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Shakespeare: Conspiracy of Silence
Five women are found dead in the Sicilian city of Messina. Former police detective, Francesco Marchese, is called in to help the local police department figure out what ties these women together, and to help stop the ruthless killer before he claims his next victim.
What Marchese doesn’t know is that he is being drawn into an international conspiracy, one that takes him all the way to New York City. He finds himself collaborating with British Intelligence to protect the secret that the British Crown and the Vatican have been covering up for centuries. And he finds himself racing against the ambitious and conniving journalist, Luigi Capra, to protect the secret and to protect his new love.
Full of suspense and twists, “ Conspiracy of Silence” is a heart-pounding thriller that brings to light one of the most debated mysteries of the last century — the true origins of the famous English playwright, William Shakespeare.
What Marchese doesn’t know is that he is being drawn into an international conspiracy, one that takes him all the way to New York City. He finds himself collaborating with British Intelligence to protect the secret that the British Crown and the Vatican have been covering up for centuries. And he finds himself racing against the ambitious and conniving journalist, Luigi Capra, to protect the secret and to protect his new love.
Full of suspense and twists, “ Conspiracy of Silence” is a heart-pounding thriller that brings to light one of the most debated mysteries of the last century — the true origins of the famous English playwright, William Shakespeare.
352 pages, Paperback
Published October 29, 2021
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16 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
November 30, 2021
You Will Love This Book!!
This book is a definite must read for lovers of Shakespeare and anyone interested in the true origins theory (or Crollalanza theory). But it is first and foremost a book for anyone who loves a good twisting, turning thriller with lots of action and great characters.
The author starts the book with a scene from Sicily, 1578. And at later points weaves in other short scenes from history, scenes that help us understand critical elements supporting the theory of Shakespeare’s true origins. But the main story starts in Sicily in the present time (2012), following an investigation into a murder of a young woman, which leads to the discovery of other victims and the possibility that the crimes are all connected. The detective in charge of the case is struggling to piece together the crimes and stop the killer, so he seeks help from his former partner, Francesco Marchese. This detective is apparently a main character in a series of other Lindia novels that have not yet been translated into English. The author does a nice job of bringing you current on Marchese backstory so you don’t need to have read prior books. And you will really enjoy the ongoing rivalry between Marchese and the journalist, Capra, also a character from prior books.
I love that the action gets going right from the beginning, with a series of murders and the hunt for the killer. There is even a point about half way through the book where you think ok, the mystery is solved, what now? And that’s when the story takes a whole new turn and becomes even more suspenseful! You will also find that in the end, you are satisfied with the ending, but you are also left with the clear knowledge that there will be another book in the series.
This is the first book by author Raf Lindia that I have read. He has written a series of other novels in Italian, but this is the first one that has been translated to English. It has a broad appeal, with the action spreading from Sicily to Rome to New York to England.
I would recommend this book for anyone who loves a fast-paced thriller with unexpected twists, along with the intrigue of a historical mystery.
This book is a definite must read for lovers of Shakespeare and anyone interested in the true origins theory (or Crollalanza theory). But it is first and foremost a book for anyone who loves a good twisting, turning thriller with lots of action and great characters.
The author starts the book with a scene from Sicily, 1578. And at later points weaves in other short scenes from history, scenes that help us understand critical elements supporting the theory of Shakespeare’s true origins. But the main story starts in Sicily in the present time (2012), following an investigation into a murder of a young woman, which leads to the discovery of other victims and the possibility that the crimes are all connected. The detective in charge of the case is struggling to piece together the crimes and stop the killer, so he seeks help from his former partner, Francesco Marchese. This detective is apparently a main character in a series of other Lindia novels that have not yet been translated into English. The author does a nice job of bringing you current on Marchese backstory so you don’t need to have read prior books. And you will really enjoy the ongoing rivalry between Marchese and the journalist, Capra, also a character from prior books.
I love that the action gets going right from the beginning, with a series of murders and the hunt for the killer. There is even a point about half way through the book where you think ok, the mystery is solved, what now? And that’s when the story takes a whole new turn and becomes even more suspenseful! You will also find that in the end, you are satisfied with the ending, but you are also left with the clear knowledge that there will be another book in the series.
This is the first book by author Raf Lindia that I have read. He has written a series of other novels in Italian, but this is the first one that has been translated to English. It has a broad appeal, with the action spreading from Sicily to Rome to New York to England.
