The Scarlet Contessa

“Caterina rejects a woman’s place in a macho culture. Does she get away with it? That’s what this guilty pleasure of a novel is about.” —USA Today

Daughter of the Duke of Milan and wife of the conniving Count Girolamo Riario, Caterina Sforza was the bravest warrior Renaissance Italy ever knew. She ruled her own lands, fought her own battles, and openly took lovers whenever she pleased.

Her remarkable tale is told by her lady-in-waiting, Dea, a woman knowledgeable in reading the “triumph cards,” the predecessor of modern-day Tarot. As Dea tries to unravel the truth about her husband’s murder, Caterina single-handedly holds off invaders who would steal her title and lands. However, Dea’s reading of the cards reveals that Caterina cannot withstand a third and final invader—none other than Cesare Borgia, son of the corrupt Pope Alexander VI, who has an old score to settle with Caterina. Trapped inside the Fortress at Ravaldino as Borgia’s cannons pound the walls, Dea reviews Caterina’s scandalous past and struggles to understand their joint destiny, while Caterina valiantly tries to fight off Borgia’s unconquerable army.

“Fascinating. . . . In Kalogridis’ hands, [Caterina] comes alive as an extraordinary woman ahead of her time.” —RT Book Review

“A delightful and intricate tapestry of life, love, lust, politics and ambition that made up the Italian peninsula in the 15th century. . . . . . .an incredibly rewarding read. Highly recommended.” —Library Journal

“[A] vividly rendered historical . . . plenty of intrigue and conspiracy in the lusty plot.” —Publishers Weekly