I always enjoy books about those wicked Borgias and The Borgia Mistress is no exception. Sara Poole handles the court intrigue like an expert and we are witness to the dirty politics, spies and allegiances
between the power hungry Spain, France and Pope Borgia's unlimited ego. The main character in all this is Francesca who is the Vatican's poisoner, sometimes lover to Cesare Borgia and court confidant. Her task is not only to taste all of the Pope's food and keep everyday objects clean of hidden poison but to keep the Pope's enemies close at hand.