Francis? Dorothy-Dolly? Kate? Coincidence? I don't think so.
I read it from somewhere that Marigold Chain, Stella Riley's first novel, was a tribute to the exquisite Lymond's Chronicle by Dorothy Dunnett. I guess she's not quite finished with the tribute just yet, and Black Madonna is an encore of some sort. While I didn't feel much comparison when reading Marigold Chain, I did, however, compare the story and characters throughout while reading Black Madonna. All I can say is that I applaud the attempt, such an ambitious one that is, however it isn't just pale in comparison to the imitated masterpiece, it's so lifeless and tedious I fell asleep a couple times while going through it. And the villain? Convenient much?
For this Dorothy Dunnett's fan, Black Madonna is a disappointing read, though competent enough in writing to fill the time until I can reread the Lymond's tale all over again.
2/5
Read it yourself
