We start during the 1970s, as the independent minded Nina finds herself falling for a man who she knows she cannot have a life with. Leo has his own familial demons to contend with, whilst Nina has secrets of which Leo can never be party to. Nina’s life is snatched away from her but nobody seems to know anything or care; or do they?

In the present day, Lottie takes a gamble and moves to Rome to be with a man she loves. But who is he really? In her new role as Chief Archivist, Lottie becomes responsible for the materials regarding Nina, including an incredibly beautiful painting. Her enquiries about the artwork lead to further questions about Nina when she meets Gabriele Ricci, known as the ‘book doctor’. Unable to fathom why her murder went uninvestigated, Lottie turns sleuth hoping to uncover Nina’s secrets and the reason for her murder in 1978. Through Nina’s journal, Lottie walks in her footsteps, uncovering political and religious revelations which place Lottie herself in danger. Along the way our heroine discovers the tragic love story of Nina and Leo, when both were eager to keep their romance secret but spies were everywhere.

The reader is drawn into this story from the very beginning, and with such vivid descriptions of Rome, one can almost feel the heat of the sun, the scent of jasmine in the air and the sounds of coffee shops and markets.

Buchan brings her two main characters to life as the story evolves and Lottie delves deeper into the mysteries surrounding Nina. There are unexpected twists adding suspense to the story. These captivating protagonists add depth as their personalities and relationships develop.

The past cannot remain hidden and, in the end, Lottie uncovers more than she bargained for. Is anyone who they appear to be? The Vatican appears to want Lottie to cease her enquiries but she cannot comprehend whether this is for religious or more sinister reasons.

Two Women in Rome is a wonderfully evocative story that takes the reader to the Rome both of the 1970s and the present day. Buchan’s elegant prose immerses the reader in a compelling story, beautifully written and with an evocative style full of love and mystery.

Amy McElroy is a writer and blogger with an interest in the medieval and early modern periods.

Aspects of History Issue 8 is out now.