No one writes historical thrillers quite like Steve Berry, and I continue to leave each of his novels feeling that much more aware of the secret history that exists in every corner of our wild world. THE MEDICI RETURN is no exception.

Set in Siena, Italy, in 1512, the Prologue introduces us to a monetary debt entered into by the Vatican with the Medici family that was appropriately named “Pignus Christi,” or Pledge of Christ. It has been over five centuries since anyone discussed this matter, but that is about to change thanks to Eric Casaburi. This driven man, who may be of Medici descent, believes that he is entitled to the trillions of dollars from the 16th-century pact with Pope Julius II, which will lead to government office and riches beyond his wildest dreams.

"THE MEDICI RETURN provides much to feast on when it comes to action and historical context. And, of course, adding Cotton Malone to the mix makes for one great reading experience."

Enter our hero, Cotton Malone. The one-time government agent and current bookstore owner is still loyal to Stephanie Nelle, his former boss from the Magellan Billet, and rarely turns down an opportunity to assist her. Stephanie puts Cotton in touch with Cardinal Jason Richter, who is at the forefront of the activity involving the Vatican. The Pope is elderly and openly contemplating retirement. Hot for his seat at the next papal conclave is Sergio Cardinal Ascolani, who is no fan of Richter. In fact, Ascolani attempts to set up Richter by falsely accusing him of a shameful misdeed and banishing him to Germany, where he plans to have him eliminated.

However, Richter is several steps ahead of Ascolani and never leaves Italy as he awaits Cotton’s arrival. Ascolani already has met with Casaburi and intends to “take care” of him as well, lest he mention some ancient unpleasantness that could threaten the entire papacy and his own run for the papal seat of honor.

A great cast of characters flesh out this narrative, all of whom will converge in Florence before the action is over. One such individual is seasoned British assassin Thomas Dewberry, who has both Cotton and Richter listed among his next targets. Of course, he is in the employ of Ascolani, which makes the megalomaniacal Cardinal seem more like a Mafia don. Another character, Stefano of the Swiss Guard, ends up being a huge resource for Cotton and Richter as sides are drawn out in what is sure to be an epic battle. Some answers may lie in the ancient crypts, churches and libraries of Italy, and the first side to claim possession of some of these items in their scavenger hunt will be proclaimed the winner.

When diving into a Steve Berry novel, I expect non-stop action that typically involves some intense globetrotting, along with moments that play to my love of world history. His books always contain some unknown historical mystery, and I enjoy learning about things I was never taught in school.

THE MEDICI RETURN provides much to feast on when it comes to action and historical context. And, of course, adding Cotton Malone to the mix makes for one great reading experience. Berry’s typical lengthy Writer’s Note at the end of the novel is quite the treat for history buffs. It is so nice to marvel at his fertile imagination and tireless drive to discover new stories set in the arena of global history, which is the perfect impetus to explore them via his first-rate fiction.