The Cameo Keeper
by Deborah Swift
Rome 1644: A Novel of Love, Power, and Poison
Remember tonight… for it is the beginning of always ― Dante Alighieri
In the heart of Rome, the conclave is choosing a new Pope, and whoever wins will determine the fate of the Eternal City.
Astrologer Mia and her fiancé Jacopo, a physician at the Santo Spirito Hospital, plan to marry, but the election result is a shock and changes everything..
As Pope Innocent X takes the throne, he brings along his sister-in-law, the formidable Donna Olimpia Maidalchini, known as La Papessa – the female Pope. When Mia is offered a position as her personal astrologer, she and Jacopo find themselves on opposite sides of the most powerful family in Rome.
Mia is determined to protect her mother, Giulia Tofana, a renowned poisoner. But with La Papessa obsessed with bringing Giulia to justice, Mia and Jacopo’s love is put to the ultimate test.
As the new dawn of Renaissance medicine emerges, Mia must navigate the dangerous political landscape of Rome while trying to protect her family and her heart. Will she be able to save her mother, or will she lose everything she holds dear?
For fans of “The Borgias” and “The Crown,” this gripping tale of love, power, and poison will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.
‘historical fiction that is brisk, fresh and bristling with intrigue’ – Bookmarked Reviews ★★★★★
Available on Amazon and Kindle Unlimited
Read my review:
Deborah Swift’s The Cameo Keeper is a wonderfully immersive journey into Rome in 1644, brought to life with her trademark depth of research and eye for atmospheric detail. From the intrigue surrounding the papal election to the imposing presence of Donna Olimpia Maidalchini—La Papessa—Swift captures a world where loyalty and survival often collide.
At the heart of the story is Mia, an astrologer whose new role in La Papessa’s household places her dangerously close to the pursuit of her own mother, the infamous poisoner Giulia Tofana. Mia’s struggle to balance love, duty, and truth—especially as her fiancé Jacopo is drawn into the same political storm—creates an emotional core that feels honest and compelling.
Swift’s Rome is richly textured: bustling hospitals, shadowed alleyways, and the charged atmosphere of the Vatican all feel vividly real. The characters, too, are layered and human, shaped as much by their private fears as by the turbulent politics around them.
The Cameo Keeper is both gripping and heartfelt; a thoughtful, engaging read for anyone who loves historical fiction that blends accuracy, tension, and emotional warmth. A highly rewarding novel.
About Deborah Swift:
In the past I used to work as a set and costume designer for theatre and TV, so I enjoy the research aspect of creating historical fiction, something I loved doing in my work for the stage. I like to write about extraordinary characters set against the background of real historical events.
I have written more than twenty novels, and as you are reading this, I’ll probably be working on another – poring over the history books and research, and stitching together another story for you to enjoy.
I live in North Lancashire on the edge of the beautiful Lake District, and to relax I love to walk and explore the mountainous landscapes and interesting coastline near my home.
‘Her characters are so real that they linger in the mind long after the book is back on the shelf. Highly recommended. ‘ The Historical Novels Review.
Deborah Swift’s Amazon Author Page
