New York Times bestseller DIANE A.S. STUCKART a/k/a
ANNA GERARD and ALI BRANDON
THE LEONARDO da VINCI MYSTERIES
By DIANE A.S. STUCKART
Published by Berkley Prime Crime
What are the Leonardo da Vinci mysteries? They are historical "whodunits" set in 15th century Milan at the court of Ludovico Sforza, titular Duke of that province. Filled with action, adventure, and lots of historical detail, these mystery novels feature the legendary Leonardo as a Renaissance sleuth solving the not-so-occasional murder.
But even a great genius needs a sidekick. Enter Delfina della Fazia, a young woman who has disguised herself as the boy "Dino" so that she can join Leonardo's workshop and study painting with the Master. "Dino" assists Leonardo as he uses his brilliant inventions and keen powers of observation to confront desperate criminals and scheming nobles in his mission to uncover the truth. And sometimes, they even manage to paint a fresco or two!
A NOTE FROM DIANE...
The Leonardo mysteries were critically reviewed, earning starred reviews from Publishers Weekly and Library Journal, along with a Florida Book Award and a PicLit Five-Star Reviewers Choice award for PORTRAIT OF A LADY. I truly enjoyed writing these exciting adventures and recreating 15th century Milan for my readers. Unfortunately, this was a limited series and the books are now out of print, though they are still available as Kindle ebooks. If you enjoy historical mysteries, I hope you'll give them a try.
"…the mesmerizing plot moves swiftly to a dramatic conclusion that will leave readers eagerly awaiting the next volume." ~Publishers Weekly (starred review)
2009 FLORIDA BOOK AWARDS SILVER MEDAL winner for Popular Fiction!
"...a fine story filled with historical detail and fully developed characters. 'A Bolt From the Blue' continues [Stuckart's] mastery of her subject.." ~Jay Strafford, Richmond Times-Dispatch
About Pio the Hound...
In PORTRAIT OF A LADY, we meet a clever Italian Greyhound named Pio, who ends up in the care of Leonardo and Delfina. Pio is modeled after my real-life Iggy, Ranger. In fact, that's his picture on the cover! Pio also appears in A BOLT FROM THE BLUE. Sadly, our boy passed away a couple of years ago before before he could turn 18, but he will be always in our hearts...and, in my books.
Just in from the publisher: the Russian language versions of all 3 Leonardo mysteries. Can you match the covers with the correct English titles?
Clockwise, upper left: PORTRAIT OF A LADY, A BOLT FROM THE BLUE, THE QUEEN'S GAMBIT.