4 STARS. The Second Duchess, by Elizabeth Loupas is a captivating tale of a mystery murder that keeps the reader turning the pages. Inspired by Robert Browning’s classic poem, My Last Duchess, it takes place in the Italian city state of Ferrara. Filled with detailed descriptions of Renaissance court life, readers will warm to the not so beautiful Barbara of Austria and feel the coldness of her husband Alfonso, the Duke, as they embark on court intrigues to solve the mystery.
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