Teach the Torches to Burn - Daughter of Montague by Christina Dodd Hardcover

Book Synopsis

Romeo and Juliet (yes, that Romeo and Juliet) invite you to join them in celebrating the union of their spinster daughter, Rosie (she's 20!) to Escalus the younger, prince of Verona, where murder is the unexpected guest at the wedding.

My Lady Jane meets Knives Out in Fair Verona, as New York Times bestselling author Christina Dodd brings you the wedding of the season star-crossed with poison most discreet.

Joining us will be the royal and decorous kin of the groom, the Leonardis, as well as the famously rival families, the upstart Montagues and the snooty Capulets. All will be armed with swords and knives; at least one is skilled with poison. At this joyous event, who could foresee what direful occurrences might befall?

If I, the aforesaid Rosie, blushing bride, noted cynic and sleuth, were asked to identify when the pre-wedding events spiraled out of control, I'd point to that moment when elderly Princess Ursula observed the display of gleaming swords and bared teeth and announced that she would hold a public séance to determine the future of the marriage . . .

With the aid of Yorick's skull and her own considerable dramatic nature, Princess Ursula prophesied three things: the marriage would be joyous and fertile (the guests yawn, ) a long-lost treasure would be found . . . and foul and most unnatural murder would disrupt the fragile peace of Verona.

Before the day was done, two prophesies had been fulfilled. Hint: not the fun fertility one. As one death follows another and it's clear a skilled poisoner lurks among us, coming ever closer to striking down those I love, I use all my wit and skill to discern the reason for the vendetta and uncover the killer's identity . . . for I would have the holy church bells that now ring a sad lament peel instead for the wedding ceremony and the joyous and fertile future foretold. . .

Review Quotes

Praise for the Daughter of Montague Series:

"So. Much. Fun." --Julia Quinn, # 1 New York Times bestselling author on Teach the Torches to Burn

"Writing with a modern, sassy sense of wit, Dodd neatly folds the book's fascinating Italian Renaissance setting and compelling cast of characters into a smartly executed plot that offers up a clever nod to Hamlet...Dodd's latest is the literary equivalent of catnip for readers in search of something new and fun in historical mysteries." --Library Journal, STARRED REVIEW for Thus With a Kiss I Die

"Fun, funny, charming, and absolutely delightful. If you're looking for a novel to sweep you away and lift your spirits, look no further." --Kristin Hannah, #1 New York Times bestselling author on A Daughter of Fair Verona

"Graced with an unforgettable cast of characters that includes the delightfully indefatigable Rosie and written with a cheeky sense of wit and charm Shakespeare would be proud to claim, Dodd's well-executed launch of her new series is absolutely brilliant." --Library Journal, STARRED REVIEW for A Daughter of Fair Verona

"A sharp, determined heroine, a clever historical mystery, sparkling wit, a unique setting, family drama and a dash of romance." --Amanda Quick, New York Times bestselling author of The Lady Has a Past on A Daughter of Fair Verona

"Shakespeare may roll over--then he'll sit up and applaud!!" --Mary Bly (Eloisa James), Shakespearean professor and New York Times Bestselling Author of Lizzie and Dante on A Daughter of Fair Verona

"Who has the audacity to write a book about Romeo and Juliet's daughter? Christina Dodd, that's who! With its twisty plot and engaging characters, A Daughter of Fair Verona is charming, funny, and totally engaging. First I smiled, then I chuckled, then I laughed out loud. It's fresh, audacious, and altogether captivating. It's such a treat to read something I haven't read a thousand times before!" --Susan Elizabeth Phillips, # 1 New York Times Bestselling Author on A Daughter of Fair Verona

"A tour de force! Witty, charming, snarky and just plain fun. Shakespeare is going to wish he'd written this!" --Susan Mallery, # 1 New York Times Bestselling Author on A Daughter of Fair Verona

"This delightful, fast-paced mystery is a balm for the soul, with an ending that's not only satisfying but leaves you wanting more of this heroine, this family, and Christina Dodd's playful and clever voice." --Megan Chance, bestselling author of A Splendid Ruin on A Daughter of Fair Verona

"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." --Bookreporter on A Daughter of Fair Verona

"Dodd gives a delightfully creative twist to the much-loved story of Romeo and Juliet and presents us with a glimpse of what their lives could have been like had they lived. With Bridgerton mania currently sweeping the world, readers will be delighted with this offering." --Fresh Fiction on A Daughter of Fair Verona

About the Author

Christina Dodd is a New York Times bestselling author whose suspense, paranormal, historical, and mystery novels have been translated into 30 languages and sold more than 15 million copies in print. Praised for her "brilliantly etched characters, polished writing, and unexpected flashes of sharp humor that are pure Dodd" (Booklist), her award-winning books have landed on numerous Best of the Year lists and, much to her mother's delight, Dodd was once a clue in the Los Angeles Times crossword puzzle. She lives with her family in the Pacific Northwest, where her 700 lavender plants share the yard with her husband's various "Big Projects," including a treehouse, zipline, and their very own Stonehenge. Enter Christina's worlds and join her mailing list for humor, book news and entertainment (yes, she's the proud author with the infamous three-armed cover) at ChristinaDodd.com.