The Oracle of Cumae

By: Melissa Hardy

Narrated by: Saffron Henderson

Mariuccia Umbellino is a young woman living in the remote mountain village of Montemonaco, Italy, in the early years of the 19th century. Nearby, the secret recesses of the Grotto of the Fates - home to an ancient oracle of Apollo - are about to be invaded and destroyed, on orders from the pope. But the men sent to do the dirty work don’t know who (or what) they’re dealing with. This oracle and this girl won’t be messed with.

In the dark of night, Mariuccia and her mother set out to rescue their revered oracle. In the adventure that ensues, things are blown up, love spells are miscast then recast, a downtrodden housekeeper gets her revenge, and the mysterious fate of a jettatore - a person born with the Evil Eye - is finally revealed.

©2019 Melissa Hardy (P)2020 Second Story Press

Critic reviews

“The Oracle of Cumae is entertaining and full of surprises. It’s a novel that relishes in poking fun at itself and its characters.” (Foreword Reviews)