PRE-ORDER | Frankie recommends... Pale Mistress - Naomi Kelsey

Published 16 July 2026

Frankie says... So vivid, so masterful, and so raw in its portrayal of one woman’s journey amid the darkness of men’s envy and ambition as well as the chafe of female friendship amongst deception, pride and personal integrity. Bianca is a flawed, deeply layered heroine, who is brought to life from her tiny but pivotal role in Shakespeare’s text with a vitality very often missing from reimaginings. It’s just brilliant and I know how much people will love this!!

Naomi will be with us at Collected on Wednesday 22 July to talk all about Pale Mistress. Get your tickets for the event here.

---

Cyprus, 16th century.

Murder, lies and vengeance has 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, Naomi Kelsey dazzlingly 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.