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Venetian Mystery #1
Die Medici-Morde
Godolphin ist alles andere als ein umgänglicher Zeitgenosse und berüchtigt für seinen Narzissmus. Um seine ins Stocken geratene Fernsehkarriere zu befeuern, plant der »Duke« die Inszenierung einer sensationellen historischen Entdeckung rund um zwei Morde an Mitgliedern der Medici-Familie im 16. Jahrhundert. Auch ehemalige Schüler:innen und Weggefährt:innen aus seiner Zeit in Cambridge hat er dazu nach Venedig eingeladen. Doch bevor es zur Enthüllung kommt, wird Godolphin tot in einem canale aufgefunden. Ermittlerin Valentina Fabbri hat Verdächtige genug. Sie bittet den pensionierten Archivar Arnold Clover um Mithilfe.
320 pages, Hardcover
Published February 23, 2023
98 people are currently reading
575 people want to read
About the author
David Hewson
111 books520 followersDAVID 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
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
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 173 reviews
January 2, 2023
The Medici Murders by David Hewson
Narrated by Richard Armitage
There is a lot of history and a lot of location description involved in this story and I was afraid it might be too much for me. But once I got into the mood for Venice and the gossip of history, I wanted more. This seems like an old timey detective story in many ways, despite one of my favorite characters, Carabinieri Inspector, Valentina Fabbri, being glued to her phone. There is a lot of present day intertwined with the past, just a few days past, and that worked for me, too. Rather than be told what happened just a few days back, before well-known British TV historian Marmaduke Godolphin was murdered, we are actually there, seeing what happens as it's happening. It all seemed to flow very well for me.
Central to the story is retired archivist, Arnold Clover, who has recently lost his wife. He and his wife were going to move to Venice, everything was in place to make it happen, so when his wife died, he moved into the tiny place she had picked out for him. And now he has been asked to assist the police since he had been hired by Godolphin to sort through some papers to find information that could blow apart what had been known about some murders more than 500 years ago. Clover has enjoyed his archivist job, this is what he does and he wants to do it right. That is what made this search for information interesting to me, spending time with this man who loves what he does and where he lives.
There are a lot of people who have reason to not mourn the death of Godolphin, a cruel, selfish, vile man. Even though Clover is supposed to be assisting the police, he feels very uneasy with the manner that Fabbri leads him on with her questions, drops hints that she won't elaborate on, and the way she won't give him a moment alone, as she questions each person and goes over evidence with him. Just what does she really want from Clover?
The audiobook is narrated by Richard Armitage and, as always, he does a beautiful job.
Pub October 4, 2022
Thank you to W.F. Howes Ltd and NetGalley for this ARC.
Narrated by Richard Armitage
There is a lot of history and a lot of location description involved in this story and I was afraid it might be too much for me. But once I got into the mood for Venice and the gossip of history, I wanted more. This seems like an old timey detective story in many ways, despite one of my favorite characters, Carabinieri Inspector, Valentina Fabbri, being glued to her phone. There is a lot of present day intertwined with the past, just a few days past, and that worked for me, too. Rather than be told what happened just a few days back, before well-known British TV historian Marmaduke Godolphin was murdered, we are actually there, seeing what happens as it's happening. It all seemed to flow very well for me.
Central to the story is retired archivist, Arnold Clover, who has recently lost his wife. He and his wife were going to move to Venice, everything was in place to make it happen, so when his wife died, he moved into the tiny place she had picked out for him. And now he has been asked to assist the police since he had been hired by Godolphin to sort through some papers to find information that could blow apart what had been known about some murders more than 500 years ago. Clover has enjoyed his archivist job, this is what he does and he wants to do it right. That is what made this search for information interesting to me, spending time with this man who loves what he does and where he lives.
There are a lot of people who have reason to not mourn the death of Godolphin, a cruel, selfish, vile man. Even though Clover is supposed to be assisting the police, he feels very uneasy with the manner that Fabbri leads him on with her questions, drops hints that she won't elaborate on, and the way she won't give him a moment alone, as she questions each person and goes over evidence with him. Just what does she really want from Clover?
The audiobook is narrated by Richard Armitage and, as always, he does a beautiful job.
Pub October 4, 2022
Thank you to W.F. Howes Ltd and NetGalley for this ARC.
February 15, 2023
4.5*
The Medici Murders is an entertaining romp through the squares, alleyways and cloisters of Venice, as a retired English archivist teams up with a Capitano of the local Carabinieri to solve a mystery with historical undercurrents in the city's past.
Via a well-constructed dual timeline, a fascinating story emerges. Pop-History documentary presenter Sir Marmaduke "Duke" Godolphin has been found dead in the Rio de San Tomà canal, having apparently met with an unknown assailant on the Ponte San Tomà the previous evening. It's Carnivale in Venice, and Godolphin is found dressed, perhaps appropriately, in the garb of a Renaissance Doge (Duke) of Venice.
Carabinieri Capitano Valentina Fabbri has summoned English retired archivist Arnold Clover to her offices on Campo San Zaccaria, to provide assistance with the case. Clover had known the deceased, initially from a distance during his own university days at Cambridge, where Godolphin had once been a somewhat notorious history professor, and more personally over the preceeding week in Venice. Clover and his Venetian friend - and fellow archivist - Luca Volpetti had been engaged by Godolphin to conduct a search of a cache of recently-discovered documents, in which Godolphin hopes to find two letters implicating Renaissance artist Michelangelo in two 16th century murders. The bridge where "Duke" met his death in the early hours is none other than the location of the notorious murder, on 26th February 1548, of Lorenzino de' Medici by two hired thugs.
As Capitano Fabbri probes, Clover gradually relates his observations of Godolphin, the "gilded circle" of former acolytes and more recent hangers-on who have accompanied him to Venice and the various jealousies, resentments and potential motives that exist amongst the members of the group. Woven amidst the personal drama are the emerging details of the fascinating assignment that Clover and Volpetti had embarked upon at Godolphin's behest. Will Clover's efforts to shed light on a 470-year-0ld mystery assist Fabbri to solve this recent suspicious death?
I have enjoyed David Hewson's writing immensely in the past, and The Medici Murders reinforced this impression. This book was a particular delight for me to read given that I visited Venice for the first time myself almost five years ago. Hewson's evocation of the sights, sounds and smells of the canal city are extraordinary vivid and I especially enjoyed the frequent coffee, meal, drink and snack breaks the characters take, during which they explore many quintessential Venetian culinary delights. Hewson shows a real understanding and affection for the city and the setting is perfectly integrated with the plot.
I'd highly recommend The Medici Murders to any reader who enjoys well-plotted and atmospheric mysteries. This book will particularly appeal to lovers of Venice and those with an interest in Renaissance art and history. I see that the subtitle "A Mystery in Venice Novel" is attached to some editions of the book, and hope that this might indicate the start of a new series featuring Fabbri and/or Clover - a series I'd be very keen to keep reading!
My thanks to the author, David Hewson, publisher Severn House, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this compelling title.
The Medici Murders is an entertaining romp through the squares, alleyways and cloisters of Venice, as a retired English archivist teams up with a Capitano of the local Carabinieri to solve a mystery with historical undercurrents in the city's past.
Via a well-constructed dual timeline, a fascinating story emerges. Pop-History documentary presenter Sir Marmaduke "Duke" Godolphin has been found dead in the Rio de San Tomà canal, having apparently met with an unknown assailant on the Ponte San Tomà the previous evening. It's Carnivale in Venice, and Godolphin is found dressed, perhaps appropriately, in the garb of a Renaissance Doge (Duke) of Venice.
