Thank you NetGalley for a copy of The Medici Return by Steve Berry.

Cotton Malone finds himself knee deep in a conspiracy that could bankrupt the Catholic Church. Everyone has something to gain. Who can be trusted?

Steve Berry has written another exceptional fast paced thriller - one of his best to date. If you haven’t read Steve Berry’s novels before, but you love a historical fiction thriller like The Da Vinci Code, then you must add this book to your reading list!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of the audiobook.
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This was not my favorite of the Cotton Malone series. The narration from Scott Brick is always excellent. I just did not connect with this story as much as others but the historical information about the Medici family was interesting.

Every book by Steve Berry is fast paced and engaging. His is one of my favorite thriller authors and his leading man, Cotton Malone is flawed, but principled. In this most recent installment in the series (hard to believe that there are 19 of them!), Cotton is sent to Italy to investigate a 500 old mystery that could cost the Vatican billions of dollars. It centers around a loan given to the Catholic Church by the famed and very prominent Medici family of Florence centuries ago. While Cotton is the center of the investigation and various political factions attempt to thwart him from finding the truth, Cotton aptly succeeds, after sustaining major bodily injury, and saves the day.

I listened to the audiobook, which was expertly narrated by the talented Scott Brick. Scott has narrated all of the Cotton Malone books and he does so with excitement and urgency in all the right places. I highly recommend The Medici Return!

Once again, Berry delivers another fast paced and action-packed story that will keep your head spinning with the hair pin twists and convoluted turns of this book. A wonderfully crafted story with twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat right to the last page. The action, historical accuracy and writing style make this story a page turner that you will not be able to put down.

Thank you to NetGalley and Hachette Audio who provided me with a copy of this book. I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

Cotton Malone is swept into a complicated adventure that extends hundreds of years into the past. Italy is prominently featured. I learned a great deal about the Medici and the Paleo in Sienna.
As usual there is danger, corruption and historical mysteries to solve.
Possible triggers are violence toward animals and people and corruption within a well known church.

I enjoyed listening to this book. Scott Brick is one of my favorite narrators. When he is the narrator the book is even better in my opinion.
Thanks to Netgalley and Hachette Audio for the chance to read this book.

The first book I read written by Steve Berry and did not realize this was the 19th in the Cotton Malone series. You can read the book as stand-alone, but I would have liked to have a better understanding of the Cotton character prior to this book. The story is intriguing. Weaving historical facts with fiction. I listened to the audio, but in this case, I think I might have benefited from the written form. Sometimes it is hard to follow because of the many characters and events. I will listen again or read the book to get all the details. The end is a bit of a surprise.

The Medici Return AUDIO by Steve Berry. This story seems a little more complicated than ist usually is. Many more characters. It involves the Vatican and so much history. I really prefer his e-books as the I can look things up for more information or visuals as I read. There is so much. Everyone agrees the las Medici died hundreds of years ago. A good thing because the Vatican owes them money and the original sum plus interest is astronomical. Well, now a man has returned who claims to be a Medici and he has DNA proof. As you can imagine, no one is very happy about that.

Cotton Malone is not only a retired agent of the federal government, but he is well-read and knowledgable about a great many things, as well as having friends and acquaintances everywhere. That is nowhere more evident than in this book where there are plots and subplots in abundance. It is face-paced and exciting and a listener of thrillers could ask for nothing more. Cotton is Cotton and as a hero can’t be beat. Even when things get complicated, he hangs in, and would do anything for a friend. A terrific Cotton Malone novel!

The reader is Scott Brick who is always good in a thriller. His voice is authoritative and intense but stays on topic no matter what is happening. A great choice.

I was invited to listen to The Medici Return by Hachette Audio. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #HachetteAudio #ScottBrick #SteveBerry #TheMediciReturn

I really like this author, but I felt like this just had too much historical detail to keep my attention like his other work. Perhaps it was the fault of me listening to the audio book where I couldn't easily go back and re-read sections that may have been covered hours before. The plot was interesting, but I started to struggle to keep up after a while.

