Historical fiction needs so many ingredients to be successful: it needs to be reliable in terms of research and historical accuracy, but also to use this well-researched framework for creating authentic unique stories. When the main character of the fiction is a historical character himself, then the challenge is double at least, as it should by relatable, still fictional in its creative touch.
Dangerous by Essie Fox, published by Orenda Books is going exactly in this literary direction. The main character is bigger than life, the famous Lord Byron, in disgrace though, spending his time in the beautiful Venice. No matter how destitute he may be, he still attracts attention, particularly in the suspicious Venitian community. But the attention switches slowly to the chain of crimes targetting local women. All of them found with a strange cut in the neck. As in a movie, the attention will turn again to Lord Byron, whose book The Vampyre opens a dangerous box of suspicion. Could it be a connection between his book and the crimes?
Well written and also very good researched, the book is inspired by real events from Lord Byron´s life and this weave formed by fiction and reality is very well balanced. This combination between reality and fiction happens in the book itself, as the story itself challenges the readers to make the best use of their imagination to separate facts from fiction. The book also combines very skillfully two complex literary genres, historical fiction and mystery novel and the result is very creative, appealing a large category of readers.
I also appreciated the ambiance of the book, an unexpected British Gothic touch that surprisingly suits very well Venice´s ensconced streets.
A special not deserves the cover as well, just another example of the high standards Orenda Books set in terms of publishing, which starts with the stories and ends with the visual presentation.
This book just opened up my curiosity towards more books by this author as well as books where mystery, history and famous literary characters come together beautifully.
Rating: 5 stars
Disclaimer: Book offered as part of the book tour but the opinions are, as usual, my own
Thanks for the blog tour support x
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