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Nico Argenti Renaissance Mystery #1
The Laureate
Elit Award Silver Medalist
Book Excellence Award finalist
". . . a page-turning and suspenseful plot. Readers will eagerly await the sequel." - Publlishers Weekly starred review
Book Excellence Award finalist
". . . a page-turning and suspenseful plot. Readers will eagerly await the sequel." - Publlishers Weekly starred review
August 1464: Young Nico Argenti returns from the university with a law degree. He is eager to begin his career, but instead finds his city of Florence shaken by the death of Cosimo de Medici, patriarch of the Medici dynasty. It is a perfect opportunity for power hungry aristocrats to seize control of the Republic. A Florentine Chancellor, who has been tracking Nico’s accomplishments at the university, recruits Nico to uncover details of the plot before it can destabilize the goverment. Nico's hunt for a hired assassin pits his youthful idealism against sinister reality. Can he tame the conflicts and discover the assassin's intended victim before it is too late?
To unravel the clues, Nico seeks help from his cousin Donato, who owns the finest restaurant in Florence, and Bianca, a very special lady. Nico's childhood friend artist Sandro Botticelli connects Nico with a leading Florentine family that holds the key.
- GenresFiction
Kindle Edition
First published April 14, 2022
91 people are currently reading
61 people want to read
About the author
Ken Tentarelli
12 books64 followersKen's latest books are a series of novellas featuring Persephone "Seph" Carano, an agent of the (fictional) Cyber Security Agency who leads the charge against cybercrime. Find the books and the scoop on Seph at https://cybercase.tech
Ken began his writing career as the author of a series of six historical thrillers set in the Italian Renaissance that have earned an Elit Silver Book Award, the Indie Reader Discovery Award, a Book Excellence Award finalist, a Publishers Weekly starred review, and the 2023 Next Generation Indie Book Award mystery winner, and and 2024 Independent Press Award favorite.
Ken's seventh book, The Blackest Time, a novel set during the Black Plague, is available from publisher Black Rose Writing.
Ken Tentarelli is a frequent visitor to Italy. In travels from the Alps to the southern coast of Sicily he developed a love for its history and its people. He has studied Italian culture and language in Rome and Perugia. When not traveling, Ken and his wife live in New Hampshire. He is a strong advocate for his local library.
Connect with Ken at www.KenTentarelli.com He'd love to hear from you.
Ken began his writing career as the author of a series of six historical thrillers set in the Italian Renaissance that have earned an Elit Silver Book Award, the Indie Reader Discovery Award, a Book Excellence Award finalist, a Publishers Weekly starred review, and the 2023 Next Generation Indie Book Award mystery winner, and and 2024 Independent Press Award favorite.
Ken's seventh book, The Blackest Time, a novel set during the Black Plague, is available from publisher Black Rose Writing.
Ken Tentarelli is a frequent visitor to Italy. In travels from the Alps to the southern coast of Sicily he developed a love for its history and its people. He has studied Italian culture and language in Rome and Perugia. When not traveling, Ken and his wife live in New Hampshire. He is a strong advocate for his local library.
Connect with Ken at www.KenTentarelli.com He'd love to hear from you.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
March 19, 2022
The Laureate by Ken Tentarelli is truly a novel that readers would love to read from beginning to end. The story starts off by introducing the readers to Nico Argenti, who has just graduated from the University of Bologna. From there, the story goes from Nico's background to the main plot and focus of the novel. Ken Tentarelli definitely has a way of making the main character very likable without making the main character into a Mary Sue. Not to mention, the side characters are quite likable as well. Ken Tentarelli also does a great job at describing Florentine and other countries in this novel that it would make any reader feel like they were actually there. This novel is definitely one that any mystery lover would love to read and enjoy a novel dealing with a conspiracy as complex as the one in the novel. This story definitely gets a five out of five star rating.
