The Venetian Game
Author: Philip Gwynne Jones
Published by: Constable
Pages: 310
Format: Paperback
My Rating ★★★★
A game of cross and double-cross in Venice, one of the most beautiful cities on earth.
From his office on the Street of the Assassins, Nathan Sutherland enjoys a steady but unexciting life translating Italian DIY manuals. All this changes dramatically when he is offered a large sum of money to look after a small package containing an extremely valuable antique prayer book illustrated by an Venetian master. But is it a stolen masterpiece – or a brilliant fake?
Unknown to Nathan, from a vast mansion on the Grand Canal twin brothers Domenico and Arcangelo Moro, motivated by nothing more than mutual hatred, have been playing a complex game of art theft for twenty years. And now Nathan finds himself unwittingly drawn into their deadly business…
My thoughts:
Having been recommended to read The Venetian Game more than once, I picked up a copy and was excited to read another thriller. The book beautifully brings Venice to life, and offers real insight into the city, delving deeper than the average tourist would be able to. Placing the story in such a wonderfully rich setting contributes greatly to the story of Nathan Sutherland, the English Honorary Consul to Venice. He is clearly besotted with the charm and faded elegance of this fabulous city, and after a fairly dull start, Nathan finds his rather boring life changed when he is caught up in a world of art theft and danger.
Through the author’s superb style, it is clear to readers that this book has obviously been written by a person who knows the city and surroundings very well. The writing speaks for itself, and it feels as though the author has a personal link with Venice. It seems Philip Gwynne Jones is entirely knowledgeable about the architecture and art of the city. It forms a perfect background to a very well worked crime novel.
Whilst I found much of the writing gripping, beautifully constructed and extremely vivid, I did unfortunately think there were some moments at the beginning of the book that felt just a tiny bit dull. Because of this, it admittedly took me a little while at the beginning before I started to really enjoy reading The Venetian Game. However, I kept going and very soon the plot picked up in pace and I became more and more gripped as the story developed. This highly-atmospheric story grows better and better as one progresses from start to finish, and I very much enjoyed the plot twists and details which emerge as things go on.
I found the book immensely enjoyable, and liked the protagonist a lot. Nathan is quirky, vulnerable and moody, yet also dependable, honest and brave when things get complicated. I was routing for him from the start. Despite what the cover says, I personally wouldn’t exactly describe this book as a thriller. It felt like more of a slow burning crime fiction to me, but nevertheless The Venetian Game is definitely a fascinating and atmospheric story that is well worth a read. I’d highly recommend this one to those who enjoy mystery novels and the works of authors such as Dan Brown.
The story is generally light hearted but features also an interesting, entertaining and more sinister sub plot. Sadly, I’m yet to actually visit Venice myself, but this book has certainly encouraged me to do so as soon as I can. Venice provides the perfect setting for such a story, and this is perhaps what really makes the book so memorable and captivating. Pretty sure I will be reading the sequel soon.
Overall reaction:
Published by: Constable
Pages: 310
Format: Paperback
My Rating ★★★★
A game of cross and double-cross in Venice, one of the most beautiful cities on earth.
From his office on the Street of the Assassins, Nathan Sutherland enjoys a steady but unexciting life translating Italian DIY manuals. All this changes dramatically when he is offered a large sum of money to look after a small package containing an extremely valuable antique prayer book illustrated by an Venetian master. But is it a stolen masterpiece – or a brilliant fake?
Unknown to Nathan, from a vast mansion on the Grand Canal twin brothers Domenico and Arcangelo Moro, motivated by nothing more than mutual hatred, have been playing a complex game of art theft for twenty years. And now Nathan finds himself unwittingly drawn into their deadly business…
My thoughts:
Having been recommended to read The Venetian Game more than once, I picked up a copy and was excited to read another thriller. The book beautifully brings Venice to life, and offers real insight into the city, delving deeper than the average tourist would be able to. Placing the story in such a wonderfully rich setting contributes greatly to the story of Nathan Sutherland, the English Honorary Consul to Venice. He is clearly besotted with the charm and faded elegance of this fabulous city, and after a fairly dull start, Nathan finds his rather boring life changed when he is caught up in a world of art theft and danger.
Through the author’s superb style, it is clear to readers that this book has obviously been written by a person who knows the city and surroundings very well. The writing speaks for itself, and it feels as though the author has a personal link with Venice. It seems Philip Gwynne Jones is entirely knowledgeable about the architecture and art of the city. It forms a perfect background to a very well worked crime novel.
Whilst I found much of the writing gripping, beautifully constructed and extremely vivid, I did unfortunately think there were some moments at the beginning of the book that felt just a tiny bit dull. Because of this, it admittedly took me a little while at the beginning before I started to really enjoy reading The Venetian Game. However, I kept going and very soon the plot picked up in pace and I became more and more gripped as the story developed. This highly-atmospheric story grows better and better as one progresses from start to finish, and I very much enjoyed the plot twists and details which emerge as things go on.
I found the book immensely enjoyable, and liked the protagonist a lot. Nathan is quirky, vulnerable and moody, yet also dependable, honest and brave when things get complicated. I was routing for him from the start. Despite what the cover says, I personally wouldn’t exactly describe this book as a thriller. It felt like more of a slow burning crime fiction to me, but nevertheless The Venetian Game is definitely a fascinating and atmospheric story that is well worth a read. I’d highly recommend this one to those who enjoy mystery novels and the works of authors such as Dan Brown.
The story is generally light hearted but features also an interesting, entertaining and more sinister sub plot. Sadly, I’m yet to actually visit Venice myself, but this book has certainly encouraged me to do so as soon as I can. Venice provides the perfect setting for such a story, and this is perhaps what really makes the book so memorable and captivating. Pretty sure I will be reading the sequel soon.
Overall reaction:
