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Intrepid Traveler Mystery #2
Death on the Grand Canal
Having discovered a knack for investigation, Stefanie joins Thomas Burkhardt in Milan, Italy, on the Black Market trail of a fabulous sapphire and emerald encrusted pendant known as the Borgia Peacock, missing since it was stolen from the Milan World Expo of 1906.
Undercover as a wealthy heiress, Stefanie has no doubt she’ll convince the current owner, Contessa Giuliana Bergamo, to sell to her. But when she shows up at the Contessa’s crumbling Venetian palazzo to clinch the deal, it isn’t only the glittering gemstones that have Stefanie seeing blue. Others are there vying for the Peacock, including Europe’s most notorious jewel fence. In the cut-throat competition, one of the would-be buyers is murdered.
Caught up in murder, with their cover identities and their lives on the line, Stefanie and Thomas dig for the truth and the Peacock while trying to avoid discovery themselves. Then she learns Thomas is keeping secrets of his own, secrets that threaten their happiness, and Stefanie wonders if this Borgia Peacock affair is one opportunity she shouldn’t have embraced.
Undercover as a wealthy heiress, Stefanie has no doubt she’ll convince the current owner, Contessa Giuliana Bergamo, to sell to her. But when she shows up at the Contessa’s crumbling Venetian palazzo to clinch the deal, it isn’t only the glittering gemstones that have Stefanie seeing blue. Others are there vying for the Peacock, including Europe’s most notorious jewel fence. In the cut-throat competition, one of the would-be buyers is murdered.
Caught up in murder, with their cover identities and their lives on the line, Stefanie and Thomas dig for the truth and the Peacock while trying to avoid discovery themselves. Then she learns Thomas is keeping secrets of his own, secrets that threaten their happiness, and Stefanie wonders if this Borgia Peacock affair is one opportunity she shouldn’t have embraced.
- GenresMystery
268 pages, Paperback
Published May 18, 2023
About the author
M.A. Monnin
10 books59 followersDEATH IN LUXOR will be out August 2026!
The 4th Intrepid Traveler Mystery has Stefanie and Thomas in Egypt for the opening ceremonies of the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM.)
Anonymous letters have threatened the gold of the pharaohs, and they want to head off trouble before it starts.
But as they've learned, WHERE GREED LEADS, MURDER FOLLOWS
The 4th Intrepid Traveler Mystery has Stefanie and Thomas in Egypt for the opening ceremonies of the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM.)
Anonymous letters have threatened the gold of the pharaohs, and they want to head off trouble before it starts.
But as they've learned, WHERE GREED LEADS, MURDER FOLLOWS
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
July 24, 2023
Another terrific and suspenseful mystery from M.A. Monnin, who's proving to be a master of romantic suspense in exotic locations.
July 3, 2023
Summary: This is the second book in the Intrepid Traveler series, the first book being Death in the Aegean. Stefanie Adams and Thomas Burkhardt work for Interpol, investigating cases involving artifacts of historic value. They also have a personal relationship, combining personal and professional lives. They are pursuing the Borgia Peacock, an infamous and valuable pendant which had been stolen from an exhibition in 1906 and never seen in public again. Stefanie and Thomas are on a mission to purchase the pendant from a countess in Venice and return it to a museum. However they have an abundance of competition for the pendant, from museum directors, to unscrupulous dealers to family members of the countess, all determined to snag the pendant. Then there is a murder and the pendant goes missing, landing Stefanie and Thomas right in the middle as possible suspects.
Thoughts: I was attracted to this novel immediately, as I found the combination of two of my favourite things - Italy and jewelry - irresistible. The author does a good job of setting the scene in the crumbling palazzo with the various competitors for the jewel all buzzing around the aging countess like drones around the queen. However the book dragged for me, focused on who was where at the time of the murder, and it seemed to go in circles for pages. I also found the romance between Stefanie and Thomas, particularly her jealous speculation on his romantic past, to be very annoying. I wonder if multiple points of view would have added interest to the novel, rather than having the entire story told only from Stefanie’s perspective. The action is also located mainly in the palazzo, missing an opportunity to allow the reader to explore one of the world’s most beautiful locations. If you enjoy a whodunnit with lots of suspects and romantic intrigue, then this might be for you. It just didn’t quite hit the mark for me. Thanks to Level Best and NetGalley for this digital copy to review.
