From his office on the Street of the Assassins, Nathan Sutherland, English Honorary Consul to Venice, assists unfortunate tourists as best he can. A steady but unexciting life that dramatically changes when he is offered a large sum of money to look after a small package containing a prayer book illustrated by the Venetian master Giovanni Bellini.
Unknown to Nathan, from a palazzo 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 . . .
Waterstones “Thriller of the Month” for March 2018, and Times Top 5 bestseller.
“…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
“Sinister and shimmering, “The Venetian Game” is as haunting and darkly elegant as Venice itself”. – LS 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”
“It is superb – always gripping, beautifully constructed…it will be a roaring success.” – Stephen Glover
“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 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
“The Venetian setting is vividly described and Gwynne Jones’s good, fluent writing makes for easy reading.” – Jessica Mann, Literary Review
“…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
“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
“…a quite excellent book…an ideal read for anyone heading out for a Spring break…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
“A crime book for people with sophisticated tastes: Venice, opera, renaissance art, good food and wine…we eagerly await the return of Nathan Sutherland and his adventures in La Serenissima.” – The Crime Warp
Philip Gwynne Jones 