The Cameo Keeper

Tofana #4

by Deborah Swift

Rome 1644: A Novel of Love, Power, and Poison

Remember tonight... for it is the beginning of always ― Dante Alighieri

In the heart of Rome, the conclave is choosing a new Pope, and whoever wins will determine the fate of the Eternal City.

Astrologer Mia and her fiancé Jacopo, a physician at the Santo Spirito Hospital, plan to marry, but the election result is a shock and changes everything..

As Pope Innocent X takes the throne, he brings along his sister-in-law, the formidable Donna Olimpia Maidalchini, known as La Papessa – the female Pope. When Mia is offered a position as her personal astrologer, she and Jacopo find themselves on opposite sides of the most powerful family in Rome.

Mia is determined to protect her mother, Giulia Tofana, a renowned poisoner. But with La Papessa obsessed with bringing Giulia to justice, Mia and Jacopo's love is put to the ultimate test.

As the new dawn of Renaissance medicine emerges, Mia must navigate the dangerous political landscape of Rome while trying to protect her family and her heart. Will she be able to save her mother, or will she lose everything she holds dear?

For fans of "The Borgias" and "The Crown," this gripping tale of love, power, and poison will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

'historical fiction that is brisk, fresh and bristling with intrigue' – Bookmarked Reviews ★★★★★ 

364 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 11, 2025

About the author

I am a novelist living in the Lake District in England. I write historical fiction but read widely - contemporary and classic fiction. I choose my books carefully, so I don't read many duds. If I do, they are not reviewed here, as a gesture of respect to other writers.

I blog at my website
www.deborahswift.com

Reviews

[Marie Z Johansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Hit

This book is such an excellent read! Sixteenth century Rome is featured in this book but some the characters will be familiar if you have red other books in the Giulia Tofana series). I styes up late reading and am now sorry that the book ended! Bravo Deborah Swift-again!

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is set in Rome just after they’ve selected a new Pope. The new Pope’s sister in law is a huge influence.
Mia and her boyfriend hope to marry but the election of a new Pope changes everything.
This book is full of intrigue and romance.

[Anne-Mammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is much to like in this novel taking place in the 17th century in Rome and the Vatican. It's the 4th novel around the poisoner Giulia Tofana and her family and is exciting in parts. Many of the main characters are actual historical figures and Deborah Swift's helpful appendix describing what we know of them today is very informative. The intrigue revolves around struggles for power in Rome and the Vatican between major noble families. What I found particularly interesting is the picture the book gives us of medical knowledge and treatments of the time. We are at a time where science as we understand it today is slowly replacing superstition and empirical remedies.
The reason I only give it 4 stars is mostly to do with the relationship between the 2 main characters Jacopo, the well meaning but rather weak physician and Mia, the strong-willed, determined herbalist. So much of their heartache could have been avoided if they had spoken more openly to each other. As a result , the beginning of the book is not as exciting ad the second half. Ms Swift depiction of the pivotal way Jacopo changes during his stay at the "Do good" hospital is extremely convincing.
I do recommend reading this book. It is a stand alone story, but it is probably better to read the series in the right order to fully appreciate the background and development of the characters.

[Terry Tyler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never a disappointment, a book by Deborah Swift. I've read the others in the series and they're all stand-alone. I know this because I have a terrible memory but I didn't have any unanswered questions. The Cameo Keeper made me want to read the other books again; knowing what happens next makes everything that comes before mean so much more.

Now, to the book! This one sees astrologer Mia living with stepmother Giulia and her new husband, in Rome. Mia falls in with the wrong people, lured by glitter, which leads to the increasing distance between her and young chirurgion Jacopo.

A powerful woman, a new Pope, a malevolent colleague of Jacopo's, money, murder and fear of the Inquisition provide splendid material for the plot to play with, with intrigue and ghastly secrets around every corner.

As usual with the author's books, the research into the life and work of the people she portrays (many of the key players were based on actual people) is immaculate; in this book I felt as though I was heariing from an apothecary who lived in those days, so convincing was it. Fascinating, too. I loved reading about the practices of the day and how, already, natural remedies were being demonised in favour of scientific discovery/experiment, for the financial benefit of the latter.

Definitely recommend this one!

[Elizabeth John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vivid, Engaging, and Beautifully Researched

Deborah Swift’s The Cameo Keeper is a wonderfully immersive journey into Rome in 1644, brought to life with her trademark depth of research and eye for atmospheric detail. From the intrigue surrounding the papal election to the imposing presence of Donna Olimpia Maidalchini—La Papessa—Swift captures a world where loyalty and survival often collide.

At the heart of the story is Mia, an astrologer whose new role in La Papessa’s household places her dangerously close to the pursuit of her own mother, the infamous poisoner Giulia Tofana. Mia’s struggle to balance love, duty, and truth—especially as her fiancé Jacopo is drawn into the same political storm—creates an emotional core that feels honest and compelling.

Swift’s Rome is richly textured: bustling hospitals, shadowed alleyways, and the charged atmosphere of the Vatican all feel vividly real. The characters, too, are layered and human, shaped as much by their private fears as by the turbulent politics around them.

The Cameo Keeper is both gripping and heartfelt; a thoughtful, engaging read for anyone who loves historical fiction that blends accuracy, tension, and emotional warmth. A highly rewarding novel.

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Swift usually delivers excellent historical fiction novels. Set in later Renaissance Rome, this novel continues the story of the herbalists TOFANA who also concocted poison to assist women to escape abusive marriages. Medical practice, primitive by today’s standards, struggled to escape superstition and apply scientific methods. Astronomy, astrology and tarot card reading is also practiced. Herbalist, astronomer and astrologist, Mia is star crossed with Jacobi, a physician. Their story is interesting but doesn’t thrill the reader. This is not Swift’s best work, but nonetheless very readable.

[Nina Romano · Rating 4 out of 5]

So much has already been said about this fourth book, The Cameo Keeper, in the Giulia Tofana Series that I don't feel the necessity to rehash the sory in a review. I found the novel interesting due to the solid writing of the author, Deborah Swift. However, for some reason, the characterization of the players just didn't resonate as strongly with me as in the three previous books. Would I recommend the book? Absolutely! I thoroughly enjoy all the historical details that Swift covers in each of her fictions. She's a master historical writer.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

A grest novel weaving together historical fiction and hictorical events, beliefs and characters. This makes a fascinating storyline with a lot of action, many surprises, a touch of romance and convincing characters. I loved reading about the medical knowledge, therapies in the 1660's set in Rome where pontifical power was fiercely disputed. A very gripping and enthralling novel!

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in Rome during the mid 17th century the book is oozing with atmospheric details.

If you would like to read my full review please visit my blog at:

https://leftontheshelfbookblog.blogsp...

[Lauren Sophia · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5