THE MEDICI AFFAIR, the 19th book in the Cotton Malone series, is a thrilling ride from start to finish, always filled with history and conspiracy. The story starts with a 16th-century Pledge of Christ, a sworn promise by Pope Julius II to pay back the Medici 10 million loan, valid until it is paid back in full or the Medici family dies out. With a Papal selection happening soon, a possible Medici heir collecting proof of his family ties, and the Catholic Church wanting to keep the Pledge a secret, the race against time and its high-stakes nature will keep you engaged from start to finish.

This thriller is a fast-paced, high-tension ride with plenty of twists and a deep dive into the lives of well-defined and complex characters. Cotton Malone, now in his 50s and aging gracefully, is slowing down but still able to solve a good puzzle with a bit of digging and fight a good fight. The new and old characters in this book are equally compelling, each with their own unique depth and history, making this a must-read for any historical fiction enthusiast, especially those who appreciate Steve Berry's work. There is always so much to learn!

For those who prefer an auditory adventure, the audiobook of THE MEDICI RETURN, narrated by Scott Brick, offers a truly immersive experience. Brick's stellar performance, including the different accents, brings the story to life, transporting listeners to the heart of the action. The adrenaline rush is palpable, and the historical details are vividly brought to life, making it a satisfying listen for any historical fiction enthusiast.

Thank you to NetGalley and Hatchette Audio for providing me with the audio copy of THE MEDICI RETURN in exchange for an honest review. Steve Berry, I sincerely thank you for crafting such a captivating series! Your storytelling prowess is truly remarkable, and I am looking forward to the next installment of Cotton Malone.

Cotton Malone is dropped into another exciting adventure, this time with a secret Vatican debt and a Medici heir causing all sorts of mayhem.

I’ve been a Steve Berry reader since the beginning. I’ve followed Malone’s adventures religiously and have noticed a steady decline in the books. Steve needs an editor with a red pen to trim the fat from these novels. ASAP. The plots are still excellent, characters interesting, and the historical MacGuffins are cool and fascinating. But the stories are so long and overwrought anymore! Maybe Steve feels he has to justify the trips he and his wife take to research the stories? I don’t know. All I know is that I fell asleep for an hour or so while listening to the audiobook and didn’t really miss anything.

Am I going to keep reading the Cotton Malone books? Obviously. But please, Mr Berry- hire an editor!

I received a free audiobook copy from NetGalley in exchange for a fair review.

Let me tell you this: I had neve heard of the author before, but I have listened to every single Clive Cussler novel that Scott Brick has narrated. The man has the voice and ability to read a story and the characters that hypnotise me. This book was so well read, and I loved the storyline. The pace and performance absolutely showed how good Scott is with these sort of action and mystery novels. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this arc. Since it was my first book by this author, I really liked that I could listen to it as a standalone and not feel I lost anything.

The Medici Return is book 19 in Steve Berry's Cotton Malone series. You don't have to read the previous books to enjoy this one. I read book 15 in the series, The Kaiser's Web, a few years ago and I would like to read book 1 because I don't really understand who Cotton works for.

Berry's books are always filled with history and conspiracy. This book involves the Catholic Church so it reminded me of Dan Brown's The Da Vinci Code. The history dealt with an agreement made in the 1400s and we follow the line of the Medici family until their demise in the 1700s. This is not a time period I know much about nor do I know much about Italy's history. Berry made the family history interesting and I learned a little bit about politics in Italy.

It also meant there was a lot of detail that you need to keep up with. Plus the storyline bounces around a little (particularly during the horse race). I listened to the audiobook and I did get lost a time or two. If you are going to listen to the audiobook, I recommend limiting the distractions.

The book is narrated by Scott Brick who is one of my favorite narrators. He reads a lot of international thriller and espionage novels that I read including Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan series. He does a great job with German and Russian accents but I'm not sure about his Italian accent. But even so, the voice given to each character in the book is distinct enough to make it easy to distinguish between the characters.

This is a great book full of intricate plot threads that keep you completely engaged. Once you start it you might not want to put it down.

My review will be published at Girl Who Reads- https://www.girl-who-reads.com/2025/02/the-medici-return-by-steve-berry.html

Another wonderful Cotton Malone from author Steve Berry!

Personally books about the mysteries and conspiracies surrounding the Vatican and the Catholic Church aren't my favorite topic, but Steve Berry makes them so interesting. His use of fact mixed with fiction is a technique he has perfected in this long-running series. Plus, the author always "separates fact from fiction" at the end of the book. He always does a great deal of research into his stories which makes them so believable. Plus, his natural story writing ability takes care of the thriller part of each novel.

This book is about the famous Medici family of Italy. Their power permeated throughout Europe around 500 years ago. Berry creates a story that the family loaned the Catholic Church a large amount of money backed by a promissory note called a Pledge of Christ. Now, a man claiming to be the last remaining Medici heir has come to call the note due. What will happen with this claim when Cotton Malone gets involved?

And, as always, the audiobook is narrated by Scott Brick. He's long been the best in the business, particularly in the thriller and action categories. His voices bring the characters to life and welcomes the listener into the author's world. You can't go wrong with a Scott Brick narrated audiobook.

Thank you to Hachette Audio and NetGalley for an ARC audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

Another great Cotton Malone adventure from Steve Berry. This time, Cotton is off to Italy while a prominent member of a populist political party gaining power seeks to discover more about his ancestry, which could also mean financial ruin for the Catholic church.

After what seemed like an eternal hiatus, I felt it was best to return with a review of the latest book from one of my favorite authors.


The Medici Return is a classic Cotton Malone thriller with its unbridled action sequences and trademark treasure hunt for a long lost artifact. Throw in some political intrigue and power plays within the Vatican and you have yourself an early contender for my favorite book of the year.


Taking place primarily in the picturesque cities of Tuscany, Cotton Malone finds out once again that no good deed goes unpunished. As a favor for his former boss, who is involved at the request of the Vatican, Malone is sent on a relatively low risk ‘sneak and peak’ to confirm some damning evidence. When he realizes he’s been set up and used as a pawn in a larger game, Malone finds himself hot on the trail of a mysterious document that could turn the Vatican upside down and change the face of Italian politics. When he ends up in the most unlikely and dangerous of situations, Cotton must call upon his own past and knowledge to survive the hectic finish to the race.

Berry once again crafts a wonderful story with impeccable research and fantastically plausible plotlines, which see the latest in the Malone series racing like a wild stallion to the top of my favorites list. I’m sure the fact that it takes place in one of my most loved cities and features a particular horse race that is on my bucket list to watch has nothing to do with it.

Thanks to NetGalley and Hachette Audio Grand Central Publishing for an advanced audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

4 stars

Cotton Malone spends this book entirely in Italy solving a 500 year old mystery of a large loan made to the Vatican. I loved learning a lot about Florence and the famous horse race Palio di Siena--which I had the pleasure of seeing 35 years ago. I am always amazed by Steve Berry's ability to take history and turn it into an exciting adventure with modern implications. Another solid addition to the Cotton Malone series.

Scott Brick, I would listen to you narrate a grocery list!

The Medici Return: History Meets Thrill in Steve Berry's Latest

Steve Berry strikes again with The Medici Return, the nineteenth Cotton Malone adventure, which will be released on February 11th, 2025. This time, Berry expertly navigates the labyrinths of Vatican power and Renaissance intrigue, crafting a thriller that's hard to put down.

The plot kicks off with a forgotten 16th-century Pledge of Christ—an ancient Vatican debt—that a current politician tries to exploit for papal favour. Enter Cotton Malone, caught in a tangled web of historical secrets and modern-day corruption. Malone's mission includes aiding the Swiss Guard in probing bribery and theft allegations against Cardinal Jason Richter, adding layers to this gripping narrative.

Berry's brilliance lies in his seamless fusion of history and fiction. His author's note underscores the meticulous detail woven into the story, especially regarding the Medici family's legacy. Italy, with its vibrant history, isn't just a backdrop; it breathes life into the tale.

Expect a blend of suspense and action that will keep you hooked. Berry's storytelling is a masterclass in building complexity without losing sight of the core mystery. The narrative stretches across centuries yet remains clear and captivating, naturally linking past events to contemporary crimes.

Vatican politics and power struggles provide a fascinating backdrop, enriching the main plot with a dose of real-world intrigue. This novel offers a rare mix of entertainment and insight into the secretive world of religious politics.

While the historical depth might overwhelm some, Berry's pacing ensures the story's momentum rarely stalls. While newcomers might find the intricate plot challenging, Berry includes enough context to keep things accessible.

The Medici Return is a standout in the Cotton Malone series, reflecting Berry's knack for historical thrillers. With the series heading to streaming, Berry’s knack for mixing history and suspense is resonating beyond books.

For lovers of historical thrillers, Vatican intrigue, and Renaissance tales, this book is a must-read. It stands alone but rewards longtime fans of the series.

Rating: 4.5/5 stars

This thrilling narrative combines historical richness with contemporary suspense, sure to delight both newcomers and seasoned fans.

This review is for both the audio presentation and the book. Scott Brick does an incredible job
with all of the accented content, and his emotion throughout makes the story even more alive.
He truly is the constant voice of Cotton Malone!
Kudos to the Author for finding graceful ways to age Cotton with interesting and challenging
missions. It’s a little important to readers that he age but still be able to get into the occasional
sticky situation, which is accomplished in this book with the horse racing scenes.
This book relied a lot on the historical scenes. These are interesting as well as educational.
While I count on the Author to raise my curiosity, it’s a fine line, which is perfect.
I adore the longstanding relationship Cotton enjoys with Stephanie, and it’s nice
that she still asks him for favors. (Again, nicely done as they both age gracefully.)
The most interesting scenes are focused on the legitimacy of AnnaMarie and
Rafael… were they… or were they not…

This continuing collaboration between the amazingly talented Steve Berry
and the incredible Scott Brick is likely responsible for several generations
of folks newly drawn to wonderful historical sites and stories.

‘My thanks to Grand Central Publishing via NetGalley Audio
for the download of this book for review purposes.

Cotton Malone is back in Italy seeking a 16th Century Pledge of Christ, given by Pope Julius II. If claimed the Catholic Church will be bankrupt. But it can only be called in by a direct royal descendant of the Medici family, who it’s believed died out. DNA could prove otherwise.

Well written and well narrated novel (I listened to the audiobook). Good strong characters in this well paced and action packed novel. The search will not be easy or without lots of danger. There is a lot at stake so murder is not out of the question.

Cotton Malone is back in another adventure. This time he is in Italy and is tasked with checking into a bishop believed to have taken money. A simple tasks turns into a historically significant adventure which has the fate of the Roman Catholic Church at its center. What if there was a document out there that could dismantle the Roman Catholic Church if it came to light. Cotton travels around Italy trying to get to the bottom of this mystery.

Solid story as always. Cotton Malone stories are always fun, especially if you are a fan of history. These stories are starting to feel a little cookie cutter, so I only gave it four instead of five stars. I still really enjoyed this book because Mr. Berry does an excellent job taking mysterious events in history and weaving an adventure story out of it. Cotton Malone is a strong lead, even if some of the things he does are a little over the top. See the horse race he jockeyed in this book. It is still a very fun read.

I listened to the audio version of this book, and the narrator, Scott Brick, is one of the best in the business. I have listened to a number of books he has read, and I am never disappointed.

Overall a very fun historical thriller. This book is worth the read, and will appeal to a wide audience. Thank you to Netgalley, Steve Berry, Blackstone Audio, and Grand Central Publishing for a free advanced readers copy for an honest review.