvera mystery is also replete with humor. I'm still laughing at the scene where Edna is learning about the row between her mother and her housekeeper. But what really sets this mystery apart is the art history.
I learned so much about medieval painting, art, and symbology by reading this mystery. I found it all fascinating, and vital to the mystery. I really appreciated how Edna was focused on the mystery of the panel, leaving the murder to the police. Of course, both are intrinsically intertwined. It was wonderful seeing the relationship develop between Edna and Public Prosecutor Bassi and how they managed to work together.
Filled with quick witted characters, artistic detail, and plenty of laughs PENTIMENTO MORI is a fantastic start to a new series. I can't wait to see what happens next!
March 14, 2025
I am incredibly grateful to Kazabo Publishing for the opportunity to read and review Pentimento Mori. Being selected to explore this captivating story has been such a treat, and I can’t wait to share my thoughts on it with all of you. A huge thank you to the team at Kazabo Publishing for their generosity and for making this reading experience possible.
I'd also love to say a special thank you to Chiara specifically for reaching out to me about this book!
Reading Pentimento Mori has been such an honour. Valeria Corciolani is already a very successful Italian author but this is the first of her books to be translated into English which is just so exciting. It's a wonderful way to reach audiences across the globe.
This was just such a fun read! I really enjoyed it. I am a sucker for a mystery book and this one was so captivating. I just love how fast paced it was but still managed to keep so much mystery and intrigue throughout.
I especially love so many of the characters and I cannot wait to see what mischief they get themselves into in the future. Edna Silvera was just such a relatable character. Much like here I am not a people person. It's not that we don't like people, it's that we value our own time and space. I think she's wonderful.
It was also great to see her dealings with her new neighbour as well as colleagues and new found friends.
This book has multiple points of view which as I was reading it, I did find it confusing but sometimes you just have to trust the process because it all came together in the end.
I am honestly so hooked, I think I could absolutely blitz through a whole series by this author right now.
Valeria, I am wishing you every success and I do so hope that more of your books will be translated at some point otherwise I will simply have to learn Italian.
Reading Pentimento Mori has been such a lovely experience. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity.
I'd also love to say a special thank you to Chiara specifically for reaching out to me about this book!
Reading Pentimento Mori has been such an honour. Valeria Corciolani is already a very successful Italian author but this is the first of her books to be translated into English which is just so exciting. It's a wonderful way to reach audiences across the globe.
This was just such a fun read! I really enjoyed it. I am a sucker for a mystery book and this one was so captivating. I just love how fast paced it was but still managed to keep so much mystery and intrigue throughout.
I especially love so many of the characters and I cannot wait to see what mischief they get themselves into in the future. Edna Silvera was just such a relatable character. Much like here I am not a people person. It's not that we don't like people, it's that we value our own time and space. I think she's wonderful.
It was also great to see her dealings with her new neighbour as well as colleagues and new found friends.
This book has multiple points of view which as I was reading it, I did find it confusing but sometimes you just have to trust the process because it all came together in the end.
I am honestly so hooked, I think I could absolutely blitz through a whole series by this author right now.
Valeria, I am wishing you every success and I do so hope that more of your books will be translated at some point otherwise I will simply have to learn Italian.
Reading Pentimento Mori has been such a lovely experience. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity.
February 8, 2026
Edna Silvera is an art historian who appears to prefer her privacy to being in the public eye, even though she is a renowned expert in her field. When sent out by her boss to participate in a public ceremony, she stumbles across a dead body as well as an ancient piece of artwork, and finds herself in the middle of trying to help solve both mysteries.
I read a review copy of this book. It was the author’s first English-translated novel. I did enjoy reading it, though for quite a bit of the book I was confused as to why parts of it were told from the perspective of a chicken. It was quite a while into the story before I realized that said chicken was actually someone who seemed to spend most of his time pretending he was a chicken. (At least I think he was pretending, though it is possible that he actually believed he was a chicken.)
