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Kate Benedict #3
The Florentine Cypher
KATE SEES AURAS THAT PREDICT DEATH...in Carrie Bedford’s slightly psychic take on the traditional British mystery all wrapped up in a DaVinci Code-like puzzle…LOOK OUT, DEATH! YOU CAN RUN, BUT YOU CAN'T HIDE!
London architect Kate Benedict’s weekend begins with “Follow that cab!” and takes us off and running on an international adventure, ticking off picturesque locales from London to a Venetian palace and the Tuscan countryside, pausing just long enough for a quick tour of Florence’s Duomo, with danger dogging every step.
What began as a quiet Friday night dinner date with an old childhood friend turns into a manhunt when Kate arrives at the rendezvous just in time to find her friend Ethan leaving in a taxi. Kate is alarmed to see the distinctive swirling pattern above his head that only she can see, and that she has come to recognize as a portent of imminent and mortal danger. When Ethan’s disappearance is followed by a series of cryptic text messages, Kate goes looking for him at his sister’s house in Florence, Italy, but it’s immediately clear that whatever danger threatened Ethan in London has followed Kate to Italy--his sister Claire has a matching aura! Soon Kate and Claire are on the run, constantly watched and followed, repeatedly threatened and attacked … never knowing who they can trust. Apparently not even the carabinieri, who are now following them also!
An ancient book that was given to Claire and Ethan’s grandfather after the close of World War II holds the key to Ethan’s disappearance and the source of the danger indicated by Claire’s ever-present aura. Until all the pieces come together – the book, a hidden key, a diagram, and a cypher that Kate will need help decoding – Kate and her friends are safe; but then their tormentors – whoever they are – will have no reason to keep them alive.
“I thoroughly enjoyed the fast-paced action and exotic locales of The Florentine Cipher. It is an edge-of-your-seat page turner.” --Terri Reid, author of the Mary O’Reilly Paranormal Mystery Series.
"An intense, edge of your seat mystery, with just the right amount of paranormal twist I'm always looking for.”
--
M.P. McDonald, author of the Mark Taylor Mystery Series
WHO ELSE WILL LIKE IT: Anyone looking for a new, fresh female sleuth, as well as fans of paranormal suspense, traditional (yet not too cozy) stories, contemporary British women detectives like the ones found on the BBC’s ROSEMARY AND THYME and MURDER IN SUBURBIA, and mysteries with a metaphysical twist, like Kay Hooper’s Bishop Files series, Iris Johansen’s THE PERFECT WITNESS, and Heather Graham’s Krewe of Hunters books.
350 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 30, 2016
433 people are currently reading
331 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
September 14, 2019
Review under box set
July 14, 2022
This is part of a series, where the heroine can see other's auras, especially when they are close to dying. Kate is to meet Leo for dinner, yet when she gets to his office he is rushing into a cab, with hiss assistant Ben, and the both has the aura of death. She tries to follow ,but gets cut off in traffic. She receives a weird text that gives her mixed messages, and she finally heads to Florence to track down his sister, and see her father. She is robbed, shot at, attacked, and kidnapped, her friend is with her for most of it. They still cannot locate her brother..plus now his sister has a death aura.. The story is fast paced as she follows the next clue to the puzzle. Is the Cardinal lying, or is the art dealer, and boy friend of her travel companion dirty. They are nearly captured, and killed, then released, only to find the terror is not over. The head detective they have been trusting seems to be playing both sides, or is he ? It all revolves a book, an unusually ornate key, a map, and a legend. Nazi's had stolen millions of Jewish works of art , and had a vault built with a complex puzzle that was totally secure.. It seems that anyone's death, is not as important, as the treasure. The ending was very good. I gave it a four because the two female characters ran around different Italian cities, but seemed to run into constant dangerous roadblocks, The only man they could trust was the one that was missing. It was a good mystery though. lots of action.
