Editorial Content for A Daughter of Fair Verona
Contributors
Reviewer (text)
What if Romeo and Juliet did not die tragically as they did at the end of William Shakespeare’s play? That is the supposition on which Christina Dodd has based her latest novel, A DAUGHTER OF FAIR VERONA.
In Dodd’s retelling, Juliet survived her stab wounds, and the poison Romeo purchased from a slipshod apothecary did not take his life. The two lovebirds and newlyweds go on to start a family and live happily ever after in fair Verona. Decades have gone by, and they now have seven children. The oldest is 19-year-old Rosaline, cleverly named after Juliet’s cousin, for whom Romeo once upon a time carried a torch before he met his forever love.
"As a Shakespeare scholar, actor and teacher, I welcome anything that keeps the Bard alive. A DAUGHTER OF FAIR VERONA certainly does not disappoint. It’s extremely clever and enjoyable, and I look forward to Rosie’s next adventure."
Rosaline (or Rosie, as she likes to be called) is not only seen as a spinster since she is still unwed, she also has remained a virgin. She has wangled her way out of a few engagements but now seems doomed to marry Duke Stephano, a much older and slovenly type whose last two wives died under mysterious circumstances. Rosie is not at all enamored with him and seeks some way to get out of this betrothal.
Meanwhile, Rosie meets a young man named Lysander. Similar to her parents' first encounter decades earlier, it is love at first sight. The only issue is that Lysander is a Marcketti, and they are sworn enemies of the Montagues in much the same way that the Capulets once were. Rosie and Lysander wish to be together, but that will mean getting out of her engagement to Stephano. Before they can plot anything, fate answers for them as Stephano is found slain with a dagger through his chest. Of course, Rosie is seen as the primary suspect and now must use all of her clever wares in the form of investigating the murder to clear her good name.
Using the aid of some friends, including the infamous nurse who had seen to her mother and her employer, Friar Laurence, Rosie puts on her detective cap and gets to work. Stephano’s murder does not turn out to be an isolated incident as more victims begin to pile up. At first, it seems that whoever is responsible wants Rosie to be implicated. But as they continue, she is eventually absolved of any wrongdoing by Prince Escalus himself. Little does Rosie realize at the time that he may have an eye for her hand as well.
When Rosie learns the true identity of the killer, it is an absolute shocker. She is in danger once again, but this time at the hands of a vengeful lunatic.
As a Shakespeare scholar, actor and teacher, I welcome anything that keeps the Bard alive. A DAUGHTER OF FAIR VERONA certainly does not disappoint. It’s extremely clever and enjoyable, and I look forward to Rosie’s next adventure.
Teaser
Once upon a time, a young couple met and fell in love. You probably know that story, and how it ended (hint: badly). Only here’s the thing: That’s not how it ended at all. Romeo and Juliet are alive and well and the parents of seven kids. I’m the oldest, a certified spinster at 20. Each time they’ve presented me with a betrothal, I’ve set out to find the groom-to-be a more suitable bride. But their latest match, Duke Stephano, isn’t so easy to palm off on anyone else. At our betrothal ball, I stumble upon the Duke with a dagger in his chest. But who killed him? Half of Verona had motive. And when everyone around the Duke begins dying, disappearing or descending into madness, I know I must uncover the killer…before death lies on me like an untimely frost.
Promo
Once upon a time, a young couple met and fell in love. You probably know that story, and how it ended (hint: badly). Only here’s the thing: That’s not how it ended at all. Romeo and Juliet are alive and well and the parents of seven kids. I’m the oldest, a certified spinster at 20. Each time they’ve presented me with a betrothal, I’ve set out to find the groom-to-be a more suitable bride. But their latest match, Duke Stephano, isn’t so easy to palm off on anyone else. At our betrothal ball, I stumble upon the Duke with a dagger in his chest. But who killed him? Half of Verona had motive. And when everyone around the Duke begins dying, disappearing or descending into madness, I know I must uncover the killer…before death lies on me like an untimely frost.
About the Book
I’m the eldest daughter of Romeo and Juliet. Yes, that Romeo and Juliet. No, they didn’t die in the tomb. They’re alive and well and living in fair Verona with their six wildly impetuous children and me, their 19-year-old daughter Rosaline.
Knives Out meets "Bridgerton" in Fair Verona, as New York Times bestselling author Christina Dodd kicks off a frothy, irreverent, witty new series with an irresistible premise --- told from the delightfully engaging point of view of Romeo and Juliet’s clever, rebellious, fiercely independent daughter, Rosie Montague.
Once upon a time a young couple met and fell in love. You probably know that story, and how it ended (hint: badly). Only here’s the thing: That’s not how it ended at all.
Romeo and Juliet are alive and well and the parents of seven kids. I’m the oldest, with the emphasis on "old" --- a certified spinster at 20, and happy to stay that way. It’s not easy to keep your taste for romance with parents like mine. Picture it --- constant monologues, passionate declarations, fighting, making up, making out. It’s exhausting.
Each time they’ve presented me with a betrothal, I’ve set out to find the groom-to-be a more suitable bride. After all, someone sensible needs to stay home and manage this household. But their latest match, Duke Stephano, isn’t so easy to palm off on anyone else. The debaucher has had three previous wives --- all of whom met unfortunate ends. Conscience forbids me from consigning another woman to that fate. As it turns out, I don’t have to.
At our betrothal ball --- where, quite by accident, I meet a beautiful young man who makes me wonder if perhaps there is something to love at first sight --- I stumble upon Duke Stephano with a dagger in his chest. But who killed him? His late wives’ families, his relatives, his mistress, his servants --- half of Verona had motive. And when everyone around the Duke begins dying, disappearing, or descending into madness, I know I must uncover the killer...before death lies on me like an untimely frost.
Audiobook available, read by Suzy Jackson