Thoughts: I was attracted to this novel immediately, as I found the combination of two of my favourite things - Italy and jewelry - irresistible. The author does a good job of setting the scene in the crumbling palazzo with the various competitors for the jewel all buzzing around the aging countess like drones around the queen. However the book dragged for me, focused on who was where at the time of the murder, and it seemed to go in circles for pages. I also found the romance between Stefanie and Thomas, particularly her jealous speculation on his romantic past, to be very annoying. I wonder if multiple points of view would have added interest to the novel, rather than having the entire story told only from Stefanie’s perspective. The action is also located mainly in the palazzo, missing an opportunity to allow the reader to explore one of the world’s most beautiful locations. If you enjoy a whodunnit with lots of suspects and romantic intrigue, then this might be for you. It just didn’t quite hit the mark for me. Thanks to Level Best and NetGalley for this digital copy to review.
May 22, 2023
A visit to Venice!
The second Intrepid Traveler book (sequel to DEATH IN THE AEGEAN, but each stands alone) is another gem. The author paints a vivid picture of Venice that will make you want to visit. Stefanie Adams, the charismatic lead character, is starting her new job, by staging a con to retrieve a lost artifact. A well-written mystery with romance skillfully intertwined.
I can't wait for another in this series, and you won't want to either.
The second Intrepid Traveler book (sequel to DEATH IN THE AEGEAN, but each stands alone) is another gem. The author paints a vivid picture of Venice that will make you want to visit. Stefanie Adams, the charismatic lead character, is starting her new job, by staging a con to retrieve a lost artifact. A well-written mystery with romance skillfully intertwined.
I can't wait for another in this series, and you won't want to either.
July 5, 2023
Can't recommend this book enough!
![Profile Image for Sarah [ Page.Turning.Thrills ].](https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/users/1640267564i/7857013._UX200_CR0,0,200,200_.jpg)
July 22, 2023
Death on the Grand Canal by M.A. Monnin is the second book in her Intrepid Traveler Mystery series and is set in picturesque Venice. Although, unlike her first novel, Death in the Aegean, this one is more character-driven and less atmospheric.
The two main characters, Thomas and Stefanie, are back, but their relationship seems a bit more rocky since the initial introduction in the first book. Stefanie's frequent jealousy toward Thomas is honestly off-putting.
We have many additional characters, but the Contessa Giuliana Bergamo peeked my interest. The Contessa is the current owner of the black market jewelry piece, the Borgia Peacock. She is an elderly woman, but not in a sweet and friendly grandma way. She seems feisty, mysterious, and untrustworthy at first.
Thomas and Stefanie's work assignment in Venice is to find and confiscate the famous jewelry piece named the Borgia Peacock. Their assignment takes them through the dangerous black market.
Death on the Grand Canal is written with just as much knowledge about jewelry as the first book was about archeology. However, the mystery involving multiple homicides during the attempted jewelry heist was written with much dialog between multiple characters. It was a little overwhelming to keep track of the characters' conversations.
One of the book's greatest qualities was its action-packed scenes. which will have you on the edge of your seat and reminiscing about a James Bond movie.
Anyone who enjoyed Death in the Aegean or enjoys cozy mysteries, an excitement for traveling, or even the James Bond movies will love Death on the Grand Canal.
Three and a half stars rounded up to four is a suitable rating for this book. While I enjoyed the adventure and action, Death on the Grand Canal lacked the romantic tension and atmospheric energy that Death in the Aegean featured.
The two main characters, Thomas and Stefanie, are back, but their relationship seems a bit more rocky since the initial introduction in the first book. Stefanie's frequent jealousy toward Thomas is honestly off-putting.
We have many additional characters, but the Contessa Giuliana Bergamo peeked my interest. The Contessa is the current owner of the black market jewelry piece, the Borgia Peacock. She is an elderly woman, but not in a sweet and friendly grandma way. She seems feisty, mysterious, and untrustworthy at first.
Thomas and Stefanie's work assignment in Venice is to find and confiscate the famous jewelry piece named the Borgia Peacock. Their assignment takes them through the dangerous black market.
Death on the Grand Canal is written with just as much knowledge about jewelry as the first book was about archeology. However, the mystery involving multiple homicides during the attempted jewelry heist was written with much dialog between multiple characters. It was a little overwhelming to keep track of the characters' conversations.
One of the book's greatest qualities was its action-packed scenes. which will have you on the edge of your seat and reminiscing about a James Bond movie.