I would recommend this book for anyone who loves a fast-paced thriller with unexpected twists, along with the intrigue of a historical mystery.
November 28, 2021
Smart and sexy page-turner!
January 21, 2023
I zoomed through this book like no other. Lindia knows his characters inside and out, and twirls them around intricately and effortlessly in a dizzying dance of passion, vengeance, and suspense.
Lindia plays with dualities of numerous kinds in his work. The two major settings, Messina and New York, rise up as stark foils for the main character, Marchese –one gritty and corrupt, full of bad memories and dead ends, the other overflowing with sumptous meals, striking fashion, imposing architecture, all leaving our hero hopeful and restored to his former investigative powers.
Marchese finds himself, yet again, entwined with the sleazy but frustratingly useful journalist, Capra. As principled and self-sacrificing as Marchese is, Capra matches him stride for stride with his duplicity and self-serving nature. The brilliant plot twist of the twin romances in the second half is wonderfully inventive, tying the reader in knots, wondering how many souls will be left devastated as things come unravelled. Even the dueling identities of Shakespeare/Michelangelo as well as the competing global interests of the English Crown and the Vatican continually push and pull the story and reader in exciting ways.
Lindia employs various styles and rhythms to his work depending on setting and circumstance. WWII Messina is bleak and devastating, both in the war-torn setting and in Father Gabriele's tormented heart as he is faced with the ramifications of his momentary weakness. The straight-up crime novel in the first half is crisp and precise, marking dates and times and locations, almost as if it was a police report or field notes on its own. The second half unfolds into a thrilling spy-novel where we're increasingly put in the thoughts of the characters, all trying to find a way out of the intricate labyrinth Lindia's set them in. And then who can gloss over the steamy trysts of the twin romances! Undoubtedly an Italian heartthrob himself, Lindia demonstrates an acute knowledge of humanities deepest needs and wants, fears and longing, passions and corruptions in the oft entablged limbs of numerous lovers. Using their bodies as weapons of espionage, they discover that their hearts may be the collateral damage of mixing ruthless conniving with unbridled passion (a lesson too many of us have learned on the wrong side of experience, am I right?).
All in all, it's a shame Lindia's first three novels aren't translated into English yet, but wonderful knowing there's much more to come from this inventive and skilful author.
Lindia plays with dualities of numerous kinds in his work. The two major settings, Messina and New York, rise up as stark foils for the main character, Marchese –one gritty and corrupt, full of bad memories and dead ends, the other overflowing with sumptous meals, striking fashion, imposing architecture, all leaving our hero hopeful and restored to his former investigative powers.
Marchese finds himself, yet again, entwined with the sleazy but frustratingly useful journalist, Capra. As principled and self-sacrificing as Marchese is, Capra matches him stride for stride with his duplicity and self-serving nature. The brilliant plot twist of the twin romances in the second half is wonderfully inventive, tying the reader in knots, wondering how many souls will be left devastated as things come unravelled. Even the dueling identities of Shakespeare/Michelangelo as well as the competing global interests of the English Crown and the Vatican continually push and pull the story and reader in exciting ways.
Lindia employs various styles and rhythms to his work depending on setting and circumstance. WWII Messina is bleak and devastating, both in the war-torn setting and in Father Gabriele's tormented heart as he is faced with the ramifications of his momentary weakness. The straight-up crime novel in the first half is crisp and precise, marking dates and times and locations, almost as if it was a police report or field notes on its own. The second half unfolds into a thrilling spy-novel where we're increasingly put in the thoughts of the characters, all trying to find a way out of the intricate labyrinth Lindia's set them in. And then who can gloss over the steamy trysts of the twin romances! Undoubtedly an Italian heartthrob himself, Lindia demonstrates an acute knowledge of humanities deepest needs and wants, fears and longing, passions and corruptions in the oft entablged limbs of numerous lovers. Using their bodies as weapons of espionage, they discover that their hearts may be the collateral damage of mixing ruthless conniving with unbridled passion (a lesson too many of us have learned on the wrong side of experience, am I right?).
All in all, it's a shame Lindia's first three novels aren't translated into English yet, but wonderful knowing there's much more to come from this inventive and skilful author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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February 1, 2023As part of my rotation, I read thrillers, mysteries and detective/police procedurals -- and this book is a mash-up of these genres.
I like going into books blind, and I had no idea what this story was about, other than it was centered on a conspiracy. I didn't even know there was a true-life origins theory revolving Shakespeare, so this was all quite new to me. As an aside: I definitely did some googling afterwards, so I definitely learned something new.
The story begins in the 1500s, which sets the pace for a present-day. At the center of the investigation are several murders taking place in Messina, Italy, and it blossoms into a full-on, global adventure.
I listened to the audiobook and was very entertained. I thought the narration was great.
The author did a fine job with vivid imagery and painting nefarious characters. I liked learning more about the complicated main character Detective Marchese and his past.
I enjoyed the multiple timelines and POVs. Layered into the story are flashbacks to the past which of course, foreshadows the future. It was fast-paced with a lot of twists. I enjoyed zipping through different cities (the food descriptions, yum!) and genuinely not knowing where the story will take me. The second half of the book seemed truly different from the first half, but the author made it work. It was easy to visualize this as a movie - think the Da Vinci Code meets Alex Cross (Kiss the Girls, Along Came a Spider).
If you're into conspiracy theories, thrillers, and madcap adventure, check out this book! I believe this is the author's first book translated from Italian.
Thank you to the author for a complimentary audiobook - opinions my own.
I like going into books blind, and I had no idea what this story was about, other than it was centered on a conspiracy. I didn't even know there was a true-life origins theory revolving Shakespeare, so this was all quite new to me. As an aside: I definitely did some googling afterwards, so I definitely learned something new.
The story begins in the 1500s, which sets the pace for a present-day. At the center of the investigation are several murders taking place in Messina, Italy, and it blossoms into a full-on, global adventure.
I listened to the audiobook and was very entertained. I thought the narration was great.
The author did a fine job with vivid imagery and painting nefarious characters. I liked learning more about the complicated main character Detective Marchese and his past.
I enjoyed the multiple timelines and POVs. Layered into the story are flashbacks to the past which of course, foreshadows the future. It was fast-paced with a lot of twists. I enjoyed zipping through different cities (the food descriptions, yum!) and genuinely not knowing where the story will take me. The second half of the book seemed truly different from the first half, but the author made it work. It was easy to visualize this as a movie - think the Da Vinci Code meets Alex Cross (Kiss the Girls, Along Came a Spider).
If you're into conspiracy theories, thrillers, and madcap adventure, check out this book! I believe this is the author's first book translated from Italian.
Thank you to the author for a complimentary audiobook - opinions my own.
January 16, 2022
I really enjoyed this book, so much so that I started to tote it around with me to finish during my in between moments (as evidenced by my photo as I waited for my dinner date!)
The book is a thriller that jumps across time and around the world… interspersing historical snippets (narrating what could have occurred under Crollalanza (Italian-born) theory of Shakespeare’s origin) with modern-day murders in an Italian city, an intriguing detective protagonist (Marchese) who investigates the crimes in Italy, New York City, and back again. Along the way, there are rival characters, love interests, sexual liaisons, and villains - all of whom are richly described. I enjoyed the character development— I felt like Lindia went to great lengths to describe each character’s motivations, strengths, and weaknesses in very realistic ways.
Even more vivid is the written imagery of Messina, Italy and New York City - you get a sense for the unique atmosphere, pace of life, and culture of each place as Lindia transports you with his words - each city is written as though they are leading characters in the book!
I hate to compare books - but would recommend this highly to fans of Dan Brown’s The DaVinci Code who would definitely enjoy this book!
Also… I can’t wait for this book to be picked up and made into film form - the writing was vivid enough that I felt a movie was unfolding in front of my eyes!
Plus (nudge to the author) I would be interested in reading about Marchese’s backstory, which was referenced a few times in the book - enough for me as a new reader to understand, and just intriguing enough for me to want to learn more about his past.
The book is a thriller that jumps across time and around the world… interspersing historical snippets (narrating what could have occurred under Crollalanza (Italian-born) theory of Shakespeare’s origin) with modern-day murders in an Italian city, an intriguing detective protagonist (Marchese) who investigates the crimes in Italy, New York City, and back again. Along the way, there are rival characters, love interests, sexual liaisons, and villains - all of whom are richly described. I enjoyed the character development— I felt like Lindia went to great lengths to describe each character’s motivations, strengths, and weaknesses in very realistic ways.
Even more vivid is the written imagery of Messina, Italy and New York City - you get a sense for the unique atmosphere, pace of life, and culture of each place as Lindia transports you with his words - each city is written as though they are leading characters in the book!
I hate to compare books - but would recommend this highly to fans of Dan Brown’s The DaVinci Code who would definitely enjoy this book!
Also… I can’t wait for this book to be picked up and made into film form - the writing was vivid enough that I felt a movie was unfolding in front of my eyes!
Plus (nudge to the author) I would be interested in reading about Marchese’s backstory, which was referenced a few times in the book - enough for me as a new reader to understand, and just intriguing enough for me to want to learn more about his past.
January 9, 2022
Hands down this is one of the best thriller books I have read.
Told through multiple povs and alternating timelines, 'Shakespeare: the conspiracy of silence' by Raf Lindia is a fast-paced, super intense murder mystery. Blurring the lines between facts and fiction, this book keeps you hooked till the very last. The plot is thrilling and keeps you on the edge of your seat throughout. The modern day murders are related to the age old secret of the nations--dating back to 1500s.
Every character is intricately crafted and the back and forth narrative between past and present was done perfectly. I was intrigued by the details this book provides.
Listening to the audiobook of this murder mystery definitely got me all fired up. I highly recommend this book to everyone who is looking for good, mind-bending thriller.
Told through multiple povs and alternating timelines, 'Shakespeare: the conspiracy of silence' by Raf Lindia is a fast-paced, super intense murder mystery. Blurring the lines between facts and fiction, this book keeps you hooked till the very last. The plot is thrilling and keeps you on the edge of your seat throughout. The modern day murders are related to the age old secret of the nations--dating back to 1500s.
Every character is intricately crafted and the back and forth narrative between past and present was done perfectly. I was intrigued by the details this book provides.
Listening to the audiobook of this murder mystery definitely got me all fired up. I highly recommend this book to everyone who is looking for good, mind-bending thriller.
March 17, 2022
Shakespeare: Conspiracy of Silence is a crime thriller that amalgamates the elements of mystery, action and adventure. It opens in Sicily, 1578 with a murder and then quickly brings you in the present time, introducing us to our detective. As the narrative goes back and forth alternating between years, and spanning over different countries, past crimes are linked and more victims are discovered and the plot takes off.
What stood out to me about the book the story structure and the style of storytelling. Author Linda very carefully not only makes the story meet all the genre expectations but also aces it with his lucid amd vivid writing style. The character development of our protagonist is also well done. He is not left passive at the mercy of the plot but rather he actively drives it.
I realy loved the book and am definitely looking forward to more of his works.
What stood out to me about the book the story structure and the style of storytelling. Author Linda very carefully not only makes the story meet all the genre expectations but also aces it with his lucid amd vivid writing style. The character development of our protagonist is also well done. He is not left passive at the mercy of the plot but rather he actively drives it.
I realy loved the book and am definitely looking forward to more of his works.
December 6, 2021
This book is full of suspense and intrigue. I couldn’t put it down. I loved the fast pace and the action and most of all the story around Shakespeare’s origins. I love a conspiracy thriller and this doesn’t disappoint. Highly recommend!
December 25, 2022
This book is fantastic, both in the story itself and in the writing that makes it a page-Turner. If you like thrillers that have you on the edge of your seat.... this will surely do the trick all the way to the last page! You won't be disappointed..
March 24, 2022
This was such an interesting story, twists and turns around every corner. It was thrilling and kept me on the edge of my seat!
March 24, 2023
Il libro di Raf Lindia: la cospirazione del silenzio è un libro che ti cattura dall'inizio alla fine del libro.
Ben scritto e con un'ottima trama, coinvolge il lettore in ogni passaggio. Un libro che va assolutamente letto per la qualità dello scrittore nella descrizione e nei passaggi che portano il lettore a stare con il fiato sospeso e curioso di sapere come andrà a finire.
Consiglio vivamente a tutti la lettura di questo libro
Roberta Esposito
Ben scritto e con un'ottima trama, coinvolge il lettore in ogni passaggio. Un libro che va assolutamente letto per la qualità dello scrittore nella descrizione e nei passaggi che portano il lettore a stare con il fiato sospeso e curioso di sapere come andrà a finire.
Consiglio vivamente a tutti la lettura di questo libro
Roberta Esposito
April 29, 2022
the silliest book I have read in years
And one of the dullest. Stupid premise, implausible development and uninteresting characters. Badly written too. Wish I could find something positive to say but I can’t.
And one of the dullest. Stupid premise, implausible development and uninteresting characters. Badly written too. Wish I could find something positive to say but I can’t.
August 14, 2023
Digestible, creative and intriguing
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews