The Venetian

This Haunted World #1

by Shani Struthers

‘Welcome to the asylum…’

2015
Their troubled past behind them, married couple, Rob and Louise, visit Venice for the first time together, looking forward to a relaxing weekend. Not just a romantic destination, it’s also the ‘most haunted city in the world’ and soon, Louise finds herself the focus of an entity she can’t quite get to grips with – a ‘veiled lady’ who stalks her.

1938
After marrying young Venetian doctor, Enrico Sanuto, Charlotte moves from England to Venice, full of hope for the future. Home though is not in the city; it’s on Poveglia, in the Venetian lagoon, where she is set to work in an asylum, tending to those that society shuns. As the true horror of her surroundings reveals itself, hope turns to dust.

From the labyrinthine alleys of Venice to the twisting, turning corridors of Poveglia, their fates intertwine. Vengeance only waits for so long…

Genres: Horror, Fiction, Paranormal, Fantasy, Thriller, Supernatural, Mystery

250 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 9, 2016

About the author

It's all about the ghosts...

Here's the order my books come in:

Psychic Surveys Series:

Psychic Surveys Book One: The Haunting of Highdown Hall

Psychic Surveys Book Two: Rise to Me

Psychic Surveys Book Three: 44 Gilmore Street

Psychic Surveys Book Four: Old Cross Cottage

Psychic Surveys Book Five: Descension

Psychic Surveys Book Six: Legion

Psychic Surveys Book Seven: Promises to Keep

Psychic Surveys Book Eight: The Weight of the Soul

Psychic Surveys Book Nine: The Devil's Liar

Psychic Surveys Companion Novels:

Eve: A Psychic Surveys Prequel

Blakemort (Corinna's story)

Thirteen (Ness's story)

Rosamund (Rosamund Davis - Ruby's great-grandmother's story)

Jed (the story of one of Psychic Surveys' most treasured and mysterious characters)

This Haunted World Series:

This Haunted World Book One: The Venetian

This Haunted World Book Two: The Eleventh Floor

This Haunted World Book Three: Highgate

This Haunted World Book Four: Rohaise

Reach for the Dead Series:

Reach for the Dead Book One: Mandy

Reach for the Dead Book Two: Cades Home Farm

Reach for the Dead Book Three: Walker

Jessamine Series:

Jessamine

Comraich

Carfax House - A Christmas Ghost Story (standalone novella)

The Damned Season - A Christmas Ghost Story (standalone novella)

Wildacre - A Christmas Ghost Story (standalone novella)

Summer of Grace - A standalone psychological thriller

Catch up with me via Facebook or on my website www.shanistruthers.com where you can sign up to my newsletter for all the latest information, offers and giveaways.

Reviews

[Jules · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Venetian is a hauntingly eerie and heart breaking story mostly set on a tiny island that in the past had been used to quarantine plague victims, and later used as a mental asylum. Honestly, I think I have a serious phobia of mental asylums. I believe it may be an innate fear of being locked up in one. I visited what remains of Bodmin Jail a few years ago, and I felt as uneasy reading this book, as I did walking around Bodmin Jail *shudder!*

This book made me feel claustrophobic, on edge, trapped and even sick with fear at times. I loved the characters and found the story to be very emotional in places. Much to my relief, I loved the ending, and was able to finish this book with a smile on my face and a night free from nightmares. Phew!

I’m a bit hit and miss with supernatural ghost type stories, as they don’t always scare me enough, but I really enjoyed The Venetian, due to it well and truly freaking me out. This is the third book I’ve read by this author, and it is definitely my favourite so far. I can’t wait to read the next standalone book in The Haunted World Series.

My review is also available on my blog here:
https://littlemissnosleep.wordpress.c...

[Mark Tilbury · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a brilliant book this is from one of my favourite authors! Shani has written a story full of tension, a creepy atmosphere and intrigue - and it works really well.

Part of the story is set in the present day, and part at the beginning of the second world war, before elements become intertwined and the plot even more interesting. Set in Venice, one of the most haunted places in the world, the story explores love, loss and justice/revenge.

I really liked Charlotte (the Venetian.) Her coping mechanisms, her strength, the way she cared for those around her - both living and dead, made her a character to remember. I'll also remember Enrico, but because as I read I really disliked him. How he treated Charlotte, used her, and didn't stand by her also made me pity him the more his character developed. I thought what happened to him was both fitting and deserved.

If you like supernatural thrillers then I highly recommend this book. This is one of my top 10 books of 2016.

[Vanessa Wild · Rating 5 out of 5]

An atmospheric and compelling tale of supernatural suspense set in Venice (one of my most favourite cities to visit) and on Poveglia Island, allegedly one of the world's most haunted places. Read this book if you dare!

This is an exceptionally good ghost story, almost a horror story you could say. It's wonderfully and disturbingly eerie with an element of sadness. I thought it was well written and fast paced - it kept me on the edge of my seat right up until the end. It's very much a page turner. If you enjoy books about things which go bump in the night, this one is definitely for you!

I look forward to book two in Shani Struthers' 'This Haunted World' series, which is inspired by true events/experiences.

Reviewed for TBC on Facebook.

[Lindsay · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was provided this book by TBC as an ARC for an honest review.
The book is set in two timelines which flow really well Charlotte in 1928 newly married and living in Venice with her new husband trying to fit into her new life.
The 2nd is Louise taking holidays with her husband to get over her failed fertility treatments.
Both are linked and past meets present through a haunted island Proveglia.
This book has the atmosphere that draws you in as you learn more and more of each MCs history and what brings them to each other.
If you enjoy eerie books this is a great one to read. I'm now looking to read more from this author too.

[Gina Dickerson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book. I’ve always been intrigued by the island of Poveglia so I was eager to read The Venetian. The novel is set both in 1938 and 2015, which works really well. Shani Struthers has created characters to care about, I know I certainly did! I loved Charlotte and Louise, felt a little sorry – only a little – for one character, and another character I strongly disliked! The descriptions of the settings were very well written and I could easily imagine the scenery around the characters. It is an atmospheric, haunting, and captivating novel. I highly recommend this wonderful book.

[AℳY♔Queen of Fat cats♔Ain't no lie Baby Byebyebye · Rating 4 out of 5]

*scratches head
Trying to digest this.

[Sue Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

The venetian by shani Struthers is a haunting
‘Welcome to the asylum…’

2015
Their troubled past behind them, married couple, Rob and Louise, visit Venice for the first time together, looking forward to a relaxing weekend. Not just a romantic destination, it’s also the ‘most haunted city in the world’ and soon, Louise finds herself the focus of an entity she can’t quite get to grips with – a ‘veiled lady’ who stalks her.

1938
After marrying young Venetian doctor, Enrico Sanuto, Charlotte moves from England to Venice, full of hope for the future. Home though is not in the city; it’s on Poveglia, in the Venetian lagoon, where she is set to work in an asylum, tending to those that society shuns. As the true horror of her surroundings reveals itself, hope turns to dust.

From the labyrinthine alleys of Venice to the twisting, turning corridors of Poveglia, their fates intertwine. Vengeance only waits for so long…
Absolutely fantastic read.
Simply unputdownable.
Devoured in less than 24 hours.
I loved the story and the characters.
I loved rob and Louise and Charlotte but not Enrico.
I really felt for Charlotte.
Do not read alone.
I love shani books.
Her writing is unique.
Can't wait for next part.
Highly recommended.
Definitely worth more than 5*.
Thanks to tbc on fb for the arc.
#tbconfb.

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I must admit that when I started reading this I wasn't convinced. I found Louise and Rob a little false/flat and difficult to believe or connect with, and their arguements just seemed forced and pointless. But once they found themselves on the island of Povelgia and we were introduced to Charlotte I was hooked, for some reason Struthers breathed so much more life into Charlotte and her story than Louise's and Povelgia itself was spot on and perfect for sending chills down your spine. There were the odd moments that still feel a little flat but these were few and far between and didn't detract from the story too much. I loved the sense of loss and tragedy that pervades Charlotte's story and Povelgia itself as Struthers weaves a story that goes beyond the usual ghost stories and embraces the more Gothic style of adding humanity to the 'evil' that haunts us. This may have started as a 2 or 3 star but the final chapters and Charlotte pulled it right back.

[John Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Outstanding Ghost Story

I see the name Shani Struthers and instinctively know that I will be reading something special. She is a master of the supernatural genre and this story was a classic. Many thanks for this Shani.

[Jan · Rating 1 out of 5]

Very dumb. Too much sex. Lots of whining and anger about stupid stuff. Lots of wasted words that do not move the story along. I gave up.

[Twyla Rae Andersen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I gobbled this up like triple chocolate cheesecake!

Ooooh! What a fun read this one was. I couldn't put it down.

There is nothing like the kind of jump out of your skin, heart stopping scare that comes from a good BOO! when you least expect it.

I'm a huge fan of movies where the characters spend the night in haunted buildings after being stranded in a remote location. This is that kind of read. So, personally, I found it wonderfully cinematic. The Venetian played out like a great script for a thrilling, GRIPPING, and vividly creepy ghost story.

I think I've found a new favourite author! Bravo Shani Struthers for writing a novel that has all the right ingredients for a truly haunting tale.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, I gave it 4 stars because I thought the story was good and had some good creepiness to it. On the other hand, I found the main protagonist Louise to be very whiney and annoying. She kept doing irritating things and then thinking that she needed to stop it, but then didn’t. She finally got it together toward the end when she figured some things out, but it took so long that I really didn’t like her and didn’t really root for her. The book was well written and maybe others won’t be as annoyed by Louise.

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Venrtian

This is a brilliant, unsettling and chilling book by Shani Struthers.
The characters jump off the page and she makes Poveglia a frightening and horrific place.
A fantastic book and one I highly recommend.

[Isabella May · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this spooky and un-putdownable novel (my first Shani Struthers experience!) in the run up to Halloween - and on the day itself. Wow, talk about a spellbinding, supernatural story that chills to the bone. I love the way the author so effortlessly depicts the two timelines, I love the very different side she conjures up of Venice - although I fear I shall never quite look at one of my favourite cities in the same way again! All in all, a fabulous read that took me right out of my usual comfort zone... and kept me gripped to the edge of my seat.

[Claire Stibbe · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s a trait of ours to be attracted by fear as well as repulsed by it, so I was fascinated to read The Venetian. Having never tackled this genre before I decided to take the plunge. I must say, I was very glad I did.

The novel picks up in 2015 with a married couple Rob and Louise who venture to Venice for a romantic weekend. It is clear by the sultry nights and bizarre sights this weekend is going to be anything but normal. I visited Venice in 1972 and recall the hauntingly beautiful sunsets behind this city of canals. Taking us on a whirlwind tour of the winding streets with their Byzantine and Gothic architecture, Struthers devises a unique tour not only for her characters, but for her readers as well.

The focus at this point is mainly upon Louise, a sensitive young woman with a passion for the unknown, and after a fractious few hours with her husband, she sees something that will change the course of her entire weekend - a veiled lady that appears to be trapped between two worlds. As Louise tries to make sense of what she has seen, her passion to visit the island of Poveglia becomes stronger.

Woven into this tale is an English lady living in 1938, a Charlotte Evans bound for Venice with her new husband, Italian doctor, Enrico Sanuto. At this point forward, the pace accelerates as we see Charlotte in love but at the same time entrenched in the mysteries cultivated by two doctors bent on a path of discovery. As Charlotte begins her employment on Poveglia she plunges deeper and deeper into a vivid frightscape where she realizes nothing on the island is quite what it seems.
It becomes clear that these two resilient protagonists, although living in different time periods, are somehow linked. What I liked about this book was the tragedy behind the mystery and the sheer horror of an emerging truth. But most of all, the evil energies we suddenly begin to empathize with. Struthers captures the darkness beyond our perception with every turn of the page.

A treasure trove of detail, filled with suspense and curiosity and a deftly crafted read you won’t be able to put down.

I was extremely grateful to TBC for giving me an ARC for an honest review.

[Between The Pages (Gemma M) · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! Thanks to the author and TBC for allowing me a copy to review... The Venetian is the first book in This Haunted World series and I WILL be reading all the follow on's as this was just AMAZING. I awarded five stars as trust me towards the end (60% on wards) I just held me breathe throughout and forgot to breathe. I was so hooked and addicted! A very SPOOKY read indeed! DO NOT read this alone in the dark you will jump at every little sound and want to sleep with the light on, I mean it. I have never read anything before by this author until now, but I am so glad I did. It is written well, I found it easy to devour and really enjoy it. I would highly recommend it to you all. Go on you know you want to spooky yourself out. I'm actually going to read some chick-lit after this to calm down. The Venetian is perfect for readers who enjoy a brilliant suspense, paranormal, fantasy, ghost story which is as closer to horror for me as I will get. Within the story in a meaningful story of love and deception. Perfect. Cannot wait to dive into more after reading this. high expectations after that. WOW. Now breathe... Ahhh.

[Natalia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Genuinely could not put this book down- I was gripped from start to finish. The city of Venice, and in particular the infamously famous island of Poveglia, links two strong- willed women; Charlotte who is living in the 1930s and Louise from the present. The writing is easy yet gripping to read. I also found this book quite moving in parts; it definitely makes you stop to think and empathise with things that happened in the past- not only the treatment of mentally/physically ill but also women. Although film versions of books are never as good, I can see this making an excellent horror movie. I am already in anticipation for the next books coming in the collection.
In short:
✔️brilliantly written
✔️fantastic story
✔️characters to both love and hate for all the right reasons
✔️wonderfully creepy

I was lucky enough to receive an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shani Struthers is one of my favourite writers in the paranormal genre and this new series shows that she is moving from strength to strength. Set on the very real haunted island of Pogvelia in Venice this intertwines story threads from the past and present into a seriously darkly compelling read. Rather than just going for the traditional spooky gimmicks the author focuses on showing the motivations behind all the characters both living and dead and this to me is what makes these stories magical. This is the 4th book by this author I have read and I cannot wait to read more.

[Fiona · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the must compulsive reads for a long time! A horror story in the true gothic tradition, I absolutely loved it. If you like creepy, tense, supernatural thrillers then this is a must read.
The author clearly knows Venice and the island of Poveglia or has done a great deal of research, as the description of both is so accurate.
My thanks to TBC on FB for my arc of this novel in return for an honest review. I will be reading more from this author.

[Dianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I actually finished this book soon as I received it and not sure of the date. This was probably close to my favorite book that Shani Struthers has written. True page turner. Could not put it down. Your books make me want to travel to all the places you describe in your books!! Shani you are an amazing author !

[Gemma Whittington · Rating 4 out of 5]

Everything about this tale draws you in, grips you and doesn't let you go!

From start to finish I couldn't put it down and loved it. My first read from Shani but not going to be my last.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!

Fantastic story line, an character's...I could not stop reading this book. Read mostly at night, but that made it even better, five stars for sure.

[Julia Peet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow - another brilliant read from Shani Struthers. I have held a fascination for Poveglia Island ever since I watched Ghost Adventures feature it in one of their episodes. The macabre history of this island over hundreds of years has been very cleverly manipulated into a creepy, atmospheric story by the author. In her own inimitable way, Shani weaves an intricate plot of a couple taking a break in Venice to try & forget their disappointment at not becoming parents and innocently becoming involved with another couple on a trip to Poveglia Island. I really could not put my Kindle down! The timeslip element of the story was so intriguing and at the same time, very sad. I just love stories like this and didn't want it to end! The ending, nevertheless, was just right. A perfect haunting story of love, hate, loss, hope and retribution - thank you Shani - another fantastic story.

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

I quite like a scary book but really struggled to get going with this - I almost gave up, but I'm glad I didn't! It finished much better than it started.

The book starts with couple Rob and Louise on holiday in Venice - I didn't really like either of these characters and we spend the first 30% of the book with them. Louise has a few spooky moments regarding a disappearing/ reappearing figure in a picture. Then they get talking to a couple in a restaurant who agree to take them to a now prohibited island, poveglia, which was first used to quarantine those with the plague, and later, as an asylum.

We then go back in time to 1938 to learn about Charlotte and her husband who became a doctor at the asylum. This is where the story really captured my imagination and was the real turning point in the story.

This book is quite sad, disturbing really, with regards to things that have gone in - and still do no doubt - in the name of science.

[Helen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall I liked this book and enjoyed the story, even though I thought some parts of the plot were too conveniently explained by the fact that it was a ghost story (such as the backpack and keys going missing and then re-appearing on the island near the end of the book with no explanation). In the first part, I found it hard to sympathise or empathise with the modern couple and I didn't really like them but later on when they were stuck on the island there was lots of suspense and I thought that section was very well written.

[Sarah Markbride · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've gone through a stage lately of having lost my reading mojo, I've picked books up read a chapter and that's as far as I've gotten.
A friend had suggested this book, I had never read shani before, I can honestly say I devoured this book in a day and half I just couldn't put it down. I will certainly be reading more by this author absolutely blown away and can't recommend highly enough.
my reading mojo has returned thanks to shani

[Wild · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another stunning journey into the Other

I've never been disappointed by anything Shani Struthers has published and once again I'm totally smitten.
Actually, I'm a bit ashamed I haven't reviewed this earlier- this is the 3rd time I've read (and listened to the Audible downloaded Audiobook) and every time I am sucked into the world of the paranormal as it exists alongside our reality.

Brava Shani.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read though I was tempted to forget it at the start .... Louise's thought processes were far too frustrating for me but it soon picked up and I obviously persevered. I find it really difficult to skip passages, thankfully and I found the story gripping, especially the back story of Charlotte.
I was so glad I stuck with this book, I am now into the next one .... and sticking with it!
Shani Struthers is now on my 'Favourite Authors' list

[Beverly]

Suprisingly well written for the genre. The characters are realistic, the ghostly story written about a real place and real events makes a strong story. Very pleased. Some great storytelling, here. Also, a history lesson that led me to Google several of the historical events.

[Alison · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Venetian is a spooky, atmospheric, compelling ghost story set in the years 2015 and 1938.
At the beginning of our story, in 2015, we find a young English woman Louise and her husband Rob desperate to conceive a baby. After turning to IVF and failing, Louise finds herself battling increasing anger issues and the couple decide to have a short trip to Venice, hoping to come to terms with what's happened and to begin a new child free chapter in their lives.
After arriving at their hotel, Louise soon becomes aware of a ghostly presence, a 'veiled lady', who starts to appear to Louise in all sorts of situations. Who is she? and what does she want from Louise?
Towards the end of their trip and with issues between them still as strong as ever, the couple end up in the company of Venetian couple architect Piero and his wife Kristina, who offer to take them to the nearby island of Poveglia, which had formerly housed a hospital for plague victims before those suffering from a range of mental health problems. Journeys to this Island are forbidden, but it has gained the reputation of being haunted, so is of quite an interest to a lot of visitors to Venice and Rob agrees to see it, with a reluctant Louise in tow.
In 1938 English lady, Charlotte, meets and marries Enrico a Venetian doctor. After an uncomfortable start to married life in Venice, whilst living in the home of his parents, they agree to move to Poveglia so that he can gain training in mental health disorders with the resident doctor, his uncle, Dr. Gritti. Charlotte is found a job as a health worker on the ladies' ward of the hospital. where she quickly works out all here isn't as it should be.
Back in 2015 It isn't long before Louise realises that the 'veiled lady' has followed her to Poveglia, setting the scene for terrible, dark truths to emerge!!!
This was a fantastic story that has lingered in my memory since I finished it and I can't recommend it highly enough to readers. I wanted to return to it again and again to find out it's secrets. You may want to leave the lights on if reading it in bed though as it's got it's really scary moments, you will not find out where it leads easily either which is a tribute to Shani's writing skills.