There aren't that many perks to being Honorary Consul in Venice, but Nathan Sutherland does at least receive an invitation to the official opening of the British Pavilion at the Venice Biennale.
A chance for prosecco in the sunshine, and to meet some of the greats of the art world. And then a world-famous critic is decapitated by one of the installations. A terrible accident, it seems, until a postcard is discovered in the victim's pocket. An image of Judith beheading Holofernes.
Then a viperous arts columnist receives an image of The Death of Marat. A journalist with a shady past receives a postcard of Dore's Triumph of Death. And a corrupt agent receives Mantegna's Martyrdom of St Sebastian.
As the bodies pile up, all signs point to Paul Considine, a brilliant but vulnerable British artist with a motive for revenge against all the victims. Nathan, however, isn't convinced, and sets out to prove his innocence. But then Nathan himself receives an image of Death bearing a scythe, and finds himself in a race against time to save his own life...
The second book by Philip Gwynne Jones featuring English Honorary Consul, Nathan Sutherland, following his debut, The Venetian Game, Vengeance in Venice sets violent crime against the background of the most beautiful city on earth. A perfect read for any readers who drinks in the urbane danger of Donna Leon and Joseph Kanon.
Publisher: Little, Brown Book Group
ISBN: 9781472124005
Number of pages: 352
Weight: 242 g
Dimensions: 199 x 132 x 22 mm
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 - The Crime Warp
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 on The Venetian Game
The Venetian setting is vividly described and Gwynne Jones's good, fluent writing makes for easy reading - Jessica Mann, Literary Review
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, Fictional Cities on The Venetian Game
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, Saga magazine
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 - Morning Star on The Venetian Game
...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 - TripFiction.com
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 - Fictional Cities
The Literary Review says “The Venetian setting is vividly described and Gwynne Jones’s good, fluent writing, makes for easy reading“. There’s not much more I can say, as that sentence sums up Vengeance in Venice. But... More
Second book I’ve read by this author in a week! Loved it. It’s like visiting my favourite places!
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