The author clearly knows quite a bit about ancient art, the techniques involved in creating the paints, and the symbolism used within the artwork itself. It was a rather impressive display of knowledge, and an integral part in solving the secondary mystery as well as the murder itself. There were a number of twists and turns in this story that led up to both the art mystery and the murder, and this was a story that I was not able to solve entirely on my own while reading the story. While all the clues were there, some of them were subtle enough that I missed seeing them. And that makes it much more interesting to me than a mystery that I was able to see what was coming well before the ending.
I will admit that at times, I was a little confused and a bit overwhelmed by the amount of art history knowledge within this story, but overall I did find it to be an interesting book that I did enjoy reading. I think that anyone who enjoys reading about art, art history, art symbolism or murder mysteries involving ancient art, would enjoy reading this book.
I read a review copy of this book. It was the author’s first English-translated novel. I did enjoy reading it, though for quite a bit of the book I was confused as to why parts of it were told from the perspective of a chicken. It was quite a while into the story before I realized that said chicken was actually someone who seemed to spend most of his time pretending he was a chicken. (At least I think he was pretending, though it is possible that he actually believed he was a chicken.)
The author clearly knows quite a bit about ancient art, the techniques involved in creating the paints, and the symbolism used within the artwork itself. It was a rather impressive display of knowledge, and an integral part in solving the secondary mystery as well as the murder itself. There were a number of twists and turns in this story that led up to both the art mystery and the murder, and this was a story that I was not able to solve entirely on my own while reading the story. While all the clues were there, some of them were subtle enough that I missed seeing them. And that makes it much more interesting to me than a mystery that I was able to see what was coming well before the ending.
I will admit that at times, I was a little confused and a bit overwhelmed by the amount of art history knowledge within this story, but overall I did find it to be an interesting book that I did enjoy reading. I think that anyone who enjoys reading about art, art history, art symbolism or murder mysteries involving ancient art, would enjoy reading this book.
March 16, 2025
After being strong-armed into attending a Dante event by her boss, art historian Dr. Edna Silvera travels to the village where the celebrations are taking place and somehow ends up accidentally stumbling upon Nando Folli dead in his own antiques store with his pants down.
This bizarre situation just continues to get weirder as Edna, along with her handsome young neighbour, a local council representative, and her nosey older neighbour, helps Officer Bassi figure out what happened to Foli and most importantly - why he died with his pants around his ankles.
The story follows a couple of storylines - what happened to Folli, how he's linked to some other mysterious deaths, and how a seemingly altered piece of Medieval religious artwork ended up in his antique's shop. Folli's murder is sort of secondary to the mystery of this piece of art, which seems to have come from a church altar. Corciolani gives a lot of detail about the history of religious artwork and forgeries throughout the story - I enjoyed this but it could be a little too much if you're looking for a fast-paced thriller. Pentimento Mori is definitely more of a Thursday Murder Club style of murder mystery and great as an easy weekend read.
My full review can be read on Literary Quicksand: https://literaryquicksand.com/2025/03...
I’d like to thank Valeria Corciolani, the author, and Chiara Giacobbe at Kazabo Publishing for providing me with a copy of the book.
This bizarre situation just continues to get weirder as Edna, along with her handsome young neighbour, a local council representative, and her nosey older neighbour, helps Officer Bassi figure out what happened to Foli and most importantly - why he died with his pants around his ankles.
The story follows a couple of storylines - what happened to Folli, how he's linked to some other mysterious deaths, and how a seemingly altered piece of Medieval religious artwork ended up in his antique's shop. Folli's murder is sort of secondary to the mystery of this piece of art, which seems to have come from a church altar. Corciolani gives a lot of detail about the history of religious artwork and forgeries throughout the story - I enjoyed this but it could be a little too much if you're looking for a fast-paced thriller. Pentimento Mori is definitely more of a Thursday Murder Club style of murder mystery and great as an easy weekend read.
My full review can be read on Literary Quicksand: https://literaryquicksand.com/2025/03...
