Carnival of Lies by D.V. Bishop Book Review

Carnival of Lies (Cesare Aldo 5) D.V. Bishop avoids the mid-series slump that plagues many long-running crime series. By taking Aldo out of his usual setting and shaking up his role,

Synopsis: Carnival of Lies

Venice, Winter 1539. Cesare Aldo returns in another gripping Renaissance-era thriller—this time, facing his most dangerous mission yet.

When Aldo uncovers a conspiracy to assassinate Duke Cosimo de’ Medici, he’s charged with protecting the ruler of Florence at any cost. But the failed attempt leaves behind not just bloodshed, but something even more dangerous: the duke’s stolen journal, filled with secrets that could tear the city apart.

To retrieve it, Aldo must follow the trail to the last place he wants to go—Venice, a city of masks, lies, and ghosts from his past. With no allies and danger at every turn, Aldo faces a race against time. If he fails, the Medici dynasty may fall—and so might he.

Carnival of Lies is the fifth installment in the superb Cesare Aldo series, combining rich historical detail, vivid atmosphere, and tightly wound suspense. Bishop’s writing remains top-tier, with this entry delving deeper into Aldo’s past while pushing him to the brink.

A fast-paced historical mystery with political intrigue, high stakes, and emotional depth—this series continues to impress.

Review: Carnival of Lies

Set in 1539, Carnival of Lies takes us from Florence to Venice—two rival Renaissance city-states—in a gripping historical mystery where secrets, betrayal, and political danger lie behind every mask.

By the time you reach the fifth book in a series, it’s fair to ask: Can I jump in here if I haven’t read the others? Surprisingly, the answer with this one is yes. While there are continuing threads from previous installments, D.V. Bishop gives enough context for new readers to follow along without feeling lost—especially since Aldo has taken on a new role that launches him into a fresh investigation involving a stolen secret journal that could shake the Medici court.

Cesare Aldo remains a compelling central figure. Though born into Florence’s elite, he’s been cast out by them, giving him a rare ability to move through all levels of society—from the palazzos of the powerful to the dark alleyways of the disenfranchised. This makes him an ideal guide through this richly layered world.

What continues to set this series apart is Bishop’s thoughtful representation. Aldo is part of the LGBTQ+ community, and while this aspect of his identity influences how he navigates society, it never overwhelms the central plot. Instead, it adds complexity and realism to a character already steeped in moral nuance.

With Carnival of Lies, D.V. Bishop avoids the mid-series slump that plagues many long-running crime series. By taking Aldo out of his usual setting and shaking up his role, Bishop keeps the narrative fresh while maintaining the political intrigue, sharp dialogue, and historical depth readers have come to expect.

Conclusion

Whether you’re a returning reader or a newcomer looking for an atmospheric, intelligent historical mystery, Carnival of Lies is well worth your time.

Check here for a complete list of the books in the Cesare Aldo series

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Mark.