Florentine Gold

Father Francesco Rucelli awakens in a Florence hospital after the explosion that injured him and killed his twin, Dominican monk Piero. Piero, custodian of the vast Rucelli fortune, had become increasingly erratic since finding a relic of fellow Dominican Girolamo Savonarola, a fanatical monk who subjected Florence to a "bonfire of the vanities" in 1496. Piero may be connected to an outbreak of arson and violence eerily similar to tragedies during Savonarola's reign.

Inspector Stefano Berti, head of Florence's major crime unit, wants Father Francesco to shed some light on the crimes, but that proves impossible. Trauma from the explosion has left Francesco with no memory of recent events.

As Berti continues digging, Francesco finds himself in control of the Rucelli family finances, including a charitable foundation worth a hundred million euros. Quickly rising in the Church hierarchy, Francesco must choose between his religion and the allure of Florentine Gold. He may not have much time: someone wants him dead to prevent his lost memories from ever resurfacing.

After a successful career in business finance, Peter Ricci and his wife, Janet, moved to Florence, Italy, where they attended the Lorenzo de' Medici as full-time students. They immersed themselves in the Italian language, history, and Renaissance art.

After completing his studies, Peter researched and wrote Florentine Gold. When not in Italy, the couple resides in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and travels often to visit their children and grandchildren.