The Medici Return by Steve Berry is the 19th book in the Cotton Malone series. Once again Cotton Malone is sent to Italy to solve an ancient mystery. His boss sent him to investigate a seemingly obscure pledge made centuries ago. The pledge today is worth millions of dollars to the direct descendent of the Medici clan that lent the money to the Vatican.
While working on the mystery, Malone was shot at, ran off the road, and in danger. He has to put his resources into a horse race with no rules and read obscure texts. As usual the action is non stop and twists and turns, as Malone helps solve the mystery from the past.
The history and information from the Medici family was fascinating and made the novel more interesting. I always find the play for power and trying to take over control of a large body of people interesting. Yet again I was uncertain where the line from fiction and nonfiction was. I found myself just fascinated by how he manages moving from reality into unreality so seamlessly. Each book can be read as a stand alone, without needing the ongoing storyline.
Cotton Malone as a main character is one of my favorites. He is not the hot shot young he-man, but a more mature character with intelligence and a solid core of right and wrong. He really wants the story answered with the best and most fair outcome. I find myself cheering him along knowing that he will be able to figure out the puzzles way before me! The Medici Return by Steve Berry was a great read.
