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Bella Tyson Mysteries #1
Dead in Venice
AUDIBLE CRIME WRITING GRANT FINALIST - AUDIBLE EXCLUSIVE
Bella Tyson is a famous 40-something crime writer suffering from writer’s block ever since a bitter divorce two years before. When a fan offers her the use of an apartment in Venice, Bella jumps at it, hoping a change of scene will have her writing again. Once there, she soon meets Will, a charming Englishman, who shows her around the city.
Enchanted by both Will and her new surroundings, Bella decides to write a supernatural murder mystery and begins researching local legends and the city’s more sinister side, including an illicit visit to the island of Poveglia, spooky former home of Venice’s asylum. Soon Bella uncovers more than she has bargained for and finds herself enmeshed in a series of gruesome real-life murders that uncannily mirror the legends she is researching.
As she and Will join forces to investigate, real life and local lore merge disconcertingly - for nothing in Venice turns out to be what seems, including Will....
Narrated by Deryn Edwards.
Bella Tyson is a famous 40-something crime writer suffering from writer’s block ever since a bitter divorce two years before. When a fan offers her the use of an apartment in Venice, Bella jumps at it, hoping a change of scene will have her writing again. Once there, she soon meets Will, a charming Englishman, who shows her around the city.
Enchanted by both Will and her new surroundings, Bella decides to write a supernatural murder mystery and begins researching local legends and the city’s more sinister side, including an illicit visit to the island of Poveglia, spooky former home of Venice’s asylum. Soon Bella uncovers more than she has bargained for and finds herself enmeshed in a series of gruesome real-life murders that uncannily mirror the legends she is researching.
As she and Will join forces to investigate, real life and local lore merge disconcertingly - for nothing in Venice turns out to be what seems, including Will....
Narrated by Deryn Edwards.
Audible Audio
Published September 11, 2018
241 people are currently reading
349 people want to read
About the author
Fiona Leitch
26 books403 followersFiona Leitch is a writer with a chequered past. She’s written for football and motoring magazines, DJ’ed at illegal raves and is a stalwart of the low budget TV commercial, even appearing as the Australasian face of a cleaning product called 'Sod Off'. After living in London and Cornwall she's finally settled in sunny New Zealand, where she enjoys scaring her cats by trying out dialogue on them. She spends her days dreaming of retiring to a crumbling Venetian palazzo, walking on the windswept beaches of West Auckland, and writing funny, flawed but awesome female characters.
The first book in her 'Nosey Parker' series of cozy mysteries set in Cornwall will be published by One More Chapter in January 2021, with books 2 and 3 following in February and March.
Her debut novel 'Dead in Venice' was published by Audible in 2018 as one of their Crime Grant finalists. Fiona also writes screenplays and was a finalist in the Athena Film Festival Writers Lab, co-run by Meryl Streep's IRIS company.
Fiona is represented by Lina Langlee at the North Literary Agency.
The first book in her 'Nosey Parker' series of cozy mysteries set in Cornwall will be published by One More Chapter in January 2021, with books 2 and 3 following in February and March.
Her debut novel 'Dead in Venice' was published by Audible in 2018 as one of their Crime Grant finalists. Fiona also writes screenplays and was a finalist in the Athena Film Festival Writers Lab, co-run by Meryl Streep's IRIS company.
Fiona is represented by Lina Langlee at the North Literary Agency.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
October 20, 2023
Dead in Venice is witty, charming, and deadly! The descriptions of Venice are vivid and very enjoyable to read. Leitch has written a funny and likeable protagonist in writer Bella, who finds love and murder in beautiful Venice. I highly recommend reading this one!
May 22, 2019
Bella Tyson is a famous author, her genre is crime and she loves to write a good old Murder Mystery, but there is one thing holding her back at the moment, and that is writers block, after a messy and bitter divorce a couple of years ago, she just can't seem to get back into the swing of it.
She receives an email from a fan who offers her an apartment in Venice to help her with new ideas for her new novel.
Bella obviously jumps at the chance, and soon starts thinking of ideas for her new book.
After arriving in Venice and meeting the very dashing Will, the two set off to see the sights of Venice, well until the murders start happening obviously!
This is brilliant for Bella as she can use these brutal murders for inspiration for her book, but then weird things keep happening that she can't explain!
A super fun read, I loved Bella's character, she used humour a lot to get herself out of situations, and I love her for that as I tend to do the same thing, although not as brilliantly as her!
Expertly narrated by Deryn Edwards, who bought Bella's character to life and showed her sparkling personality.
A short listen at only 6 hours, and well worth grabbing!
**Thank you to the author for gifting me a copy of this book**
She receives an email from a fan who offers her an apartment in Venice to help her with new ideas for her new novel.
Bella obviously jumps at the chance, and soon starts thinking of ideas for her new book.
After arriving in Venice and meeting the very dashing Will, the two set off to see the sights of Venice, well until the murders start happening obviously!
This is brilliant for Bella as she can use these brutal murders for inspiration for her book, but then weird things keep happening that she can't explain!
A super fun read, I loved Bella's character, she used humour a lot to get herself out of situations, and I love her for that as I tend to do the same thing, although not as brilliantly as her!
Expertly narrated by Deryn Edwards, who bought Bella's character to life and showed her sparkling personality.
A short listen at only 6 hours, and well worth grabbing!
**Thank you to the author for gifting me a copy of this book**
October 22, 2018
Wow, where do I start with this! This is a different kind of tour and one I loved as it was an audiobook review! I hated having to go to work because I just wanted to sit and listen all day in the car. I was a goner from the opening lines!
I have to say you need to go and buy this audiobook straight away! Deryn Edwards who reads this masterpiece is absolutely fantastic as Bella! I was laughing so much when she was reading. She got Bella, she got her voice to a tee! It was a fantastic pairing, and she does such a great service to Fiona’s book!
Bella, a successful crime writer who is suffering from writer’s block thanks to her slimy ex-husband, whisks herself off to Venice staying in someone’s apartment, all thanks to an email from someone but who is Francesa? Why are people being killed in Venice? And what is with the creepy mask on the book cover!!??!
When listening to the book, it felt more like I was having a conversation with the author by the way it was written. It was so conversational, a bit of casual swearing and berating when Bella is trying to write her novel. I loved the added extras in this book, all the inner monologues were hilarious! There was a lot of voice-overs, that you see on TV where characters are in their own head whilst in a scene, it was brilliantly done and played out. Bella is so real! The way she spoke, well like I say it is like having a conversation like she is telling me her story over a cup of tea or in our case a glass of wine! She hides behind the humour when uncomfortable, swears a lot but she is so down to earth and she does not mince her words!
Will, well he is dashing! In my head, I kept picturing the author Will Dean, I think because of seeing all the photos of “Bloody Scotland” festival, and to be fair he is a bit dashing too. So the whole time that is who I pictured – sidetracked there sorry!
The story, however, is a hard story when you find out why these people are being murdered. It was sad and makes you angry when you realise what is going on and why and my heart went out to one said person. When you get to the reveal, I never saw it coming and people must have thought I was weirder than normal when driving as my jaw was open the whole time, I was gobsmacked and speechless (Yes it happens..sometimes….).
I can honestly say, I was enjoying this audiobook so much I did not sit there trying to figure out who was doing the killings but I went with it, and it added so much more to my enjoyment. Instead of playing detective, I got caught up in Bella and Will and followed the clues. I got to picture the river taxis, the sights, the cafes and take it all in. I want to go to Venice so much more now, it all sounded mesmerising.
Fiona’s writing and Deryn’s voice is an amazing, head blowing combination. Fiona’s words flow, her characters are built, and Deryn she becomes their actual voice, she adds to bringing them to life.
Two things, I would LOVE LOVE LOVE, in fact, I DEMAND this be on the big screen, tv series maybe? and two I do so hope that there will be a second book, maybe in New York, especially as the author casually dropped it in on Twitter…. maybe even a character called Zoe who, at my suggestion, dies horribly! Fingers crossed for this!! **Exciting update, it appears Paris Catacombs are being researched, see you later I am off***
I really do not think I have conveyed in my review how much I loved it, but if you listen carefully you may hear me all the way from Dover shouting about it! #Gobuythisaudiobook
I have to say you need to go and buy this audiobook straight away! Deryn Edwards who reads this masterpiece is absolutely fantastic as Bella! I was laughing so much when she was reading. She got Bella, she got her voice to a tee! It was a fantastic pairing, and she does such a great service to Fiona’s book!
Bella, a successful crime writer who is suffering from writer’s block thanks to her slimy ex-husband, whisks herself off to Venice staying in someone’s apartment, all thanks to an email from someone but who is Francesa? Why are people being killed in Venice? And what is with the creepy mask on the book cover!!??!
When listening to the book, it felt more like I was having a conversation with the author by the way it was written. It was so conversational, a bit of casual swearing and berating when Bella is trying to write her novel. I loved the added extras in this book, all the inner monologues were hilarious! There was a lot of voice-overs, that you see on TV where characters are in their own head whilst in a scene, it was brilliantly done and played out. Bella is so real! The way she spoke, well like I say it is like having a conversation like she is telling me her story over a cup of tea or in our case a glass of wine! She hides behind the humour when uncomfortable, swears a lot but she is so down to earth and she does not mince her words!
Will, well he is dashing! In my head, I kept picturing the author Will Dean, I think because of seeing all the photos of “Bloody Scotland” festival, and to be fair he is a bit dashing too. So the whole time that is who I pictured – sidetracked there sorry!
The story, however, is a hard story when you find out why these people are being murdered. It was sad and makes you angry when you realise what is going on and why and my heart went out to one said person. When you get to the reveal, I never saw it coming and people must have thought I was weirder than normal when driving as my jaw was open the whole time, I was gobsmacked and speechless (Yes it happens..sometimes….).
I can honestly say, I was enjoying this audiobook so much I did not sit there trying to figure out who was doing the killings but I went with it, and it added so much more to my enjoyment. Instead of playing detective, I got caught up in Bella and Will and followed the clues. I got to picture the river taxis, the sights, the cafes and take it all in. I want to go to Venice so much more now, it all sounded mesmerising.
Fiona’s writing and Deryn’s voice is an amazing, head blowing combination. Fiona’s words flow, her characters are built, and Deryn she becomes their actual voice, she adds to bringing them to life.
Two things, I would LOVE LOVE LOVE, in fact, I DEMAND this be on the big screen, tv series maybe? and two I do so hope that there will be a second book, maybe in New York, especially as the author casually dropped it in on Twitter…. maybe even a character called Zoe who, at my suggestion, dies horribly! Fingers crossed for this!! **Exciting update, it appears Paris Catacombs are being researched, see you later I am off***
I really do not think I have conveyed in my review how much I loved it, but if you listen carefully you may hear me all the way from Dover shouting about it! #Gobuythisaudiobook
January 30, 2019
This is an absolute gem! A Romcom that is as insightful as it is funny (and it is snort-out-loud hilarious), a mystery that is dark, compelling and utterly enthralling, and Venice. Bella is the kind of heroine most women would love to be and Will the kind of man we’d love to meet. Funny, loud-mouthed, mature protagonists with flaws, curves and the kind of wit that makes Fiona Leitch’s writing reminiscent of Richard Curtis’ films - I need to listen to Dead in Venice again. Right now. And hope that she writes a new book while I get my eat, sleuth, love on with Bella and Will.
July 23, 2024
A little bit more romancey and out there than my normal reads, but it was very enjoyable and well worth a read...especially for a summer holiday vibe 😎
October 15, 2018
Fiona writes for all senses! Hear the water running under the gondola, feel the drops that splash your skin, taste some delicious croissants, smell... well, smell Venice! And see great landscapes and quite a few intriguing men! Oh, did I mention the scary ghost part? If it were a movie, I would have watched it through my closed fingers! In the end, I am happy Bella found her way our of Venice, because she has to lose herself in another town! Soon!
August 11, 2020
Loved it!
What a fabulous read! This author has a wicked sense of humour and has capitalised on the reader need for an Agatha Christie, Nancy Drew / romcom mash up book series with a lot of laughs along the way. Seriously good fun!
What a fabulous read! This author has a wicked sense of humour and has capitalised on the reader need for an Agatha Christie, Nancy Drew / romcom mash up book series with a lot of laughs along the way. Seriously good fun!
September 26, 2022
I rarely want to give 1 star but this is really 0/0! Starts as a "tongue-in-cheek" humorous rom/com which is actually both engaging and funny, then, THEN, about 2/3 of the way through the author thinks "twist time" and it's a good idea to make the whole murder motivation a revenge for paedophilic and historical child abuse. This really destroyed any of the humour and the believability of either of the main characters as feasible people. Making murders 'work' in a humorous context requires a light touch but in this case it's 'shock and awe' with the emphasis on the 'shock', similarly vigilante revenge is unlikely to work in this context. I definitely won't be reading any more of Bella Tyson.
May 28, 2019
Fun and Frivolity and Murder in Venice!
Oh what fun! Hilarious and witty protagonist in one of the best cities in the world. Suspenseful and kept me hooked even though I guessed a few plot points. Great twist in the end and all the characters are lovable. Hoping for a sequel in NYC!
Oh what fun! Hilarious and witty protagonist in one of the best cities in the world. Suspenseful and kept me hooked even though I guessed a few plot points. Great twist in the end and all the characters are lovable. Hoping for a sequel in NYC!
September 12, 2019
Absolutely stonking book. Rom com meets crime in such a fresh and refreshing way. Dirty laughed through half of the book and cried at the end. Amazing book. Top 3 of 2019 for me ❤️
January 3, 2019
This review was originally posted on my blog: https://rathertoofondofbooks.com/
I jumped at the chance to be on this blog tour as I very much enjoy listening to audio books and I loved the sound of Dead in Venice, it sounded like it might be something a bit different for me. I’m so glad that I did because the audiobook more than lived up to my expectations!
Dead in Venice is about Bella, a crime writer who has terrible writer’s block and is desperate to come up with an idea for her next novel. When she gets offered an apartment in Venice she jumps at the chance and is immediately excited at the possibilities for it to spark a new idea for a novel. Soon after her arrival she meets Will and it seems as though things might be looking up for her…
I must start be saying that the narrator, Deryn Edwards, is brilliant. She really captures the mood of the novel perfectly and it very much felt like she inhabited the characters, especially that of Bella. I’ll definitely be looking out for more audio books narrated by her.
I loved how we got to see Bella’s false starts when she was attempting to come up with an opening to her novel at the beginning of this book. The way she put herself into her book and then goes off on tangents is brilliant. It brought real humour to a novel that I wasn’t expecting and I adored that.
Once Bella gets to Venice she finds herself caught up in a real life murder and this finds its way into her writing. The whole novel that Bella is writing gets swept along by the increasingly bizarre murders she finds herself in the vicinity of. It was utterly engrossing and a really different take on the thriller genre. I didn’t work out whodunnit or why but I did find myself suspicious of each of the characters as the novel progressed. I even wondered at one stage, in the same way I’ve always wondered about Jessica Fletcher in Murder, She Wrote, whether it could actually be Bella committing the murders that she then fictionalises!
The murders in Dead in Venice are quite gruesome and supernatural but the novel is written in such a way, with the reader seeing it through Bella the novelist’s eyes, that it never feels too much. The fictional novelist is fictionalising it further for the reader, and I found this really clever and interesting. It is a bit creepy at times as the murders Bella encounters seem to be mirroring a book that she is reading for research but hearing how Bella reacts to the situations she finds herself in just has you desperate to keep listening to find out what might happen next. I don’t particularly like being scared or feeling creeped out but I honestly just couldn’t put this audio book down!
Dead in Venice is so brilliantly written and fully immerses the reader in the novel. I’ve never been to Venice but Fiona Leitch brought it to life in this book. As I was listening to the audio I could completely envisage the setting as if I was right there with Bella. I could hear all the sounds and smell all the smells as I was listening and I felt as if I was right there in Venice with Bella.
Dead in Venice is such a quirky, fascinating novel. I got completely and utterly lost in the novel, it was brilliant escapism for me on a day when I wasn’t feeling too well. It’s a novel full of mystery and intrigue mixed with a hint of the supernatural and a dash of humour. I listened to the whole book in one afternoon and I absolutely loved it! I’m already eagerly anticipating whatever Fiona Leitch writes next but in the meantime I highly recommend this audio book! It’s one of my favourite audiobooks of the year!
I jumped at the chance to be on this blog tour as I very much enjoy listening to audio books and I loved the sound of Dead in Venice, it sounded like it might be something a bit different for me. I’m so glad that I did because the audiobook more than lived up to my expectations!
Dead in Venice is about Bella, a crime writer who has terrible writer’s block and is desperate to come up with an idea for her next novel. When she gets offered an apartment in Venice she jumps at the chance and is immediately excited at the possibilities for it to spark a new idea for a novel. Soon after her arrival she meets Will and it seems as though things might be looking up for her…
I must start be saying that the narrator, Deryn Edwards, is brilliant. She really captures the mood of the novel perfectly and it very much felt like she inhabited the characters, especially that of Bella. I’ll definitely be looking out for more audio books narrated by her.
I loved how we got to see Bella’s false starts when she was attempting to come up with an opening to her novel at the beginning of this book. The way she put herself into her book and then goes off on tangents is brilliant. It brought real humour to a novel that I wasn’t expecting and I adored that.
Once Bella gets to Venice she finds herself caught up in a real life murder and this finds its way into her writing. The whole novel that Bella is writing gets swept along by the increasingly bizarre murders she finds herself in the vicinity of. It was utterly engrossing and a really different take on the thriller genre. I didn’t work out whodunnit or why but I did find myself suspicious of each of the characters as the novel progressed. I even wondered at one stage, in the same way I’ve always wondered about Jessica Fletcher in Murder, She Wrote, whether it could actually be Bella committing the murders that she then fictionalises!
The murders in Dead in Venice are quite gruesome and supernatural but the novel is written in such a way, with the reader seeing it through Bella the novelist’s eyes, that it never feels too much. The fictional novelist is fictionalising it further for the reader, and I found this really clever and interesting. It is a bit creepy at times as the murders Bella encounters seem to be mirroring a book that she is reading for research but hearing how Bella reacts to the situations she finds herself in just has you desperate to keep listening to find out what might happen next. I don’t particularly like being scared or feeling creeped out but I honestly just couldn’t put this audio book down!
Dead in Venice is so brilliantly written and fully immerses the reader in the novel. I’ve never been to Venice but Fiona Leitch brought it to life in this book. As I was listening to the audio I could completely envisage the setting as if I was right there with Bella. I could hear all the sounds and smell all the smells as I was listening and I felt as if I was right there in Venice with Bella.
Dead in Venice is such a quirky, fascinating novel. I got completely and utterly lost in the novel, it was brilliant escapism for me on a day when I wasn’t feeling too well. It’s a novel full of mystery and intrigue mixed with a hint of the supernatural and a dash of humour. I listened to the whole book in one afternoon and I absolutely loved it! I’m already eagerly anticipating whatever Fiona Leitch writes next but in the meantime I highly recommend this audio book! It’s one of my favourite audiobooks of the year!
October 24, 2018
It’s been a little while since I have listened to an audiobook, not sure why because after hearing Dead in Venice it reminded me how much I enjoy the experience, especially if you have a story you can sink your teeth into.
At just about 6 hours long it’s a fairly short book but boy does it cram a lot in. I have been to Venice so I could get a taste of where this was likely to be and the atmosphere but even if you haven’t visited the place in real life you are soon immersed in it fully. The writing is fabulous, the narration spot on, Deryn Edwards has the tone and speed down to a tee.
Audiobooks can be notoriously difficult to get blended just right for the listener, you can get a great story and deadly dull narration or vice versa, thankfully neither applied on this occasion.
If I was an author with writer’s block I think I may too jump at the chance to visit such a beautiful city to get my mojo back, whether Bella actually considered if it was a wise move accepting a place to stay from a fan I don’t know but she soon meets the dashing Will who kindly becomes her tour guide.
Bella soon has the desire back to write a mystery and off they go to investigate and explore some areas to give her some background to base it on. But as time progresses does Bella really know where she is, what she is involved in and who to believe?! Reality and imagination soon cross the line when she finds there are real murders occurring it takes a dark turn when it is revealed why. There are also some light funny moments to counter balance the slightly gruesome bits.
As a listening experience I really enjoyed Dead in Venice and sincerely hope there will be another story set in a different city. Thanks to the author, narrator and Anne at Random Things Tours. I took part voluntarily.
At just about 6 hours long it’s a fairly short book but boy does it cram a lot in. I have been to Venice so I could get a taste of where this was likely to be and the atmosphere but even if you haven’t visited the place in real life you are soon immersed in it fully. The writing is fabulous, the narration spot on, Deryn Edwards has the tone and speed down to a tee.
Audiobooks can be notoriously difficult to get blended just right for the listener, you can get a great story and deadly dull narration or vice versa, thankfully neither applied on this occasion.
If I was an author with writer’s block I think I may too jump at the chance to visit such a beautiful city to get my mojo back, whether Bella actually considered if it was a wise move accepting a place to stay from a fan I don’t know but she soon meets the dashing Will who kindly becomes her tour guide.
Bella soon has the desire back to write a mystery and off they go to investigate and explore some areas to give her some background to base it on. But as time progresses does Bella really know where she is, what she is involved in and who to believe?! Reality and imagination soon cross the line when she finds there are real murders occurring it takes a dark turn when it is revealed why. There are also some light funny moments to counter balance the slightly gruesome bits.
As a listening experience I really enjoyed Dead in Venice and sincerely hope there will be another story set in a different city. Thanks to the author, narrator and Anne at Random Things Tours. I took part voluntarily.
March 10, 2020
As many reviews start, this is not my typical type of book for reading but… it is now! I loved every page of it.
Struggling with a fresh break-up and writers block, Bella gets an opportunity to finish her new novel (she needs to start to finish) after being offered use of a ‘friends’ apartment in Venice! She jumps at the chance. What could go wrong? She says. Seems to good to be true, her agent says. Bella doesn’t listen and heads to Venice with thoughts of romance, inspiring days and long hot nights. She gets them all, but not in the way she’d have hoped.
The historic sites of Venice become home to absolute evil and terror as Bella encounters nightmare after nightmare while being smothered with a large dose of love and longing. The themes in Dead in Venice are hard but they are handled with such tenderness and humour. Bella has a special way of handling things that will make you squeal with laughter and understanding.
I adored Bella and the world she immersed herself in. The author has created such wonderful character I do hope we see her (and others) on another journey really soon. If you like your books full of intrigue, murder, and the supernatural mixed with a dose of love, humour and humanity; this is the book for you.
Struggling with a fresh break-up and writers block, Bella gets an opportunity to finish her new novel (she needs to start to finish) after being offered use of a ‘friends’ apartment in Venice! She jumps at the chance. What could go wrong? She says. Seems to good to be true, her agent says. Bella doesn’t listen and heads to Venice with thoughts of romance, inspiring days and long hot nights. She gets them all, but not in the way she’d have hoped.
The historic sites of Venice become home to absolute evil and terror as Bella encounters nightmare after nightmare while being smothered with a large dose of love and longing. The themes in Dead in Venice are hard but they are handled with such tenderness and humour. Bella has a special way of handling things that will make you squeal with laughter and understanding.
I adored Bella and the world she immersed herself in. The author has created such wonderful character I do hope we see her (and others) on another journey really soon. If you like your books full of intrigue, murder, and the supernatural mixed with a dose of love, humour and humanity; this is the book for you.
April 3, 2020
Dead in Venice is crime meets romcom and what a combination that has created! It’s a hilarious, romantic and mysterious read that drew me in and had me desperate to get to the end so I could see how it all came together.
The main character, Bella Tyson, is a best selling author suffering from writer’s block. She goes to Venice in search of inspiration and she sure gets that when she finds herself caught up in a holiday romance and a murder investigation! A great, fast paced read with a brilliant twist at the end. Also loved the setting. Looking forward to reading more from Fiona Leitch.
The main character, Bella Tyson, is a best selling author suffering from writer’s block. She goes to Venice in search of inspiration and she sure gets that when she finds herself caught up in a holiday romance and a murder investigation! A great, fast paced read with a brilliant twist at the end. Also loved the setting. Looking forward to reading more from Fiona Leitch.
July 1, 2020
This was an awesome read. I could not stop reading this until it was finished. I really enjoyed this murder mystery. I will say this book is very different from the murder mysteries I have read before. I even laughed at times. There were some crazy surprises that I was not able to guess would happen. So many twists and turns. I was not expecting the book to end the way it did but I really liked the ending. I felt like justice was served regardless of the situation. Looking forward to the next book in the series. I would highly recommend this book.
February 3, 2019
This is the first and only book I have listened to and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I might even say that it is better to listen to than read as it lends itself so well to the medium and is brilliantly narrated. So if you are put off by the format, try it, I'm sure you'll love it as I did.
September 25, 2024
How on earth did the same author who wrote the charming Cornish Mysteries series write this‽
I can’t really say anything about why I vehemently disliked it without revealing spoilers, so I’ll just say, two stars for the clever idea and writing style.
I can’t really say anything about why I vehemently disliked it without revealing spoilers, so I’ll just say, two stars for the clever idea and writing style.
December 17, 2024
This book had a bit of a slow start, but then watch out and hang on to your hat! I didn't expect this book to take off as it did and in the direction that it did. Well done for a very exciting story!
November 3, 2018
CHIAROSCURO!!! This appropriately enough, would be the best word to sum up this Italian set book - light and dark - comedy and tragedy - lighthearted flippant quips meet the grisliest hard hitting topics in, what seemed to me. often an uneasy marriage of convenience.
At first I thought this seemed like an Agatha Raisin reboot with a lot of Jane Fallon-like intrigue told in a comedic conversational lighthearted tone - then just when you are settled in for a fun filled frivolous romp ... everything got very dark - also I suppose a metaphor of Venice itself.
I adore thrillers set in foreign and especially glamorous locations such as Emily Barr's excellent mysteries and so I was really on board for this Venetian adventure but also enjoyed the establishing chapters set in the UK. It all started off very frothy and girlie and I enjoyed the description of life as a successful murder mystery writer - not so keen on a lot of the cringe worthy puns but over all I did like the chummy banter and humorous internal dialogue - could have done with a LOT less of the F words which seemed a little incongruous throughout the book and jarred with me.
And so to the crimes and mystery segment - loved the atmospheric settings but I did find the lack of any procedural protocol at crime scenes did break the spell for me with an un-researched casualness which took away any sense of realism as the book took a turn for more Nancy Drew than CSI territory. Again the mix of horrific sadistic murder with dreadful puns did not sit well with me and made realise how artful MC Beaton is to mix humour and murder mystery with Agatha Raisin without leaving a nasty taste in the mouth. Perhaps if the murders had been less shocking or the humour more subtle it would have also been more believable and less stomach churning pantomime.
I have to say I was not a fan of the romantic interest as he was made out to be so very dull. Hard as I tried I just could not muster up much enthusiasm for him, but perhaps that is because the only physical description was 5'6, mid brown haired and balding - after that I just could not shake Crimplene as a subtext and pictured him from then on in some sort of Man at C&A vintage beige Safari suit sticking out like a sore thumb in this otherwise stylish setting. I liked the way he was quintessentially an English Man Abroad - but did he really have to be painted as just one step away from the sock and sandal brigade?
Then about half way through the book took a very dark turn and got into some very heavy topics related to the murders and I have to say, for me, it felt awkward - just as if some funny chatty lady you met at a bus stop suddenly started talking about a horrible medical procedure - it just felt like a bizarre change of pace and style for the book as it then went on to handle some very gritty topics.
I enjoyed the back story to the murders and the reveals and guessed the rather unbelievable twist at the end. I also enjoyed the supernatural aspect and humorous ghoulish dream subplots and I have to say the whole book and plot was unique and very different to any murder mystery I have read.
It is a relatively short book at 6 hours and 4 minutes but it felt like the perfect length for this style of mystery and I did enjoy it but it might not have held my attention had it been much longer.
I thought the narration was excellent and I would love to hear more Audio books narrated by the very talented Deryn Edwards who made the book a delight to listen to.
Did I enjoy it? Yes as at no time did I consider giving up on it and it gripped me from the start.
Would I have chosen it if I knew the theme it covered? I would have been a bit put off as it is not an easy topic.
Do I recommend it? Yes, it is a very engaging book and light easy reading for the main part despite its darker side and indeed it is only the juxtaposition and contrast between the Jane Fallon/Agatha Raisin like mystery approach and the theme which make the dark parts look so murky in contrast. I suppose some people might say it was to serious a topic to joke about - but then I suppose murder itself is a terrible crime that we never think twice about a comedic approach to.
Food for thought, but a little uncomfortable a mix for me ... plus too much swearing also grated with me in such a lighthearted romp. In fact in that way it really is as if there are two books fighting to get out in the one story - both very well written, one light, one dark and though I would have happily read both separately, together they do not sit well with me.
I would try another book written by Fiona Leitch as I do think she is very talented and the book does end with the promise of a sequel which I would happily get on board for. hoping there might not be such a mismatch between style and theme.
At first I thought this seemed like an Agatha Raisin reboot with a lot of Jane Fallon-like intrigue told in a comedic conversational lighthearted tone - then just when you are settled in for a fun filled frivolous romp ... everything got very dark - also I suppose a metaphor of Venice itself.
I adore thrillers set in foreign and especially glamorous locations such as Emily Barr's excellent mysteries and so I was really on board for this Venetian adventure but also enjoyed the establishing chapters set in the UK. It all started off very frothy and girlie and I enjoyed the description of life as a successful murder mystery writer - not so keen on a lot of the cringe worthy puns but over all I did like the chummy banter and humorous internal dialogue - could have done with a LOT less of the F words which seemed a little incongruous throughout the book and jarred with me.
And so to the crimes and mystery segment - loved the atmospheric settings but I did find the lack of any procedural protocol at crime scenes did break the spell for me with an un-researched casualness which took away any sense of realism as the book took a turn for more Nancy Drew than CSI territory. Again the mix of horrific sadistic murder with dreadful puns did not sit well with me and made realise how artful MC Beaton is to mix humour and murder mystery with Agatha Raisin without leaving a nasty taste in the mouth. Perhaps if the murders had been less shocking or the humour more subtle it would have also been more believable and less stomach churning pantomime.
I have to say I was not a fan of the romantic interest as he was made out to be so very dull. Hard as I tried I just could not muster up much enthusiasm for him, but perhaps that is because the only physical description was 5'6, mid brown haired and balding - after that I just could not shake Crimplene as a subtext and pictured him from then on in some sort of Man at C&A vintage beige Safari suit sticking out like a sore thumb in this otherwise stylish setting. I liked the way he was quintessentially an English Man Abroad - but did he really have to be painted as just one step away from the sock and sandal brigade?
Then about half way through the book took a very dark turn and got into some very heavy topics related to the murders and I have to say, for me, it felt awkward - just as if some funny chatty lady you met at a bus stop suddenly started talking about a horrible medical procedure - it just felt like a bizarre change of pace and style for the book as it then went on to handle some very gritty topics.
I enjoyed the back story to the murders and the reveals and guessed the rather unbelievable twist at the end. I also enjoyed the supernatural aspect and humorous ghoulish dream subplots and I have to say the whole book and plot was unique and very different to any murder mystery I have read.
It is a relatively short book at 6 hours and 4 minutes but it felt like the perfect length for this style of mystery and I did enjoy it but it might not have held my attention had it been much longer.
I thought the narration was excellent and I would love to hear more Audio books narrated by the very talented Deryn Edwards who made the book a delight to listen to.
Did I enjoy it? Yes as at no time did I consider giving up on it and it gripped me from the start.
Would I have chosen it if I knew the theme it covered? I would have been a bit put off as it is not an easy topic.
Do I recommend it? Yes, it is a very engaging book and light easy reading for the main part despite its darker side and indeed it is only the juxtaposition and contrast between the Jane Fallon/Agatha Raisin like mystery approach and the theme which make the dark parts look so murky in contrast. I suppose some people might say it was to serious a topic to joke about - but then I suppose murder itself is a terrible crime that we never think twice about a comedic approach to.
Food for thought, but a little uncomfortable a mix for me ... plus too much swearing also grated with me in such a lighthearted romp. In fact in that way it really is as if there are two books fighting to get out in the one story - both very well written, one light, one dark and though I would have happily read both separately, together they do not sit well with me.
I would try another book written by Fiona Leitch as I do think she is very talented and the book does end with the promise of a sequel which I would happily get on board for. hoping there might not be such a mismatch between style and theme.
November 2, 2019
This is a wild ride of a book. Fast-paced, hilariously funny, disturbingly gruesome and so romantic!
I couldn't put it down.
I couldn't put it down.
December 17, 2019
When I picked this up I expected a light-hearted, chic-lit, cosy crime in a random ‘romantic’ location (and I would have been fine with that) but what I got was so much better!
The writing is light-hearted indeed, and funny, and irreverent - with a credible, likeable heroine who doesn’t take herself too seriously and keeps poking fun at numerous romance and crime tropes and cliches along the way (I gather the author has come across a few of those!).
The subject matter quickly becomes more serious than I expected but I absolutely loved the mix of dark and light. There’s a cast of interesting and quite surprising side characters, including a leading man who manages to defy some of the expectations that come with both genres, some grisly murders, an easy flow to the narration and (to me) a very satisfying ending.
Oh, and of course, ghosts! Or are there?
I do hope this becomes a long running series - although whilst New York has been suggested as a possible next location I quite liked the ‘Brits in Europe’ vibe. So maybe Berlin next, or Barcelona? Warsaw? Helsinki? Going by the acknowledgments Fiona Leitch’s family holidays will never be the same again :)
In any case, a great first in a new series, I thoroughly enjoyed it!
The writing is light-hearted indeed, and funny, and irreverent - with a credible, likeable heroine who doesn’t take herself too seriously and keeps poking fun at numerous romance and crime tropes and cliches along the way (I gather the author has come across a few of those!).
The subject matter quickly becomes more serious than I expected but I absolutely loved the mix of dark and light. There’s a cast of interesting and quite surprising side characters, including a leading man who manages to defy some of the expectations that come with both genres, some grisly murders, an easy flow to the narration and (to me) a very satisfying ending.
Oh, and of course, ghosts! Or are there?
I do hope this becomes a long running series - although whilst New York has been suggested as a possible next location I quite liked the ‘Brits in Europe’ vibe. So maybe Berlin next, or Barcelona? Warsaw? Helsinki? Going by the acknowledgments Fiona Leitch’s family holidays will never be the same again :)
In any case, a great first in a new series, I thoroughly enjoyed it!
November 16, 2019
I was only 2% in on my kindle and I knew already I was going to LOVE this book!
I was chuckling to myself at the wit and humour within the first few pages of the prologue.
This is a very cleverly written book, the writing style is original and relaxed, it feels like chatting with your best friend. As the story develops it weaves between what is happening to the main character in Venice and the book she is trying to write and some good old murder mystery is thrown in for good measure!
This is a strong debut novel and I will definitely be looking forward to more from this author.
I rated this 5⭐️ and highly recommend for those who enjoy a bit of crime but in a lighthearted way with a lot of laughs thrown in! 😊
I was chuckling to myself at the wit and humour within the first few pages of the prologue.
This is a very cleverly written book, the writing style is original and relaxed, it feels like chatting with your best friend. As the story develops it weaves between what is happening to the main character in Venice and the book she is trying to write and some good old murder mystery is thrown in for good measure!
This is a strong debut novel and I will definitely be looking forward to more from this author.
I rated this 5⭐️ and highly recommend for those who enjoy a bit of crime but in a lighthearted way with a lot of laughs thrown in! 😊
January 24, 2020
Fiona Leitch has pulled off the impossible. A book filled with very in-jokes for writers that doesn’t exclude non-writers. Very funny from first page to last, but with enough pathos and genuine darkness to have weight, this book will have you laughing right up until you scream - or cry.
I loved the setting - although I only know Venice from popular culture (so I appreciated the Don’t Look Now jokes) and Bella was a wonderful narrator. Funny, imperfect and with just the right amount of self-loathing.
The end will shock you in a ‘surely they’re not actually going to do that are they? They are? Why am I happy about it?’ kind of way, and I for one am hungry for more misadventures of Bella Tyson - with or without Will.
I loved the setting - although I only know Venice from popular culture (so I appreciated the Don’t Look Now jokes) and Bella was a wonderful narrator. Funny, imperfect and with just the right amount of self-loathing.
The end will shock you in a ‘surely they’re not actually going to do that are they? They are? Why am I happy about it?’ kind of way, and I for one am hungry for more misadventures of Bella Tyson - with or without Will.
November 7, 2019
Fast paced, laugh-out-loud kind of romcom! (which is my kind of book!)
I laughed my way through this hilarious romcom, staring with the first few pages (you'll have to read it to find out why!) Fiona Leitch is a true talent in this genre. I'm downloading the audio version for a road trip even though I've already read this fantastic book. Probably not a good idea to drink hot coffee while reading this, because you will laugh. And it will come out your nose.
I laughed my way through this hilarious romcom, staring with the first few pages (you'll have to read it to find out why!) Fiona Leitch is a true talent in this genre. I'm downloading the audio version for a road trip even though I've already read this fantastic book. Probably not a good idea to drink hot coffee while reading this, because you will laugh. And it will come out your nose.
December 8, 2019
I really loved this crime fiction book. I loved the ghost stories depicted in this fast paced read. I loved the fact that Bella was swept into a crime investigation just to realize that the love of her life was far from who he was. They met because of sad and horrible circumstances but Bella wasn’t going to give up on her love for Will. I also loved the ending and the fact that Venetian families will do anything to protect their family.
February 11, 2020
If you're looking for something sexy witty and with dark humour you've come to the right place. Battling against the demon of writers block, the protagonist goes on an adventure that will take you to strange endearing romantic Venice where the subtext and complexity of subterranean Venice mirrors the characters flaws and humanity. The first of many stories from an engaging new author who I'm sure has plenty more wry complex stories hidden up her considerable writing sleeves.
August 2, 2021
There should be some trigger warning on this book. The light hearted rom -com humorous murder mystery tag did not fit at all with the types of crimes committed in this book. I was expecting a cozy mystery type story, crimes like embezzlement, some jealousy and revenge. Not pedophilia and incest.
That fact that i didn’t pick this book up for two days in between reading was also that i didn’t care for the MC’s and their story.
So ya, it’s a NO, from me.
That fact that i didn’t pick this book up for two days in between reading was also that i didn’t care for the MC’s and their story.
So ya, it’s a NO, from me.
October 4, 2018
This is a great romantic tour of the sights of Venice....not, although it is obviously set in Venice, and there is a smattering of romance, it is also a grotty tale of intrigue and murder. Its fairly short and sometimes predictable, but all comes together in an ending that you don't necessarily see coming from the end of a Gondola! A fantastic debut!
November 26, 2019
I didn't know what to expect when I picked this book up to read as it was a new author for me, but it certainly wasn't a laugh out loud, inappropriately funny and shocking story! I genuinely laughed (including a snort while reading on a train) from the first page, and the humour really offset against the violent murders. Thoroughly recommended!
June 1, 2020
I raced through this riotous mix of crime and romance. The tone is light considering the subject matter, the location is perfect, the comedy, timed to perfection. Enjoy this book and look out for the brilliant one liners. I am looking forward to the sequel :)
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