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Vengeance in Venice

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Vengeance in Venice

By: Philip Gwynne Jones
Narrated by: Tim Bruce
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'An unputdownable thriller' Gregory Dowling

'It is no surprise to find that Philip Gwynne Jones lives in Venice... art and architecture interweave into a story that builds to an almost surreal climax' Daily Mail

*****

Murder is the deadliest art . . .

An invitation to an exclusive event during the Venetian Biennale gives Honorary Consul Nathan Sutherland the perfect chance to drink prosecco in the sunshine and meet some of the greats of the art world.

And then a world-famous critic is decapitated by one of the installations in the British Pavilion. A terrible accident, it seems, until a postcard is discovered in the victim's pocket: an image of Judith beheading Holofernes.

But this is not just a one-off. Before long, three more postcards have been sent out with deadly results. As the bodies pile up, Nathan finds himself getting closer and closer to the truth, but when he himself receives an image of Death bearing a scythe, it becomes a race against time to save his own life . . .

*****

Praise for Philip Gwynne Jones

'I devoured all Philip's novels and felt transported to Venice with a new intimacy' Val McDermid

'Superb - always gripping, beautifully constructed and vivid' Stephen Glover

'Clever and great fun' The Times

'Sinister and shimmering, The Venetian Game is as haunting and darkly elegant as Venice itself' L.S. Hilton, bestselling author of Maestra

'The Venetian setting is vividly described... good, fluid writing makes for easy reading' Literary Review

'Un-put-downable . . . If you love Venice, you'll love this because you'll be transported there in an instant. If you've not been to Venice, read this book and then go. If you like intrigue, and a clever plot, you'll love this book' Amazon reviewer, 5*****©2018 Philip Gwynne Jones Cosy Crime Thrillers International Mystery & Crime Mystery Thriller & Suspense Fiction Thriller Detective Crime Italy Suspense
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Critic reviews

Sinister and shimmering, The Venetian Game is as haunting and darkly elegant as Venice itself (L.S. Hilton, bestselling author of Maestra )
...a playful novel, recounted by a witty and engaging narrator ... as Venetian as a painting by Bellini (or a glass of Bellini). Oh, and it's also an unputdownable thriller (Gregory Dowling, author of Ascension on The Venetian Game )
A crime book for people with sophisticated tastes: Venice, opera, renaissance art, good food and wine... I enjoyed all that and more
It is no surprise to find that Philip Gwynne Jones lives in Venice... art and architecture interweave into a story that builds to an almost surreal climax
The Venetian setting is vividly described and Gwynne Jones's good, fluent writing makes for easy reading (Jessica Mann)
a civilized, knowledgeable, charming antidote to the darker reaches of the genre, full of entertaining descriptions of the city... Lovely. Makes you want to book a flight to Venice straight away (N J Cooper, Bookoxygen.com)
...he puts not one foot wrong with his topography and knowledge... Add a satisfyingly (but not gratuitously) surprising and action-packed ending and you have a book that I can wholeheartedly recommend (Jeff Cotton)
A crime story that positively thrives among the shadowy streets and canals of Venice... Gorgeous escapism with stacks of atmosphere and double-cross (Sue Price)
This entertaining thriller makes good use of its watery setting, introducing readers to a rougher Venice, hidden behind the familiar facade of gondoliers and frescoes
...a quite excellent book... Philip is entirely knowledgable about the buildings and art of the city. It forms a perfect background to a very well worked thriller
The interactions and the locations are the strength . . . and the travelling around full of sights and sparkle . . . one damn smooth and very fine Venetian read
All stars
Most relevant
This story despite it's main characters many weaknesses. and foibles is eminently entertaining. The author has provided a reassuring circle of friends and accomplices to the consul's weakness for a mystery. He does have an inability to simply ignore a possible case. But the author's intense knowledge and love of Venice is beautifully intertwined in the plot and characterisation.

Entertaining

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I’m glad I found this series. The books flow really well, and while Nathan does some incredibly stupid things at various times, the plot carries you along very well.
Likeable, well defined characters throughout and a feeling of experiencing Venice that I used to get from Donna Leon’s books until I got tired of the too frequent anti religious elements.
I’m looking forward to reading many more of these, and they’ve helped me to finally decide that I am never getting a cat.
Many thanks to the author & narrator for a very entertaining audiobook.

A Great Feeling of Being There

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These books rattle along at an enjoyable rate with likeable characters and good jokes. This one has some nice digs at the contemporary art scene.

Crisp

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I have really enjoyed these books and have listened to them all so far, January 2023. The central characters Nathan and Federica and lovely supporting ones become familiar and welcome as the series progresses. There are plenty of murders but each book has a lighter feel than in the equally great Donna Leon Brunetti series. You will gather that I love Venice and stories set there. Plenty of description of that magical city in both series of books. Also the narration is very good.

Really enjoyed

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So enjoyed this book. A really good story and just can’t wait to listen to the next in the series.
PS Please use the same reader, he really brings the characters alive.

Brilliant!

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