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The Venetian Game

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The Venetian Game

By: Philip Gwynne Jones
Narrated by: Tim Bruce
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About this listen

'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

*****

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 a 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 out a complex game of art theft for twenty years. And now Nathan finds himself unwittingly drawn into their deadly business . . .

Vengeance in Venice, the second book in Philip Gwynne Jones' sensational Venice series, is available.

©2017 Philip Gwynne Jones (P)2018 Hachette Audio UK Amateur Sleuths Crime Fiction Detective International Mystery & Crime Mystery Fiction Italy Game Crime

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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 )
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)
All stars
Most relevant  
I would have thought that by the third title, someone would have explained to the narrator that “Vecchio” is not pronounced “Veccio”

Great story, but

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Venice is the centrepiece of this very enjoyable tale. As honorary consul our hero finds his way intelligently through threat, bribery, attempted murder and extreme art theft. The plot drives rapidly along as we meet and build relationships with the various characters, leading us to a thrilling culmination. Well performed throughout.

Most Enjoyable

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A easy listen. I will look out for more of the author's books. I enjoyed it thoroughly!

Very enjoyable

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Good descriptions of places and architecture in Venice. However, the story is just not strong and the hero is too difficult to like. Nathan is the furthest thing from Brunetti you could find. Needed a better central figure.

Not a patch on Donna Leon

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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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This book was an unexpected delight. Missing trips to Venice, I thought I'd listen to a book about it at least. I was delighted. The descriptions of Venice are great an the plot fascinating but, for me, the best thing about this book is the totally credible main character, Nathan Sutherland, and his interactions with the people who populate his adopted city. Having spent some time living amongst Italians both in Italy and in London and speaking fluent Italian, I laughed out loud at some of the wonderfully accurate descriptions of the every day interactions of a Brit amongst Italians. Bravo Mr Gwynne Jones. I look forward to reading the rest of the series. Highly recommended.

Wonderfully believable characters and a great plot

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an easy read and for the first of the series it is a good opener read the rest though

good book

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I love Venice and hoped to hear of the various places as I listened. I did not expect every street to be mentioned to the stage where location became more important than story. The story was 'ok' but not one I would have gone for had I have known the content beforehand

More of a tourist guide than thriller

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Enjoyed exploring Venice with the characters as thd story grows. Sets the scene for future development

Venice

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Thoroughly enjoyed this book, perhaps because the narrator was so easy to listen too. Definitely would like to carry on with this series, hopefully with the same narrator.

The Venetian Game

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