March 31, 2022
Ken Tentarelli’s ‘The Laureate: An Italian Renaissance Historical Mystery’ is exactly as advertised. Set in Florence during the late 1400s, the story centers on a young upstart lawyer (Nico) who returns home to begin what he hopes will be a long and fruitful career. Unfortunately, the recent death of the powerful Cosimo de Medici has disrupted the balance of power in the region. With word of Nico’s return having spread throughout town, the young lawyer is summoned by the local Chancellor and tasked with infiltrating and identifying the would-be players seeking to assume control of Florence. What follows is an old-world adventure that finds the young protagonist at the center of an increasingly dangerous conspiracy.
Despite its billing as a historical mystery, ‘The Laureate’ relies far too much on coincidence and deus ex machina to be a true mystery. Yes, there’s a fair amount of suspense, but Nico has a long way to go before anyone confuses him with a detective. That being said, the characters (Nico included) are one of this novel’s greatest strengths. Nico is both beloved and connected by the people of Florence, and despite the expansive cast, each and every relationship feels authentic.
And while the book’s formatting could use another pass—mostly to address the smattering of typos and other random grammatical errors—Tentarelli’s story is otherwise well-written. The narrative is tight, well-paced, and meticulously researched, a point continuously underscored by Tentarelli’s use of exposition and scene-building. In fact, the author’s ceaseless commitment to nailing the details of fifteenth-century Italy is perhaps this novel’s greatest drawback, as the overall effect delivers a story that, for lack of a better term, feels a bit dry.
And therein lies my one and only real gripe with ‘The Laureate.’ As the inaugural entry in the planned ‘Nico Argenti’ historical mystery series, the novel failed to totally capture my interest. That all being said, there is a lot of solid ground laid that I am sure will pay off in the future installments. And despite the minor issues cited above, ‘The Laureate’ is still a solid slice of immersive historical fiction.
Despite its billing as a historical mystery, ‘The Laureate’ relies far too much on coincidence and deus ex machina to be a true mystery. Yes, there’s a fair amount of suspense, but Nico has a long way to go before anyone confuses him with a detective. That being said, the characters (Nico included) are one of this novel’s greatest strengths. Nico is both beloved and connected by the people of Florence, and despite the expansive cast, each and every relationship feels authentic.
And while the book’s formatting could use another pass—mostly to address the smattering of typos and other random grammatical errors—Tentarelli’s story is otherwise well-written. The narrative is tight, well-paced, and meticulously researched, a point continuously underscored by Tentarelli’s use of exposition and scene-building. In fact, the author’s ceaseless commitment to nailing the details of fifteenth-century Italy is perhaps this novel’s greatest drawback, as the overall effect delivers a story that, for lack of a better term, feels a bit dry.
And therein lies my one and only real gripe with ‘The Laureate.’ As the inaugural entry in the planned ‘Nico Argenti’ historical mystery series, the novel failed to totally capture my interest. That all being said, there is a lot of solid ground laid that I am sure will pay off in the future installments. And despite the minor issues cited above, ‘The Laureate’ is still a solid slice of immersive historical fiction.
August 15, 2019
The Laureate is precisely the type of novel that historical fiction lovers crave. Kenneth Tentarelli presents Renaissance Florence through thoughtfully researched background and a plausible storyline infused with interesting characters that not only move the plot along, but also introduce the reader to aspects of early Italian culture.
Book #1 of the Nico Argenti series, The Laureate requires a fair share of of exposition, yet it still hooks readers on the series with a suspenseful story and alluring personalities.
Nico has just graduated from law studies at the University of Bologna and returns to Florence — with a Venetian friend from school — to show this friend his hometown before he settles into his career.
At the same time, the recent death of a de Medici has upset the political balance in Italy, and power hungry aristocrats are looking to wrestle control — murderously if need be.
What does this have to do with Nico? A very influential acquaintance from his past tempts Nico to spy — or “gather information” — for the Florentine Chancellor… with the suggestion that Nico could be a top candidate for a prime position if he can successfully complete the fact finding mission.
