The Fortune Keeper

Tofana #3

by Deborah Swift

Count your nights by stars, not by shadows ~ Italian Proverb

Winter in Venice

Mia Caiozzi is determined to discover her destiny by studying the science of astronomy. But her stepmother Giulia forbids her to engage in this dangerous occupation, fearing it will lead her into trouble. The ideas of Galileo are banned by the Inquisition, so Mia must study in secret.

Giulia insists Mia should live quietly out of public view. If not, it could threaten them all. Giulia's real name is Giulia Tofana, renowned for her poison Aqua Tofana, and she is in hiding from the Duke de Verdi's family who are intent on revenge for the death of their brother. But Mia doesn't know this, and rebels against Giulia, determined to go her own way.

When the two secret lives collide, it has far-reaching and fatal consequences that will change both their lives forever.

Set amongst opulent palazzos and shimmering canals, The Fortune Keeper is the third novel of adventure and romance based on the life and legend of Giulia Tofana.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Historical

372 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 24, 2022

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

[Lisette Kristensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent read in the series! This is a don't miss trilogy. If you enjoy historical fiction in the 17th century, you will love reading how Ms. Swift brings the Italian Renaissance to life.

[Linnea Tanner · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Fortune Keeper by Deborah Swift is the third novel in the Italian Renaissance Series which is based on the life of the historical figure, Giulia Tofana. The gripping, fast-paced historical fiction novel has elements of suspense, mystery, and political intrigue. In the late fall of 1643, Venice is awakening into a scientific era that often conflicts with the beliefs of the Catholic Church. Anyone professing that celestial bodies can foretell your destiny is under the watch of the Roman Inquisition, responsible for prosecuting individuals accused of a range of crimes according to Roman Catholic law and doctrine. It is against this dangerous backdrop that Mia Caiozzi is secretly studying astronomy with a mentor. She believes advances in astronomy improve the accuracy of astrology and thus her beliefs put her in danger with the Catholic church.

The danger is compounded by Mia living with her stepmother, Giulia, who is hiding in the Jewish Getto to escape the repercussions of her dark past. Duke de Verdi's family believes Giulia, renowned for her poison Aqua Tofana, has murdered their brother and seeks to avenge him. A mysterious friend of the De Verdi family has moved to Venice for the purpose of finding this elusive poisoner who has been blamed for some of his assassinations. When Mia attends a lecture about astronomy, she bumps into a medical student working part-time as a gondolier to pay for his training, meets a charming merchant, and sits next to a Dominican monk. Little does she know how the planets and stars will align to determine her fate with these men. In the city's shadows, unbeknownst enemies spin a web of political intrigue, murder, and vengeance around her to entangle her. To escape their entrapment, she must outmaneuver both an assassin and the Roman Inquisition.  

Author Deborah Swift has written a complex, plot-driven story filled with twists at every corner. A gifted storyteller, she transports the reader into the shadowy world of Renaissance Venice with surreal descriptions of buildings, canals, and elaborate masks. "The tall arched windows were filled with honeycomb glass from Murano which distorted the view of the canal outside, twisting every building into something shimmering, yet grotesque. He blew on his hands; the air was cold enough to freeze wine."

The suspense is gripping and the action scenes are riveting. It's uncertain whether the alignment of planets and stars signals Mia's forthcoming independence as a woman or her death for defying church doctrine. I especially enjoyed the characterization of the archvillain who kept my heart throbbing as I anticipated whom he would murder next in his quest to find Giulia. Disguised in a mask, he secretly stalks his victims and murders them in distinctive ways. Though the author does an admirable job of filling in the backstory without being overwhelming, details from the previous books would have provided more insight into the motives of some of the characters. Although I enjoyed reading Mia's story of seeking independence as a woman and solving the murders, she sometimes made questionable decisions, despite her best instincts, and came across as too naive for the challenge.

I recommend The Fortune Keeper to fans of the existing series, and Deborah Swift's writing to historical fiction readers everywhere.

[Elizabeth John · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Fortune Keeper is a beautifully atmospheric novel of 17th Century Venice, delivering all the anticipated mystery, intrigue, danger and love within the shadowed passages and moonlit canals we’d expect. Once again, Ms Swift has created a novel so full of gorgeous descriptions and compelling characters that I jumped in with both feet, enjoying every twist and turn. This third book in her Italian Renaissance Series is just as rich and enthralling as the previous two, and I really enjoyed how Giulia still played a significant and thrilling role in the story, but gave way to Mia as the main character. Curious and courageous, Mia is the perfect protagonist to steer us through the mystery and superstition of renaissance astrology and magic, as well as delivering a host of fascinating detail on 17th-century astrology and astronomy. Another highly entertaining and fast-paced historical novel from the very talented Deborah Swift. Highly recommend.

[Sydney Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn’t wait for this book to come out on audiobook because the narration of this excellent story is part of why I read. Full in, new world, Brain Candy. I love reading about someone else’s problems, especially in, say, Venice—which I have still only dreamed of going to❣️ How much better that this book begins with a protagonist who has fashion shoe problems (hello!! 🥴), which creates gondola problems, and a gondolier—as well as a few bad guys—are right there to swoop in. I loved “orphan” Mia and how she’s really searching for her own victories, her own story. Loved her family, their friends, the love interest, the flooding problems, the Renaissance world—everything, everything.

Well done Deborah Swift—so glad to know there’s another. Also!! Love the narration. So many voices and accents and histories to navigate, and they land easy on the page.
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

[Billy Buttons · Rating 5 out of 5]

A WISHING SHELF BOOK REVIEW
21st November 2022
TITLE: THE FORTUNE KEEPER
AUTHOR: DEBORAH SWIFT

Star Rating: 5

“A smartly plotted historical novel filled with adventure and danger. Highly recommended.” The Wishing Shelf

REVIEW
I always begin by checking out the blurb - particularly when I´m thinking of opening the covers of an historical novel. I´m a bit picky you see! Well, I must say, the blurb for The Fortune Keeper is wonderful. I loved the premise of a young woman wanting to study astronomy back when Galileo´s ideas were seen by many as disrespectful and even a form of blasphemy! And, on top of all that, there´s the return of Giulia Tofana who is in hiding from the Duke de Verdi's family – for more on that, check out the first book, The Poison Keeper. Yes, it´s all go in the third instalment based on the legendary life of a poisoner!
This is a novel filled with adventure and romance helped along by a richly observed historical setting – with a lot of canals! And there are plenty of tantalising plot twists to keep any reader frantically turning the page. But, best of all, there´s always a strong element of danger lurking in the shadows for the two female protagonists.
If you enjoy skilfully plotted historical novels populated with memorable characters, this novel – this set of novels – is probably for you. Personally, I´d read the books in order although, saying that, The Fortune Keeper works as a standalone novel too. There´s so much to enjoy here but if I had to pick a word to sum up this novel, it would be ´intelligent´ - an intelligent novel written by an intelligent author for an intelligent reader.

A ‘Wishing Shelf’ Book Review
www.thewsa.co.uk

[Kathleen Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Fortune Keeper by Deborah Swift is the third in the Italian Renaissance series. It is about Giulia Tofana who was an Italian professional poisoner. She would make her concoction, Aqua Tofana and give it to sell it to women who wanted to be rid of their husbands.

The story is also about Mia Caiozzi a young woman who was 'adopted' by Giula and her husband. Mia is married but her husband has absconded to who knows where. Mia is interested in Astronomy, but she has to study with a mentor as it is not done that a woman goes against the Catholic Church and study a science that it not believed in.

Because Giulia is in hiding, details in previous book, she decides to live in Venice in the Jewish Ghetto to be safe from anyone who is after her. She is being hunted by the Duke de Verdi's family as they believe she killed her husband, a de Verdi.

An assassin is after her and he goes on a killing spree, disquised in a mask, he is able to hunt down his victims, and they all have a connection to Giulia. Mia had attended a lecture about astronomy and met a gondolier, who eventually helps Mia escape the killer.

This story that is set in Venice is very descriptive of the time and just the area. Canals, gondolas, masked people. A story that Deborah has done an extensive amount of research. From poisons to astronomy, the reader gets a sense of actually being there, to smell the water of the canals to the political intrigue that abounds.

I did not read the first two books; I feel that I really did not need to as The Fortune Keeper is a standalone novel. I would like to know more about Giulia so I will most likely read the first two books in the series. That said, I will give this book 5 stars. I love a good historical novel that has me immersed in the story from the start.

I received a copy of the book for review purposes only.

[Tim Stretton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A novel set in Renaissance Venice should have intrigues, assassins, masks, poisons and romances. The Fortune Keeper, the third novel in Deborah Swift's excellent Giulia Tofana series, delivers on all these promises. Few writers are as accomplished in plunging the reader into the textures of the past, and you will feel as if you are accompanying the characters in the gondolas and draughty palaces of Venice.

The main character of the previous two books, Giulia, is less prominent this time, with the focus instead being on her feisty stepdaughter Mia. Mia's ambition to become a professional astrologer gives the reader a fascinating look at an age where astrology and astronomy were all but indistinguishable, with quackery and cutting-edge science vying for prominence. It's subtly disorienting and gives the reader a real sense of the past being about more than just different costumes.

Although Giulia, newly settled in Venice, hopes her notorious past is behind her, inevitably this turns out not to be the case. The schemes of the ruthless assassin and fraudster Imbroglio to track her down have the immediacy of a thriller, and there's a real sense of peril for characters the reader has come to care about.

The standard of this series was already high, but this third episode raises the bar even higher. I'm delighted to hear that a fourth novel in the series is on the way.

[Anne-Mammy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wish publishers would stop this war of the qualifiers to entice us to buy a book!
This was the last of the trilogy following the story of one of Italian Renaissance poisoners, Guilia Tofana. This book takes place in Venice and I have to say I found it much less interesting than the previous two. I found Mia a very silly girl with whom I could not really empathise. The debate between astrology and astronomy was, to me, not very interesting. In a way, the more intriguing character was the archvillain.
I was interested to read in the author's notes at the end of the book that, while she was writing this book, more was discovered about the historical character on whom the story was based and that in spite of that she decided not to alter what she had originally written. Maybe this accounts for a slightly disjointed narrative.
I think it is important to read the first 2 volumes of the trilogy to fully appreciate what is going on. I would have liked Fabio to have a more prominent role as in volume 2. I could not really warm to Jacopo, rather too good to be true.
So, it did not work for me, but maybe it will be different for others. Deborah Swift has written many other enjoyable books after all.

[Terry Tyler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful book! The Fortune Keeper is the story of Mia Caiozzi, an aspiring astrologer in 17th century Venice (I was interested to read in the notes at the back that female Venetian astrologers were quite the thing at this time!). Mia is the step-daughter of the much talked about Giulia Tofana from the first two books of the series.

It's also the story of accomplished fraudster Imbroglio (definitely the most interesting character), revenge, secrets, spies, masks and murder, fear of the Inquisition, love and loss ... for me, though, it was, possibly more than anything, the story of Renaissance Venice. Not a place or a time I know much about at all, I just loved the intricate day to day detail that showed how people lived then. I'd swear Deborah Swift has her very own Tardis; her books are always written as though she has actually experienced that time and place.

The novel is a 'stand-alone' so it's not absolutely necessary to read Book #2, The Silkworm Keeper, before this one, though I would recommend doing so, not least of all because it's outstanding! I read it 18 months ago and was glad I did because it provides the backstory for this book. Or you could just start at Book #1, The Poison Keeper. That's the best idea! An immaculate series.

[Elizabeth Lloyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Fortune Teller is the third of Deborah Swift’s stories set in Renaissance Italy, but I read it as a stand alone novel without needing to have read the first two books. Venice at that time was a fascinating and frightening place to be. Masked, elegant people frequented the gondolas and palazzos of the city and many like Imbroglio, an imposter and assassin, are able to inveigle their way into society.

Into this world steps Mia, a young woman living in the Jewish quarter with the Christian family who had adopted her, desperate to learn more about astronomy and develop her skills. Deceiving her family puts herself and those who love her into great danger and only Jacopo, a young gondolier, is able to help her. I admired her determination, but it was Imbroglio, posing as a wealthy merchant in order to extract money from other businessmen, who really intrigued me. There are further complications and threats in the plot and the former life of Mia’s mother, Giulia, adds to the thrilling conclusion.

Deborah Swift creates the rich complexity of 16th Venice and the interaction between its citizens vividly. The action is fast moving and compelling and I am pleased to learn that there will be more books in this series.

[Jacqueline Rebecca LION · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Deborah Swift Renaissance trilogy is the best historical series I have read in many years. It is very difficult to put my finger exactly what makes the 3 books so compelling and page-turning. It is action from beginning to end and yet the characters are totally believable. There is also a realism. Characters die. The characters are also very well portrayed. No one is a saint, just oh so human. The historical context has obviously been incredibly well-researched and nothing is glossed over. Each page is somehow lived, not just read, and you are constantly reminded of how precarious life was in those days. You are particularly aware of how difficult life was for women.

I cannot recommend these books highly enough. It is important to read them in order, in my opinion.

I read all three books in immediate succession on my Kindle. I just could not put them down. I urge you to read them, particularly if you like historical fiction.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This captivating tale of a bright and feisty young woman determined to study astronomy in Venice is absorbing, fast-paced, and alight with historic atmosphere. I thoroughly enjoyed the story of Mia Caiozzi, step-daughter of the infamous Giulia Tofana, as she forges a path into the elite, patriarchal world of Venice’s astronomers against Giulia’s wishes. Guilia’s past life as a dispenser of poisons has long-reaching repercussions, and both women find themselves caught up in danger and intrigue that had my pulse pounding. Deborah Swift is a master of historical world building. Canals, gondolas, flickering lanterns, elaborate masks—I was transported to Renaissance-era Venice, where the study of stars and planets could bring persecution or even death. Brava to Deborah Swift for creating another unforgettable heroine in Mia Caiozzi. Highly recommended.

[Kathryn E Hagen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wanted to read The Fortune Keeper because I thought The Poison Keeper was such an unusual and interesting book. Although I had found it hard to empathize with Giulia, a character who murders people, The Poison Keeper was fascinating. Although Giulia is also a character in this book, it is her stepdaughter, Mia, who is center-stage much of the time. Mia is drawn to astronomy and astrology at a time when the Inquisition is likely to look askance at people who study these subjects. Mia's rebellion against her mother's instructions also gets her into trouble.

I enjoyed this book. Set in Renaissance-era Venice, it seemed as if intrigues of some sort were around every corner. I found The Fortune Keeper to be an absorbing and exciting story.

[Tony Riches · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Fortune Keeper is the third book of novel of Deborah Swift's Renaissance series adventures. Based in Venice, the page-turning action will keep readers gripped to the dramatic ending. This is not the Venice familiar to tourists, but a world of mystery and danger, overseen by a vindictive Inquisition keen to root out any sign of heresy.

I particularly liked the development of the heroine, Mia Caiozzi, from a naive girl to a resourceful woman who is not afraid to paddle her own gondola through the murky canals of intrigue and duplicity.

I was impressed with Deborah Swift's research of the period, and recommend reading the author's notes at the end, which I found fascinating. My only regret is that I didn't start with the first book of the series, which I recommend.

[Carol Beckman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rambled a bit at times but very atmospheric

This was quite long and the slow build made me wonder where it was going, especially as the body count rose.
Mia is an irritating wilful character who acts like a teenager but must be older. Moreover I couldn't quite remember how Mia came to be living with Giulia and Fabio. A short recap would have been handy.
Afterwards the author explains that more information came to light which meant she had to change things from her original plan. Perhaps this explains my confusion.
Details of life in renaissance Venice was really interesting and that probably saved the novel.

[Rowena Kinread · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the
very first pages the author transports us from our comfy homes to Venice in renaissance Italy. From dark murky canals to grand palaces; magnificent costumes and the Grand Canal teeming with trading and transport boats. It is carneval time and the characters, unrecogniseable behind traditional masks complete the cloak and dagger effect.
The novel is full of action with one turn after the next. The main character, Mia, is sensitively described with on the one side empathy and on the other the follies of youth. For
me this was definitely the best book in the trilogy and I read with pleasure that the author intends to continue this series.

[Willie. Van Den Hoek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting story

Another book of Deborah Swift and as good as all the former ones. The book keeps you spell bound to the end The characters are well chosen and very strong people who were willing to share their lives together helping others less fortunate then themselves. Interesting to read about the astrology and the big place it took in that society. Very well written and entertaining.

[Norma Ingham · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have just discovered Deborah Swift, and am so thrilled to have found a writer that writes so well! The characters are believable and draw one in to their lives and situations and the story moves along at such a pace, it is truly marvellous to read and I am enjoying these books immensely . Thank you.

I was rather sad having read all of Anne Perry books who is also a great storyteller, and for anyone who loves Deborah Swift, l pass on my recommendation.

[Christine Cazeneuve · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous

Third book in this terrific series. This book primarily focuses on Mia, stepdaughter of our poison keeper. The author writes that you will feel like you are right there experiencing everything real time. Wonderful characters and a satisfying ending, although I hear that there is a fourth book in the making. Sign me up!

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very entertaining page-turner novel based on real characters! Full of action as well as atmospheric, this third novel of the series has been a suspenseful read with dark and creepy descriptions of Venice! Good plot, with very vivid characters! The well researched historical background makes this novel also very interesting.

[Victoria · Rating 3 out of 5]

I couldn’t really get into this because Mia was so frustrating. Her perspective just seemed too juvenile and she was too naive to see what was in front of her face. There wasn’t enough justification for her to take all the dumb risks she did, like her motivations just really didn’t click. My least favorite book in this series

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deborah Swift always writes a fascinating historical novel. She does impeccable research incorporating enlightening historical details into a storyline that writhes like a serpent. I look forward to future novels in this wonderful Italian Renaissance Series.

[Kris Loveid · Rating 4 out of 5]

Suspenseful and intense. Secrets in the family makes the 'kid' reckless. Although I suppose girls were/are sheltered so it's not unrealistic. Just the brat behavior becomes boring. Nice wrap up of the series.

[Isabel Wesel · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's really a 2.5 rating. The main character is very stupid. It made it difficult to care whether she lives or dies. The villain is pretty one dimensional. This is not as good a book as the original 2.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book three in the Tofana series. It’s much less about Tofana and much more about a different character. I cannot recall her name now. Still written well, I did not find this book as interesting as the others. I would recommend reading all the books in this series.

[Jane Hartley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read the Trilogy

Start with the first book the Poison Keeper, Then the Silkworm Keeper it makes this one complete.
But in saying that you can easily ready this as a stand alone.
It will take you to places where the wealthy win all the time. But do they?

[sasha wells · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enthralling

The characters came alive, and the plot kept you on the edge of your seat. Once you start, you won't be able to put the book down. I hope there is another book in this series.

[Teresa Araujo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Historical Novel

Loved every bit of time I spent reading the set. Well worth each and every minute . Happiness in a nutshell.

[Cindy Kline · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved all three

The historical aspect came to life in these books. Each one was better than the last.I wanted to believe every word.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this series of books