The Alchemist's Pursuit

Starred review from January 19, 2009
Duncan's outstanding third Venetian fantasy mystery (after 2008's The Alchemist's Code
) sends Alfeo Zeno, loyal apprentice to Nostradamus, in search of a killer who targets Venice's prostitutes. After three women are strangled, Donna Violetta Vitale, a courtesan and fond friend of Alfeo, begs Nostradamus to foresee and stop the next death. When the fourth victim is stabbed, Alfeo narrowly escapes the unseen murderer, thanks to the intervention of a magical cat. The prime suspect is lecherous nobleman Zorzi “Honeycat” Michiel, exiled years earlier for patricide, so his haughty mother, Donna Alina Orio Michiel, retains Alfeo to prove her son's innocence. Alfeo and Nostradamus must rely on more than clairvoyance to save Violetta and unmask the culprit. Duncan neatly blends a vision of magical Venice with an engrossing whodunit.

March 15, 2009
When Alfeo, Nostradamus's apprentice, comes to him with the tale of the murder of his mistress's courtesan mentor, the clairvoyant astrologer takes on the dangerous task of using magic to solve an increasingly puzzling mystery. Duncan's latest entry in his fictional biography of the enigmatic prophet not only brings the Renaissance to vivid and passionate life but also demonstrates the author's genius for telling a good story. A top-notch addition to libraries boasting solid demand for historical fantasy.

Copyright 2009 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

March 15, 2009
In an alternate Venice, ill-tempered, arthritic Nostradamus is in no mood to accept a new commission, not even when the most accomplished courtesan in La Serenissima wants him to solve the murder of her mentor. Since she offers him a fortune, however, he cant refuse. He and apprentice Alfeo Zeno soon are hunting a serial killer. Then the Council of Ten forbids further investigation, but the greatest seer of the age will try to foresee the next killing and send Alfeo to stop it. Duncans third Nostradamus caper matches its predecessors for action, characters, and intricate plotting, thereby appealing to mystery, fantasy, and historical-fiction fans alike.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2009, American Library Association.)