But Nico does more than that, finding himself embroiled in the midst of the political intrigue and putting himself and his friends into perilous positions as they attempt to foil an assassination plot.
Page turning and thrilling, with a little bit of romance thrown in for good measure, The Laureate draws the reader in, while also teaching about the history of the early divided states of Italy. Readers will love Book #1 and eagerly await the rest of the series!
Book #1 of the Nico Argenti series, The Laureate requires a fair share of of exposition, yet it still hooks readers on the series with a suspenseful story and alluring personalities.
Nico has just graduated from law studies at the University of Bologna and returns to Florence — with a Venetian friend from school — to show this friend his hometown before he settles into his career.
At the same time, the recent death of a de Medici has upset the political balance in Italy, and power hungry aristocrats are looking to wrestle control — murderously if need be.
What does this have to do with Nico? A very influential acquaintance from his past tempts Nico to spy — or “gather information” — for the Florentine Chancellor… with the suggestion that Nico could be a top candidate for a prime position if he can successfully complete the fact finding mission.
But Nico does more than that, finding himself embroiled in the midst of the political intrigue and putting himself and his friends into perilous positions as they attempt to foil an assassination plot.
Page turning and thrilling, with a little bit of romance thrown in for good measure, The Laureate draws the reader in, while also teaching about the history of the early divided states of Italy. Readers will love Book #1 and eagerly await the rest of the series!
March 17, 2022
It’s 1464 and Nico Argenti is fresh out of law school and returns to his family in Florence, Italy in hopes to register to be a lawyer. He is soon called to a meeting with Bartolomeo Scala and told about the disastrous shape of the leading body of the country–the Chancellor recently died, the Pope is secretly ill, and there are many parties and individuals who may be biding their time, waiting to steal control of the country.
The story is told entirely from Nico’s point of view. I found him to be quite naive and a little dull. He seems, rather conveniently, to know everyone of importance and loves to talk. The first two-thirds of this book is filled with dialogue and descriptions. At first this is charming–the author provides a detailed description of the land and buildings in Florence and the surrounding areas, but after a time the details become laborious. I wished for more action instead of talking and describing.
I was intrigued with some of the minor female characters and was pleased with how they helped the story develop. They both appear to have interesting backgrounds and I hope to see more of them in future stories.
Since this is the first book in the series, it’s understandable that there would be many pieces of the puzzle to lay in place, many characters to introduce, and plot points to start. I felt like the author was trying to fit in everything he needed in order to start his story and it took too long to get the action started. The plot points finally begin to come together in the last 80 pages or so. I hope the next books contain more action and less description and talking.
The story is told entirely from Nico’s point of view. I found him to be quite naive and a little dull. He seems, rather conveniently, to know everyone of importance and loves to talk. The first two-thirds of this book is filled with dialogue and descriptions. At first this is charming–the author provides a detailed description of the land and buildings in Florence and the surrounding areas, but after a time the details become laborious. I wished for more action instead of talking and describing.
I was intrigued with some of the minor female characters and was pleased with how they helped the story develop. They both appear to have interesting backgrounds and I hope to see more of them in future stories.
Since this is the first book in the series, it’s understandable that there would be many pieces of the puzzle to lay in place, many characters to introduce, and plot points to start. I felt like the author was trying to fit in everything he needed in order to start his story and it took too long to get the action started. The plot points finally begin to come together in the last 80 pages or so. I hope the next books contain more action and less description and talking.
August 14, 2019
THE LAUREATE (Nico Argenti Book 1) by Ken Tentarelli artfully transports the reader to Florence in the year 1464 after the death of Cosimo de Medici. In this historical novel, recent law school graduate Nico Argenti is asked by a prominent city official to spy in order to stop a plot to overthrow the government.
This novel succeeds in inhabiting the world of Florence during the Renaissance. Obviously, the author knows and loves that city and takes us to journeys on its cobblestone streets, into a prized restaurant with surprisingly similar Italian food to that served today, and even includes scenes with the great painter Botticelli.