Carabinieri Capitano Valentina Fabbri has summoned English retired archivist Arnold Clover to her offices on Campo San Zaccaria, to provide assistance with the case. Clover had known the deceased, initially from a distance during his own university days at Cambridge, where Godolphin had once been a somewhat notorious history professor, and more personally over the preceeding week in Venice. Clover and his Venetian friend - and fellow archivist - Luca Volpetti had been engaged by Godolphin to conduct a search of a cache of recently-discovered documents, in which Godolphin hopes to find two letters implicating Renaissance artist Michelangelo in two 16th century murders. The bridge where "Duke" met his death in the early hours is none other than the location of the notorious murder, on 26th February 1548, of Lorenzino de' Medici by two hired thugs.
As Capitano Fabbri probes, Clover gradually relates his observations of Godolphin, the "gilded circle" of former acolytes and more recent hangers-on who have accompanied him to Venice and the various jealousies, resentments and potential motives that exist amongst the members of the group. Woven amidst the personal drama are the emerging details of the fascinating assignment that Clover and Volpetti had embarked upon at Godolphin's behest. Will Clover's efforts to shed light on a 470-year-0ld mystery assist Fabbri to solve this recent suspicious death?
I have enjoyed David Hewson's writing immensely in the past, and The Medici Murders reinforced this impression. This book was a particular delight for me to read given that I visited Venice for the first time myself almost five years ago. Hewson's evocation of the sights, sounds and smells of the canal city are extraordinary vivid and I especially enjoyed the frequent coffee, meal, drink and snack breaks the characters take, during which they explore many quintessential Venetian culinary delights. Hewson shows a real understanding and affection for the city and the setting is perfectly integrated with the plot.
I'd highly recommend The Medici Murders to any reader who enjoys well-plotted and atmospheric mysteries. This book will particularly appeal to lovers of Venice and those with an interest in Renaissance art and history. I see that the subtitle "A Mystery in Venice Novel" is attached to some editions of the book, and hope that this might indicate the start of a new series featuring Fabbri and/or Clover - a series I'd be very keen to keep reading!
My thanks to the author, David Hewson, publisher Severn House, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this compelling title.
September 23, 2022
I've come to know David Hewson as an author who seamlessly weaves historical facts with an interesting amount of fiction. The Medici Murders is no exception.
The body of a well-known television personality is found dead in Venice, and retired archivist Arnold Clover has to spend a long, long day in the company of the local Carabinieri because it seems he's the only person with a clear view on what (could have) happened.
At times, the writing is a bit tedious because there is so much history involved, but there is enough action to stay focused. It took me longer than I thought to finish because I wanted to read more about the background of the story so I spent a lot of time on Wikipedia and other sites to read up to better understand what happened.
I enjoyed it a lot, especially because I didn't see the twist at the end coming!
Thanks to Netgalley for this review copy.
The body of a well-known television personality is found dead in Venice, and retired archivist Arnold Clover has to spend a long, long day in the company of the local Carabinieri because it seems he's the only person with a clear view on what (could have) happened.
At times, the writing is a bit tedious because there is so much history involved, but there is enough action to stay focused. It took me longer than I thought to finish because I wanted to read more about the background of the story so I spent a lot of time on Wikipedia and other sites to read up to better understand what happened.
I enjoyed it a lot, especially because I didn't see the twist at the end coming!
Thanks to Netgalley for this review copy.
September 6, 2022
As a long time fan of David Hewson, especially his Nic Costa series also set in Italy, I was really looking forward to reading this, Unfortunately this seemed to me that despite the wonderful setting of Venice and his descriptions that make you feel you are there. There was something missing with this book. It had a great start and was setting up the scene and introducing the characters, But then got lost in the history,
It felt to me as though he has done one hell of a lot of research, (an admirable quality), but then tried to write everything he had found out and forgot about the plot, When you do finally find out what happened it is a bit of an anti climax.
I am sure that many people will love this and I might on a different day. But on this reading it wasn;t for me Having said that I did actually get to the end.
It felt to me as though he has done one hell of a lot of research, (an admirable quality), but then tried to write everything he had found out and forgot about the plot, When you do finally find out what happened it is a bit of an anti climax.
I am sure that many people will love this and I might on a different day. But on this reading it wasn;t for me Having said that I did actually get to the end.
November 12, 2024
4,5 zvaigznes, jo te ir ļoti daudz Venēcijas. Bet vispār labi savīts detektīvstāsts. Patika autora ideja sižetu veidot kā pensionēta arhivāra sarunu ar karabinieri, kurā viņš gan pastāsta par notikumiem, kas noveda līdz noziegumam, gan iepin vēsturiskus faktus un pat vairākas reizes gardi paēd. "Slow burn" kā angliski saka, bet bija tā vērts.
August 22, 2022
288 pages
5 stars
I’ve read several of David Hewson’s novels, and I think that this is my favorite so far.
Expat Englishman Arnold Clover recently lost his beloved wife to illness. They had been planning to retire to Venice for quite some time before her death. Arnold is a lifetime archivist and his wife worked at a renowned museum and archive.
Arnold decides to move to Venice anyway; the house is sold. He meets and makes a very good friend in fellow Venetian archivist Luca Volpetti.
When a person they both know is murdered, Arnold is taken to the police station by Capitano Valentina Fabbri. The Capitano wants to know everything Arnold knows about the last days and the subsequent murder of Marmaduke “Duke” Godolphin. Valentina is smart, clever and dead set on learning who murdered Duke Godolphin.
Arnold is “held” in the Capitano’s office for long periods over several days.as he tells his story about Duke Godolphin.
Duke was an arrogant, narcissistic man of about seventy-five years of age. He was a brilliant academic who held his “Gilded Circle” of students in thrall. In his later years, he was caught by the television bug. He signed on to the BBC and hosted archeological and historical-based “lectures” on historical figures. He began not to care about the accuracy of the information he put forth. He was looking for the startling, the bomb dropping to wow people.
His new theory is that Michelangelo was involved in two murders in/around 1548. He hires Arnold and Luca to search through a mountain of documents to find the proof. Duke is negotiating a new contract with a broadcaster in America. He wants the position very badly. Duke has recently received several boxes of documents from a mysterious person named Wolff. It looks like so much garbage until Arnold takes a closer look.
Between Arnold’s story, Valentina’s investigation and the sheer beauty and mystery of Venice has me captivated. The sounds and sights of Venice. The history of this very old city. The food and the atmosphere during Carnivale. It sounds like a dream come true.
There are many twists and periods of high tension in this story. Hold on to your hats for the huge surprise at the end!
This book is the perfect blend of history and a “what if” story. The characters are all interesting and colorful. Mr. Hewson is a fantastic writer who could make mud sound fascinating. I was so taken with this novel that it has taken me several days to decide what I wanted to say in my review. I surely hope that there is another book showcasing Arnold, Luca and Valentina.
I want to thank NetGalley and Severn House for forwarding to me a copy of this absolutely wonderful book for me to read, enjoy and review. The opinions expressed here are solely my own.
5 stars
I’ve read several of David Hewson’s novels, and I think that this is my favorite so far.
Expat Englishman Arnold Clover recently lost his beloved wife to illness. They had been planning to retire to Venice for quite some time before her death. Arnold is a lifetime archivist and his wife worked at a renowned museum and archive.
Arnold decides to move to Venice anyway; the house is sold. He meets and makes a very good friend in fellow Venetian archivist Luca Volpetti.
When a person they both know is murdered, Arnold is taken to the police station by Capitano Valentina Fabbri. The Capitano wants to know everything Arnold knows about the last days and the subsequent murder of Marmaduke “Duke” Godolphin. Valentina is smart, clever and dead set on learning who murdered Duke Godolphin.
Arnold is “held” in the Capitano’s office for long periods over several days.as he tells his story about Duke Godolphin.
Duke was an arrogant, narcissistic man of about seventy-five years of age. He was a brilliant academic who held his “Gilded Circle” of students in thrall. In his later years, he was caught by the television bug. He signed on to the BBC and hosted archeological and historical-based “lectures” on historical figures. He began not to care about the accuracy of the information he put forth. He was looking for the startling, the bomb dropping to wow people.
His new theory is that Michelangelo was involved in two murders in/around 1548. He hires Arnold and Luca to search through a mountain of documents to find the proof. Duke is negotiating a new contract with a broadcaster in America. He wants the position very badly. Duke has recently received several boxes of documents from a mysterious person named Wolff. It looks like so much garbage until Arnold takes a closer look.
Between Arnold’s story, Valentina’s investigation and the sheer beauty and mystery of Venice has me captivated. The sounds and sights of Venice. The history of this very old city. The food and the atmosphere during Carnivale. It sounds like a dream come true.
There are many twists and periods of high tension in this story. Hold on to your hats for the huge surprise at the end!
This book is the perfect blend of history and a “what if” story. The characters are all interesting and colorful. Mr. Hewson is a fantastic writer who could make mud sound fascinating. I was so taken with this novel that it has taken me several days to decide what I wanted to say in my review. I surely hope that there is another book showcasing Arnold, Luca and Valentina.
I want to thank NetGalley and Severn House for forwarding to me a copy of this absolutely wonderful book for me to read, enjoy and review. The opinions expressed here are solely my own.
November 15, 2022
𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙈𝙚𝙙𝙞𝙘𝙞 𝙈𝙪𝙧𝙙𝙚𝙧𝙨 by David Hewson, narrated by Richard Armitage
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre/tropes: fiction, mystery, art history
CW: sexual assault
The recipe for 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙈𝙚𝙙𝙞𝙘𝙞 𝙈𝙪𝙧𝙙𝙚𝙧𝙨: set in Venice, invite a group of former students, talk up the history and charm of Venice, the food, a mysterious revelation, and a dead body.
Arnold Clover, a retired archivist and British transplant in Venice, is invited to a gathering by Marmmaduke Godolphin, a celebrated historian with a reputation for misogyny, and sensationalism over historical accuracy. Clover and Godolphin crossed paths at university where the former was a student, and the latter a professor who presided over an exclusive clique of students known as The Gilded Circle. A group Clover was never a part of. Godolphin unveils to Clover and The Gilded Circle a great historical find that will reframe the history of one of Italy’s most famous artists, Michaelangelo and his connection to the Medicis. Later that night, Godolphin is found stabbed to death, and Clover with local Carabinieri Inspector, Valentina Fabbri set out to solve the crime.
The events are recalled through Clover’s eyes, and we get a guide through the history and culture of Venice. Each layer of the mystery is carefully peeled back. I liked the interplay between Fabbri and Clover - both deeply thoughtful and precise, good at details and analysis.
I enjoyed every moment listening to this. Armitage is a fabulous actor and narrator, and the main reason I requested this audiobook. Even once the whodunnit is solved there are a couple more surprises afoot.
I don’t know if this is a series but I’d be all for Clover and Fabbri teaming up again. I’d also like to get a physical copy of this novel so I can refer back to all the cool mentions of art and local Venetian history. Check it out!
Thanks to @netgalley & @wfhowes for my ALC. This is my honest review.
.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre/tropes: fiction, mystery, art history
CW: sexual assault
The recipe for 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙈𝙚𝙙𝙞𝙘𝙞 𝙈𝙪𝙧𝙙𝙚𝙧𝙨: set in Venice, invite a group of former students, talk up the history and charm of Venice, the food, a mysterious revelation, and a dead body.
Arnold Clover, a retired archivist and British transplant in Venice, is invited to a gathering by Marmmaduke Godolphin, a celebrated historian with a reputation for misogyny, and sensationalism over historical accuracy. Clover and Godolphin crossed paths at university where the former was a student, and the latter a professor who presided over an exclusive clique of students known as The Gilded Circle. A group Clover was never a part of. Godolphin unveils to Clover and The Gilded Circle a great historical find that will reframe the history of one of Italy’s most famous artists, Michaelangelo and his connection to the Medicis. Later that night, Godolphin is found stabbed to death, and Clover with local Carabinieri Inspector, Valentina Fabbri set out to solve the crime.
The events are recalled through Clover’s eyes, and we get a guide through the history and culture of Venice. Each layer of the mystery is carefully peeled back. I liked the interplay between Fabbri and Clover - both deeply thoughtful and precise, good at details and analysis.
I enjoyed every moment listening to this. Armitage is a fabulous actor and narrator, and the main reason I requested this audiobook. Even once the whodunnit is solved there are a couple more surprises afoot.
I don’t know if this is a series but I’d be all for Clover and Fabbri teaming up again. I’d also like to get a physical copy of this novel so I can refer back to all the cool mentions of art and local Venetian history. Check it out!
Thanks to @netgalley & @wfhowes for my ALC. This is my honest review.
.
May 17, 2024
What a pleasure to read a novel set in Venice by an author with such a deep knowledge of the city. I very much enjoyed this mystery and all the history underpinning it. I'll definitely be reading the next book in the series!
May 16, 2023
When famous English historian, and now television personality, Marmaduke Godolphin travels to Venice with his ‘gilded circle’ he doesn’t know he will end up dead, with a stiletto dagger embedded into his chest.
He has been given some new information by a fan named Wolff, of secret letters held in his private collection proving none other than the famous Michelangelo was responsible for The Medici Murders in the 1500’s, the second of which took place just a stones throw from where he was staying.
Luca and Arnold are given the job by Godolphin, as they are archivists, of finding the letters amongst piles of irrelevant documents.
The story goes back and forth between the events leading up to Godolphin’s death and the investigation into it by a particularly talented investigator with the carabiniere. She asks Arnold for his help in unravelling the mystery of the death.
Well what a mystery it was! Godolphin had plenty of people who would wish him harm, including his ‘gilded circle’ of three students he met when he was lecturing at university.
I couldn’t work out who was responsible, and the revelations kept coming towards the end of the book.
I enjoyed the setting in Venice, with its restaurants, it’s history and it’s streets which are easy to get lost in.
I initially struggled with the move from past to present and back but I soon got the hang of it and went back to re-read the first few pages.
An excellent mystery / thriller and I will read more from this author who has quite a list of achievements!
He has been given some new information by a fan named Wolff, of secret letters held in his private collection proving none other than the famous Michelangelo was responsible for The Medici Murders in the 1500’s, the second of which took place just a stones throw from where he was staying.
Luca and Arnold are given the job by Godolphin, as they are archivists, of finding the letters amongst piles of irrelevant documents.
The story goes back and forth between the events leading up to Godolphin’s death and the investigation into it by a particularly talented investigator with the carabiniere. She asks Arnold for his help in unravelling the mystery of the death.
Well what a mystery it was! Godolphin had plenty of people who would wish him harm, including his ‘gilded circle’ of three students he met when he was lecturing at university.
I couldn’t work out who was responsible, and the revelations kept coming towards the end of the book.
I enjoyed the setting in Venice, with its restaurants, it’s history and it’s streets which are easy to get lost in.
I initially struggled with the move from past to present and back but I soon got the hang of it and went back to re-read the first few pages.
An excellent mystery / thriller and I will read more from this author who has quite a list of achievements!
November 24, 2022
I picked up this audiobook purely because of Richard’s work being as brilliant as it is as a performer and it is as a pleasure to have him in my ears for the hours that I did. I have to say that I didn’t have any particular interest in Venice and as such, I didn’t revel in the way some might in all the detail - but I appreciated that it was there all the same. I appreciated the attention to detail with regards to the culture around food (I love food porn in any book). The mystery had me guessing until the end which is what you want in a book like this. I did find some of the unpleasant characteristics of one of the main characters difficult to listen to (as they should be). At times they took their toll on me as a reader (as they should). The upper class and elite was also a little draining but incredibly on point. Can’t blame the author for perfectly capturing people the type of people who drive me insane in real life. Ultimately a perfect read for its genre (it’s just not my favourite genre - don’t let my star rating put you off - that’s as high as I go for the genre).
May 24, 2023
I love historical fiction it is one of my favourite genres and this book in particular was very heavy on the history.
It was well written with a compelling storyline and well developed characters who were all so vivid. I loved the setting and thabks to the history in the book I felt like I knew it and could step into the pages
It was definitely an enjoyable read for me and one I would recommend reading if you like historical fiction that is packed full of historical facts. If you like your historical fiction with less facts and more fiction then this may not be for you.
It was well written with a compelling storyline and well developed characters who were all so vivid. I loved the setting and thabks to the history in the book I felt like I knew it and could step into the pages
It was definitely an enjoyable read for me and one I would recommend reading if you like historical fiction that is packed full of historical facts. If you like your historical fiction with less facts and more fiction then this may not be for you.
June 28, 2024
Arnold Clover is a retired archivist who has moved to Venice following the death of his wife. He is hired by historian Marmaduke Godolphin (an acquaintance from Cambridge) to examine a box of papers supplied by the mysterious Wolff. Godolphin believes the papers contain the proof of a conspiracy to kill Lorenzino de’Medici and wants Clover to find this evidence for his next TV documentary.
Arnold finds Godolphin as arrogant and insufferable as in their university days - chasing women, bullying his wife and son, ordering his friends about - and wants to avoid dealing with him. But when Godolphin is found dead in a canal, the Carabinieri officer Valentina Fabbri insists on Arnold going through events with her to unravel the mystery of his death.
This was a thoughtful and intelligent mystery that kept me intrigued throughout. It was refreshing to have a different perspective on the Medici history, set in Venice rather than Florence, and the setting was brilliantly described. Arnold is a likeable, if slightly dull, character and he contrasted well with the flamboyant Godolphin and his ‘Gilded Circle’ of Cambridge friends. The tone is subdued and steady rather than pacy or dramatic, but again this fits well with the characters and plot.
3.5* overall, but rounded up to 4* because I really liked the way the author used the setting and the historical background.
Arnold finds Godolphin as arrogant and insufferable as in their university days - chasing women, bullying his wife and son, ordering his friends about - and wants to avoid dealing with him. But when Godolphin is found dead in a canal, the Carabinieri officer Valentina Fabbri insists on Arnold going through events with her to unravel the mystery of his death.
This was a thoughtful and intelligent mystery that kept me intrigued throughout. It was refreshing to have a different perspective on the Medici history, set in Venice rather than Florence, and the setting was brilliantly described. Arnold is a likeable, if slightly dull, character and he contrasted well with the flamboyant Godolphin and his ‘Gilded Circle’ of Cambridge friends. The tone is subdued and steady rather than pacy or dramatic, but again this fits well with the characters and plot.
3.5* overall, but rounded up to 4* because I really liked the way the author used the setting and the historical background.
July 7, 2025
Доста лека и приятна мистерия. Макар да не беше чудо невиждано, Венеция бе описана толкова живо и плътно, че с удоволствие ще продължа с поредицата.
August 8, 2022
The story: a bombastic, aging TV historian named Marmaduke Godolfin gathers together members of his "gilded circle" from his university teaching days to launch a new history special with an explosive revelation about a historical figure. However, he doesn't quite have the proof of it yet and enlists two archivists to sift through a trove of documents looking for it. Godolfin has made many enemies over the years and trampled over the careers and personal lives of many for his personal gain. Before long, he is floating in a rio (river) with a stiletto blade in his chest. Archivist Arnold Clover and his friend Luca assist the carabinieri in solving the murder while pursuing Godolfin's historical mystery and enjoying La Bella Vita in the murky streets of Venice.
The setting: Venice in all its glory. Not the Venice of gawping tourists but the Venetian version of unknown campos and secret restaurants, the peaceful lagoon and streets sprinkled with snow.
The verdict: I LOVED IT! The characters are engaging and believable, the history, real and imagined, is fascinating and the story moves along at a good pace. The setting is an integral part of the plot and I really appreciate that it isn't just a sideshow, but rather the story couldn't have taken place anywhere else. I certainly hope there will be a sequel! So much thanks to NetGalley and Severn House for introducing me to this great novel.
The setting: Venice in all its glory. Not the Venice of gawping tourists but the Venetian version of unknown campos and secret restaurants, the peaceful lagoon and streets sprinkled with snow.
The verdict: I LOVED IT! The characters are engaging and believable, the history, real and imagined, is fascinating and the story moves along at a good pace. The setting is an integral part of the plot and I really appreciate that it isn't just a sideshow, but rather the story couldn't have taken place anywhere else. I certainly hope there will be a sequel! So much thanks to NetGalley and Severn House for introducing me to this great novel.
October 14, 2022
Mystery set in VENICE
The Medici Murders is a mystery and it is set in Venice. So far like many a great David Hewson thriller. But The Medici Murders is different… It is much more of a ‘cosy’ mystery with an academic overlay. At the centre of the story are the questions of who, five centuries earlier, had killed Lorenzino de’ Medici, who himself had murdered his cousin Alessandro de’ Medici in Florence. Alessandro was an important figure in the clan that was the effective royal family of Tuscany. After the murder Lorenzino exiled himself to Venice, where he lived peacefully for eleven years. History tells us his executioner was a thug called Francesco Bibboni – but who employed him and how had Lorenzino been tracked down? This is still not known.
David takes the mystery and builds a story around it. TV historian, Marmaduke ‘Duke’ Godolphin, had a plan to rebuild his flagging career. He had documentary evidence that pointed to the ‘very famous’ employer of Bibboni. The evidence had not been authenticated and had come to him from a source whose name he knew but had never met. It was sensational, but nevertheless he believed it (because he wanted to believe it). He arranged for Arnold Clover, a British archivist who had recently retired to Venice, to review the documentation. He was confident of the result. Duke was in Venice with a group of acolytes to announce his discovery to the world. Then it all went wrong. Duke was found (early in the book – no spoiler) dead with a stiletto through his heart at the exact spot on the body where Lorenzino had been murdered centuries previously. The Venetian police call on Arnold to help them. Then, in some ways, the story turns into an Agatha Christie / locked room mystery. All the acolytes are suspects – and all have reasons to have wished Duke dead. All are questioned by Arnold and the police. The denouement is quite unexpected.
As ever, location is critical to David’s books. He has said that if one of his stories can be transplanted to another location, then he has failed in his writing. Venice comes through loud and strong. It is a city which he clearly loves and knows intimately. The historic and geographic references are all painstakingly accurate. His descriptions of some of the restaurants that Arnold visits, and some of the food he consumes, are mouth watering.
The Medici Murders is a change of pace and direction for David. And it absolutely works.
The Medici Murders is a mystery and it is set in Venice. So far like many a great David Hewson thriller. But The Medici Murders is different… It is much more of a ‘cosy’ mystery with an academic overlay. At the centre of the story are the questions of who, five centuries earlier, had killed Lorenzino de’ Medici, who himself had murdered his cousin Alessandro de’ Medici in Florence. Alessandro was an important figure in the clan that was the effective royal family of Tuscany. After the murder Lorenzino exiled himself to Venice, where he lived peacefully for eleven years. History tells us his executioner was a thug called Francesco Bibboni – but who employed him and how had Lorenzino been tracked down? This is still not known.
David takes the mystery and builds a story around it. TV historian, Marmaduke ‘Duke’ Godolphin, had a plan to rebuild his flagging career. He had documentary evidence that pointed to the ‘very famous’ employer of Bibboni. The evidence had not been authenticated and had come to him from a source whose name he knew but had never met. It was sensational, but nevertheless he believed it (because he wanted to believe it). He arranged for Arnold Clover, a British archivist who had recently retired to Venice, to review the documentation. He was confident of the result. Duke was in Venice with a group of acolytes to announce his discovery to the world. Then it all went wrong. Duke was found (early in the book – no spoiler) dead with a stiletto through his heart at the exact spot on the body where Lorenzino had been murdered centuries previously. The Venetian police call on Arnold to help them. Then, in some ways, the story turns into an Agatha Christie / locked room mystery. All the acolytes are suspects – and all have reasons to have wished Duke dead. All are questioned by Arnold and the police. The denouement is quite unexpected.
As ever, location is critical to David’s books. He has said that if one of his stories can be transplanted to another location, then he has failed in his writing. Venice comes through loud and strong. It is a city which he clearly loves and knows intimately. The historic and geographic references are all painstakingly accurate. His descriptions of some of the restaurants that Arnold visits, and some of the food he consumes, are mouth watering.
The Medici Murders is a change of pace and direction for David. And it absolutely works.
October 18, 2022
‘Remember, always, that in Italian story means both ‘history’ and ‘story’. The gap between truth and fable is slender, sometimes barely visible at all.’
I enjoy David Hewson’s writing, the clarity and precision of his prose, well-constructed plots, and the meticulous research such that his are steeped in local colour, you can hear and smell Hewson’s Italy. In THE MEDICI MURDERS Hewson returns to Venice, the setting of LIZARD’S BITE, one of his Nic Costa mysteries, and his standalone, THE SHOOTER IN THE SHADOWS. His new novel is unlike either of those books, but just as readable.
THE MEDICI MURDERS is narrated by Arnold Clover, a retired archivist who had planned to retire to Venice with his late wife but now lives there alone. Clover is unexpectedly recruited by Carabinieri Inspector, Valentina Fabbri who claims that Arnold can help her solve the murder of famed British TV Historian, Marmaduke Godolphin, ‘The Duke’ having employed Clover as a researcher for a proposed documentary series planned to reveal the ‘shocking’ truth about the 16th Century murders of two members of the Medici family. As Arnold recounts the events leading up to the discovery of Godolphin’s body in a Venice canal, we are introduced to the members of The Gilded Circle, former students of The Duke, a university group the younger Clover envied, wishing he was a member. We also meet Godolphin’s wife and son, and various characters, whose livelihoods, in publishing and television, are intertwined with Godolphin’s.
Hewson has great fun with the history, both real and speculative, and mocking Godolphin, in whom we can see many TV historians who rarely let facts overpower salacious conjecture. The mystery is intriguing, full of red herrings and with a full cast of suspects and a satisfying conclusion. It is perhaps a little less realistic, not as gritty as the Costa novels, but no less entertaining for that. But the novel’s greatest strength is its evocation of Venice, the sights and sounds and smells. It really made me want to return to this unique city.
I enjoy David Hewson’s writing, the clarity and precision of his prose, well-constructed plots, and the meticulous research such that his are steeped in local colour, you can hear and smell Hewson’s Italy. In THE MEDICI MURDERS Hewson returns to Venice, the setting of LIZARD’S BITE, one of his Nic Costa mysteries, and his standalone, THE SHOOTER IN THE SHADOWS. His new novel is unlike either of those books, but just as readable.
THE MEDICI MURDERS is narrated by Arnold Clover, a retired archivist who had planned to retire to Venice with his late wife but now lives there alone. Clover is unexpectedly recruited by Carabinieri Inspector, Valentina Fabbri who claims that Arnold can help her solve the murder of famed British TV Historian, Marmaduke Godolphin, ‘The Duke’ having employed Clover as a researcher for a proposed documentary series planned to reveal the ‘shocking’ truth about the 16th Century murders of two members of the Medici family. As Arnold recounts the events leading up to the discovery of Godolphin’s body in a Venice canal, we are introduced to the members of The Gilded Circle, former students of The Duke, a university group the younger Clover envied, wishing he was a member. We also meet Godolphin’s wife and son, and various characters, whose livelihoods, in publishing and television, are intertwined with Godolphin’s.
Hewson has great fun with the history, both real and speculative, and mocking Godolphin, in whom we can see many TV historians who rarely let facts overpower salacious conjecture. The mystery is intriguing, full of red herrings and with a full cast of suspects and a satisfying conclusion. It is perhaps a little less realistic, not as gritty as the Costa novels, but no less entertaining for that. But the novel’s greatest strength is its evocation of Venice, the sights and sounds and smells. It really made me want to return to this unique city.
February 13, 2024
Der britische Historiker und Archivar Arnold Clover hat auch ohne seine verstorbene Frau Eleanor den gemeinsamen Traum vom Rentnerleben in Venedig verwirklicht und lebt so bescheiden wie zufrieden in der Stadt. Als der befreundete Archivar Luca Volpetti ihm Benutzer-Ausweise für alle venezianischen Bibliotheken und das Stadtarchiv beschafft, scheint Arnold keine unerfüllten Wünsche mehr zu haben. Doch der bestens vernetzte Frauenschwarm Luca hat einen weiteren Trumpf im Ärmel. Marmaduke/Duke Godolphin, prominenter Star der Infotainment-Sparte der BBC, sucht einheimische Historiker für einen bezahlten Recherche-Auftrag. Er will auf dem US-Markt mit einem neuen Enthüllungs-Format Fuß fassen und mitten im venezianischen Karneval noch vor Vertragsunterzeichnung die Webekampagne inszenieren lassen. Als der kostümierte „Duke“ jedoch mit einem Stilett in der Brust tot in einem Kanal gefunden wird, konfrontiert das Clover unerwartet mit Ereignissen seiner Studentenzeit. Seitdem scheinen sich die Vertreter von Wissenschaft und Unterhaltung in unüberbrückbarer Abneigung gegenüberzustehen.
Der Duke bildete seit damals u. a. mit Caroline Fitzroy und Bernard Hauptmann den profitablen „goldenen Zirkel“, zu dem der bescheidene Clover selbstverständlich keinen Zugang hatte. Später sollten sein Verleger George Bourne und seine Frau Felicity als Fernsehproduzentin dazu gehören. Das System Godolphin funktionierte nach dem einfachen Prinzip, dass er andere für sich arbeiten ließ, selbst den Ruhm kassierte und seine Förderer hinter den Kulissen abservieren ließ, sowie sich Widerspruch regte. Dass G. mit der Aussicht auf angebliche Jobs sehr junge Frauen sexuell missbrauchte, schien sich von selbst zu verstehen. Der Tod des Duke wird ein gefundenes Fressen für die Regenbogenpresse sein.
Mitten im Karneval muss die Ermittlerin Valentina Fabbri offenbar länger auf die Ergebnisse der Obduktion und der Kriminaltechnik warten. In der Zwischenzeit lässt sie sich von Clover über die Recherche erzählen, die die beiden Archivare im Auftrag des „Duke“ betrieben. Dabei ging es um die so genannten Medici-Morde im 16. Jahrhundert und bisher unbekannte Dokumente, die beweisen sollen, dass Michelangelo Buonarroti darin verstrickt gewesen sein sollte.
David Hewsons Icherzähler berichtet extrem ausführlich in verschlungenen Satzungetümen. Circa in der Mitte des Venedig-Krimis überlegte ich, das Buch abzubrechen, weil Arnold Clover mir zu langatmig Offensichtliches auszubreiten schien. Als Autor wie als Valentinas Zeuge schien er sein Publikum für unbedarft zu halten … Die Handlung zieht jedoch an, als Valentina sich couragiert der Frage zuwendet, wer sich wann wo aufhielt und wer ein Motiv hatte, den Duke zu beseitigen.
Fazit
Durch den langatmigen Mittelteil fällt „Die Medici-Morde“ gegenüber Hewsons „Garten der Engel“ ab. Eine Ermittlerin, die sehr viele Cousins und Cousinen zu haben scheint, staubige Archive, Schlemmen, Trinken und Vaporetto-Fahrten in diesem Band lassen jedoch trotz Arnold Clovers Langatmigkeit auf weitere Bände hoffen.
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Reiheninfo
Band 2 „The Borgia Portrait“ ist bereits erschienen.
Der Duke bildete seit damals u. a. mit Caroline Fitzroy und Bernard Hauptmann den profitablen „goldenen Zirkel“, zu dem der bescheidene Clover selbstverständlich keinen Zugang hatte. Später sollten sein Verleger George Bourne und seine Frau Felicity als Fernsehproduzentin dazu gehören. Das System Godolphin funktionierte nach dem einfachen Prinzip, dass er andere für sich arbeiten ließ, selbst den Ruhm kassierte und seine Förderer hinter den Kulissen abservieren ließ, sowie sich Widerspruch regte. Dass G. mit der Aussicht auf angebliche Jobs sehr junge Frauen sexuell missbrauchte, schien sich von selbst zu verstehen. Der Tod des Duke wird ein gefundenes Fressen für die Regenbogenpresse sein.
Mitten im Karneval muss die Ermittlerin Valentina Fabbri offenbar länger auf die Ergebnisse der Obduktion und der Kriminaltechnik warten. In der Zwischenzeit lässt sie sich von Clover über die Recherche erzählen, die die beiden Archivare im Auftrag des „Duke“ betrieben. Dabei ging es um die so genannten Medici-Morde im 16. Jahrhundert und bisher unbekannte Dokumente, die beweisen sollen, dass Michelangelo Buonarroti darin verstrickt gewesen sein sollte.
David Hewsons Icherzähler berichtet extrem ausführlich in verschlungenen Satzungetümen. Circa in der Mitte des Venedig-Krimis überlegte ich, das Buch abzubrechen, weil Arnold Clover mir zu langatmig Offensichtliches auszubreiten schien. Als Autor wie als Valentinas Zeuge schien er sein Publikum für unbedarft zu halten … Die Handlung zieht jedoch an, als Valentina sich couragiert der Frage zuwendet, wer sich wann wo aufhielt und wer ein Motiv hatte, den Duke zu beseitigen.
Fazit
Durch den langatmigen Mittelteil fällt „Die Medici-Morde“ gegenüber Hewsons „Garten der Engel“ ab. Eine Ermittlerin, die sehr viele Cousins und Cousinen zu haben scheint, staubige Archive, Schlemmen, Trinken und Vaporetto-Fahrten in diesem Band lassen jedoch trotz Arnold Clovers Langatmigkeit auf weitere Bände hoffen.
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Reiheninfo
Band 2 „The Borgia Portrait“ ist bereits erschienen.
July 27, 2025
Venezia, a city of segreti e scandali, where beauty and decay sit side by side, and old crimes ripple into the present.
When Marmaduke Godolphin — pompous, past his prime, and widely disliked — is found stabbed with a stiletto blade and dumped into the canal, few mourn him.
But the location of his death raises eyebrows: it’s the very spot where Lorenzino de’ Medici was assassinated in 1548.
A historian murdered. A 500-year-old killing with eerie similarities. Coincidence? Non proprio.
Enter Arnold Clover, a widowed English archivist, newly retired to la Serenissima and hoping for a quieter life. Instead, he’s drawn into a mystery knotted together with Renaissance politics, academic grudges, and the ever-watchful city itself.
What follows is a slow, cerebral, and quietly compelling mystery, told mainly through Clover’s measured conversations with Capitano Valentina Fabbri — one of the few characters who sees the whole picture but plays her cards close. Together, they piece through a cast of old friends, former students, and archival rivals — all of whom have something to hide. But is it motive enough for murder?
What to expect:
🗝️ Historical letters that may (or may not) be forged
🎓 Academic ego, ambition, and betrayal
🎭 Subtle nods to il Rinascimento, Michelangelo, and Medici power plays
🕯️ Twisty dual timelines that ask readers to trust the slow burn
🇮🇹 And Venice — fog-bound, shadowy, and endlessly watchful
The Medici Murders didn’t enthral me quite like Hewson’s Nic Costa series (which I inhaled in Rome years ago), but Clover is an unexpectedly charming guide through murder, memory, and misdirection.
This one’s for readers who like their mysteries rich in texture and slow to reveal — where dusty archives hide dangerous truths, and the ghosts of the past never really sleep. Recommended!
Many thanks to the publisher for kindly sending me a proof copy of The Medici Murders. As always, all opinions are my own. (Apologies for the tardy review!)
When Marmaduke Godolphin — pompous, past his prime, and widely disliked — is found stabbed with a stiletto blade and dumped into the canal, few mourn him.
But the location of his death raises eyebrows: it’s the very spot where Lorenzino de’ Medici was assassinated in 1548.
A historian murdered. A 500-year-old killing with eerie similarities. Coincidence? Non proprio.
Enter Arnold Clover, a widowed English archivist, newly retired to la Serenissima and hoping for a quieter life. Instead, he’s drawn into a mystery knotted together with Renaissance politics, academic grudges, and the ever-watchful city itself.
What follows is a slow, cerebral, and quietly compelling mystery, told mainly through Clover’s measured conversations with Capitano Valentina Fabbri — one of the few characters who sees the whole picture but plays her cards close. Together, they piece through a cast of old friends, former students, and archival rivals — all of whom have something to hide. But is it motive enough for murder?
What to expect:
🗝️ Historical letters that may (or may not) be forged
🎓 Academic ego, ambition, and betrayal
🎭 Subtle nods to il Rinascimento, Michelangelo, and Medici power plays
🕯️ Twisty dual timelines that ask readers to trust the slow burn
🇮🇹 And Venice — fog-bound, shadowy, and endlessly watchful
The Medici Murders didn’t enthral me quite like Hewson’s Nic Costa series (which I inhaled in Rome years ago), but Clover is an unexpectedly charming guide through murder, memory, and misdirection.
This one’s for readers who like their mysteries rich in texture and slow to reveal — where dusty archives hide dangerous truths, and the ghosts of the past never really sleep. Recommended!
Many thanks to the publisher for kindly sending me a proof copy of The Medici Murders. As always, all opinions are my own. (Apologies for the tardy review!)
October 3, 2022
A treat!
A twisted tale of murder, at once engaging and satisfying. Arnold Clover, a retired archivist has retreated to Venice to live out his retirement surrounded by the places he and his wife loved. Except his wife died just as they were about to embark on a new order of life. Still Arnold came, and is now ensconced in Venice.
Captaino Valentina Fabbri of the Venetian Carbonierri has a corpse on her hands, not just any corpse but an English lord, or rather knight, Sir Marmaduke.
Arnold had been offered a contract position, along with his friend Luca Volpetti, by the aging historian eager to startle the world with a theory about the assassination of Lorenzo de’Medici and the involvement of Michaelengelo for a populous history program.
The historian is Marmaduke Godolphin, a man he’d known in his early days at Cambridge. A man surrounded by those referred to as the Guilded Circle, who joined Godolphin as more like a family, though in reality anachronistic and rebellious satellites. A man who has been most foully murdered.
As Arnold and Valentina retrace the footsteps and mindset of those in Venice with Godolphin the antics of the Guilded Circle come under scrutiny. Who has the most to gain? Tantalising clues of jealousy, greed and vengeance are looked at.
I drooled over the food, was envious of Arnold’s acquaintance on a daily basis with all Venice has to offer, and wanted to join him quietly living the dream!
An exciting new series by Hewson that I’m already hooked on.
A Severn House ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
A twisted tale of murder, at once engaging and satisfying. Arnold Clover, a retired archivist has retreated to Venice to live out his retirement surrounded by the places he and his wife loved. Except his wife died just as they were about to embark on a new order of life. Still Arnold came, and is now ensconced in Venice.
Captaino Valentina Fabbri of the Venetian Carbonierri has a corpse on her hands, not just any corpse but an English lord, or rather knight, Sir Marmaduke.
Arnold had been offered a contract position, along with his friend Luca Volpetti, by the aging historian eager to startle the world with a theory about the assassination of Lorenzo de’Medici and the involvement of Michaelengelo for a populous history program.
The historian is Marmaduke Godolphin, a man he’d known in his early days at Cambridge. A man surrounded by those referred to as the Guilded Circle, who joined Godolphin as more like a family, though in reality anachronistic and rebellious satellites. A man who has been most foully murdered.
As Arnold and Valentina retrace the footsteps and mindset of those in Venice with Godolphin the antics of the Guilded Circle come under scrutiny. Who has the most to gain? Tantalising clues of jealousy, greed and vengeance are looked at.
I drooled over the food, was envious of Arnold’s acquaintance on a daily basis with all Venice has to offer, and wanted to join him quietly living the dream!
An exciting new series by Hewson that I’m already hooked on.
A Severn House ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
October 4, 2022
Venice is a city full of secrets. For hundreds of years it has been the scene of scandal, intrigue and murderous rivalries. And it remains so today. 1548, Lorenzino de Medici, himself a murderer and a man few will miss, is assassinated by two hired killers. Today, Marmaduke Godolphin, British TV historian and a man even fewer will miss, is stabbed by a stiletto blade on the exact same spot, his body dropping into the canal. Capitano Valentina Fabbri of the Carabinieri think the two murders could be linked so she recruits retired archivist Arnold Clover to unpick the mystery and to help solve the case. But the conspiracy against Godolphin runs deeper than anyone imagined.
What a wealth of research! A very well written book which took me a while to read as I kept getting bogged down in the history, going to look things up, thank goodness for Google & Wikipedia & then reading something else whilst the knowledge gelled. I really liked Arthur & hope there are more stories to follow. I disliked all of the Duke’s group. The book kept my interest & the climax of the book was riveting as the author kept throwing in something unexpected. I loved the descriptions of Venice, which were very vivid. An interesting mystery with tons of history
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
What a wealth of research! A very well written book which took me a while to read as I kept getting bogged down in the history, going to look things up, thank goodness for Google & Wikipedia & then reading something else whilst the knowledge gelled. I really liked Arthur & hope there are more stories to follow. I disliked all of the Duke’s group. The book kept my interest & the climax of the book was riveting as the author kept throwing in something unexpected. I loved the descriptions of Venice, which were very vivid. An interesting mystery with tons of history
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
December 15, 2022
The Medici Murders by David Hewson Narrated by: Richard Armitage was a fascinating story and set in Venice it was described in much detail throughout, I felt I was back in Venice but in a different time. This was an audiobook that bought back memories of my wonderful holiday.
So, when a well-known British TV historian, Marmaduke Godolphin, was found murdered in the canals of Venice during a main carnival. He was stabbed by a stiletto blade. The Venetian Police are eager to have the case solved and cleared up within a day especially as a murder is bad for tourism! and Venice needs tourists.
The Police recruit the help of retired archivist, called Arnold Clover. Godolphin he was hired for his services on arriving in Venice, only to help sort through some historical papers of note.
These dusty documents may contain previously unknown information about the assassination of the murderer, Lorenzino de' Medici, 500 years previously.
How coincidental that Godolphin met his death in the same place as the Medici murderer, Lorenzino, on a cold, dark, night!!!
Can Arnold use his powers of perception to establish a link and then solve the murder of Godolphin?
This book was good and the narrated by Richard Armitage. was brilliant. I am looking forward to the next book within this promising series.
So, when a well-known British TV historian, Marmaduke Godolphin, was found murdered in the canals of Venice during a main carnival. He was stabbed by a stiletto blade. The Venetian Police are eager to have the case solved and cleared up within a day especially as a murder is bad for tourism! and Venice needs tourists.
The Police recruit the help of retired archivist, called Arnold Clover. Godolphin he was hired for his services on arriving in Venice, only to help sort through some historical papers of note.
These dusty documents may contain previously unknown information about the assassination of the murderer, Lorenzino de' Medici, 500 years previously.
How coincidental that Godolphin met his death in the same place as the Medici murderer, Lorenzino, on a cold, dark, night!!!
Can Arnold use his powers of perception to establish a link and then solve the murder of Godolphin?
This book was good and the narrated by Richard Armitage. was brilliant. I am looking forward to the next book within this promising series.
January 9, 2023
This is an adequately done mystery thriller, though despite the title it has very little to do with the Medici or anything of much historical significance.
The premise for this was a good one, and it’s an interesting parallel to draw between the murder of Lorenzino de Medici and a modern Medici scholar murdered in the same place.
Unfortunately the historical piece of this isn’t much of a factor, and even the modern victim’s relationship to it has nothing to do with what happened to him. That he was a nasty piece of work who no one would miss also detracted from the investigation into who did it, because this was a guy whose murderer should probably be given a medal for public service rather than jail time.
Still, the way the modern story is woven is good, and the relationship between the protagonist and both the victim and the investigating detective is an interesting one that has interesting consequences in the end.
I would have preferred that the historical component of this were more important to the story, or at least more prevalent in terms of how much real estate it takes up in the book, but it’s an entertaining enough story and the author does a good job of using the city of Venice to create a strong sense of place.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
The premise for this was a good one, and it’s an interesting parallel to draw between the murder of Lorenzino de Medici and a modern Medici scholar murdered in the same place.
Unfortunately the historical piece of this isn’t much of a factor, and even the modern victim’s relationship to it has nothing to do with what happened to him. That he was a nasty piece of work who no one would miss also detracted from the investigation into who did it, because this was a guy whose murderer should probably be given a medal for public service rather than jail time.
Still, the way the modern story is woven is good, and the relationship between the protagonist and both the victim and the investigating detective is an interesting one that has interesting consequences in the end.
I would have preferred that the historical component of this were more important to the story, or at least more prevalent in terms of how much real estate it takes up in the book, but it’s an entertaining enough story and the author does a good job of using the city of Venice to create a strong sense of place.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
July 5, 2024
The Medici Murders, the first book in a series set in the meandering streets and canal of Venice, is a fascinating look into "other side" of television (and social media) historians, with well-drawn, in-depth characterizations of a group who have, for way too long, centered their lives on one man, Marmaduke (Duke) Godolphin. Duke's star is waning, and he desperately seeks to give his career new life with new evidence regarding centuries-old assassinations in the Medici family. But is the information real or an elaborate and creative forgery.
Duke brings in retired archivist Arnold Clover to help research the evidence--evidence that winds up leading to Duke's murder. But who among his friends--and enemies--would hate him enough?
The story flows on two levels--the present and Arnold's retelling of recent events--with both intertwining to a lovely and satisfying ending. The narrative is ripe with lush details about Venice, its people, and its food, and the plot is twisty enough to keep readers engaged throughout. I listened to the audio book, and Armitage's delivery with his exceptional accents and pronunciations, made for a delightful listening experience.
Duke brings in retired archivist Arnold Clover to help research the evidence--evidence that winds up leading to Duke's murder. But who among his friends--and enemies--would hate him enough?
The story flows on two levels--the present and Arnold's retelling of recent events--with both intertwining to a lovely and satisfying ending. The narrative is ripe with lush details about Venice, its people, and its food, and the plot is twisty enough to keep readers engaged throughout. I listened to the audio book, and Armitage's delivery with his exceptional accents and pronunciations, made for a delightful listening experience.
October 30, 2022
Recent widower and retired archivist Arnold Clover has moved to Venice, Italy, the place he and his wife Eleanor had planned to move to after their retirement. After three months he has made one good friend here, Luca Volpetti, who brings him a research assignment that will be good money and only a week's work. Former Cambridge professor Marmaduke Godolphin, a reasonably successful historian on British television, but not too popular now, has had a collection of papers bequeathed to him that he wants Arnold and Luca to go through. The Wolff bequest should contain evidence that Michelangelo, the multi-talented genius of the Renaissance, was involved in the assassinations of two members of the Medici family. Godolphin is not a nice man and has invited his wife, son and some former students to announce the great find, once verified by Arnold and Luca and gloat. Plus, he will get an American television show to get back in the limelight. Unfortunately, he is found in the water with a stiletto in his chest. Carabinieri Capitano Valentina Fabbri has arrested everyone of Godolphin's circle and calls Arnold into her office to tell her all that has happened the last week up to the murder. Readers who like history and surprises in their mysteries, will like this one and I am looking forward to the next book in this new series by Hewson.
July 25, 2022
You just soak up the atmosphere of Venice like a sponge in this start of a new series. The history of the city brings a mystery in the murder of a member of the De Medici family. The solving of this mystery will draw in a new murder in present time of British TV Historian Marmaduke Godolphin. The local Carabinieri and you the reader will find all the answers you need in the recounting of that night by retired archivist Arnold Glover. For lovers of the history of Venice combined with a mystery with many complicated suspects will leave you very happily engrossed for a few hours. Characters you will wish to revisit in the next story.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
January 24, 2025
The absolute perfect fictional precursor to my adventure studying abroad in Florence. Full of twists, history, and interesting characters, this was an entertaining mystery that delighted both my inner historian and my Renaissance/Medici family-loving nerd heart. I am really interested to see where Arnold Clover takes us next, considering I read this due to its subject matter involving the Medici, I am a simple woman. Also, the audiobook being narrated by Richard Armitage is fantastic. I love that man's voice, and he transported me to Venice, making me all the more excited to visit this spring.
February 7, 2025
This book first started like a history or travel book, and I nearly stopped listening at that point. I wish that a good editor had made the writer to start with a bit of punch instead!
The mystery was veeeeery long, but at least I got hours of entertainment (of sorts) out of it. The audio book was well read.
The mystery was veeeeery long, but at least I got hours of entertainment (of sorts) out of it. The audio book was well read.
December 14, 2022
3.5* Richard Armitage is flawless with his narration, like always. I love David Hewson’s ability to weave a historical fiction story together, this one just had a lot going on. I had to listen to it twice. I love how Inspector Valentine seems to know the answers, she just has to get it out of her subjects.
May 17, 2023
The writing was very descriptive and a lot happened in a short space of time. It took a bit of concentration, but once you were in the zone you could read it quite easily. There were a few Italian words dotted around and those together with the description of the settings really made you feel as if you were there.
The chapters were long so you got a lot of information before moving on. There was an interesting flow to the book in that you kept swapping from past to present tense. It was however written in such a way that I found it easy to keep up with the tenses. It added interest and kept me guessing as to what the end would be.
The characters were interesting and I loved how they all knew eachother from way back, yet were still connected to one another all these years later. I enjoyed how the story was told from one character's point of view with another character asking questions and gradually getting the whole story out. There were some bits that only you as the reader were able to see which was interesting.
Lastly the settings. I loved Venice when I visited and as I said above the description really made you feel like you were there. I want to go back and visit all the places mentioned!
Overall a detailed story with an interesting format and a great twist at the end.
The chapters were long so you got a lot of information before moving on. There was an interesting flow to the book in that you kept swapping from past to present tense. It was however written in such a way that I found it easy to keep up with the tenses. It added interest and kept me guessing as to what the end would be.
The characters were interesting and I loved how they all knew eachother from way back, yet were still connected to one another all these years later. I enjoyed how the story was told from one character's point of view with another character asking questions and gradually getting the whole story out. There were some bits that only you as the reader were able to see which was interesting.
Lastly the settings. I loved Venice when I visited and as I said above the description really made you feel like you were there. I want to go back and visit all the places mentioned!
Overall a detailed story with an interesting format and a great twist at the end.
January 7, 2023
Marmaduke Godolphin who is a well-known British TV historian hires
Arnold Clover a retired archivist to help him sort through historical papers
Which May contain information about Lorenzino de’ Medici. The setting is
Venice where Godolphin was found stabbed to death in a canal.. I could
Not get into this book as there was a lot of characters, history,and research
Which kept me from getting to the cause of the murder. Although well
Written, told and researched, it was not my kind of read.
Arnold Clover a retired archivist to help him sort through historical papers
Which May contain information about Lorenzino de’ Medici. The setting is
Venice where Godolphin was found stabbed to death in a canal.. I could
Not get into this book as there was a lot of characters, history,and research
Which kept me from getting to the cause of the murder. Although well
Written, told and researched, it was not my kind of read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 173 reviews