Not exactly edge of the seat stuff but interesting for those who would like to think of how things were in the past focusing on the Church and its supposed shennigans. The author who is a professor of Italian history knows his subject well. Lots of references to the church which immediately sends you to google the same out of curiosity. He has dwelt on a mysterious figure called Vasalis, presumably the author of "De forma mundi". Valenti Savi, an expert art restorer is caught up in the shadowy art world between the "Foundation" and Zerka, a collector with no scruples.
While the motivation of some of the characters is not very clear, those who like Robert Langdon (Da Vinci Code) would find echoes here. The story jumps from character to character in a seamless manner and keeps the excitement going.
All in all - a worthy read for a rainy day.