The Stone Witch of Florence: 'Perfect for lovers of witchy fantasy' Historical Novel Society - Paperback – by Anna Rasche
One of the most anticipated historical fiction books of 2024
A Book Riot Recommended Read
10 noteworthy books for October 2024 Washington Post
'Sparkles with suspense and the magical power of women... I devoured this novel' Laurie Lico Albanese
'Perfect for lovers of witchy fantasy' Historical Novel Society
1348. As the Black Plague lays waste to Italy, Ginevra di Gasparo is summoned back to Florence after nearly a decade of lonely exile.
Ginevra has a gift―using the ancient practices of alchemy she learned as a young girl, she can heal the sick. But when word traveled of her unusual craft, she was condemned as a witch and banished. Now, the same men who expelled Ginevra are begging for her return.
She obliges, assuming the city’s leaders are finally ready to accept her unorthodox cures amidst a pandemic. But upon arrival, she is tasked with a much different mission: she must use her collection of jewels to track down a ruthless thief who is ransacking Florence’s churches for priceless relics, leaving mysterious vials of brightly colored liquids in their place. If she succeeds, she’ll be a recognized physician, never accused of witchcraft again.
But as her investigation progresses, Ginevra discovers she’s merely a pawn in a much larger scheme than the one she’s been hired to solve. And the dangerous men behind this conspiracy won’t think twice about killing a stone witch to get what they want.
'An interesting look at the intersection of folk magic, medicine and religion in the 14th century' Washington Post
'A twisty, historical witchy escape' Entertainment Weekly
'Magical in every sense of the word' Katy Hays
'Magnificent' Sarah Penner
'Get ready to be transported' Mary O'Malley, Skylark Bookshop
'Captivating and original' Maxwell Gregory, Madison Street Books