I’d like to thank Valeria Corciolani, the author, and Chiara Giacobbe at Kazabo Publishing for providing me with a copy of the book.
March 8, 2025
Pentimento Mori: An Art History Mystery
By: Valeria Corciolani
Publisher: Kazabo Publishing
Release Date: July 16, 2024
Length: 299 Pages
Triggers: Murder, crime investigation, historical deep dives
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
A Quirky, Brainy Mystery with a Dash of Sass
Valeria Corciolani’s Pentimento Mori is part art lesson, part murder mystery, and all-around fun. Dr. Edna Silvera, a sharp-witted art historian, stumbles across a medieval painting that shouldn’t exist—right before finding the shop owner dead. Now, with the cops side-eyeing her and curiosity getting the best of her, she dives headfirst into a world of forgeries, shady dealers, and academic snobbery.
This book is packed with snarky banter, larger-than-life characters (Edna’s mom is a trip), and fascinating art history tidbits that make you feel like a cultured detective. The murder plot is twisty, the humor lands, and the setting is downright immersive. That said, some historical deep dives slow things down, and the writing gets a little fancy at times.
Perfect For:
📖 Art buffs, history nerds, and cozy mystery lovers
📖 Readers who like their sleuths smart, sassy, and slightly stubborn
Final Thought
A killer blend of art, academia, and amateur sleuthing—with just enough humor to keep it light. Pour yourself a glass of wine and settle in for a fun, artsy ride!
By: Valeria Corciolani
Publisher: Kazabo Publishing
Release Date: July 16, 2024
Length: 299 Pages
Triggers: Murder, crime investigation, historical deep dives
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
A Quirky, Brainy Mystery with a Dash of Sass
Valeria Corciolani’s Pentimento Mori is part art lesson, part murder mystery, and all-around fun. Dr. Edna Silvera, a sharp-witted art historian, stumbles across a medieval painting that shouldn’t exist—right before finding the shop owner dead. Now, with the cops side-eyeing her and curiosity getting the best of her, she dives headfirst into a world of forgeries, shady dealers, and academic snobbery.
This book is packed with snarky banter, larger-than-life characters (Edna’s mom is a trip), and fascinating art history tidbits that make you feel like a cultured detective. The murder plot is twisty, the humor lands, and the setting is downright immersive. That said, some historical deep dives slow things down, and the writing gets a little fancy at times.
Perfect For:
📖 Art buffs, history nerds, and cozy mystery lovers
📖 Readers who like their sleuths smart, sassy, and slightly stubborn
Final Thought
A killer blend of art, academia, and amateur sleuthing—with just enough humor to keep it light. Pour yourself a glass of wine and settle in for a fun, artsy ride!
March 25, 2025
I absolutely love Corciolani's humor and writing style. This book is a fun, cozy, art/history, mystery with a wonderfully relatable main character. Edna, a renowned art historian, wants nothing more than to enjoy a quiet, peaceful existence with her chickens, all named after famous movie starlets like Marilyn and Lollobrigida. As someone who also loves naming her hens after famous divas, I got quite the chuckle.
Already exasperated by, Zara, her eccentric elderly mother, who can't seem to keep a housekeeper to save her life, poor Edna suddenly finds herself the victim of pure circumstance. She stumbles upon a dead body and a highly suspicious, medieval piece of artwork. Edna can't help herself from doing a little sleuthing, and soon finds herself caught up in a mystery far more complex than she anticipated.
The colorful cast of characters, Ottavio who's attire has him resembling the caterpillar from Alice in Wonderland being my favorite, snarky humor, sassy banter, and fascinating details about art restoration made this book such a treat to read. I would love to dive into more of Corciolani's works and sincerely hope to see more of them translated into English in the near future.
Thank you to Kazabo Publishing for the wonderful opportunity to read and review this book.
Already exasperated by, Zara, her eccentric elderly mother, who can't seem to keep a housekeeper to save her life, poor Edna suddenly finds herself the victim of pure circumstance. She stumbles upon a dead body and a highly suspicious, medieval piece of artwork. Edna can't help herself from doing a little sleuthing, and soon finds herself caught up in a mystery far more complex than she anticipated.
The colorful cast of characters, Ottavio who's attire has him resembling the caterpillar from Alice in Wonderland being my favorite, snarky humor, sassy banter, and fascinating details about art restoration made this book such a treat to read. I would love to dive into more of Corciolani's works and sincerely hope to see more of them translated into English in the near future.
Thank you to Kazabo Publishing for the wonderful opportunity to read and review this book.
July 14, 2024
Valeria Corciolani's Pentimento Mori was irresistible to me because it's almost impossible for me to turn down a mystery that deals with any art history. In that respect, this first Edna Silvera mystery is brilliant. In fact, the fascinating nuggets of history and art often outshine the plot. I soaked up each one of Corciolani's factoids, including the significance of colors and pigments in medieval art as well as why Popes bless people with three fingers.
Some of the similes used in Pentimento Mori are a bit clunky and make me think that they sound better in the original Italian, but that didn't stop me from trying to solve the mystery, and it certainly didn't stop me from liking the misanthropic Dr. Edna Silvera with her chickens named after movie stars. There is also quite a bit of humor to be found, and between the mystery, the characters, and the humor, I was reminded of my favorite Italian mystery writer, Andrea Camilleri.
Between the art history and the reminder of Camilleri, I am looking forward to seeing Edna Silvera again. She's the kind of quirky character that I love.
(Review copy courtesy of the publisher)
Some of the similes used in Pentimento Mori are a bit clunky and make me think that they sound better in the original Italian, but that didn't stop me from trying to solve the mystery, and it certainly didn't stop me from liking the misanthropic Dr. Edna Silvera with her chickens named after movie stars. There is also quite a bit of humor to be found, and between the mystery, the characters, and the humor, I was reminded of my favorite Italian mystery writer, Andrea Camilleri.
Between the art history and the reminder of Camilleri, I am looking forward to seeing Edna Silvera again. She's the kind of quirky character that I love.
(Review copy courtesy of the publisher)
February 2, 2025
There have been many times where I would love to be able to read books in their original language. This is one of those times. It is a terrific book. The story shines light on the art world. The characters are well developed and the story moves at a decent pace.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 19, 2025
This was one of the favorite books of the Washington Independent Review of Books in 2024, and it's not surprising. Hilarious, engaging, filled with interesting facts about art history and colorful characters. In a word, Excellent!
December 16, 2025
The reviews were great. I wanted to love this book, but there was too much going on. Would have liked more information on lead character's research into Bosch.
January 22, 2025
An entertaining and educational Artsy mystery
Dr. Edna Silvera is an art historian and semi-retired professor. Aa a favor to her university director, she reluctantly agrees to travel to a neighboring village to assist with a celebration for the author Dante. After a mishap with her car and a tree, Edna finds herself in a curious art and junk store hoping to find something to help her out, but instead she stumbles onto the dead body of Nando, the store owner. That’s not all she finds, however, as tucked away is a panel of a medieval polyptych that appears to be several centuries old. Wanting to know more about this curious piece and finding herself implicated by the local constabulary due to her presence at the crime scene, Edna sneaks the panel home to do more research. Is this potentially invaluable but clearly altered panel the reason for Nando’s demise or are there more nefarious actors at play? Edna enlists the help of her new neighbor’s tech skills to play amateur sleuth to not only clear her name but to potentially catch a murderer.
Pentimento Mori is the first book by Italian author Valeria Corciolani to be translated and released outside of her home country. Blending memorable characters, stunning locales, art history and murder Corciolani takes the reader on an immersive, entertaining, and educational murder mystery. Edna’s bombastic overly dramatic mother and her flamboyant neighbor are just a few of the larger-than-life characters inhabiting this book. These characters only serve to enhance the story and add a bit of comedic relatability to what could have been a very dry narrative. Additionally, I loved the way that that art is the focus of the story and how Edna’s attempts to enhance and restore the panel are described in a way that not only enlightens the reader but also gives depth to and advances the story. Not a big art buff, myself I relished the parts of the book where the art history was discussed. It was enlightening to learn the history of certain colors and how they are produced over the centuries. Looking through Corciolani’s listing of published books to date, I am hopeful that more are translated for a larger audience. After thoroughly enjoying Pentimento Mori, I am looking forward to reading more from this author. Whether it be more of Dr. Silvera and her colorful friend and family or a new cast of characters, I am sure it will not disappoint.
Full disclosure - I was provided an advanced reader’s copy of this book by the author or their representative but have voluntarily provided a review. All opinions are my own
Dr. Edna Silvera is an art historian and semi-retired professor. Aa a favor to her university director, she reluctantly agrees to travel to a neighboring village to assist with a celebration for the author Dante. After a mishap with her car and a tree, Edna finds herself in a curious art and junk store hoping to find something to help her out, but instead she stumbles onto the dead body of Nando, the store owner. That’s not all she finds, however, as tucked away is a panel of a medieval polyptych that appears to be several centuries old. Wanting to know more about this curious piece and finding herself implicated by the local constabulary due to her presence at the crime scene, Edna sneaks the panel home to do more research. Is this potentially invaluable but clearly altered panel the reason for Nando’s demise or are there more nefarious actors at play? Edna enlists the help of her new neighbor’s tech skills to play amateur sleuth to not only clear her name but to potentially catch a murderer.
Pentimento Mori is the first book by Italian author Valeria Corciolani to be translated and released outside of her home country. Blending memorable characters, stunning locales, art history and murder Corciolani takes the reader on an immersive, entertaining, and educational murder mystery. Edna’s bombastic overly dramatic mother and her flamboyant neighbor are just a few of the larger-than-life characters inhabiting this book. These characters only serve to enhance the story and add a bit of comedic relatability to what could have been a very dry narrative. Additionally, I loved the way that that art is the focus of the story and how Edna’s attempts to enhance and restore the panel are described in a way that not only enlightens the reader but also gives depth to and advances the story. Not a big art buff, myself I relished the parts of the book where the art history was discussed. It was enlightening to learn the history of certain colors and how they are produced over the centuries. Looking through Corciolani’s listing of published books to date, I am hopeful that more are translated for a larger audience. After thoroughly enjoying Pentimento Mori, I am looking forward to reading more from this author. Whether it be more of Dr. Silvera and her colorful friend and family or a new cast of characters, I am sure it will not disappoint.
Full disclosure - I was provided an advanced reader’s copy of this book by the author or their representative but have voluntarily provided a review. All opinions are my own
August 26, 2025
If ever a translated work has made me want to learn the language of origin, it’s this one! I’ve been in a weird sort of reading slump since I retired from the library. I’m trying to catch up on my old Goodreads “Want To Read” list and trying to finish a few reviews, including this one. I’ve been a little off mysteries lately, finding them formulaic and not terribly inventive, but then I got to Pentimento Mori.
What an absolute TREAT to read a literate, clever, and humorous mystery featuring a “detective” I would really like to share a coffee with and hear about Hieronymos Bosch.
This is storytelling at its best. Colorful and unexpected characters, witty dialog, and beautifully descriptive narrative that transports you to Italy – all of this whirls together in a story that you will remember for a long time.
I am hopeful that more of this author’s work will be translated. If it’s not, I really will need to learn to read Italian.
Recommended.
What an absolute TREAT to read a literate, clever, and humorous mystery featuring a “detective” I would really like to share a coffee with and hear about Hieronymos Bosch.
This is storytelling at its best. Colorful and unexpected characters, witty dialog, and beautifully descriptive narrative that transports you to Italy – all of this whirls together in a story that you will remember for a long time.
I am hopeful that more of this author’s work will be translated. If it’s not, I really will need to learn to read Italian.
Recommended.
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