June 2, 2018
The Florentine Cypher (Kate Benedict #3)
by Carrie Bedford
Once again Bedford delivers a truly exciting mystery. In this episode, Josh is away on business, and Kate is going to meet a long-time family friend, Ethan, for dinner. As she is going to his office, she sees him run out of the building, jump into a taxi and speed away, being followed closely by another man who also ran out of Ethan's office building. And, of course, she was close enough to see that Ethan had an aura. She debates whether to follow him, but decides not to make any assumptions that he is in immediate danger. Later she gets a text from him, asking her to bring a particular book he'd found in the attic after his father's recent death. She goes to the restaurant, but Ethan never shows up. Much later, she gets another text, asking her to take the book to his sister, Claire, in Florence. It's the weekend, so Kate decides to visit her father in Florence and take the book to Claire. She thinks she'll have a nice weekend visit in Italy and still be back in London in time for work the next week. When she arrives in Florence, she is attacked and the book is stolen from her. Luckily, she had looked through the book and found the key and a couple of documents hidden inside. Those were tucked safely into her bag. She takes them to Claire, who doesn't know what they are any more than Kate does, and to top it off, Claire has an aura, too.
From there we have a thrilling dash through the Italian countryside that features attacks, chases, kidnappings, escapes, rescues that are kidnappings in disguise, long-lost and stolen works of art, ghosts (including Sister Chiara), a family feud that endangers Kate and her two friends, as well as everyone with whom they come into contact. And the climactic end is not the end, as the story of the book, the "Della Pittura," and the secrets it protected continue to unravel.
I didn't find any editing or proofing errors. The writing is consistent, paced well, and the entire story flows well. The characters are well fleshed out. I found Claire to be a pain in the butt, and extremely fickle, pretty naive, but she did have useful information regarding the artwork involved. Other than that, her only purpose in the story seemed to be bringing the Dante character more to the forefront, and to vacillate between seeming to be friendly and willing to help and then reverting to that mean girl everyone knew in high school. Why Kate felt obligated to help her -- other than because she was Ethan's sister -- is beyond me.
So it was an enjoyable read.
by Carrie Bedford
Once again Bedford delivers a truly exciting mystery. In this episode, Josh is away on business, and Kate is going to meet a long-time family friend, Ethan, for dinner. As she is going to his office, she sees him run out of the building, jump into a taxi and speed away, being followed closely by another man who also ran out of Ethan's office building. And, of course, she was close enough to see that Ethan had an aura. She debates whether to follow him, but decides not to make any assumptions that he is in immediate danger. Later she gets a text from him, asking her to bring a particular book he'd found in the attic after his father's recent death. She goes to the restaurant, but Ethan never shows up. Much later, she gets another text, asking her to take the book to his sister, Claire, in Florence. It's the weekend, so Kate decides to visit her father in Florence and take the book to Claire. She thinks she'll have a nice weekend visit in Italy and still be back in London in time for work the next week. When she arrives in Florence, she is attacked and the book is stolen from her. Luckily, she had looked through the book and found the key and a couple of documents hidden inside. Those were tucked safely into her bag. She takes them to Claire, who doesn't know what they are any more than Kate does, and to top it off, Claire has an aura, too.
From there we have a thrilling dash through the Italian countryside that features attacks, chases, kidnappings, escapes, rescues that are kidnappings in disguise, long-lost and stolen works of art, ghosts (including Sister Chiara), a family feud that endangers Kate and her two friends, as well as everyone with whom they come into contact. And the climactic end is not the end, as the story of the book, the "Della Pittura," and the secrets it protected continue to unravel.
I didn't find any editing or proofing errors. The writing is consistent, paced well, and the entire story flows well. The characters are well fleshed out. I found Claire to be a pain in the butt, and extremely fickle, pretty naive, but she did have useful information regarding the artwork involved. Other than that, her only purpose in the story seemed to be bringing the Dante character more to the forefront, and to vacillate between seeming to be friendly and willing to help and then reverting to that mean girl everyone knew in high school. Why Kate felt obligated to help her -- other than because she was Ethan's sister -- is beyond me.
