Two Italian sons, linked by a masterpiece painting, are put to a test of loyalty and honor.
At the heart of this gripping tale is Orazio Bordoni, the wayward son of a construction magnate, living a reckless life like that of his artistic hero Caravaggio. He finds himself befriended by Nicolo Giotto, the devoted son of a powerful Sicilian mafia clan, who wants to uphold the honor of his family.
As the dark underbelly of the art world and the Vatican expose their true character, Orazio finds himself in a world where his loyalty is tested, honor is at stake, and the boundaries between life and art blur. He and Nicolo discover just how far they're willing to push those boundaries, even if it means sacrificing everything else.
House of Honor is a pivotal story that weaves the threads of history, the ruthless allure of the mafia, the enigmatic power of the Vatican, and the timeless brilliance of Caravaggio.
Endorsements
"House of Honor captivated me from the first page to the last. Philbrick will transport you to the Italy of the 1960s and the Renaissance era. . . . It is reminiscent of The Godfather meets The Da Vinci Code, but with a redemptive twist. Masterfully crafted and beautifully written!"
Taryn R. Hutchison
Author of One Degree of Freedom and Two Lights of Hope
"House of Honor depicts the richness of the Italian people . . . all presented with contrast, perspective, depth, and color similar to what one experiences in the presence of a Caravaggio painting. But instead of brushes and oils, she uses words."
Ram Rojas
Venezuelan-born painter and muralist
"The title of House of Honor hints at the dark backdrop for this suspenseful tale . . . I can tell you that you won't be left in the cold at the glorious close (but wait for it!)"
Dee Brestin
Best-selling author of The Friendships of Women, Idol Lies, and Falling in Love with Jesus
"This book has art, history, romance, and an exotic setting filled with intrigue set against the story of one of the greatest painters of all time. . . . This is a highly recommended, well-written must-read..."
Angela Correll
Best-selling author of May Hollow Trilogy and Restored in Tuscany
"In House of Honor, Philbrick uses the uniquely powerful bonds of Italian families to reveal the effects of loyalty versus disloyalty in the complicated yet beautiful world of Italy. It's . . . a story of the ever-present prodigal in all of us. Bravissimo!"
Katherine James
Award-winning author of Can You See Anything Now? and A Prayer for Orion: A Son's Addiction and a Mother's Love
"House of Honor is a sweeping, modern twist on an enduring narrative. . . . The depth of historical and art research in the novel is amazing; the romance and intrigue in the book will keep you turning the pages!"
Rhona Weaver
Award-winning author of A Noble Calling and A Sacred Duty
"With a fast-paced narrative and tense family drama throughout, House of Honor offers readers a compelling storyline about the heist of a renowned Caravaggio painting. . . . Philbrick's characters and their exploits will keep readers riveted from beginning to end."
Linda MacKillop
Author of The Forgotten Life of Eva Gordon
"House of Honor feels like a Caravaggio painting, with all the realism, violence, and sensual opulence told through the seamless chiaroscuro style, but emphasizing the shadow of the horrific acts of the Mafia and the disturbing scandalous corruption of the Vatican institution. . . . Brilliant!"
Michael J. Skura
Artist and father of three
President of the Illinois Arts Education Association
Arts Educator of the Year, 2017