Anyone who enjoyed Death in the Aegean or enjoys cozy mysteries, an excitement for traveling, or even the James Bond movies will love Death on the Grand Canal.
Three and a half stars rounded up to four is a suitable rating for this book. While I enjoyed the adventure and action, Death on the Grand Canal lacked the romantic tension and atmospheric energy that Death in the Aegean featured.
May 29, 2023
Stefanie Adams is a former private banker, frustrated archaeologist, has no law enforcement training, recently became a travel blogger, and is on her first official job alongside the multilingual Interpol agent, Thomas Burkhardt, with whom she became involved both romantically and in an investigation while on vacation on Crete. While it is a stretch for me that Interpol would involve her without any training, it does work well in this story (second in series) and is reminiscent of the much older Mrs. Pollifax of the CIA in the 1960s. The other thing that predisposes me to a better review is the kindness the author shows in details like the unaided visual differences in man made vs natural gemstones as well as the differences in sparkle vs glow in the cutting process, and even the little travel blogger tips like noting that the Vaparetto is a bus as opposed to the Water Taxis in Venice.
The Borgia Peacock was originally stolen in 1906 at the Milan International Expo and has only recently emerged for sale on the clandestine market. Stefanie and Thomas have been authorized to purchase it but there is also the option of stealing it. An informant dies in a suspicious manner and that intensifies matters! The investigation is well done, the travelogue makes things even better, the characters are all so realistic and engaging, the plot twists are inventive, and the herrings are decidedly red (teeheehee). Loved it!
I requested and received an EARC from Level Best Books/Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA)/Members' Titles via NetGalley. Thank you!
The Borgia Peacock was originally stolen in 1906 at the Milan International Expo and has only recently emerged for sale on the clandestine market. Stefanie and Thomas have been authorized to purchase it but there is also the option of stealing it. An informant dies in a suspicious manner and that intensifies matters! The investigation is well done, the travelogue makes things even better, the characters are all so realistic and engaging, the plot twists are inventive, and the herrings are decidedly red (teeheehee). Loved it!
I requested and received an EARC from Level Best Books/Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA)/Members' Titles via NetGalley. Thank you!
June 29, 2023
Really liked the Venice setting and the exciting action scenes on and around the canals. I appreciated the scene in which we get a review of all the suspects about a third of the way through the book. Sometimes the protagonist Stefanie seemed a bit too insecure about the romantic interest, but it's been a long time since I had one of those so it's hard for me to identify. Still, a solid entertaining read.
June 2, 2023
Populated by a medley of great descriptions of Venice and Renaissance art, this interesting book by Monnin is the second in a series. (I have not read the first.) The descriptions bring the reader into the action right away. That said, this is much more of a thriller than a mystery. Yes, there are deaths and, yes, there are extensive and prolonged "who was where" discussions, but given the setup-two people undercover for an art squad-this really feels more like a Patterson than an Agatha Christie. I will also say that the number of people moving around and doing things made me long for a flow chart in the book-or at least a map of the villa. I enjoyed this, but I don't think I'm going to read the next in the series. If you are a thriller fan, this one may be better for you.
August 22, 2024
The book is gripping and characters are intriguing and mysterious.The book gripped me from the page one and I couldn’t put it down until I figured out everything. I loved the setting and characters. I highly recommend this book. It has twists and turns too. The vibe of this book was mysterious and suspenseful. This was such a twisty and suspenseful book. I loved the author’s writing and would love to read more by this author
June 11, 2023
Death on the Grand Canal is a fun summer read, a little romance and a little mystery. Good descriptions of the setting and characters although a bit much related to Stephanie's jealousy of Thomas and Francesca.
August 11, 2023
Stefanie Adams has her first official assignment in her new job recovering stolen art for Interpol. She and Thomas Burkhardt are trying to recover the Borgia Peacock, a pendant that was stolen over 100 years ago. Stefanie has gotten an invitation from the countess selling it, but when they show up at the countess’s palazzo in Venice, they discover they have more competition than they originally thought they would. One of their competition in a notorious fence, but then he is murdered. Will Stefanie figure out what happened and still get the pendant?
The book took a little bit of time to get going, playing tourist on the way to the mystery. But once the mystery started, the book was strong with lots of secrets and twists to keep Stefanie and Thomas from their objective. I did find their personal sub-plot a mixed bag. At times I felt for Stefanie, and at others I was frustrated by her lack of faith in Thomas. On the whole, I liked both characters, however, and it was good to spend time with them again. The rest of the cast come alive as the book progresses and we learn what they are hiding. I’ve long wanted to visit Venice, and this book made me want to visit even more. If you want a good mystery with an international flair, you’ll be glad you picked up this book.