The novel has a thrilling opening where Nico is threatened in a literal highway robbery.
Yet the novel’s dialogue can sometimes seem stilted with exposition because of the challenge of explaining so much history, culture and class. Also, there are well-drawn sympathetic characters, including a robber, a classmate from Venice, and a former Moroccan slave girl who are dropped from the story’s main action, and that is somewhat disappointing.
This book is part one of a series, and I hope in the future Mr. Tentarelli won’t abandon his realistically portrayed supporting characters.
This novel succeeds in inhabiting the world of Florence during the Renaissance. Obviously, the author knows and loves that city and takes us to journeys on its cobblestone streets, into a prized restaurant with surprisingly similar Italian food to that served today, and even includes scenes with the great painter Botticelli.
The novel has a thrilling opening where Nico is threatened in a literal highway robbery.
Yet the novel’s dialogue can sometimes seem stilted with exposition because of the challenge of explaining so much history, culture and class. Also, there are well-drawn sympathetic characters, including a robber, a classmate from Venice, and a former Moroccan slave girl who are dropped from the story’s main action, and that is somewhat disappointing.
This book is part one of a series, and I hope in the future Mr. Tentarelli won’t abandon his realistically portrayed supporting characters.
August 16, 2019
Brilliantly written historical fiction!
The Laureate is an intoxicating blend of mystery, murder, law, life, love, and deceit.
After the death of Cosimo de Medici in 1464, the de facto ruler of Florence, his dynasty, legend, and city plummeted into chaos and destruction. Protagonist Nico Argenti a recent law school graduate from University of Bologna returned to his home-town Florence. Upon Nico’s return he was asked by the city officials of Florence to work as an under-cover spy, with the mission of stopping the government from being over-thrown. This mission aligned Nico with many characters that vividly added their colorful lives to the culturally rich storyline and contributed mysterious elements within this page-turning novel.
Kenneth Tentarelli is more than a writer, this man is an artist of the written word with an uncanny ability to transport readers from their day-to-day life, into the world of Renaissance era Florence, Italy. Historical fiction at it’s very best! Being an avid reader of this genre; I must say I have read very few historical fiction novels that paint such a vivid picture of an era.
This book is part one in the series, I eagerly await the second book!
The Laureate is an intoxicating blend of mystery, murder, law, life, love, and deceit.
After the death of Cosimo de Medici in 1464, the de facto ruler of Florence, his dynasty, legend, and city plummeted into chaos and destruction. Protagonist Nico Argenti a recent law school graduate from University of Bologna returned to his home-town Florence. Upon Nico’s return he was asked by the city officials of Florence to work as an under-cover spy, with the mission of stopping the government from being over-thrown. This mission aligned Nico with many characters that vividly added their colorful lives to the culturally rich storyline and contributed mysterious elements within this page-turning novel.
Kenneth Tentarelli is more than a writer, this man is an artist of the written word with an uncanny ability to transport readers from their day-to-day life, into the world of Renaissance era Florence, Italy. Historical fiction at it’s very best! Being an avid reader of this genre; I must say I have read very few historical fiction novels that paint such a vivid picture of an era.
This book is part one in the series, I eagerly await the second book!
March 13, 2022
A good book that gets better - this is a book of two halves. Overall, I enjoyed reading it: the plot is well thought out, the characters are interesting and the setting is well-described. From a historical point of view, I also enjoyed the appearances of characters whose names were familiar to me even despite my limited Renaissance knowledge (like Bottacelli and the Medici family).
However, as I said, it is a book of two halves. The dialogue in the opening pages (and to some extent throughout) is a little laboured. Characters tend to explain what is going on in an unnatural and slightly stilted way. I understand that the author is trying to put down foundations for the characters and the story but it takes away from the enjoyment in the opening chapters and lends a degree of awkwardness to the relationships between some of the characters.
That said, I thought that the writing improved as the book got going and I wasn't nearly so mindful of that criticism at the end as I was at the beginning. Also, whilst the story doesn't really offer any surprises, it is genuinely interesting, Florence is beautifully portrayed (I want to visit now!) and it did captivate me right up to its conclusion.
However, as I said, it is a book of two halves. The dialogue in the opening pages (and to some extent throughout) is a little laboured. Characters tend to explain what is going on in an unnatural and slightly stilted way. I understand that the author is trying to put down foundations for the characters and the story but it takes away from the enjoyment in the opening chapters and lends a degree of awkwardness to the relationships between some of the characters.
That said, I thought that the writing improved as the book got going and I wasn't nearly so mindful of that criticism at the end as I was at the beginning. Also, whilst the story doesn't really offer any surprises, it is genuinely interesting, Florence is beautifully portrayed (I want to visit now!) and it did captivate me right up to its conclusion.
March 16, 2022
I was drawn to The Laureate because of this fascinating period in Italy, a time when creativity is blossoming. My husband and I watch a lot of travel shows which mention the Medicis. Unfortunately, I found history so boring when I was in school, I virtually know nothing of the politics during this time.
Somehow, this author manages to take politics and make the interactions easy to understand, while at the same time weaving in tales of mystery and intrigue.
It is easy to think of Italy the way it is now, united as one country, and forget that it has only been this way a little over 100 years. The author does an amazing job of making clear the differences between separate republics that existed in the 1400s and their relations to each other. The details transported me to this place and time. Even though the story takes place centuries ago, the characters are easily relatable.
At first, I didn't realize this was the first book in a mystery series. I felt like there were some loose ends. Then I realized there were sequels. I can't wait to read the next one to find out more. I am going to recommend this series to my father as well. He loves mysteries and is of Italian heritage.
Somehow, this author manages to take politics and make the interactions easy to understand, while at the same time weaving in tales of mystery and intrigue.
It is easy to think of Italy the way it is now, united as one country, and forget that it has only been this way a little over 100 years. The author does an amazing job of making clear the differences between separate republics that existed in the 1400s and their relations to each other. The details transported me to this place and time. Even though the story takes place centuries ago, the characters are easily relatable.
At first, I didn't realize this was the first book in a mystery series. I felt like there were some loose ends. Then I realized there were sequels. I can't wait to read the next one to find out more. I am going to recommend this series to my father as well. He loves mysteries and is of Italian heritage.
August 8, 2025
Great historical fiction requires a balance between the requisite elements (fiction and history). Even a well-researched novel can suffer when the author shows off that research at the expense of story. Not so here. Ken Tentarelli seamlessly weaves plot and history in a totally believable way, balancing action, exposition and dialog, providing the reader with a first-rate immersive read.
Young Nico Argenti, recent law graduate, is a wonderful first-person protagonist. (Charming, idealistic, and a bit "green".) Though the story is a mystery, the author avoids plunking modern methodology into a historical setting. Nico gets "lucky," and there are unsettled plot elements (which argue for the next book in the series).
The writing is direct and effective. Renaissance Italy in the fifteenth century is portrayed vividly, from the physical setting to the social interactions. The characters (and there are many) are well-developed.
I enjoyed The Laureate immensely (enough so that I bought the next book in the series, The Advisor, as soon as I finished reading). Exceptional historical fiction.
Young Nico Argenti, recent law graduate, is a wonderful first-person protagonist. (Charming, idealistic, and a bit "green".) Though the story is a mystery, the author avoids plunking modern methodology into a historical setting. Nico gets "lucky," and there are unsettled plot elements (which argue for the next book in the series).
The writing is direct and effective. Renaissance Italy in the fifteenth century is portrayed vividly, from the physical setting to the social interactions. The characters (and there are many) are well-developed.
I enjoyed The Laureate immensely (enough so that I bought the next book in the series, The Advisor, as soon as I finished reading). Exceptional historical fiction.
