The Midwinter Martyr

Giordano Bruno #0.8

by S.J. Parris

The new historical crime thriller from #1 bestseller S. J. Parris, perfect for fans of C. J. Sansom and Hilary MantelVenice, 1576. Giordano Bruno, heretic, philosopher and spy, is on the run from the Inquisition. He flees to Venice, but the beautiful city proves no safe haven.

The killing of an aristocrat and the arrest of his wife and secretary for murder are causing unrest. When an anonymous letter, written in code, proclaims the woman’s innocence, the city’s chief of intelligence employs Bruno to find the writer.

But the death is mired in a tangle of dangerous secrets, and Bruno soon learns there are some very powerful people who will stop at nothing to suppress the truth…

READERS LOVE S. J. PARRIS…‘Top class historical crime’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

‘Another fantastic historical thriller from master of the Elizabethan mystery’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

‘A straight 5* for me! A very compelling novel I highly recommend’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

‘I loved the characters. The only bad thing I have to say about this book is that it kept me reading way past midnight’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

‘The richly detailed Elizabethan setting and clever twists kept me hooked from start to finish’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

‘The murder mystery is layered with political intrigue, keeping you second-guessing every revelation’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

‘Excellently researched, great plot, beautiful execution. I love the combination of historical menace and a thriller’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

‘SJ Parris does it again’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

‘I didn't know who to trust or who to believe the whole way along’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

‘Another glorious dive into the murky world of Elizabethan spies and lies’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

S. J. Parris's book Alchemy was a Sunday Times bestseller w/c 03-07-2023

S. J. Parris's book 'Traitor’s Legacy' was a Sunday Times bestseller w/c 2025-05-12.

S. J. Parris's book 'Traitor’s Legacy' was a Sunday Times bestseller w/c 2025-05-12.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Mystery, Fiction, Historical Mystery, Historical

175 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 20, 2025

About the author

Pseudonym 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.

Reviews

[Leah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Giordano Bruno is on the run from the Inquisition, who believe he’s a heretic – rightly. His friend has helped him to escape from Naples to Venice, and has given him an introduction to a book-printer, Aldo Manuzio. Bruno hopes Aldo will give him employment of some kind, and secretly hopes Aldo might one day publish the manuscript he’s been working on. But Aldo has been told of Bruno’s skill in cryptography, so he sends him to Zuan Marin, chief cryptologist to the Venetian government, and a kind of self-appointed investigator and spymaster.

Marin’s current concern is over the impending trial of the wife of a prominent politician, Signora Valeria Fornarini, accused of poisoning her husband. Marin has received an enciphered anonymous letter claiming that Valeria and the man accused of being her lover and accomplice are innocent and have been set up by powerful forces within the state. Marin has to play it carefully – powerful as he is, he still can’t afford to make enemies unless he’s sure of his case. So Bruno agrees to help him in his investigation…

This is a novella, but a substantial one that feels like a fully-formed short novel. It takes us back to before most of the books in the series, to 1576, when Bruno has just left the monastery where he was caught reading forbidden books. So he’s a young man, already with a reputation as an original thinker among a small select group of friends, but with no published work yet and therefore not widely known. This makes it possible for him to hide under an assumed identity in Venice. And of course he has not yet become an agent of Walsingham, as he will once he flees to England.

The Venice setting is evoked brilliantly, as a city more mired in good old-fashioned corruption than religious division – a Republic that claims to be run along democratic lines, but where in reality a few rich, powerful families control the ruling council. Parris suggests that the Inquisition had agents in Venice, but their influence was tempered by the Republic’s fierce independence – unlike in Spanish-ruled Naples, where their power was far more overt. Through the inclusion of Aldo, the printer, she also shows a somewhat more liberal attitude towards the printing of texts that would have been deemed heretical in areas under more direct Inquisitorial rule, although only to a degree – publishers had to be wary not to offend the powerful in either church or politics.

So it’s a safer place for Bruno, but only if he keeps his head down and stays incognito. But his investigations soon have him clashing with at least one powerful family, and he can’t be sure how far Marin will be prepared to offer him protection…

The murder plot is very well done too, with far more depth and complexity than the short length led me to expect. I’m not going to get into it too deeply for fear of spoilers, but we see how little justice there is in this time – guilt and innocence are decided for political purposes, and torture is used to extract confessions to cover up for lack of evidence. Parris also incorporates a couple of our contemporary concerns, the restrictions placed on women and prejudice against homosexuality, but she keeps these themes fully within the time-setting of the book – no anachronistic attitudes on display!

Apart from Bruno, there are several good, well-developed characters, including Valeria herself and Chiara, Aldo’s sister-in-law, who produces an early form of newspaper published by Aldo’s press – under pretence of being a man, of course, since women would not be taken seriously in that role. She is passionate about the corruption in the Republic, and is constantly on the verge of getting the press closed down. Again Parris gives both these female characters strong personalities, but doesn’t turn them into 21st century feminists.

I expected this to be a tempting little morsel between ‘proper’ books, but it turned out to be just as satisfying as her longer novels. I found it engrossing and credible, and it provided yet another fascinating and authentic picture of Venice to add to the many fictional visits I’ve had there this year. I also enjoyed going back to Bruno’s beginnings, so to speak, and seeing him before he made his name. It would work well as an introduction to the series for new readers, and it’s a real treat for existing fans – highly recommended!

NB This book was provided for review by the publisher, HarperCollins via NetGalley.

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[Mark Redman · Rating 4 out of 5]

A clever and atmospheric mystery with a slight slow patch

The Midwinter Martyr by S. J. Parris is a delightful novella featuring Giordano Bruno. It's just the kind of book I love curling up with on a chilly evening—full of rich atmosphere, clever twists, and enough political intrigue to keep you eager to turn the pages. Parris has a wonderful talent for immersing you right into the grit and tension of the period, and I found myself completely absorbed in the story within just a few chapters.

The central mystery is truly captivating without ever feeling like it’s trying too hard, and Bruno’s blend of sharp reasoning and relatable human flaws really helps ground the story. I also appreciated how the book blends real historical details with fictional suspense—it never feels like a history lesson, but you still get that warm, immersive sense of time and place.

That said, I’m giving it four stars instead of five because the plot slows down a bit in the middle, especially around the secondary conspiracy thread. A couple of chapters felt a bit repetitive, circling the same revelations without much new progress, which made me wish the pace would pick up. When it finally does, the payoff is satisfying—it just takes a little longer than I was hoping for.

All in all, it’s a smart, atmospheric read with a memorable mystery at its heart. If you’re a fan of historical thrillers that create a strong sense of place and feature a well-developed protagonist, this is definitely a book worth enjoying.

[Kimmy C · Rating 5 out of 5]

For those of you who think it’s been a long time between drinks - a novella featuring Giordano Bruno doing what he does best: sailing close to the wind, making friends and not a few enemies, and solving a crime.
In Venice a businessman has died, and his wife and her alleged lover, his assistant, are accused of the crime. Then: in a cypher only known to the deceased, a note in a drop box stating that they are innocent of the charges. So Bruno is charged with finding the proof.
An interesting twist to the story makes this a quick but enjoyable read, although as a fan of the genre (avid reader of the adventures of Matthew Shardlake, Cesare Aldo, and Giordano Bruno), I did find it confusing that the first person Bruno came into contact with was called Aldo (no, not *that* Aldo), as I’d recently finished the latest Cesare book. But that’s on me for not being so varied in my reading tastes.

[Sleepy Book Lover · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley for this eARC.

I love Giordano Bruno as a character, particularly his need to root out the truth and do good in a world that makes it very hard for him to do so. The internal struggles he undergoes make him so endearing and compelling to read about. Chiara was an enjoyable side character, as were Innocenzo and Valeria.

The setting of Venice was luscious and dark, and the webs of political power were finely wrought. I liked how solving the murder wasn’t the ending—there were political implications to wrap up too. Realistically this could have been fleshed out to a whole novel, but nonetheless the conclusion was satisfying.

Overall, a short but sweet read perfect for the festive season!

[Eva · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t often read novellas or short stories and I most certainly never give them 5 stars as they somehow never feel quite finished. But this is S.J. Parris so what’s a girl to do? Be most pleasantly surprised, is what.

A wealthy woman and a servant are accused of murder. Recently arrived in Venice, Giordano Bruno finds himself wanting to help prove someone else is responsible. Obviously to impress a young lady because Bruno wouldn’t be Bruno if he weren’t crushing on someone, apparently.

‘The Midwinter Martyr‘ might just be a novella but it doesn’t feel like that at all. It has a well developed plot to sink your teeth into and, as it’s a prequel, it gives the reader a better sense of where Giordano Bruno came from. The murder mystery held my attention throughout. I was unable to figure out what happened or who was responsible. I also thoroughly enjoyed the descriptions of Venice, and definitely came away with feeling like I had read a full 350 page novel. More please!

[Nick Phillips · Rating 4 out of 5]

I know I need to read more of the main Bruno series, they sit accusingly on my bookshelf, but I do like to read stories in chronological order rather than the order in which they may have been written so this series of tales from Bruno's early life, detailing his falling out with Rome and travels through Italy sit perfectly in the reading timeline.

as an early New Year's resolution I shall resolve to read the next main narrative Bruno novel some time in 2026.

This book? it's great, read it.

[John Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I first joined Goodreads many moons ago and had to list my favourite authors, SJ Parris was one for her Giordano Bruno series that I had started reading. Now, all these years later, I have just read the latest episode and those intervening years have simply disappeared.

Bruno's wanderings have brought the 28 year old by boat on a foggy evening, to St Marks Square in Venice. The year is 1576.

Venice is ruled by The Doge and his close circle known as 'The Ten'. Any threat against the status quo is rooted out and crushed.

It is in this air of suspicion and intrigue that Bruno finds himself drawn to try to help a servant and noblewoman awaiting a trial and expected execution after the death of her husband. Bruno's fear of a cover up and injustice encourages him on to try and find the real murderer while, all the time watching his own back for agents of The Inquistion from whom he escaped some years previously.

The author creates the damp misty atmosphere of the city of alleyways and canals with great effect and as usual, her characters all come to life in the story.  This time I found that I managed to follow the story through the intrigue and was only sorry that it ended so soon. Was it shorter than usual or was it that I enjoyed it so much that I read it faster.

Thoroughly enjoyed it as I knew I would .


21st November 2025

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book from S J Parris, featuring the irrepressible Giordano Bruno, in what amounts to a prequel to most of the other books in the Bruno series. It was good to see Bruno in his early years – this appears to be set just after his flight from the inquisition. This was just a short book – a novella – but it was a great read. As Ms Parris is a past master of this genre, there is little more to say as this book more than meets the high standard her previous works. A highly recommended read, if you enjoy well-plotted, historically accurate historical mystery fiction, with superb characterisation and perfect pacing.

Thanks to Netgalley for an ARC of this book in return for an unbiased review.

[Jo-anne Atkinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Giordano Bruno is on the run. After escaping the Inquisition in Naples he is in Venice with little more than a recommendation from a trusted friend. This is 1576 and Venice is not a safe place for anyone. Bruno is asked to help out the intelligencer of the Doge by looking into a crime involving a friend of his new acquaintances but he is led into danger at every turn.
This is not a new Giordano Bruno novel, it is a novella with an incident from Bruno's earlier imagined life which does fill in a couple of gaps from the earlier novels. As always it is a wonderfully researched story with lots of background into the politics of the Venetian State. I do feel it is rather rushed to fit into the novella format but even a shortened tale by Parris is better than most in the genre!

[Charlotte reads history · Rating 4 out of 5]

Proof that you don’t need 500 pages for a twisty, satisfying historical mystery.

I’m a big fan of the Giordano Bruno series of Elizabethan mysteries by S. J. Parris - and this glimpse into Bruno’s past set in Venice in the depth of winter was just what I needed.

I raced through this novella that follows Bruno on the run from the Inquisition. When an aristocrat is murdered and an anonymous letter proclaims the wife’s innocence, our philosopher turns spy in the hunt for the real killer.

Venice in the winter fog was so atmospheric and the world building as usual was fantastic and adds so much to the story. The plot was incredibly well developed and twisty for its 175 pages.

Do you like dipping into a character’s past, or do you prefer stories set later in a series timeline?

[Richard D · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my second Giordano Bruno read, and I enjoyed it even more than The Dead of Winter. It’s a novella rather than a full-length novel, but there’s plenty of atmosphere and intrigue to make this genuinely hard to put down.

Giordano is now on the run from the Inquisition and is attempting to keep a low profile. Inevitably, he fails and soon finds himself trying to uncover the truth behind the death of an aristocrat. There are codes, Venice, and a murder mystery; altogether rather delightful.

[Lucy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Midwinter Martyr by S.J. Parris brings Giordano Bruno back to 16th-century Italy in another gripping historical mystery. This time, Bruno is on the hunt for the writer of a coded letter—a quest that quickly entangles him in a dangerous murder investigation.

I love this series,, and The Midwinter Martyr doesn’t disappoint - it keeps you guessing until the very end.

(Copilot assisted me with the writing of this review – based on very specific prompts taken from my notes of reading the book).

[Tailsmo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another investigation with a younger Bruno, travelling with him to Venice in the year that he ran from the monastery. He uses his skills in cryptography and investigation to unravel a murder plot, and we get insights into how his character develops. I really enjoyed this book, which I listened to on Audible narrated by Daniel Philpott. I hope there will be many more adventures with Bruno yet to come, either post-Prague, or looking back to his life pre-Oxford.

[Joshkun Mehmet · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another outstanding addition to the Giordano Bruno series by a truly gifted author.

Readers are transported to 16th-century Venice, where an aristocrat’s wife and her alleged lover are arrested for his murder. Bruno is drawn into the investigation as it becomes clear that powerful figures are determined to suppress the truth.

The author once again delivers gripping historical crime fiction, rich in intrigue and mystery, and an absolute joy to read.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

As all books in the series, this novel was excellent! Even in so few pages (172), th plot remained full of tension and suspenseful. This is not the case of short novels! I loved it!
A short but very worthwhile novel!
I received a digital copy of this novel from NetGalley and I have voluntarily written an honest review.

[Alan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating 4

Really enjoyed this novella. Thought it created a nicely atmospheric Venice for Bruno to attract more trouble in.
The mystery itself was nicely told, deliberately paced, good resolution to the story.
Definitely recommend for reader who have enjoyed either the previous novellas or the full novels.

[Medh · Rating 5 out of 5]

That was well worth the five or so hours of listening. Mystery solved, loose ends mostly wrapped up and best of all Bruno gets to live with an attractive woman presumably with attendant benefits even if for a short time. Parris manages to pack in some twists and surprises even into the shorter format and enough historical and geographical features to make it even more interesting.

[Ed · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have enjoyed all of the Bruno novels and short stories and this was no exception, a great plot that kept you guessing till the end and good cast of characters with Bruno the star , look forward to his next adventure.

[Richard Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Midwinter Martyr is a prequel novella to S.J. Parris’s acclaimed Giordano Bruno series, transporting readers to 1576 Venice. Having not read any of the series, I found this short book to be very good and hope to read some of the earlier books at some point.

[Jennifer Mcarthur · Rating 2 out of 5]

Kindle did not make me aware this was part of a novella series.

Writing style felt extremely dull.

[Tracey Sinclair · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable novella set in Venice featuring Bruno as a younger man.

[Jeremy Jl · Rating 4 out of 5]

First time to read one in this series and it certainly won't be the last,

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

S J Parris and Bruno Giardino….always brilliant.

[Sarah Burton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Despite its length this book is full of atmospheric intrigue.
A great quick read

[Deborah Slater · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great book and storyline

Yet another book that I couldn't put down, and such a great storyline.
Can't wait to start the next one.