The Borgia Portrait

Venetian Mystery #2

by David Hewson

A noble family, a legendary painting, a cursed palazzo.

When Arnold Clover is recruited by Lizzie Hawker to help her look into her family inheritance, he cannot begin to guess the journey he is about to embark on.

Lizzie's mother, an Italian countess, disappeared thirty years ago, presumed dead. Her father has just died and now the family home, a leaning palazzo in Dorsoduro that is full of secrets, has fallen to Lizzie. When her mother vanished so too did a priceless painting of Lucrezia Borgia - but it quickly becomes apparent that Lizzie and Arnold are not the only ones interested in finding it.

The search for the lost Lucrezia quickly becomes a race through the secret history of Venice, one with potentially deadly consequences.

Genres: Mystery, Audiobook, Italy, Crime, Historical Fiction, Contemporary, Historical

289 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 2, 2024

About the author

DAVID HEWSON was born in Yorkshire in 1953. His books range from the Nic Costa series set in Italy to adaptations of The Killing in Copenhagen and the Pieter Vos series in Amsterdam.
He's adapted Shakespeare for Audible and in 2018 won the Audie for best original work for Romeo and Juliet: A Novel, narrated by Richard Armitage.
2019 sees the release of a new, full-cast Audible drama set in New York, Last Seen Wearing, and a standalone novel set in the Faroe Islands, Devil's Fjord.

Series:
Nic Costa

Pieter Vos

The Killing

Reviews

[BookswithLydscl | · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't really love this installment of the Venetian Mystery series. I think my main problem was Lizzie. She didn't make for a particularly sympathetic protagonist, and despite supppsedly being close to 40, I felt she read much younger, which meant I felt her interactions with Arnold felt pretty inappropriate and uncomfortable.

I think we got a little more development of the relationship between Arnold, Luca, and Valentina in this book, but wish there had been more of them instead of Lizzie.

The mystery was overall pretty solid, and I enjoyed the clue solving. However, whilst I understand why there were no maps included, I couldn't visualise the 'circle' being drawn by those 8 clues, which took me out of it a little.

I'll still read the next one in the series (which I assume there'll be) as I do love a mystery thriller with a historical element, plus the Venice setting is not the norm for these types of books and I have enjoyed learning more about the city.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Borgia Portrait is the second enthralling instalment in David Hewson's series featuring Venice-based retired British archivist Arnold Clover.

Arnold is asked by his good friend Capitano Valentina Fabbri of the Carabinieri to assist a young British woman, Lizzie Hawker, as Venetian authorities seek to establish the structural integrity and heritage preservation of Ca' Scacchi, the dilapidated palazzo on the Grand Canal owned by Lizzie's maternal line.

[Mairita (Marii grāmatplaukts) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Noslēpums un tā risināšana bija aizraujoša,. Ļoti patika, cik daudz sīkumu atkal uzzināju par Venēciju. Beigās arī mani pārņēma liela vēlme redzēt meklēto gleznu, tomēr daži pavērsieni šķita drusku par daudz dramatiski. Man arī ne visai patika Lizija, bet, ņemot vērā apstākļus, viņas psiholoģiskais portrets ir ticams. Tomēr sliktākais ir tas, ka sērijai pagaidām nav turpinājuma. Ceru, ka autors raksta.

[EmG ReadsDaily · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enthralling historical mystery, through the secret history of Venice.
Featuring a leaning Palazzo in Dorsoduro, a priceless painting, a noble family and possible deadly consequences.

[eyes.2c · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Borgia’s and Venice! What a combination!

Hewson has produced an impressive mystery novel that explores the hidden and dark parts of Venice. Arnold Clover (first met in The Medici Murders) has been referred to Lizzie Hawker, the only surviving daughter of the missing, presumed dead Countessa Scacchi, to translate for her in a legal case. The city has concerns about the subsistence of the family palazzo, Ca’Scacchi just off the Grand Canal. The city has demanded legal right of entry to check.
When the city engineers begin investigating the subsistence what they find is a crypt with a dead body dressed in a distinctive dress owned by the Contessa. A letter in a typewriter gives a mysterious message.
The palazzo has had a chequered history and is believed by locals to be cursed.
Treasures belonging to the palazzo have disappeared over the years, including a hidden, erotic portrait of Lucia Borgia.
The mysterious Lucia portrait, owned by the Scacchi family has driven men and women to outrageous sexual heights, bewitched as they are by it. It apparently holds an almost mystical sway over viewers.
Arnold joins Lizzie in the hunt for the portrait, following the clues left by her mother.
Their journey is shadowed by minions of Enzo Canale, a self made business man, a bully, who is after the portrait.
An intriguing, rich and rewarding read that leads into places unknown and never lets up the pressure.

A Severn House ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)

[Annarella · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think that the story of palazzo Scacchi is inspired by Ca Dario, a a Venice Renaissance palace which is thought to be cursed as a lot of people who owned or lived there died while they were living there.
The cursed palace is not just something born with the plot, I assume it's inspired by the real story.
That said I loved this story that talks the underbelly of Venice, of how it was in the 70s, and how the history and the romance were never very far.
There's a lot going on, there's a complex plot and I was glad to catch up with Arnold, Valentina, Luca and the cast of characters.
A solid plot, twisty and full of surprises, that kept me guessing and hooked.
Loved it
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

[Hannelore Cheney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Severn House for the eARC.
Arnold Glover, who moved to Venice after the death of his wife, is asked by Lizzie Hawker to help her figure out her inheritance, plus find a
mysterious missing painting. Lizzie's mother (missing, presumed dead) was the owner of the supposedly cursed palazzo Ca'Scacchi, which Lizzie assumes she will inherit. But Lizzie basically wants to sell the property and return to London. She doesn't even speak Italian...
The author's descriptions of Venice's geography and history is fantastic and the story is so good, absolutely impossible put down!
Highly recommended!

[Matt. · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Borgia Portrait by David Hewson is a riveting tale filled with unexpected twists, intricate characters, and a plot brimming with suspense. The author's talent for seamlessly blending historical elements with a contemporary quest makes this book a must-read for both mystery enthusiasts and history buffs alike. Prepare to be swept away on a thrilling journey with potentially deadly consequences that will leave you guessing until the very end.

Thank you to NetGalley and Severn House for this advanced copy.

[Matt TB · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful virtual tour of Venice with art, history, mystery, twists and turns.

A bit different to the first book, just as entertaining.

[Stephen the Bookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful crime fiction novel based around a cryptic story and clues and a treasure hunt around Venice to hunt down a missing painting. Lizzie Hawker may have inherited a cursed palazzo Ca’ Scacchi but the city authorities believe the palazzo should be in their hands as well as local businessman who claims it was promised to him by Lizzie’s mother decades before.
Arnold Clover is asked to assist Lizzie in exploring her potential inheritance .The discovery of a body at the palazzo believed to be Lucia Scacchi, Lizzie ‘s mother ,changes events and Arnold and Lizzie are up against time to solve the mystery of the vanished painting believed to have been in in the palazzo.
David Hewson’s meticulous attention historical and geographical detail is excellent ( I won’t deny - I found myself looking at online images and photographs of historical figures and Venetian landmarks ) The plot is fast paced and the interaction between Arnold, Lizzie and Luca the archivist is humorous and keeps the story lively.
This a great read and being a fan of Donna Leon, I was hooked from the start. Highly recommended for fans of Venice, and crime fiction.

Thank you to Net Galley for the advance copy

[Peter Fleming · Rating 4 out of 5]

A palazzo off the Grand Canal with a distinct lean, which has been stripped of its former glories and imbued with a curse is a prize indeed, and the perfect location for Renaissance mystery with a twist of the gothic. Lizzie is in Venice following the death of her father who she nursed through his later years. She is struggling with the Italian bureaucracy and so has been put in touch with Arnold Clover the retired archivist for assistance. When a body is found, along with some mysterious documents, in a secret crypt in the grounds, life suddenly gets complicated. A fanciful tale about Casanova along with a puzzle, whose clues when solved promise to reveal the location of a lost masterpiece. What more can Lizzie and Arnold do but try to solve the puzzle and become art treasure hunters.

A storyline of journeys and discoveries, some wonderful, others requiring some soul searching. The most obvious one is the quest for the missing painting which provides the spine of the plot. Lizzie has much to discover too, only hearing about her early life from her father, her perspective has been skewed. This is something she discovers when the Venetians she meets recall what he was like. Perhaps he poisoned her mind to her mother? Lizzie must also discover herself too, having had her early life blighted by her father pushing her onto the stage and then, of course, nursing him through his decline. She is a woman entering middle age but only just awakening in herself. There is also some self-discovery and memories stirred for Arnold too.

Venice is the perfect setting for such a mystery and has been used its fullest. The treasure hunt clues providing the perfect device to have the unlikely pairing, of Lizzie and Arnold, seeking out the hidden unexplored corners of the city. Arnold’s knowledge is limited, so of course there is room for friends Luca, Ugo and Carabinieri Capitano Valentia to chip in with their local knowledge. The dapper Luca and glamourous Valentia bring that effortless Italian style and panache to proceedings which the Brit abroad could never manage. Somehow making an aperitivo at a simple restaurant seem better than cocktails at the Ritz. They also ensure that their stamina in maintained by sustenance for the many local delicacies. This is not a book for those on a strict diet.
The puzzle is also a perfect way to introduce some of the incident and odd characters of Venice’s past to embroider a rich tapestry backing the quest. A treasure hunt that seamlessly weaves together fact and fiction and will have you Googling people and places as you read along. If immersing yourself in history is your kind of book, you'll love it.

The chemistry between Lizzie and Arnold works well considering the generational age gap, with the lightest of nods towards the great partnerships of 1940s/50s Hollywood. She has so much to learn about her past, her life and the Italian way they he bears the brunt of her frustrations. As they progress and settle into friendship Arnold starts to reflect on his own past and we learn just a little more about his married life.

The story line moves along smoothly and logically. Classic elements are added by including rivals for the search introducing some urgency and competition. There is little by way of violence and jeopardy, its not that kind of thriller, but when it does appear it is even more shocking for it.

Light relief comes in the form of situations, observations on the Italian way of life and small cameos from old locals and the wonderfully named journalist Gervaise Alfonso Lascelles. He’s a slightly grotesque figure, the boozy tabloid hack, but with some redeeming features.

The Borgia Portrait is a Renaissance mystery wrapped up in a love letter to Venice and its people.

[Tripfiction · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect fiction for tourist explorers in VENICE



A second Venice-set mystery by David Hewson featuring retired British Archivist, Arnold Clover. We reviewed the first, The Medici Murders, last year and the new book has the same sort of feel. Not a page turning, thrill a minute, escapade – but rather more a considered, thoughtful, and somewhat academic offer. But with a kick.

Arnold is roped in to assist a British lady, Lizzie, whose father has just died and whose mother was presumed to have committed suicide decades before, to sort out her inheritance. And it is not an ordinary inheritance… Her mother was a Venetian contessa, and her father was a rock music impresario of dubious character. Their family home in Venice, a small palazzo on the Grand Canal, had been derelict for years. The palazzo had a reputation for bringing bad luck to its inhabitants. Arnold and Lizzie decide to open it up and explore. But they are not alone. The Venetian authorities want to check on the structure of the building and an unpleasant Venetian business man, Enzo Canale, also claims an interest in the property.

A female body is found under the building. It is presumed to be that of Lizzie’s mother. With the body is a typed story of ten clues telling the reader how and where to find a very famous / infamous portrait of Lucrezia Borgia – a nude and sensual portrait that had ‘inspired’ many a liaison. Arnold and Lizzie, aided by Venice archivist, Luca Volpetti, and Venetian detective, Valentina Fabbri – both friends of Arnold – set out to follow the clues and find the portrait. But they are not alone in wishing to rediscover the picture, Enzo Canale is also on the trail. Following the clues takes them on an intellectual ‘treasure hunt’ around Venice. They piece together historical references and little known facts as they make progress. Progress that is often slowed by eating and drinking at little restaurants with amazingly mouth watering dishes.

Eventually the portrait is found, but there is still a very dramatic ending to come. The story does not just fizzle out.

What comes through the book loud and clear is David Hewson’s enormous affection for, and knowledge of, Venice. In his Author’s Note at the end of the book he states that with just two exceptions, all the locations featured are real and waiting to be discovered by a tourist explorer who wants to move on a little from The Rialto Bridge and St Mark’s Square.

[BOOKLOVER EB · Rating 4 out of 5]

Arnold Clover is a retired British archivist who settled in Venice after the death of his wife, Eleanor. He generously offers advice and support to Lizzie Hawker, a woman in her late thirties, who speaks no Italian and is unfamiliar with the local bureaucracy. Lizzie's father, Chas, recently died, and Lizzie is nearly penniless. Her former home, Ca' Scacchi, is a Venetian palazzo in disrepair that is thought by some—with good reason—to be cursed. Lizzie's mother, Lucia, was a countess who disappeared more than three decades ago. Now, an obsessive, wealthy, and corrupt individual named Enzo Canale is eager to get his hands on the palazzo. Should Lizzie take a payoff from Canale and return to London, or should she stay in Venice and fight for her legacy? Her choice is complicated by the fact that Lizzie cannot inherit Ca' Scacchi as long as her mother's fate is unknown.

When the city surveyor orders workers to assess the palazzo's structural integrity, the workmen uncover a long-buried corpse. Could this be the body of Lucia? Lizzie finds it difficult to grieve for a woman she never really cared for, but if her mother is indeed deceased, Lizzie could sell the property and live more comfortably. "The Borgia Portrait," by David Hewson, is a colorful mystery in which the author delves into the art, cuisine, and folklore of one of the world's most fascinating cities. Although Hewson's writing style is generally vivid and captivating, he tells us more than we need to know about restaurants, churches, artifacts, and architecture. These superfluous details slow down the novel's pace considerably.

The most provocative element of the story is a sensual painting of the infamous Lucrezia Borgia that once hung in the palazzo's master bedroom. Lizzie's dad sold off most of Ca' Scacchi's valuable items, but this painting has never resurfaced. With the help of knowledgeable acquaintances, Arnold tries to track down the elusive painting. (Lucia left behind cryptic clues that aid him in his quest.) The tale ends with a surprising and intriguing finale. Among Hewson's themes are dysfunctional relationships, long-buried secrets that come to light, and the ways in which greed and arrogance lead people to destroy themselves and others.

[Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

320 pages

5 stars

The wonderful author David Hewson takes us back to Venice once more in his latest novel.

Retired archivist Englishman Arnold Clover is now living in Venice. He is tasked with assisting an Englishwoman, Lizzie Hawker, with her inheritance. She is the sole survivor of the Scacchi family. She needs to decide what to do with her family home Ca’ Scacchi that she has not seen since she was five years old. She doesn’t speak a word of Italian and doesn’t really want to be in Venice. Her mother, a Countess named Lucia, committed suicide, her father, a somewhat n’er-do well Englishman, was apparently a thief who wasted his life trying to regain his status as a music producer.

So begins a tale of murder, deceit, corrupt officials, a shrewd police officer, puzzles and a quest that tries Arnold and Lizzie’s patience, but also draws them closer together. The purpose of the quest? To locate a lost portrait of Lucrezia Borgia.

Arnold and Lizzie become friends.

Of course, Arnold has the assistance of his very good friends Luca and Valentina. Together, they add so much to Mr. Hewson’s stories. Luca is also an archivist, but still employed by the city so he has access to much that Arnold does not. Valentina is a tough police officer, but has compassion and is very intelligent.

I very much appreciate Mr. Hewson’s descriptions of Venice and the historical tidbits he sprinkles throughout his stories. Imagine a city without cars! I love reading about history. I always feel as though I were witnessing the action first hand. I can imagine the statuary, the building and the streets of Venice. I truly enjoyed this novel and am looking forward to Mr. Hewson’s next Venetian adventure.

I want to thank NetGalley and Severn House for forwarding to me a copy of this wonderful book for me to read, enjoy and review. The opinions expressed in this review are solely my own.

[Elaine Tomasso · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would like to thank Netgalley and Severn House Publishers for an advance copy of The Borgia Portrait, the second novel to feature retired archivist Arnold Clover set in Venice.

Arnold has been asked to help Lizzie Hawker navigate the Italian legal system. Her mother disappeared thirty years ago at the same time as a priceless sensual portrait of Lucrezia Borgia and her father recently died so bureaucracy is taking an interest in her mother’s historic home, Ca’ Scacchi. When a body is found in a hidden crypt it poses more questions than answers as it is hiding a short story with clues to the whereabouts of the painting.

I enjoyed The Borgia Portrait, which is as much a travel guide to Venice’s hidden attractions and history as it is murder mystery. Still, it is full of twists and turns and has an engrossing story to tell.

It is told from Arnold’s first person point of view and that is an inspired choice as he is very unassuming, but quite bright at solving obscure clues. He is the outsider who can give an objective view on the city and its inhabitants, but as a resident he has enough familiarity to get about. He is very likeable in his kind but diffident manner and brings warmth to a narrative that is decidedly tricky.

The plot consists of Arnold and Lizzie trekking through Venice from one historic site to the next, following obscure clues to find the painting. Of course, they’re not alone in this hunt, although there is never any tension in the hunt. It’s all a bit convoluted and seems designed to expose these less well known sites to a wider audience. It’s completely wasted on me as I have no visualisation skills and can’t process it, especially as most of the clues have no real bearing on the location of the painting. I did, however, enjoy the ending of the novel which produces no end of surprises and explanations. It’s well worth the trek round Venice.

The Borgia Portrait is a good read that I can recommend.

[Kath · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second outing for Arnold Clover, the retired archivist we first met in The Medici Murders, which you might want to read first for full enjoyment of the series. That said, there is enough catch-up in this book and the main story is self-contained so...
In this book, Arnold is asked by Lizzie Hawker to help with her inheritance, specifically the wonderful family home Ca'Scacchi that she has kind of inherited after the death of her father and long ago disappearance of her mother, an Italian countess, some 30 years since. But there is another vying for possession of said building, as well as a painting which also vanished at the same time, a priceless, special, portrait of Lucrezia Borgia. On re-opening of the house, a body is discovered in a hidden crypt. But will this discovery help or hinder...?
I really took to Arnold on his first outing. He's quiet and unassured but he is oh so very smart and well educated. This is reflected in the way that the author also knows his stuff and has done his research, which really shows as you read the book. He's an outsider to the wonderful city of Venice in which the book is set so he can leave the passion aside and just get on with things. And the things in this book include the mystery of the body, the disappearance of both mother and painting, and a treasure hunt too. We also reconnect with a few familiar faces from book one to assist where appropriate.
I would imagine you would appreciate this all the more if you were familiar with Venice. I'm not but it didn't mar my enjoyment and might even have nudged me to pop it on my to-visit list! I did do a bit of googling along the way too, but nothing distracting as the plot itself was quite fast paced and sucked me in right from the start, leaving me satisfied at the end. And hungry for book three...
My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.

[Vivienne · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Lady L! You must be left to last. Replace those beautiful eyes that others may look around and truly find you.”

My thanks to Severn House for an eARC via NetGalley of ‘The Borgia Portrait’ by David Hewson.

This is Book 2 in his Venetian Mysteries series featuring retired British archivist Arnold Clover, who is now residing in Venice. Returning in supporting roles are his fellow archivist, Luca Volpetti, and Capitano Valentina Fabbri of the Venetian Carabinieri.

Clover is recruited by Lizzie Hawker, whose infamous music promoter father has recently died. She needs assistance with securing her inheritance of the family home Ca' Scacchi, a leaning palazzo in Dorsoduro. It had belonged to Lizzie's mother, an Italian countess, who had disappeared thirty-five years ago, and is presumed dead. When her mother vanished so too did a priceless painting, an intimate portrait of Lucrezia Borgia.

Then a secret (no spoilers) is uncovered at the crumbling palazzo. It reveals a document containing cryptic clues that might lead to the location of the portrait. Yet Lizzie and Arnold are not the only ones interested in finding the painting and soon the race is on through the secret history of Venice.

Hewson provides a good deal of information about the history of Venice, including its architecture and art works. There are also plenty of stops at cafés and restaurants with delicious sounding food and drink. It is quite an intellectual mystery, though does build to a nail-biting conclusion.

I have been reading David Hewson’s novels for years and have great trust in his ability to craft an intriguing, well-paced mystery. As someone who is interested in European history and art history, the focus of this series has a special appeal.

Overall, I enjoyed ‘The Borgia Portrait’ very much and look forward to more Venetian mysteries for Arnold and friends in due course.

4.5 stars rounded up to 5.

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'd give this three and a half stars. A pleasant read, and excellent on the history and geography and food of Venice, a city I long to visit one day. The narrator, Arnold Clover, is a widowed British archivist who has moved to Venice after retiring. He is asked to help Lizzie, a younger woman, who needs to investigate the disappearance years ago of her mother, and whose somewhat shady father has recently died, leaving Lizzie as the putative heiress to a semi-derelict old palazzo in Venice which had belonged to her mother's parents. A body is found in a crypt below the palazzo's courtyard, accompanied by a multi-faceted riddle which must be solved line by line (eight in all) in order to lead the investigators to a missing work of art, a scandalous portrait of Lucrezia Borgia.
The author knows his Venice well and introduces us to many places off the beaten track, and one also gets a good general idea of Venetian life in August.
What I found less successful was the narrator himself. I found him a bit boring. I wanted more psychology, and/or some kind of quirkiness. I could not quite take seriously a protagonist going by the name of "Arnold Clover". And the increasing closeness of Arnold and Lizzie felt uncomfortable to me, given the age gap. On top of that, I was unclear why they decided that all 8 lines of the riddle must be solved in order, to trace a kind of geographical circle; it seems to me that you could find the ultimate answer without having solved all the lines. And each of the riddles gets too solved too quickly, sometimes through a totally random comment by a passer-by or a waiter,
Overall, not bad though, and I will probably give old Arnold another go sometime.

[Saltygalreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Venetian Mysteries and it is every bit as good as the first! Arnold Clover is back, requested by his Carabiniere friend Valentina Fabbri to assist newcomer Lizzie Hawker research her family's Venetian history and inheritance. Lizzie's father recently died in Britain, and Lizzie has returned to her mother's homeland to decide what to do with the crumbling family palazzo in Dorsoduro, Venice. Lizzie's mother, a Countess, disappeared thirty years and is thought to be dead. Many valuable artifacts from the home are missing, including an infamous painting of Lucrezia Borgia, which has inspired the lust of many men for generations. Lizzie's mother left behind a trail of clues in the form of a story about Casanova, with eight riddles to solve. Lizzie and Arnold become close companions and chase the clues down together, pursued all the while by fierce rival Enzo Canale.

This series gives me everything I want in a mystery novel - tension, atmosphere, great characters, snippets of history and of course, Venice! The locations featured in the book are real, as well as the historical figures. So well-written, you can hear the water lapping as you read. The chemistry between Arnold and Lizzie adds a light romantic element to the novel this time around, which is quite fun and reveals a softer side of Arnold. I found the references to the politics of saving cultural heritage and landmarks in Italy an interesting side topic, and not one that the casual visitor thinks much about. A truly atmospheric and engrossing read - loved it.

[Emma's Things to Read · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is second book in the Arnold Clover Venetian Mystery Series.

Arnold is a quiet and unassuming widower. Having moved to Venice for his retirement, Arnold’s experience with archives and unlocking historical mysteries means that he finds himself embroiled in mysteries and murders.

In this installment, Arnold has been hired to help an heiress look for a missing but priceless painting of Lucrezia Borgia. Lizzie Harker is the daughter of a staggeringly rich Italian countess and a famous music producer. But her riches to rags story, hides some dark secrets.

The mystery of the painting leads Arnold and Lizzie on an interesting although in some cases pointless treasure hunt across Venice. The riddles that Lizzie’s mother leaves take them to hidden treasures and stories behind buildings and events in Venice. The clues don’t really seem to lead on from another, but are fascinating and cleverly put together highlighting the countess’ (and the writer’s) intelligence and knowledge of Venice.

Lizzie and Arnold are well supported by Arnold’s friends as they race to find the painting before corrupt official and all-around villain Enzo Canale who has his own connections to the crumbling mansion.

The real star of this book is Venice itself. The descriptions are so atmospheric and rich that even if you have never been to the city, the reader can vividly picture the settings. Added to the descriptions of the food, this will definitely make you want to pack a bag and head for the airport.

Thank you to Netgalley for my gifted digital copy of The Borgia Portrait

[Alison C · Rating 4 out of 5]

Arnold Clover is asked to translate for an English woman who has come to Venice following the death of her father to deal with her inheritance, a run-down palazzo on the Grand Canal that was in her mother’s family for generations. Unfortunately, a wealthy Venetian has an interest in the building, and in the family that owned it, and there are rumours of a painting spirited away from the palazzo, a rather risque painting of Lucrezia Borgia no less. When a hitherto unknown crypt is uncovered on the premises, and the corpse of a woman found inside along with a mysterious riddle, Arnold must use all his wits to uncover the secrets of the family, the palazzo, and Venice itself…. This is the second book featuring retired archivist Arnold Clover and it is just as enchanting as the first, albeit in a very different way. The Venice portrayed here is not that which tourists generally see, and the places that the author takes us to in the quest for the portrait provide a far richer and more nuanced vision of the storied city. Arnold’s Venetian companions are not as prominent in this book as they were in the first (“The Medici Murders”), but they are still around to help guide him, and the resolution of several mysteries is well handled, with a minimum of violent behaviour - unlike Mr. Hewson’s Nic Costa series set in Rome, these Venetian books are quite gentle as befits a series where the protagonist has spent his working life amongst dusty archives, searching for connections. Highly recommended!

[Elisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

A treasure hunt to find a priceless piece of art following clues in Venice? This sounded like the perfect book for me. I would highly recommend it to readers of historical fiction, which unfortunately is not me. Even though this is the second volume in a series that I hadn’t read before, I wasn’t at a loss at any time. The background is sufficiently explained to make it easy to follow as a standalone, without being repetitive. I really liked the cast of supporting characters, as well as the look at one of the most beautiful cities in the world. In the afterword, the author explains how he based his story in real-life locations that he doesn’t exactly place, so that readers can find these spots on their own. It is also clear how much research he’s done on the historical part of the plot. My problem was precisely that… it contains too many details, dates, names and historical facts that I was not interested in. I enjoyed the descriptions of Venice, especially the dilapidated palazzo at the heart of the novel, but the pace was slower than I usually enjoy. Not a bad book, I’m just not the right reader.
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. Thank you, #NetGalley/#Severn House!

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of all this is the perfect book to read on a holiday to Venice, or a perfect gift for someone going to Venice. This intelligent thriller is basically a race against time, solving a cryptic puzzle to find the location of a missing masterpiece. All the locations are real but are off the usual tourist thoroughfares and so would provide the perfect circular walking tour of hidden parts of real Venice. There is plenty of history and each location has its story, but this is kept to a minimum to avoid boring the average reader who may have no intention of ever visiting the city and is just looking for a good read. David Hewson explains at the end of the book why he didn't include a map, but personally I would have loved a simple pen and ink sketch to enable me to follow the quiet retired archivist and the heiress as they crisscrossed the city in search of their treasure. Having never been to Venice I really didn't know where they were even when they passed famous landmarks. A satisfying read with some twists and turns I didn't see coming.
This is book 2 in a series, but you don't need to have read book one to enjoy this, but spoiler alert, I think the ending of book one is given away in this book!

[Annette · Rating 3 out of 5]

I tried really hard to read this novel- the premise was interesting and I read up to 40% on my kindle.
Unfortunately for some reason the book did not grab me.
Arnold, the main protagonist is investigating the disappearance of a woman in Venice, many years earlier. Helping her daughter, Lizzie, who has come to claim her inheritance, a Venetian house by one of the canals, Arnold makes a grisly discovery. Lizzie and Arnold then follow some cluses left by Lizzie’s mother in order to find “The Borgia Portrait” which is missing from the house.
There seemed to be a lot of characters and unfortunately their interactions and conversations really did not hold my attention. When I got to the stage of having to force myself to pick up the book I gave up.
I was hoping for an interesting and compelling mystery with historical content, a bit like the Da Vinci Code but this novel really did not deliver.
A lot of people seem to have enjoyed this book judging by the five star reviews and this is only my personal opinion so please make your own mind up.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my review copy.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Arnold Clover is recruited by Lizzie Hawker to help her look into her family inheritance, he cannot begin to guess the journey he is about to embark on. Lizzie's mother, an Italian countess, disappeared thirty years ago , so too did a priceless painting, supposedly an erotic portrait of Lucrezia Borgia, Her father, a famous, some say infamous, music promoter, has just died and now the family home Ca' Scacchi, a leaning palazzo in Dorsoduro, has fallen to her. When a body is discovered in a hidden crypt beneath the checkerboard courtyard of the palazzo, other secrets are unearthed with it.
Well written, well paced with wonderful characters & beautiful descriptions, the mystery also had me enthralled. The author certainly knows how to draw you in from page one & captivates you until the last page. Whilst I loved the mystery it’s the descriptions of the locations that’s the icing on the cake – I felt as though I was there. The second book featuring Arnold & I preferred it to the first as this time I wasn’t as bogged down with the history. I found it very hard to put down & read it straight through
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

[Desiree · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Borgia Portrait is the second book in the Venetian Mystery series and I must say I'm growing fond of Arnold Clover, and also of his sidekicks Luca and Valentia.

I really like the way the author weaves the story about an episode from Casanova's life together with information about Lucretia Borgia in the quest to retrieve her erotic portrait and the mystery about the death of Lizzies mother. I just loved the riddles, of which I managed to solve a few, which sent them on a quest through the whole city. (a bit Dan Brown, but than much better ;-) ) Offcourse this created an excellent opportunity to describe a lot of interesting places in Venice and paint a vivid image of the city. I've visited Venice a couple of times and even did a two week Italian language course in the city and it was like I was back in the city, walking around all the familiar places. Made me put another trip to Venice on my todo list.
The food spots and food descriptions are a bonus!

Well written and excellent historical researched as always, looking forward to Arnold Clovers next adventure.
Full marks

Thank you to NetGalley and Severn House for this advanced copy.

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 2 in the Venetian Mysteries series.
Retired British archivist, Arnold Clover is now living in Venice, when he is recruited by a British lady, Lizzie Hawker, who following the death of her father, a rock music impresario, needs his assistance in securing her inheritance.
Her mother, an Italian countess, disappeared 35 years ago and is presumed dead.
But when her mother vanished, so did a priceless painting of Lucretia Borgia.
The race is on to find the painting through the buildings and waterways of Venice.
The perfect intellectual historical mystery.
The author provides a wealth of information, especially on the history of Venice, it’s architecture and art works.
Also the author’s notes at the end of the book show that the majority of the locations featured are real and just waiting to be discovered by a tourist explorer.
Thanks @davidhewson, @severnhouse & @netgalley for the eARC

[Alison Eden · Rating 3 out of 5]

#TheBorgiaPortrait #NetGalley This was the first book that I have read by this author. I loved the storyline in this book and the cat and mouse game of trying to decipher the clues left behind by Lucia to find the missing Borgia portrait. It is obvious that the author has done his research on the history of Venice and the real life characters within the book. For me though, as a thriller, I found the pace at times a little slow and there were far more extremely detailed descriptions as opposed to nitty gritty action than I prefer. Also, when reading on a kindle, to see the fact that there are "44 minutes left" in the chapter makes it more of a chore and I found myself skim reading at times, rather than with shorter chapters where I find myself saying "just one more chapter" umpteen times before I put it down!! The action, when it came was exciting and twisty although I did find that too much was wrapped up in a short time when Lucia returned.

[margaret chalmers · Rating 3 out of 5]

A beguiling beauty.

We are back in Venice with Arnold Clover, a retired, widowed, ex archivist, uprooted from England and living his new home. He has gained friends in an Italian archivist and a female police officer. Arnold is introduced to a young Englishwoman, to be of aid to her. Half Venetian, she is there to deal with her family's crumbling mansion. The long buried body of a woman is found when the place is inspected. Is it the Contessa Scacchi, the long absent mother of the young woman. Did her late father, a musical producer with a dubious history steal treasures from the mansion, in particular a remarkable portrait of the notorious Lucrezia Borgia? Arnold helps discover the truth. A good straightforward mystery I much enjoyed. The depiction of Venice and various meals is marvellous. More stories for Arnold, please. Recommended. A good, quiet read.

[Carol Keogh (Goodfellow) · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second of David Hewsons' book featuring Arnold Clover and his friends. Hewson obviously know his Venice and his style brings the city to bright, vibrant life. I adored his first book with Arnold, an academic who spent his working life amongst dusty archives and on retiring chose to move to Venice with Eleanor , his wife. Unfortunately she died before they relocated and he decided to go by himself. His friend Luca, also a researcher, collaborates in another mystery here relating to a "cursed pallazzo", an English girl with a missing mother and a mystery to solve. This is a great story with plenty of action, puzzles and mild peril. I couldn't put it down. I cannot wait for the next instalment in Arnold and Lucas' adventures. I am grateful to Netgalley and Severn for an advance copy of The Borgia Portrait.

#TheBorgiaPortrait