Who Are The Main Characters In Imprimatur?

Imprimatur' is a historical mystery novel by Monaldi & Sorti, and its main characters are a fascinating bunch that really bring the 17th-century setting to life. At the center of it all is Atto Melani, a real-life castrato singer and spy who’s as charming as he is cunning. He’s the kind of character who keeps you guessing—one moment he’s scheming, the next he’s dropping cryptic wisdom. Then there’s the young protagonist, a humble innkeeper’s assistant whose name escapes me (it’s been a while since I read it), but his curiosity and naivety make him the perfect foil to Atto’s worldliness. The cast is rounded out by a colorful ensemble of guests trapped in the inn during a quarantine, each hiding secrets that unravel as the plot thickens. There’s a Dutch merchant, a French diplomat, and even a mysterious woman whose presence feels like a ticking time bomb.

What I love about these characters is how they reflect the tension and paranoia of the era. Atto’s espionage background adds layers to every interaction, and the way the authors weave real historical figures into the mix is downright brilliant. The innkeeper’s assistant’s journey from wide-eyed observer to active participant in the mystery is so satisfying to follow. And the supporting cast? They’re not just backdrop—their subplots and hidden agendas make the story feel like a intricate puzzle. I’d kill for a TV adaptation just to see Atto’s theatrics brought to life. That guy’s dialogue alone deserves an award.