NOTE: I received a copy of this book.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
The book took a little bit of time to get going, playing tourist on the way to the mystery. But once the mystery started, the book was strong with lots of secrets and twists to keep Stefanie and Thomas from their objective. I did find their personal sub-plot a mixed bag. At times I felt for Stefanie, and at others I was frustrated by her lack of faith in Thomas. On the whole, I liked both characters, however, and it was good to spend time with them again. The rest of the cast come alive as the book progresses and we learn what they are hiding. I’ve long wanted to visit Venice, and this book made me want to visit even more. If you want a good mystery with an international flair, you’ll be glad you picked up this book.
NOTE: I received a copy of this book.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
January 26, 2024
bookscoffeebrews Book ReviewL. Death on the Grand
Canal. An Intrepid Traveler Mystery Book 2
Stars: 4 X 5
Author: M.A. Monnin. @m.a.monnin
Publisher: Level Best Books. @levelbestbooks
Thank you @netgalley for this ARC
Steganie Adam’s and Thomas Burkhardt are
investigators for Interpol specializing in cases
involving artifacts of historic value. They are currently
investigating the theft of the Borgia Peacock which
was stolen in 1906. The Borgia Peacock was an
infamous and valuable pendent. Stephanie find out
that the pendent has supposedly appeared in Venice,
Italy at the home of a countess. They head to Venice
and also does all their competitors who want the
pendent too. Chaos ensues and Stephanie and
Thomas are right in the middle of it and even are
considered suspects when a murder occurs. Will they
be successful recovering the pendent nd catching the
person responsible for the murder.
The book started off a little slow but it gets on tract
very fast. I loved the location of Venice, Italy as I felt
like I was there myself. The only part that I didn’t care
for was the Stefanie is very insecure with her
relationship with Thomas and is was constant in the
book with snarky comments. This book otherwise was
so enjoyable and well worth the read.
#DeathOnTheGrandCanal #VenetianMystery
#CanalCrimeScene #VeniceNoir #GrandCanalGoneDark
#MurderInVenice #VenetianThriller #MysteriousVenice
#CanalHomicide #VenetianDeathTales #bookstagram
#instabook #bookphotography #igbooks #ilovereading
#bookhoarder #bookaddiction #bookstoread
#whattoread #fortheloveofbooks #bookblogging
#bookpics #weekendreads #bookrecs
#booknerdproblems #bookstagram #amreading
#booksbooksbooks #instablog #bookphotos
#bibliophile
Canal. An Intrepid Traveler Mystery Book 2
Stars: 4 X 5
Author: M.A. Monnin. @m.a.monnin
Publisher: Level Best Books. @levelbestbooks
Thank you @netgalley for this ARC
Steganie Adam’s and Thomas Burkhardt are
investigators for Interpol specializing in cases
involving artifacts of historic value. They are currently
investigating the theft of the Borgia Peacock which
was stolen in 1906. The Borgia Peacock was an
infamous and valuable pendent. Stephanie find out
that the pendent has supposedly appeared in Venice,
Italy at the home of a countess. They head to Venice
and also does all their competitors who want the
pendent too. Chaos ensues and Stephanie and
Thomas are right in the middle of it and even are
considered suspects when a murder occurs. Will they
be successful recovering the pendent nd catching the
person responsible for the murder.
The book started off a little slow but it gets on tract
very fast. I loved the location of Venice, Italy as I felt
like I was there myself. The only part that I didn’t care
for was the Stefanie is very insecure with her
relationship with Thomas and is was constant in the
book with snarky comments. This book otherwise was
so enjoyable and well worth the read.
#DeathOnTheGrandCanal #VenetianMystery
#CanalCrimeScene #VeniceNoir #GrandCanalGoneDark
#MurderInVenice #VenetianThriller #MysteriousVenice
#CanalHomicide #VenetianDeathTales #bookstagram
#instabook #bookphotography #igbooks #ilovereading
#bookhoarder #bookaddiction #bookstoread
#whattoread #fortheloveofbooks #bookblogging
#bookpics #weekendreads #bookrecs
#booknerdproblems #bookstagram #amreading
#booksbooksbooks #instablog #bookphotos
#bibliophile
July 3, 2023
In her Intrepid travel novel, M.A. Monnin hits the jackpot with a tale that combines the best of TV's "Leverage" with a mystery Agatha Christie would be proud of. This takes us to Italy, as our amateur sleuth Stefanie Adams and her partner in work and maybe in play, Thomas, go to Milan and then Venice, Italy on the trail of a valuable piece of fifteenth century jewelry, the Borgia Peacock.
Monnin brings an unsurpassed eye for detail in providing the reader a spot-on setting in Venice that makes you feel like you're actually there. That stunning backdrop provides an excellent launching pad for a cast of unique and memorable characters, from a Contessa who doing all she can to maintain her ageing home, to a pair of rival museum directors who will stop at nothing to obtain the Peacock.
The plot twists Monnin provides are delightful and the final chase scene was as captivating as it was unique. I can't wait to find out where M.A, Monnin takes us on her next mystery!
Monnin brings an unsurpassed eye for detail in providing the reader a spot-on setting in Venice that makes you feel like you're actually there. That stunning backdrop provides an excellent launching pad for a cast of unique and memorable characters, from a Contessa who doing all she can to maintain her ageing home, to a pair of rival museum directors who will stop at nothing to obtain the Peacock.
The plot twists Monnin provides are delightful and the final chase scene was as captivating as it was unique. I can't wait to find out where M.A, Monnin takes us on her next mystery!
July 31, 2023
This second entry in the Intrepid Traveler series continues the adventures of Stefanie and Thomas as they seek to recover the Borgia Peacock, a priceless pendant missing since 1906. Reminiscent of the works of Mary Stewart, these books feature fast-paced adventure and intrigue in fabulous locations. As former personal banker Stefanie and international operative Thomas work to recover the Peacock before shady collectors can latch onto it, their own relationship continues to evolve.
Wonderful escapist storytelling from M.A. Monnin!
Full Disclosure--NetGalley and the publisher provided me with a digital ARC of this book. This is my honest review.
Wonderful escapist storytelling from M.A. Monnin!
Full Disclosure--NetGalley and the publisher provided me with a digital ARC of this book. This is my honest review.
September 10, 2024
This is the sequel to Death Aegean. It is a mystery of finding the Borgia Peacock in Venice. It was nice to learn about the city and follow the love story that started in book one.
The main character Stefanie was a bit annoying to me. She joined Interpol because of her vast knowledge of art yet she gets super jealous when her boyfriend talks to someone else. He is doing his job.
Almost the entire book takes place at the Contessa’s house. I bet I read the word Borgia Peacock 200 times.
Not a big fan. Will not be reading book 3.
The main character Stefanie was a bit annoying to me. She joined Interpol because of her vast knowledge of art yet she gets super jealous when her boyfriend talks to someone else. He is doing his job.
Almost the entire book takes place at the Contessa’s house. I bet I read the word Borgia Peacock 200 times.
Not a big fan. Will not be reading book 3.
July 27, 2023
The adventures of Stephanie Adams continues. From Crete, and now Venice, she enjoys the sites, the shopping and the food,while on the trail of a magnificent piece of jewelry, the Medici Peacock. The cast of characters include an aging Countess, nefarious collectors and museum curators, and a romantic subplot with the intriguing Thomas Burkhart. It's got all the excitement and glamour of The Thomas Crowne Affair. A great read!
December 2, 2023
Romance and Mystery
The heroine is almost more interested in keeping her man or at least verifying his commitment to her than she is in finding the missing jewel. She exceeds in both while determining who is murdering the others trying to obtain the jewel. It gets a bit repetitive before the end but our heroine gets and keeps her man.
The heroine is almost more interested in keeping her man or at least verifying his commitment to her than she is in finding the missing jewel. She exceeds in both while determining who is murdering the others trying to obtain the jewel. It gets a bit repetitive before the end but our heroine gets and keeps her man.
June 3, 2024
Death on the Grand Canal is a good read if you've visited Venice and enjoyed the canals and walkways. Stephanie Adams, engaged by Interpol to locate stolen artifacts, follows the owner from Milan to Venice searching for a jeweled peacock pendant commissioned by Rodrigo Borgia in 1490 before his reign as pope. Unsure whom to trust, including her boyfriend, Thomas, the owner, Contessa Giuliana Bergamo, and other prospective buyers, she ends up in a murderous cat-and-mouse game trying to locate the pendant.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews