Cyprus in the 16th century. Murder, lies and vengeance have left lovers dead, promises broken and no one to trust.
Only one woman survives, Bianca.
The slain? History knows their names: Emilia, Desdemona, Othello.
But why do we not know Bianca?
Who was the pale mistress? Liar or lied to? Instigator or victim?
In telling one woman’s story, this book recasts a Shakespearean tragedy as a psychological thriller of jealousy and gaslighting, ambition and envy, and the making and breaking of one of Shakespeare’s most notorious villains, Iago.
Pale Mistress by Naomi Kelsey is published on 15 July, 2026.
For more new historical fiction, have a look at Historia’s list of over 170 books coming out in 2026.
You may enjoy Naomi’s award-winning short story, His Mother’s Quilt (the 2021 HWA Dorothy Dunnett Short Story winner).
