Geoffrey Chaucer Mysteries - Book Two 'An absorbing mix of history, suspense and romance, this tale brings one of Britain's most renowned literary figures to credible life.' Publishers Weekly Italy. 1373. Geoffrey Chaucer, diplomat, secret agent and aspiring poet, journeys to medieval Florence, a city twice the size of London and the financial centre of Europe. His mission is to arrange a loan from the banking house of Antonio Lipari for the English king, Edward III, to help fund the ongoing war with France. But there are plenty of people inside and outside the Lipari family who are opposed to the deal. Within days of Chaucer's arrival, Lipari is found dead in a chamber in his Florentine palace. Violence and unrest simmer under the surface. Chaucer is aware of shadowy conspirators and pursuers. In constant danger of his life, he must follow a trail of clues to establish the murderous truth about Lipari's death. Recommended for fans of Michael Jecks, Angus Donald and CJ Sansom. Philip Gooden is a historical novelist and contributor to various short story anthologies. He lives in Bath. Praise for Philip Gooden: 'Full of the sights and sounds of fourteenth-century England--and pleasingly free of tedious exposition and clumps of research--this lively novel is a fine example of how to get it right in a historical mystery. Chaucer himself is a well-realized and charming protagonist, and the series seems to be settling in for a long run.' Booklist