The Secret Diary of Rome
A hidden diary. A story that’s waited a hundred years to be told . . .
The Secret Diary of Rome
1960, New York.
Emilia Rinaldi restores broken books for a living. She knows how to bring lost stories back to life.
The one story she cannot repair is her own.
Then an unexpected gift from her late mother arrives — an antique music box containing a faded photograph and a torn page from the diary of Lizzie Siddal, the tragic Pre-Raphaelite muse and wife of Dante Gabriel Rossetti.
Emilia follows the clues to Rome. To an abandoned villa left by a grandmother she never knew. To a collection of rare and beautiful books, hidden in a church crypt through the war . . . And a secret buried for generations.
As Emilia pieces together her own past, Lizzie’s diary reveals another story. Two Rossetti paintings. One genuine. One a flawless forgery.
Separated by a century, the two mysteries are bound together. And when Emilia finally discovers the truth, she must decide whether some stories are meant to be preserved . . . or buried forever.
A spellbinding, dual-timeline historical mystery of family secrets, set between Victorian London and 1960s Rome, is perfect for readers of Kate Morton, Evie Woods, Fiona Davis, and Lucinda Riley.
Joffe Books (Choc Lit) — Publication date: September 1, 2026
Reviews
The Lost Dresses of Italy
Kirkus Reviews
A 19th-century poet and a 20th-century fashion curator are the creative women whose lives intertwine in this mix of fact and fiction . . . While this novel’s two engaging storylines take place in different time periods, the similarities between Marianne and Christina enrich both narratives as each woman confronts threats, danger, and violence during her travels. Fans of Adriana Trigiani will delight in this novel’s Italian flavor, and armchair travelers will relish its detailed accounts of Italian art, architecture, and history. Like a lovingly curated museum exhibit, McLaughlin’s artful novel envelops readers in the artistic endeavors of its characters. History, mystery, and fashion blend in this alluring novel.
Booklist
“Rich with details of two historical periods . . . a compelling tale of two women overcoming different forms of grief.” — Booklist
Historical Novel Society
"The Lost Dresses of Italy is a compelling read, combining fashion, poetry, romance and a murder mystery, set in Juliet and Romeo’s evocative Verona.” —Historical Novel Society
Forever Past
Publishers Weekly
"But even more than the atmosphere-rich suspense, the novel’s strength is in its dealing with the question that tormented Claire her whole long life: Was her reckless, passionate pursuit of Lord Byron ultimately worth it? . . . Fans of this romantic trilogy will be sorry to see it end."
Historical Novel Society
"This is a very enjoyable series; however, the third installment may be read as a stand-alone for those who want to jump in and enjoy a solidly researched mystery filled with fascinating characters—Claire, in particular—and a great location."
A Shadowed Fate
Publishers Weekly (starred review)
Ambrose’s excellent sequel to 2018’s Claire’s Last Secret finds Claire Claremont, Mary Shelley’s stepsister, living in near-poverty in 1873 Florence, Italy, with her niece and grand-niece, though her memories of reckless youthful passion provide solace. Claire has kept her valuable letters from Lord Byron and Percy Shelley, which ruthless men in Claire's Last Secret made clear were worth murdering for. Claire’s not out of danger yet. Moreover, she’s learned that her illegitimate daughter with Byron, Allegra, did not die of disease in a convent as she was told decades ago. Accompanied by friends, Claire embarks on a desperate search for Allegra across Italy, but those offering answers are often not what they seem. The surprising revelations that populate the book, mixed with a mood of regret and wistful longing for dead loves, imbue the story with a seductive power. Ambrose ratchets up the suspense over the fate of Allegra and the truth about mad, bad, and dangerous-to-know Byron. Readers will eagerly anticipate the final volume in this trilogy.
Booklist
"The second in Ambrose's Lord Byron Mystery series, following Claire's Last Secret (2018), should draw and delight as many readers as the first."
Claire's Last Secret
Historical Novel Society
"This mystery unfolds beyond expectation. The exposition of the ideas, poems, stories, and philosophies of these famous writers is sheer delight. This is memorable historical fiction that promises more in this planned series."
Booklist
"Ambrose seduces readers with writing as smooth as a lady's silk gown and a plot as suspenseful as the appearance of an unexpected visitor, drawing readers into a realm of creative brilliance, tragedy, and secrets."
Kirkus Review
"Ambrose, author of the Mango Bay mysteries (Coastal Corpse, 2016, etc.), writes in a . . . style that suggests romantic thrillers of bygone days."
Events
Booksigning and Talk at Blinking Owl Books
Come and join me for a talk on how the mystery, history, and romance of Christina Rossetti’s came to life in The Lost Dresses of Italy.
Guest on Beach Talk Radio at Margaritaville
Tune in to my interview with Ed Ryan as I talk about finishing my recently-published novel, The Lost Dresses of Italy, during post-Hurricane Ian recovery: the challenges and the triumphs!
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SW Florida Reading Festival/ Meet the Author: M. A. McLaughlin
Join me for an author presentation and booksigning featuring The Lost Dresses of Italy at Lakes Park Regional Library. Copies of the novel will be sold at this event (credit card only).
This event is part of the 25th anniversary Southwest Florida Reading Festival, to be held on Saturday, March 2. For more information about the festival and its featured authors, visit www.ReadFest.org.
Author Day at Ft. Myers Beach
Come and join me, along with other SW Florida writers, for a celebration of writing!
“My Journey to Unveil Christina Rossetti’s Hidden Life"
Booksigning on the Beach
Come down to the beach for a booksigning of The Lost Dresses of Italy!
Tampa Bay Reads Guest Talk
Tune in to “Tampa Bay Reads” as I chat with host, Linda Hurtado!
Booksigning at Copperfish Bookstore
I’ll be giving a short talk and signing copies of The Lost Dresses of Italy, afterwards.
Gateway Women’s Club
I’ll be discussing my journey as a writer, from traditional to historical mysteries.
Beacon of Hope Holiday House Featured Author
I’ll be signing copies of The Lost Dresses of Italy at the Tarpon Lodge for the Beacon of Hope holiday event!
Ft. Myers Book Club Talk
I’ll be discussing my recent release, The Lost Dresses of Italy!
