The Englishwoman Sarah Dunant is known in Russia as the author of detective stories about modern British life: among them the novels “A Knife to the Heart”, “Birthmarks”, “On the Edge” published in “Foreigner”. This time she plays the unexpected role of the author of a gripping historical novel and immerses the reader in the atmosphere of political and religious struggle in Florence of the 15th century.

The Florentine state is in turmoil: power is slipping from the hands of the Medici family, French troops are approaching from the north king, the fiery preacher Savonarola destroys the vices of the townspeople, and then again and again corpses mutilated by a mysterious killer are discovered on the streets of the city. Turbulent events drew young Alessandra Cecchi into their whirlpool, the meaning of whose life had so far consisted only in painting - and one painter. Now Alessandra will have to endure separation from her loved one, a hated marriage, and the death of loved ones. And she will also have the chance to uncover the secret of street murders.