August 14, 2019
Reader be warned: The Laureate will have you checking prices on flights to Florence, and longing for pastries and good Italian wine. The author has crafted an intriguing mystery with a diverse cast of characters, but it's the setting that really shines in this novel. Fifteenth century Florence is described in beautiful, fascinating detail and serves as a unique setting for this mystery series. As the first book in a series, much of the story seems to serve as a set up to the series and I was left wanting a little more, especially in regard to the secondary characters. But in a lot of ways, that's a good thing! Bottom line - a good read for fans of historical fiction with a side of mystery.
August 26, 2019
"The Laureate" (Nico Argenti Book 1) is a highly entertaining and pleasurable read for any lover of Florence or the Italian Renaissance. It blends historical fiction with sympathetic characters and good storytelling. I loved all the little details which illuminated the Italian language, city governance, society, food, and culture during this time. The novel was well-paced although I was expecting a little more intrigue on a grander scale. I think this novel is a great way to become familiar with the city of Florence during the time of Sandro Botticelli and the Medici family.
March 15, 2022
I found myself really enjoying this book. I have a very limited knowledge of the Renaissance period, but I found the book didn’t go over my head in that regard. I became immersed in the world of the characters, the scenery around them seemed to spring to life. The writing could do with more work if I am honest as there were sections that felt as if the writer was still honing their craft. They could have done with perhaps another draft in places. However, despite this I did find the book fascinating to read.
November 3, 2019
This is the kind of book that's like a really fancy meal. It has all the best elements of pretty much all genres and it such a satisfying read. Historical fiction, mystery, suspense, it's all there. The vivid imagery of Florence in the late 1400s is almost intoxicating, it adds a whole other vibe to the novel that only that kind of time and setting can. I had dreams of cobblestone streets and large goblets of wine after finishing the book. Such a great read.
November 12, 2019
Historical mysteries are difficult to write. The author must provide just enough historical accuracy, without turning it into a history textbook. Ken Tentarelli masterfully creates a book about Nico Argenti, a recent law graduate who must provide intelligence on the potential coup against the Florentine government. His characters are well-developed, and locations seem to jump off the page. This is one of the best historical fiction novels to hit Kindle in a while.
September 10, 2020
The Laureate - very good book, well written, worth reading!
I like to read books set in different periods in history. I have just finished watching the short series on the Medici on Netflix and was interested in reading more about that period. This book did a very good job and gave a different perspective to another element in that society at the start of the Renaissance. The story was well written. It was hard to put down. I recommend this book highly.
I like to read books set in different periods in history. I have just finished watching the short series on the Medici on Netflix and was interested in reading more about that period. This book did a very good job and gave a different perspective to another element in that society at the start of the Renaissance. The story was well written. It was hard to put down. I recommend this book highly.
November 6, 2022
Nice Read
A good choice for a reader who is interested in Renaissance Florence. Nico, the hero of this story, is well defined. I loved how the story gives us an overview of daily life in Florence. Of course, I loved the author's description of the many limitations imposed on women. This book would make a good addition to any local library. This is not a price winner book but it certainly is a gentle to do some time travel.
A good choice for a reader who is interested in Renaissance Florence. Nico, the hero of this story, is well defined. I loved how the story gives us an overview of daily life in Florence. Of course, I loved the author's description of the many limitations imposed on women. This book would make a good addition to any local library. This is not a price winner book but it certainly is a gentle to do some time travel.
August 16, 2019
I love Florence anyway, and this beautifully descriptive book reminded me why. Historical Mystery is a favorite genre, and if you're like me, you won't be disappointed while traversing 15th century Florence in the footsteps of Nico Argenti. I was pleasantly reminded of the Susanna Gregory Mathew Bartholomew series, and I'm excited that this looks to grow out into further books.
November 1, 2022
A thoroughly enjoyable read! On to book #2.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews