The Venetian Redemption: A page-turning, atmospheric thriller set in Italy's most beautiful city

by Philip Gwynne Jones

'The read of the summer . . . the richness of a beautiful setting and well-crafted storytelling' Aspects of Crime

Set against the backdrop of the most beautiful city on earth, this is a gripping and atmospheric crime novel perfect for fans of Donna Leon and Andrea Camilleri.
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The city of Venice is alive with celebrations for Redentore, the most spectacular festival of the year. The streets are lined with revellers eating and drinking, and boats travel along the canals into the bacino of San Marco in anticipation of the firework display.

It's going to be a night to remember, and all the more so for Nathan Sutherland and his wife Federica, who have been invited to an exclusive party in the company of the British Ambassador.

The festivities take a turn, however, when Nathan suddenly finds himself struggling for breath and is rushed to hospital. Tests show he has all the symptoms of aconite poisoning, a toxin derived from the deadly wolfsbane plant.

An unfortunate accident? Or a deliberate attempt to poison him? As Nathan investigates, he discovers many guests might just have had a motive for murder . . .

Praise for Philip Gwynne Jones

'I devoured all Philip's novels and felt transported to Venice with a new intimacy' Val McDermid

'An irresistible concoction of crime and culture' Daily Mail

'As delightful as a Spritz by the Rialto - a must for all Italy lovers' David Hewson

'Clever and great fun' The Times

'The lively, colourful narrative scuds along as briskly as a water taxi...you'll enjoy the ride' Italia Magazine

'Sinister and shimmering . . . as haunting and darkly elegant as Venice itself' L.S. Hilton

Genres: Mystery

380 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 2, 2026

Reviews

[Denise Jarrett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Haven't felt myself this past couple of weeks so have allowed myself lots of reading time and as did Val McDermid, I devoured Philip Gwynne Jones' venetian novels, culminating in The Venetian Redemption. In these books, the sleuth is Nathan Sutherland, Honorary British Consul in Venice assigned to help British tourists with lost passports etc only he keeps stumbling over dead bodies. I like Nathan (an ex Aberystwyth University student for a start), he's a bit of an old man in his ways, loves his wife, loves his spritzes, has a bit of a quirky sense of humour. What comes across most in the books is the author's love of Venice and we grow to love it too (if we don't already). We get a little history of Venice along the way, a little art history, a little introduction to Venice cuisine. We get to live in Venice on a daily basis, as a venetian during acqua alta, the various festivals, the high tourist season of summer and the little snippets of information like Pink Floyd played on a floating stage there is fascinating. Great reading.

[Eddie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is actually book 9 with Nathan Sutherland and is another enjoyable and captivating adventure.
Nathan get himself embroiled in the lives of property developers and with an unexpected alliance finds his way to the truth.
I love the characters and really savour delving into the venetian community with each book, I have looked forward to them.
My slight gripe is that Nathan is from Scotland and shouldn't be referred to as English! (No Scotland, no party!)
A really recommended read

[Carolien · Rating 4 out of 5]

An evening out with the British Ambassador to Italy nearly ends in the death of Honorary Consul Nathan Sutherland, but who bears him a grudge or was someone else the intended victim of a poisoned drink. As he starts to investigate the events of the evening, Nathan finds an unlikely ally in his investigation. Highly recommend this series.

[Alun Roderick · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is, in my opinion, the best of the Nathan Sutherland books. The characters are, by now, fully formed and are like old friends. The story is believable and entertaining - you want to know what comes next. I can’t wait for the next instalment.

[SJS Edmonds · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book nine in the Nathan Sutherland series and a cracker of a story, pretty much unputdownable. These novels are just getting better and better as Philip Gwynne Jones brings into play a variety of characters across the whole series of books. I am hoping there are further books in this series.

[Vivienne Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read everything Philip has ever written, I think, and loved every word of all of them, but my favourites are his Nathan Sutherland stories set in Venice, my Spiritual Home. The latest in a series of 9 Nathan Sutherland books is as well-researched and intricately-detailed as all his others, yet is still as fresh as the first one he wrote - who knew so much could happen in such a small city! Philip has a really beautiful writing style, seemingly effortless but undoubtedly fraught with angst, making every sentence a joy to read. He brings La Serenissima to dazzling life and makes her shine, whilst also revealing the chilling underbelly that resides under any community. I love the way there are always characters who are not what they seem, so there's always mystery, but always too the familiarity of the well-trodden calle and rii of Venice that I know so well. Jul 11 2026

[Lucia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Somewhat convoluted story about fraud in care homes tied in with Redentore festival. Not the best in this series but readable none the less.