So it was an enjoyable read.
October 10, 2018
An engrossing, enchanting mystery!
Since this is the first book of Ms. Bedford that I picked up to read without knowing what to expect, I was overjoyed to discover that I was totally charmed by not only the intriguing title of the book but also by the way the story develops, the characters and the picturesque description of the various Italian places and people.
The book also highlights the ill effects of unhealthy rivalry between siblings and upholds the fact that life can be beautiful when there is love and harmony between people.
When elements of paranormal such as auras and ghosts are thrown into the mix, it creates a brilliant book that accords an exceptional reading experience! A smooth flowing narrative and well etched characters add to the charisma of the book.
I have decided to look up more books by this author and read them all!
Since this is the first book of Ms. Bedford that I picked up to read without knowing what to expect, I was overjoyed to discover that I was totally charmed by not only the intriguing title of the book but also by the way the story develops, the characters and the picturesque description of the various Italian places and people.
The book also highlights the ill effects of unhealthy rivalry between siblings and upholds the fact that life can be beautiful when there is love and harmony between people.
When elements of paranormal such as auras and ghosts are thrown into the mix, it creates a brilliant book that accords an exceptional reading experience! A smooth flowing narrative and well etched characters add to the charisma of the book.
I have decided to look up more books by this author and read them all!
December 3, 2018
A mystical mystery
Best read in order, this series is very entertaining. This particular book involves two police departments from 2 countries, missing art, and brothers with an agenda that concerns great masters and the missing artworks from WWII. My only beef, and this has nothing to do with the writing, was Kate's inability to tell Claire off for being a self centered, self righteous, b#@$h. Claire had no problem guilting Kate all through the book, making Kate look weak and afraid to stand up for herself. In the previous books, she is strong and takes care of herself. I get her concerns about Claire's brother, but she totally put off her own responsibilities. Hope in the next novel she has grown a pair.
Best read in order, this series is very entertaining. This particular book involves two police departments from 2 countries, missing art, and brothers with an agenda that concerns great masters and the missing artworks from WWII. My only beef, and this has nothing to do with the writing, was Kate's inability to tell Claire off for being a self centered, self righteous, b#@$h. Claire had no problem guilting Kate all through the book, making Kate look weak and afraid to stand up for herself. In the previous books, she is strong and takes care of herself. I get her concerns about Claire's brother, but she totally put off her own responsibilities. Hope in the next novel she has grown a pair.
January 4, 2020
THE FLORENTINE CYPHER
To have dinner with Ethan, and he’s not in his office, or answering text messages. Finally a text, that didn’t make any sense, to get a book. He wasn’t in his apt, yet, window was opened and rain coming in. Ethan was eccentric,, I felt like I was protector for him, of what was going on around him. In a cab, going to her father’s place, a false road sign, and her bag was taken. Then another attempt to get her handbag, they are wanting the key. Well, thought out mystery, that has a lot of twist to it. Where is ?Ethan and how was he involved. An usual series, that gets deeper with each book, will be looking for more by her. The plots are different and interesting. Like the nun told her, she was willing to risk it, to ha e save someone.
To have dinner with Ethan, and he’s not in his office, or answering text messages. Finally a text, that didn’t make any sense, to get a book. He wasn’t in his apt, yet, window was opened and rain coming in. Ethan was eccentric,, I felt like I was protector for him, of what was going on around him. In a cab, going to her father’s place, a false road sign, and her bag was taken. Then another attempt to get her handbag, they are wanting the key. Well, thought out mystery, that has a lot of twist to it. Where is ?Ethan and how was he involved. An usual series, that gets deeper with each book, will be looking for more by her. The plots are different and interesting. Like the nun told her, she was willing to risk it, to ha e save someone.
January 12, 2025
Kate, our architect is just pulling up to her good friend Ethan's work. She is surprised to see him suddenly leave in a taxi. There is no text of him cancelling their dinner date. No call either. Soon after, she receives a cryptic text asking her to get a book and yet another to go to Italy with it to his sisters home. She is robbed of the book before arriving.
Kate and Claire are old but estranged friends. Ethan is suspiciously a no-show. As so begins an intrigue of stolen ancient books, coded encryptions, and rare keys where violent people will not stop until they get it all.
Ever present, will Kate actually make it to that very important, career changing meeting on time or will her need to help distinguish those Auras sabotage everything?
Kate and Claire are old but estranged friends. Ethan is suspiciously a no-show. As so begins an intrigue of stolen ancient books, coded encryptions, and rare keys where violent people will not stop until they get it all.
Ever present, will Kate actually make it to that very important, career changing meeting on time or will her need to help distinguish those Auras sabotage everything?
May 10, 2019
This series is such a great find
Carrie Bedford it's very accomplished in drawing in the reader. I had trouble putting it down. It's obvious Carrie has lived in Italy and researched the hidden relics stories.
Kate Benedict is again pulled into a fast paced mystery following the death foretelling auras she can see. By bringing in to the story her past friendship with friends from high school, Carrie is creating a richer character. I certainly wasn't sure who were villains and who would be the ones to save Kate and her friends, Ethan and Claire.
This is a great read that keeps you drawn in until the very last word.
Carrie Bedford it's very accomplished in drawing in the reader. I had trouble putting it down. It's obvious Carrie has lived in Italy and researched the hidden relics stories.
Kate Benedict is again pulled into a fast paced mystery following the death foretelling auras she can see. By bringing in to the story her past friendship with friends from high school, Carrie is creating a richer character. I certainly wasn't sure who were villains and who would be the ones to save Kate and her friends, Ethan and Claire.
This is a great read that keeps you drawn in until the very last word.
May 1, 2020
A missed dinner date, a man who may have been her friend disappearing in a taxi, and someone may have broken into her friend's apartment.
So, with all this happening, Kate goes off to alert the police of possible break and enter, as well as a missing person.
Next with a couple of cryptic messages, Kate is flying off to Florence where things really become hectic.
Yes, Kate is still seeing auras, and use she did glimpse one over the head of the person, she believed was her friend in the Taxi cab.
So, another hectic chase, across Italy, with possible assassins in pursuit. Good stuff!
So, with all this happening, Kate goes off to alert the police of possible break and enter, as well as a missing person.
Next with a couple of cryptic messages, Kate is flying off to Florence where things really become hectic.
Yes, Kate is still seeing auras, and use she did glimpse one over the head of the person, she believed was her friend in the Taxi cab.
So, another hectic chase, across Italy, with possible assassins in pursuit. Good stuff!
September 30, 2022
It is an emergency! Kate saw an Aura over her brothers best friend an runs to his aid.
Kate was to have dinner with her brothers best friend. Ethan and his sister had been a neighbor of theirs in their childhood and had stood up for Leo at his wedding. When she saw the hated Aura over his head as he was racing for a taxi she went in rescue mode. Before it was over she had been drug into an international smuggling ring and both Ethan and his sister were in danger. Great read very exciting from start to finish.
Kate was to have dinner with her brothers best friend. Ethan and his sister had been a neighbor of theirs in their childhood and had stood up for Leo at his wedding. When she saw the hated Aura over his head as he was racing for a taxi she went in rescue mode. Before it was over she had been drug into an international smuggling ring and both Ethan and his sister were in danger. Great read very exciting from start to finish.
December 19, 2018
I love this series. Kate Benedict is a wonderful character. I started this series with book 4 which takes place in Scotland which is why I choose to read it. I was unsure about the Death Aura thing but gave the book a try. I was hooked and have now read books 1-3 too. I would recommend giving this series a try even if like me you are sceptical of the aura thing :-) I hope there will be a book 5 and I hope Carrie Bedford takes us to another wonderful city Ireland would be fun just saying.
March 13, 2021
This is book three in a bundle "Kate Benedict Cozy British Mysteries Vol 1-4" that Goodreads can't seem to find, but which exists on my Kindle. I guess I'll have to enter each volume separately.
Kate's friend Ethan texts her to bring him a book from his safe, but he never shows up to receive it. Then she gets another message telling her to take the book to his sister in Italy, where her father also lives. The book contains a strange key, and a coded message of some kind. But Ethan is still missing, and several other people are also after the book and the key. Kate goes from danger to danger, never knowing who is trustworthy. A little convoluted, but an interesting read.
Kate's friend Ethan texts her to bring him a book from his safe, but he never shows up to receive it. Then she gets another message telling her to take the book to his sister in Italy, where her father also lives. The book contains a strange key, and a coded message of some kind. But Ethan is still missing, and several other people are also after the book and the key. Kate goes from danger to danger, never knowing who is trustworthy. A little convoluted, but an interesting read.
May 14, 2022
My thoughts: 1st book interesting & okay; 2nd good; 3rd not enjoyable. This 3rd one has a secret society theme; that is, perhaps, not enjoyable to me. The storyline seemed to drag on despite constant adventure. It all appeared to be too repetitive: traveling place-to-place, worry about returning to work, who to trust,…. For readers who love Italy & framed artwork, I’m certain the story’s extra details will be more interesting.
June 26, 2018
Wonderful Book
Wonderful book, intriguing, suspenseful and a opportunity for learning. It felt like I was traveling through Italy. I love books set in other places, as I learn so much. One of the silly things that I enjoyed is when biscotti and tea were elements of the scene - as those are two of my favorite treats while reading.
Wonderful book, intriguing, suspenseful and a opportunity for learning. It felt like I was traveling through Italy. I love books set in other places, as I learn so much. One of the silly things that I enjoyed is when biscotti and tea were elements of the scene - as those are two of my favorite treats while reading.
September 1, 2018
A fun read!
This book kept my interest the whole time. There was plenty of action (without being unrealistic) and suspense. I liked the paranormal and art history aspect of the book. The heroine is believable in her continuous struggle to cope with her gift. This was my introduction to this series and I am going to read the entire series.
This book kept my interest the whole time. There was plenty of action (without being unrealistic) and suspense. I liked the paranormal and art history aspect of the book. The heroine is believable in her continuous struggle to cope with her gift. This was my introduction to this series and I am going to read the entire series.
June 26, 2019
Headline (required)
Once again, a very good read from author Carrie Bedford. She keeps you on the edge of your seat waiting to find out what’s happening next. Now I have the last one in this series to see what adventures Kate will have to look forward to now. Thanks to the author for allowing me to come along for the ride.
Once again, a very good read from author Carrie Bedford. She keeps you on the edge of your seat waiting to find out what’s happening next. Now I have the last one in this series to see what adventures Kate will have to look forward to now. Thanks to the author for allowing me to come along for the ride.
November 9, 2020
As much as I like the protagonist trying to save everyone I hate Claire. Typically snob and acting bitchy when all someone did was to save her when everyone else was trying to harm. Now the story is in Italy showing us around especially Florence and history we never heard of. With too much twists, betrayals and characters it is a test of patience and equally thrilling too.
December 29, 2020
Enjoyable book
Kate gets involved in saving more people. She sees Ethan getting in a cab with an aura. She follows Ethan to Florence and his sister Claire also has an aura, they are both in danger. During the story Kate spots two more people involved with this caper have auras. Really enjoyed this book.
Kate gets involved in saving more people. She sees Ethan getting in a cab with an aura. She follows Ethan to Florence and his sister Claire also has an aura, they are both in danger. During the story Kate spots two more people involved with this caper have auras. Really enjoyed this book.
January 1, 2022
The last book was getting better and this was just awful. A Dan Brown wannabe conspiracy theory that was completely unrealistic and a secondary character who was a complete witch who needed to be slapped. Why on earth would the main character continue to help her? Definitely not reading any more of this series, free Kindle books or not.
May 14, 2022
Tudo o que Kate quer da vida é não ver mais "auras"ao redor das pessoas, mas isso não acontece. Neste livro, ela se vê novamente envolvida em crimes, desta vez internacionais, arriscando a vida para salvar amigos e alguns não tão amigos também, sentindo-se culpada por saber que a morte de alguém está próxima, ao mesmo tempo em que compreende, cada vez mais, que não pode salvar a todos. Muito bom.
July 21, 2022
I am reading this series from the box set but am putting the reviews under the individual books. I am enjoying the series. The attention to detail in the story telling makes your feel like you are there with the characters. The description of Florence and Venice really paints a picture. Each book gets better.
July 23, 2023
It was Wild in Florence!
It was crazy that Ethan got kidnapped two men that he doesn’t know then very well, unfortunately someone knows them that well because of the art thief…
I’m so glad that they’re safe and back at home thankfully!
Looking forward to the last last series in the book soon…
It was crazy that Ethan got kidnapped two men that he doesn’t know then very well, unfortunately someone knows them that well because of the art thief…
I’m so glad that they’re safe and back at home thankfully!
Looking forward to the last last series in the book soon…
June 27, 2018
I didn't enjoy thus novel as much as I did the first two books in the series.
The plot line was rather unbelievable so I found the narrative choppy and at times confusing. Still, I finished it and will move on to book 4 "The Scottish Connection"
The plot line was rather unbelievable so I found the narrative choppy and at times confusing. Still, I finished it and will move on to book 4 "The Scottish Connection"
March 29, 2019
Always enjoy Late Benedict stories.
Good story with Kate still seeing auras of persons in danger of dying. Some have auras that pass over time while others pass as predicted by the auras that Late sees. When auras disappear so does eminent demise.
Good story with Kate still seeing auras of persons in danger of dying. Some have auras that pass over time while others pass as predicted by the auras that Late sees. When auras disappear so does eminent demise.
December 17, 2018
Adventures
Really liked it. The Hero is a women, smart and beautiful. Many of her friends help her figure out century old codes to save some pre WW 2 art. Of course there are nasty villains you love to hate.
Really liked it. The Hero is a women, smart and beautiful. Many of her friends help her figure out century old codes to save some pre WW 2 art. Of course there are nasty villains you love to hate.
December 30, 2018
Kata Benidict sees aura and usually they mean that someone will die soon. When she sees one of brother's best friend and starts searching for clues and leads her to Florence Italy and then finds the friend's sister in danger too.
December 31, 2018
Great book!
This was a very good book. It was well written and moved at a pretty fast pace. I like to read about different countries and learn new things so this series fills the bill.
This was a very good book. It was well written and moved at a pretty fast pace. I like to read about different countries and learn new things so this series fills the bill.
January 29, 2019
Whoops
Another Absolute Truth although almost unbelievable is this heroine does. I just love this young Lady. Her books kept me guessing and I still didn't get it right. Each book just gets better. You must read her books. I guarantee you will not be disappointed I
Another Absolute Truth although almost unbelievable is this heroine does. I just love this young Lady. Her books kept me guessing and I still didn't get it right. Each book just gets better. You must read her books. I guarantee you will not be disappointed I
February 17, 2019
England & Italy
I never expected to get so involved in a book! I felt like I was there and all the places I’ve never been were real enough to see in my minds eye. I even learned to question the motives of every character. Maybe I should become a detective!
I never expected to get so involved in a book! I felt like I was there and all the places I’ve never been were real enough to see in my minds eye. I even learned to question the motives of every character. Maybe I should become a detective!
July 11, 2019
Venetian masks, few are who they claim to be
An intricate tale that never stays still. The characterisation is excellent we know these people. The universe, the art world, is discussed with authority and authenticity.
A good book.
An intricate tale that never stays still. The characterisation is excellent we know these people. The universe, the art world, is discussed with authority and authenticity.
A good book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews