It is well known the author has a curiosity towards the paranormal and history. I think the most gripping parts were when Cristofana made her intentions known to May and her reaction towards Marco and Cristofana's deviousness. There is something in there for everyone. 'The Plague In The Mirror' was an interesting read because it had so many layers: time travel, history and romance. The story is equally split between the Renaissance in Italy and the 21st century in USA. The setting was as different as the characters: May lived in Vermont a leafy suburb in America whereas Cristofana lived in Old Florence, a poverty, plague stricken hell hole. This highlighted her feelings and thoughts throughout the story. This was important because the reader lived the story through May's eyes. The novel is written in the first person from May's perspective. The relationship between Cristofana and May worsened when May realised Cristofana's true agenda. She stole from the dead and dying for her own survival. Due to the fact she lived in a volatile time, she witnesses death, disease and suffering. Out of the two Cristofana is a much more complex character. The only similarity the two women have is their appearance - they are identical. Cristofana on the other hand is a dark, manipulative young woman who worked as a servant until her master was killed by the plague. Living with her parents who are mid divorce is problematic, as they are insisting she choose between them. She spends the majority of her time either at school or at home. The two female protagonists are opposites: May is a loner with very few friends. Marco is May's love interest who Cristofina exploits to influence May's decision. She lives in Florence during the renaissance when the Bubonic Plague was rife.

Cristofana is May's deathly twin from the 14th century. She is from the 21st century and has travelled to Florence to study historical artefacts with her friend Liam, and his travel writing mother.

May is a student from Vermont in the USA. Gradually the story progresses in interest and intensity as May's character must decide between reality and safety and love and imminent death. The story begins relatively slowly as it carefully introduces the characters with specific detail to their personas and lifestyles. It is an unusual story of time travel, love and choice. The story takes place in Florence over the summer. Cristofana wants her and May to swap lives and live in opposite realities.

What was meant to be a summer in Florence with her only friend, innocent May was sought out by ruthless Cristofana (her present day doppelganger).

Plague in the Mirror by Deborah Noyes