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Venice #4
Venetian Gothic
It is November 2nd, 2017. All Souls Day. On the Day of the Dead, the citizens of Venice make their way to the cemetery island of San Michele to pay their respects to the departed. When an empty coffin is unearthed in the English section of the graveyard, a day of quiet reflection for Nathan Sutherland becomes a journey into the dark past of a noble Venetian family.
A British journalist, investigating the events of forty years previously, disappears. A young tourist - with an unhealthy interest in Venice's abandoned islands- is found drowned in the icy lagoon.
A terrible secret is about to be brought to light, and a deadly reckoning awaits on Venice's Isle of the Dead.
Praise for Philip Gwynne Jones
'Superb - always gripping, beautifully constructed and vivid' Stephen Glover
'Sinister and shimmering, The Venetian Game is as haunting and darkly elegant as Venice itself' L.S. Hilton, bestselling author of Maestra
'Clever and great fun' The Times
'The Venetian setting is vividly described... good, fluid writing makes for easy reading' Literary Review
'Un-put-downable . . . If you love Venice, you'll love this because you'll be transported there in an instant. If you've not been to Venice, read this book and then go. If you like intrigue, and a clever plot, you'll love this book' Amazon reviewer, 5*****
368 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 2, 2020
87 people are currently reading
194 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
March 31, 2020
Philip Gwynne Jones returns the reader to the charms, culture and mouthwatering cuisine of Italy and Venice with his protagonist, Nathan Sutherland, the British Honorary Consul, a unpaid voluntary role, side by side with him being a translator. Nathan has given up smoking, lives with his girlfriend, Federica, or Fede, and his cat, Gramsci, now getting alarmingly fat and considerably less irascible. It is November 2017, Nathan is at a funeral at the cemetery island of San Michele on the Day of the Dead when he is roped into the service at the English part of the Isle by friend, Father Michael Raynor, to pay respects to the dead. An accident results in the discovery of a missing boy's body from his coffin. Young Gabriele Loreden drowned back in 1980, the son of the famously wealthy and good looking celebrity, Hugo Channing, and his wife, Cosima.
The Loredans shunned publicity from that moment on, the elderly Hugo is now suffering from dementia, and cared for primarily by his daughter, Ludovica, a daddy's girl. Trying to find out what happened to Gabriele's body turns out to be a nightmare, and the local police, in the form of Vanni, prove to be of little help. Under pressure from Ambassador Maxwell, Nathan gets in touch with Victor Rutherford to glean what information he can, but records from that time are non-existent. At an intriguing gathering in which Ludovica is speaking, Nathan's interest is piqued when a journalist planning to write about the Lordecans, Guy Flemying, upsets Ludovica and gets thrown out. Whilst trying to help those who need him, such as a British tourist scammed over his accommodation, Nathan investigates, unearthing the dark past and secrets of the noble Lordecan family, whilst further murder brings great danger to him and those close to him.
What attracts me to this series is how well Jones immerses the reader in the city of Venice, its buildings, history, art and architecture, not to mention its community and social circles. It is made all the more engaging with the equal focus on developments in Nathan's life, his cooking, his social circle of friends and his relationship with Fede, not to mention his interactions with the wise, and quirky cat, Gramsci. So if you fancy spending time in Venice, which I would not recommend right now with the devastating impact of the Coronovirus crisis, I suggest the next best thing, this latest addition to this terrific series! Many thanks to Little, Brown for an ARC.
The Loredans shunned publicity from that moment on, the elderly Hugo is now suffering from dementia, and cared for primarily by his daughter, Ludovica, a daddy's girl. Trying to find out what happened to Gabriele's body turns out to be a nightmare, and the local police, in the form of Vanni, prove to be of little help. Under pressure from Ambassador Maxwell, Nathan gets in touch with Victor Rutherford to glean what information he can, but records from that time are non-existent. At an intriguing gathering in which Ludovica is speaking, Nathan's interest is piqued when a journalist planning to write about the Lordecans, Guy Flemying, upsets Ludovica and gets thrown out. Whilst trying to help those who need him, such as a British tourist scammed over his accommodation, Nathan investigates, unearthing the dark past and secrets of the noble Lordecan family, whilst further murder brings great danger to him and those close to him.
What attracts me to this series is how well Jones immerses the reader in the city of Venice, its buildings, history, art and architecture, not to mention its community and social circles. It is made all the more engaging with the equal focus on developments in Nathan's life, his cooking, his social circle of friends and his relationship with Fede, not to mention his interactions with the wise, and quirky cat, Gramsci. So if you fancy spending time in Venice, which I would not recommend right now with the devastating impact of the Coronovirus crisis, I suggest the next best thing, this latest addition to this terrific series! Many thanks to Little, Brown for an ARC.
June 1, 2020
Mystery set in VENICE (travel for the price of a novel)
Check out our You Tube review: https://youtu.be/9Cn51pRAQXI
This is no. 4 in the Venice series, featuring Honorary British Consul, Nathan Sutherland, and it can be read as a stand alone!
Who knew that Sant’Ariano existed? It is the bone island where, in years gone by, the older bones of dead Venetians, buried on Cemetery Island (San Michele), got moved to make way for new bodies. No-one is allowed to drop anchor there, but it is a great backdrop for death and mayhem! It is not far from Torcello.
Nathan Sutherland happens to be on San Michele when it is discovered that the tomb of a young boy, drowned several decades ago, is actually empty. The dead boy was part British, and thus Nathan has to get involved (as he is the Honorary British Consul). He starts to investigate and has to deal with another dead British tourist who either fell into the Lagoon (it is after all November and the boardwalks can be very slick with rain) or was pushed – perhaps there is more to his death than meets the eye. A reporter is sniffing around who seems determined to dredge up the past; and Sutherland gets involved with a well-to-do Venetian family, who have a wealth of secrets. The scene is set for a great mystery that takes the reader around Venice.
You can tell that the author knows the city really well and you can imagine he is simply portraying parts of his own everyday life. He goes to the Rialto fish market and carefully chooses his fish from his chosen vendor. Sutherland frequents The Magical Brazilian Café, which is modelled on a real establishment – Caffè Brasilia.
He then takes his purchases home and cooks up a storm with tomatoes and garlic and you can almost smell the wonderful aromas coming off the page. The cat, Gramsci incidentally, turns his nose up at the fish and asserts his position in other ways!
Check out our You Tube review: https://youtu.be/9Cn51pRAQXI
This is no. 4 in the Venice series, featuring Honorary British Consul, Nathan Sutherland, and it can be read as a stand alone!
Who knew that Sant’Ariano existed? It is the bone island where, in years gone by, the older bones of dead Venetians, buried on Cemetery Island (San Michele), got moved to make way for new bodies. No-one is allowed to drop anchor there, but it is a great backdrop for death and mayhem! It is not far from Torcello.
Nathan Sutherland happens to be on San Michele when it is discovered that the tomb of a young boy, drowned several decades ago, is actually empty. The dead boy was part British, and thus Nathan has to get involved (as he is the Honorary British Consul). He starts to investigate and has to deal with another dead British tourist who either fell into the Lagoon (it is after all November and the boardwalks can be very slick with rain) or was pushed – perhaps there is more to his death than meets the eye. A reporter is sniffing around who seems determined to dredge up the past; and Sutherland gets involved with a well-to-do Venetian family, who have a wealth of secrets. The scene is set for a great mystery that takes the reader around Venice.
You can tell that the author knows the city really well and you can imagine he is simply portraying parts of his own everyday life. He goes to the Rialto fish market and carefully chooses his fish from his chosen vendor. Sutherland frequents The Magical Brazilian Café, which is modelled on a real establishment – Caffè Brasilia.
He then takes his purchases home and cooks up a storm with tomatoes and garlic and you can almost smell the wonderful aromas coming off the page. The cat, Gramsci incidentally, turns his nose up at the fish and asserts his position in other ways!
December 13, 2025
deze was weer heerlijk en noodde ook weer tot locatiegoogelen
May 31, 2020
Humorous Venetian set mystery with a gentle pace and an affable British protagonist
Venetian Gothic is the fourth book in Philip Gwynne Jones’ series and served as my introduction to the affable professional translator, Nathan Sutherland, in his capacity as British Honorary Consul in Venice. Nathan has spent the last decade in the city and the previous three years living with his academic girlfriend, Federica (Fede), and his anthropomorphic cat, Gramsci. Although his main duties in the role of consul are limited to helping British tourists with lost passports, for which his amiable persona is ideally suited, he is also an incorrigible sleuth when the need arises!
The Venetian’s are getting their city back as tourist depart and a chilly November 2017 sets in and Nathan, along with two friends, has made his voyage to the cemetery island of San Michele on the Day of the Dead to pay his respects to the departed. Co-opted by British Father Michael Raynor to read at a memorial service in the less well kept Anglican part of the burial ground he bears witness to the accidental disinterring of a grave and the more worrying absence of a corpse in the coffin. Assumed to contain the body of twelve-year-old Gabriele Loredan, buried nearly forty years earlier after drowning in 1980 and classed as a British citizen, Nathan needs to resolve the discrepancy under mounting pressure from his ‘boss’ Ambassador Maxwell.
Deceased Gabriele was the son of former racing driver and English businessman, Hugo Channing, and his beautiful wife, Cosima Loredan, whose name still holds some sway in Venetian society, and the family were noted for their glamorous lifestyle. Suffering from dementia and wheelchair bound, Hugo, is a shadow of the man he was and his imperious and frosty daughter, Ludovica, is intent on protecting her parents from any distressing enquiries. With consul, Church and police records scant and Ludovica’s obvious intent to head off any possible investigation, Nathan finds himself delving into the secretive families history. It seems Nathan isn’t the only one searching for answers as British journalist, Guy Flemyng, is planning to write a book on the family and making a nuisance of himself asking questions around the city much to Ludovica’s consternation. When Guy disappears and a young British tourist is found dead after showing an interest in the abandoned islands of the lagoon, Nathan starts to suspect that someone is prepared for kill to keep the secrets of forty years ago hidden and the death of Gabriele Loredan could hold the key to the puzzle.
The mystery element itself is rather limited and the chances of someone in Nathan’s position getting to the bottom of the investigation are realistically nigh on impossible, however that never detracted from my enjoyment. The pace is gentle and at times I would have liked a more involving crime component to get my teeth into as opposed to Nathan getting his teeth into something to eat! I was a big fan of the characterisation in the novel, not only that of Nathan and Fede, but also the vividly realised secondary cast and Gwynne-Jones conjures up a recurring cast that I would enjoy meeting again in a future outing. The entire novel is narrated in the first person by Nathan in a wonderfully animated and jaunty manner. Whilst he doesn’t take himself too seriously and the mainstay of his daily routine is deciding what to cook, deciding what to drink and his domestic and social life, he does manage the odd bit of sleuthing. Not the most tactful and occasionally something of a buffoon, Fede often comes to his aid and I never had the sense at any point that Nathan’s life was ever under jeopardy due to his prying and as such the novel has a cosy feel to it, despite the murders along the way.
Having never visited Venice I certainly enjoyed the sense of place conveyed by Gwynne-Jones but can’t help but think it would be best enjoyed by a reader who knows the city and its culture well and definitely likes their food! Undemanding and easily readable, Venetian Gothic is a civilised crime caper with a side order of culture, cuisine and architectural highlights.
With many thanks to TripFiction for supplying my copy of this novel as part of the #TFBookClub.
Venetian Gothic is the fourth book in Philip Gwynne Jones’ series and served as my introduction to the affable professional translator, Nathan Sutherland, in his capacity as British Honorary Consul in Venice. Nathan has spent the last decade in the city and the previous three years living with his academic girlfriend, Federica (Fede), and his anthropomorphic cat, Gramsci. Although his main duties in the role of consul are limited to helping British tourists with lost passports, for which his amiable persona is ideally suited, he is also an incorrigible sleuth when the need arises!
The Venetian’s are getting their city back as tourist depart and a chilly November 2017 sets in and Nathan, along with two friends, has made his voyage to the cemetery island of San Michele on the Day of the Dead to pay his respects to the departed. Co-opted by British Father Michael Raynor to read at a memorial service in the less well kept Anglican part of the burial ground he bears witness to the accidental disinterring of a grave and the more worrying absence of a corpse in the coffin. Assumed to contain the body of twelve-year-old Gabriele Loredan, buried nearly forty years earlier after drowning in 1980 and classed as a British citizen, Nathan needs to resolve the discrepancy under mounting pressure from his ‘boss’ Ambassador Maxwell.
Deceased Gabriele was the son of former racing driver and English businessman, Hugo Channing, and his beautiful wife, Cosima Loredan, whose name still holds some sway in Venetian society, and the family were noted for their glamorous lifestyle. Suffering from dementia and wheelchair bound, Hugo, is a shadow of the man he was and his imperious and frosty daughter, Ludovica, is intent on protecting her parents from any distressing enquiries. With consul, Church and police records scant and Ludovica’s obvious intent to head off any possible investigation, Nathan finds himself delving into the secretive families history. It seems Nathan isn’t the only one searching for answers as British journalist, Guy Flemyng, is planning to write a book on the family and making a nuisance of himself asking questions around the city much to Ludovica’s consternation. When Guy disappears and a young British tourist is found dead after showing an interest in the abandoned islands of the lagoon, Nathan starts to suspect that someone is prepared for kill to keep the secrets of forty years ago hidden and the death of Gabriele Loredan could hold the key to the puzzle.
The mystery element itself is rather limited and the chances of someone in Nathan’s position getting to the bottom of the investigation are realistically nigh on impossible, however that never detracted from my enjoyment. The pace is gentle and at times I would have liked a more involving crime component to get my teeth into as opposed to Nathan getting his teeth into something to eat! I was a big fan of the characterisation in the novel, not only that of Nathan and Fede, but also the vividly realised secondary cast and Gwynne-Jones conjures up a recurring cast that I would enjoy meeting again in a future outing. The entire novel is narrated in the first person by Nathan in a wonderfully animated and jaunty manner. Whilst he doesn’t take himself too seriously and the mainstay of his daily routine is deciding what to cook, deciding what to drink and his domestic and social life, he does manage the odd bit of sleuthing. Not the most tactful and occasionally something of a buffoon, Fede often comes to his aid and I never had the sense at any point that Nathan’s life was ever under jeopardy due to his prying and as such the novel has a cosy feel to it, despite the murders along the way.
Having never visited Venice I certainly enjoyed the sense of place conveyed by Gwynne-Jones but can’t help but think it would be best enjoyed by a reader who knows the city and its culture well and definitely likes their food! Undemanding and easily readable, Venetian Gothic is a civilised crime caper with a side order of culture, cuisine and architectural highlights.
With many thanks to TripFiction for supplying my copy of this novel as part of the #TFBookClub.
November 12, 2024
These books are getting better and better. Whereas in the first couple they were love letter to Venice, it sometimes overtook the plot line the writer has now found a nice balance and the mystery side is shining through. Venice is still front and centre but the mystery and story telling is getting tighter and more intriguing!
March 29, 2020
I would like to thank Netgalley and Little, Brown Book Group UK for an advance copy of Venetian Gothic, the fourth novel to feature Honorary Consul Nathan Sutherland.
Nathan is at a church service on the Island of The Dead, San Michele, when a gravestone topples over and reveals an empty coffin, a coffin which is supposed to contain the remains of 12 year old Gabriele Loredan who drowned in 1980. As Nathan starts to investigate he realises that some people will stop at nothing to keep their secrets hidden.
I thoroughly enjoyed Venetian Gothic which is a light hearted mystery with an eventful plot and a scenic location. This is the first novel in the series that I have read, in fact the series has not previously crossed my radar, so I didn’t know what to expect. I was pleasantly surprised in many ways.
The novel is told in the first person from Nathan’s point of view. First person narratives can be annoying for the reader as they don’t always offer the widest perspective but in this case it is an ideal match for the novel. The plot has plenty of twists and turns but it’s not particularly broad or deep so there is no need of a greater perspective and Nathan’s deft touch as a narrator keeps the tone breezy and fun. He is fairly settled in Venice so he has a good grasp of the language, customs and cuisine and there are lots of little snippets of Venetian life to keep the novel interesting. He is fairly clumsy verbally so spends a lot of time saying sorry. This adds to his appeal and implies a certain ineptitude which is not quite right as there is the ability to think smartly lurking in his depths. He also has a surface lightheartedness that belies an inner dedication to what is right. He presents as a stereotypical Brit but is more serious underneath.
I’m not sure how to explain this but the novel has an old fashioned feel to it, albeit one peppered with modern idioms and habits. I especially enjoyed his relationship with his girlfriend, Federica, who is very obviously the boss. Nevertheless, the idea of the amateur sleuth, the concentrated plot, i.e. no subplot and no deviations and the single point of view are more old than new. I think it’s great as it makes it a novel you can sink your teeth in to and concentrate on.
Venetian Gothic is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
Nathan is at a church service on the Island of The Dead, San Michele, when a gravestone topples over and reveals an empty coffin, a coffin which is supposed to contain the remains of 12 year old Gabriele Loredan who drowned in 1980. As Nathan starts to investigate he realises that some people will stop at nothing to keep their secrets hidden.
I thoroughly enjoyed Venetian Gothic which is a light hearted mystery with an eventful plot and a scenic location. This is the first novel in the series that I have read, in fact the series has not previously crossed my radar, so I didn’t know what to expect. I was pleasantly surprised in many ways.
The novel is told in the first person from Nathan’s point of view. First person narratives can be annoying for the reader as they don’t always offer the widest perspective but in this case it is an ideal match for the novel. The plot has plenty of twists and turns but it’s not particularly broad or deep so there is no need of a greater perspective and Nathan’s deft touch as a narrator keeps the tone breezy and fun. He is fairly settled in Venice so he has a good grasp of the language, customs and cuisine and there are lots of little snippets of Venetian life to keep the novel interesting. He is fairly clumsy verbally so spends a lot of time saying sorry. This adds to his appeal and implies a certain ineptitude which is not quite right as there is the ability to think smartly lurking in his depths. He also has a surface lightheartedness that belies an inner dedication to what is right. He presents as a stereotypical Brit but is more serious underneath.
I’m not sure how to explain this but the novel has an old fashioned feel to it, albeit one peppered with modern idioms and habits. I especially enjoyed his relationship with his girlfriend, Federica, who is very obviously the boss. Nevertheless, the idea of the amateur sleuth, the concentrated plot, i.e. no subplot and no deviations and the single point of view are more old than new. I think it’s great as it makes it a novel you can sink your teeth in to and concentrate on.
Venetian Gothic is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
April 8, 2021
Although this books are billed as Thrillers, Nathan's investigations never fail to make me chuckle.
January 15, 2023
I read this for the 2023 Popsugar Challenge #46 "a book with a pet character". I've read several of this series about an English ex-pat living in Venice, and remembered that his cat is frequently mentioned in the stories, so I decided to use this one for this particular prompt. I always enjoy this series so I was happy to read this one about a missing corpse of an English citizen.
December 27, 2022
An ok story I will probably read another of the books in this series at some point.
May 26, 2020
This is the 4th book of a series following the activities of honorary British consul, Nathan Sutherland in Venice. Usually Nathan's days are made up of his enjoying a spritz at lunchtime and a negroni at night, dealing with lost passports and people who've been ripped off by fake Air BnB websites and listening to prog rock. Nathan, however, has an uncanny ability to get caught up in murder mysteries. In this 4th book the mystery that piques Nathan's curiosity begins on Venice's Isle of the Dead - San Michele.
The author, Philip Gwynne Jones, lives in Venice himself and this lends a strong authenticity to his writing. His descriptions of Venice are incredibly evocative. I wish for Nathan and his girlfriend, Fede's diet of fabulous fish bought at the Rialto market and a ridiculous amount of spritzes, prosecco (which isn't a proper drink in his book) and negronis!
A perfect bit of escapism - a good thriller, funny and entertaining and set in the most beautiful city in the world. What's not to like?
The author, Philip Gwynne Jones, lives in Venice himself and this lends a strong authenticity to his writing. His descriptions of Venice are incredibly evocative. I wish for Nathan and his girlfriend, Fede's diet of fabulous fish bought at the Rialto market and a ridiculous amount of spritzes, prosecco (which isn't a proper drink in his book) and negronis!
A perfect bit of escapism - a good thriller, funny and entertaining and set in the most beautiful city in the world. What's not to like?
April 30, 2020
For Nathan Sutherland, Honorary British Consol in Venice, All Souls Day is a time to respect the dead of the city. However, when an empty coffin is discovered in the Anglican part of the cemetery Nathan is plunged into a mystery involving a rich Venetian family and a decades old tragedy. When a British journalist disappears and a young tourist is found dead Nathan realises that there is more to the story than first imagined.
This is my first time reading one of Jones' Venice-set novels and I really enjoyed this one. Partly because I love Venice, partly because it is a not too demanding thriller and mainly because of the heavy dose of humour that pervades.
This is my first time reading one of Jones' Venice-set novels and I really enjoyed this one. Partly because I love Venice, partly because it is a not too demanding thriller and mainly because of the heavy dose of humour that pervades.
May 19, 2025
This series just gets better with every book and I can't wait for the next one. Nathan Sutherland Honorary Consul in Venice is once again embroiled in a mystery in this fascinating location. This time he discovers that a coffin of a young boy who died many years ago is found to be empty. As the boy was British is falls to Nathan to discover how this came about. And so begins another mystery with twists and turns and for me, a totally unexpected twist at the end. I love this series of books and the characters that are becoming familiar - Nathan , Fede, Dario and the rest, not forgetting Gramsci. This is a great read - mix of humour, mystery and a tour of one of the most beautiful cities.
April 7, 2020
Thanks to Little Brown and NetGalley for the Advance Review Copy in exchange for an honest review.
I’m really not a crime/mystery reader. It’s mostly the same issue I have with Romance novels, they’re a fun read but I like books to stick in my mind (for good and bad reasons) and I've just never really found any crime novels that did that for me. With the possible exception of Iain Banks but I'm not sure he’d be considered a crime novelist anyway.
It was the Venice setting that drew me to request this book. Not just Venice but the inclusion of San Michele as a setting too. San Michele is the cemetery island of Venice and if you are planning a trip there, I highly recommend taking the Vaporetto out there for a relaxing stroll. Italians are second only to the French when it comes to cemetery design in my very humble opinion and it’s a really fascinating place to visit.
The rest is pretty much standard mystery novel fare. There is a mystery and someone has to solve the crime. I’m not trying to be disparaging by saying that, I just don’t want to give anything away.
The main character is Nathan, the British Honorary Consul in Venice and sometimes translator. I thought this was a quite interesting character choice instead of him being a detective or writer as seems to be usually the case. The author clearly knows Venice like the back of his hand, and it was fun as a reader to revisit places I am familiar with as I was reading. I’m not trying to be pretentious I promise, my grandmother is Venetian. The story itself is very readable and I found myself coming back to it again and again throughout the day it took me to read it, so I definitely felt as if it had that ‘hook’.
My main issue was the character of Nathan himself. I wondered if this was perhaps one of those cases where the author has written himself into the book - the prog rock mentions were a sure giveaway. There is altogether too much mentions of alcohol (seriously, I like wine as much as the next first-generation Italian, but Nathan clearly has a serious issue), coffee, cooking etc. Yes, we get it. It’s Italy but it was just too much, and it detracted from the story itself. Nathan is also one of those rather basic guys who is essentially a bit of a flake yet manages to have a terribly beautiful and clever girlfriend. I’m not sure why she puts up with him all the time because he puts his foot in it constantly and embarasses. I also guessed the twist rather quickly which is always going to ruin things a bit.
This genuinely is a fun and readable book and I think it would really appeal to people visiting Venice for the first time but I'm not sure how much seasoned crime readers would enjoy it.
I’m really not a crime/mystery reader. It’s mostly the same issue I have with Romance novels, they’re a fun read but I like books to stick in my mind (for good and bad reasons) and I've just never really found any crime novels that did that for me. With the possible exception of Iain Banks but I'm not sure he’d be considered a crime novelist anyway.
It was the Venice setting that drew me to request this book. Not just Venice but the inclusion of San Michele as a setting too. San Michele is the cemetery island of Venice and if you are planning a trip there, I highly recommend taking the Vaporetto out there for a relaxing stroll. Italians are second only to the French when it comes to cemetery design in my very humble opinion and it’s a really fascinating place to visit.
The rest is pretty much standard mystery novel fare. There is a mystery and someone has to solve the crime. I’m not trying to be disparaging by saying that, I just don’t want to give anything away.
The main character is Nathan, the British Honorary Consul in Venice and sometimes translator. I thought this was a quite interesting character choice instead of him being a detective or writer as seems to be usually the case. The author clearly knows Venice like the back of his hand, and it was fun as a reader to revisit places I am familiar with as I was reading. I’m not trying to be pretentious I promise, my grandmother is Venetian. The story itself is very readable and I found myself coming back to it again and again throughout the day it took me to read it, so I definitely felt as if it had that ‘hook’.
My main issue was the character of Nathan himself. I wondered if this was perhaps one of those cases where the author has written himself into the book - the prog rock mentions were a sure giveaway. There is altogether too much mentions of alcohol (seriously, I like wine as much as the next first-generation Italian, but Nathan clearly has a serious issue), coffee, cooking etc. Yes, we get it. It’s Italy but it was just too much, and it detracted from the story itself. Nathan is also one of those rather basic guys who is essentially a bit of a flake yet manages to have a terribly beautiful and clever girlfriend. I’m not sure why she puts up with him all the time because he puts his foot in it constantly and embarasses. I also guessed the twist rather quickly which is always going to ruin things a bit.
This genuinely is a fun and readable book and I think it would really appeal to people visiting Venice for the first time but I'm not sure how much seasoned crime readers would enjoy it.
November 3, 2022
Nathan Sutherland, professional translator and the United Kingdom’s Honorary (for which read ‘unpaid’) Consul in Venice, is a very likeable character, but seems to have an unfortunate knack of being in the wrong place at the wrong time, and becoming embroiled in bizarre murder mysteries. As this novel opens, he is accompanying Dario, his good friend, drinking partner and fellow connoisseur of progressive rock, to San Michele, the cemetery island off the Venetian coast to share his observation of All Souls’ Day. While there, they witness an unfortunate accident following some workmen’s’ attempts to renovate one of the older graves. As they watch, a coffin falls apart after being moved too suddenly, and it is immediately apparent that it is empty. Consideration of the gravestone shows that it should have contained the remains of a young British boy who had drowned forty years ago.
This sparks off an unusual investigation for Nathan who finds himself beset by a tenacious journalist who has been researching the family of the dead (but missing) boy. He is then visited in his semi-official capacity by a young British tourist with a complaint about having been fooled into paying to stay at what turns out to be a non-existent hotel. While commiserating with him, but explaining that there is very little he can do as Honorary Consul, Nathan discovers that the young man has been conducting his own investigations of San Michele and some of the deserted islands off the Dead Lagoon, looking for clues about the missing boy. Nathan dismisses this as an odd coincidence until the young man is found dead, and then the journalist disappears.
This may all seem very sombre, but the tone is light throughout, and the book is liberally strewn with delightful descriptions of the glorious Venetian sights, and with descriptions of the wonderful meals that Nathan throws together for himself and his artistic girlfriend Federica. I sometimes wonder whether the books in this series have been commissioned by the Venice Tourist Board – with each new instalment, my desire to go there increases yet further.
Philip Gwynne Jones manages to deliver sound plots, amusing and empathetic characters, and wonderful scenery each time. I used to enjoy Donna Leon’s series of novels also set in Venice and featuring Commissario Brunetti, although they gradually became weighed down by a sense of their own self-importance (and despite now extending almost to twenty volumes, no one seems to age). So far, Philip Gwynne Jones’s books have avoided that fate, and the joyful blend of lightness of touch and plausible plotting have kept me eager to come back for more.
This sparks off an unusual investigation for Nathan who finds himself beset by a tenacious journalist who has been researching the family of the dead (but missing) boy. He is then visited in his semi-official capacity by a young British tourist with a complaint about having been fooled into paying to stay at what turns out to be a non-existent hotel. While commiserating with him, but explaining that there is very little he can do as Honorary Consul, Nathan discovers that the young man has been conducting his own investigations of San Michele and some of the deserted islands off the Dead Lagoon, looking for clues about the missing boy. Nathan dismisses this as an odd coincidence until the young man is found dead, and then the journalist disappears.
This may all seem very sombre, but the tone is light throughout, and the book is liberally strewn with delightful descriptions of the glorious Venetian sights, and with descriptions of the wonderful meals that Nathan throws together for himself and his artistic girlfriend Federica. I sometimes wonder whether the books in this series have been commissioned by the Venice Tourist Board – with each new instalment, my desire to go there increases yet further.
Philip Gwynne Jones manages to deliver sound plots, amusing and empathetic characters, and wonderful scenery each time. I used to enjoy Donna Leon’s series of novels also set in Venice and featuring Commissario Brunetti, although they gradually became weighed down by a sense of their own self-importance (and despite now extending almost to twenty volumes, no one seems to age). So far, Philip Gwynne Jones’s books have avoided that fate, and the joyful blend of lightness of touch and plausible plotting have kept me eager to come back for more.
April 6, 2023
“You’ve just been overcome by all the messa in scena, that’s all. A confused old man talking nonsense in an old dark house on a stormy night.” (Quotation page 98)
Content
On November 2nd 2017, the feast of I morti, Nathan Sutherland, Sergio Cardazzo and Lorenzo Bonzio are just leaving San Michele cemetery, when Father Michael Rayner, Angelican Chaplain, asks Nathan to read a few words during the service. In that moment two workman, instead of saving an old headstone, let it crash down on a small white coffin. The name written on the headstone is Gabriele Loredan, he died in 1980, only twelve years old, but his coffin is empty. This time it is the British Ambassador who asks Nathan to find out, what had happened thirty-seven years ago, because Gabriele Loredan, supposed to be buried at San Michele, had British nationality. However, Nathan soon finds out that there seem to be more people interested in this case and others, who are prepared to do everything to stop them.
Theme and genre
This atmospheric thriller, part of a series, is set in Venice during the dark days of November. Themes are hidden family secrets of a noble, well-known Venetian family, a tragic accident many years ago and the mystical Isola Sant’Ariano.
Characters
The British Honorary consul in Venice, Nathan Sutherland, is investigating again and digs deep into secrets, buried long time ago.
Plot and writing
This forth book to the series is told in two storylines, the main story takes place in November 2017, the second story is Gabriele’s story about his childhood and what happened a long time ago. The plot is thrilling and a perfect mixture between action, crime, dangerous situations, mysteries to be solved, unforeseeable twists and Nathans personal life with Federica, his best friend Dario, just moving back from Mestre to Venice and, not to forget, Nathan’s special cat Gramsci. Vivid descriptions of Venice in November, the everlasting beauty of this city and its special, hidden places, interesting facts about the famous island of the death, San Michele, and the mystical Isola Sant’Ariano complete the story.
Conclusion
This dark, haunting story for me is the best book of the series so far, a gripping, unputdownable, enjoyable read.
Content
On November 2nd 2017, the feast of I morti, Nathan Sutherland, Sergio Cardazzo and Lorenzo Bonzio are just leaving San Michele cemetery, when Father Michael Rayner, Angelican Chaplain, asks Nathan to read a few words during the service. In that moment two workman, instead of saving an old headstone, let it crash down on a small white coffin. The name written on the headstone is Gabriele Loredan, he died in 1980, only twelve years old, but his coffin is empty. This time it is the British Ambassador who asks Nathan to find out, what had happened thirty-seven years ago, because Gabriele Loredan, supposed to be buried at San Michele, had British nationality. However, Nathan soon finds out that there seem to be more people interested in this case and others, who are prepared to do everything to stop them.
Theme and genre
This atmospheric thriller, part of a series, is set in Venice during the dark days of November. Themes are hidden family secrets of a noble, well-known Venetian family, a tragic accident many years ago and the mystical Isola Sant’Ariano.
Characters
The British Honorary consul in Venice, Nathan Sutherland, is investigating again and digs deep into secrets, buried long time ago.
Plot and writing
This forth book to the series is told in two storylines, the main story takes place in November 2017, the second story is Gabriele’s story about his childhood and what happened a long time ago. The plot is thrilling and a perfect mixture between action, crime, dangerous situations, mysteries to be solved, unforeseeable twists and Nathans personal life with Federica, his best friend Dario, just moving back from Mestre to Venice and, not to forget, Nathan’s special cat Gramsci. Vivid descriptions of Venice in November, the everlasting beauty of this city and its special, hidden places, interesting facts about the famous island of the death, San Michele, and the mystical Isola Sant’Ariano complete the story.
Conclusion
This dark, haunting story for me is the best book of the series so far, a gripping, unputdownable, enjoyable read.
February 26, 2024
I enjoyed this book, as I enjoy many books set in Venice, Italy, and I hope to read others from this author. There was information in this book, key to the story, that I did not know about Venice and some of the lagoon islands, so that was fun to learn. I would compare this book in some ways to Donna Leon's Commissario Brunetti books, although there are some distinct differences. Jones' protagonist is British (i.e. a foreigner), and he finds himself tangled in a mystery that he is not necessarily authorized or equipped to handle, but works toward solving it nonetheless because it is somewhat connected to his job, and he wants to protect people in danger. This story has an "exciting" and perhaps less realistic resolution than would probably happen in real life, but was interesting nonetheless. (Leon's protagonist is a Venetian, born-and-bred, tangled in mysteries that are part of his job as a police officer working in a sometimes inefficient and corrupt system, and having to navigate various "cultural differences" within Italy, as well as with tourists. The resolutions are not always satisfactory but they tend to fit the reality of the workings of the Italian beauracracy and system.)
October 12, 2020
The discovery of an empty coffin on All Souls' Day in a Venetian cemetery sets Honorary British Consul Nathan Sutherland off on a perilous investigation. He is led to a 40-year old death in a prominent Venetian family, and his findings take him to some present-day cover-ups as he traverses off-season Venice. It's a briskly told story with an exciting conclusion and bittersweet ending.
This is a brilliant suspense thriller set against the backdrop of Venice and features a stellar supporting cast for Nathan. He is a standout protagonist, and the star of this book. He shares the limelight with an atmospheric Venice in an entertaining read.
There are several earlier books in the series to (hopefully) enjoy.
This is a brilliant suspense thriller set against the backdrop of Venice and features a stellar supporting cast for Nathan. He is a standout protagonist, and the star of this book. He shares the limelight with an atmospheric Venice in an entertaining read.
There are several earlier books in the series to (hopefully) enjoy.
January 26, 2021
I tried to read this quite a few times....and I just couldn't get into it.
I'm not sure if it was because it was a sequel. I saw the title and cover and thought I'm going to love this book...I love absolutely everything about Venice...I am fascinated by San Michele and the title was great but from the opening paragraph I just couldn't connect with the book or the characters at all.
I made it to the end...but took a while and several attempts. I can see its a good book...just the style and characters didn't suit me so please do not be put off by my review as the author is clearly very talented and just because it didn't gel with me personally doesn't mean it won't with others.
Thanks to the author, publisher and Netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I'm not sure if it was because it was a sequel. I saw the title and cover and thought I'm going to love this book...I love absolutely everything about Venice...I am fascinated by San Michele and the title was great but from the opening paragraph I just couldn't connect with the book or the characters at all.
I made it to the end...but took a while and several attempts. I can see its a good book...just the style and characters didn't suit me so please do not be put off by my review as the author is clearly very talented and just because it didn't gel with me personally doesn't mean it won't with others.
Thanks to the author, publisher and Netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 8, 2023
Winter in Venice and a mystery to solve
I had to search to try and find which book was next in this series hopefully I got it right. Although it wouldn't matter to the main story I wouldn't want to get the background story out of sync.
Winter in Venice is much like winter in England, it's cold, there are less people about and it rains, there is also flooding. It should be a quiet season for the Honorary British counsellor but the discovery of an empty coffin in the British part of the Venetian centenary needs explanation, even if the burial was over forty years ago.
Once again we are immersed in a city which is struggling to retain its local culture whilst ensuring its economic future. It is these glimpses into the reality of living there; shopping for fresh food, getting around the city, and the contact with locals which really draws me back to Philip's books.
I had to search to try and find which book was next in this series hopefully I got it right. Although it wouldn't matter to the main story I wouldn't want to get the background story out of sync.
Winter in Venice is much like winter in England, it's cold, there are less people about and it rains, there is also flooding. It should be a quiet season for the Honorary British counsellor but the discovery of an empty coffin in the British part of the Venetian centenary needs explanation, even if the burial was over forty years ago.
Once again we are immersed in a city which is struggling to retain its local culture whilst ensuring its economic future. It is these glimpses into the reality of living there; shopping for fresh food, getting around the city, and the contact with locals which really draws me back to Philip's books.
June 29, 2022
The fourth book in this series continues our adventures with the affable Nathan Sutherland. Against the beautiful backdrop of Venice, Nathan becomes embroiled in yet another mystery. Beginning with the discovery of an empty coffin in a graveyard, Nathan leaves no stone unturned in trying to discover what really happened to Gabriele Loredan decades earlier. Still relying on his usual sidekicks and his long-suffering girlfriend, Nathan bumbles his way humorously through the many twists and turns. If you're looking for a series with an element of mystery and an element of humour, then this could be for you!
April 1, 2020
Another wonderful book featuring the very endearing Nathan Sutherland and star of the show, Venice. The story starts as a gentle-paced mystery and develops into murder. As with all the books in this series, the narrative is light and good-humoured. The characters are very likeable and well-drawn. Venice itself is one of the main characters and the sense of place is so strong that you feel as though you are really there, enjoying drinks in the bars. Highly recommended.
I received a free review copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for my honest and unedited review.
I received a free review copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for my honest and unedited review.
April 5, 2020
I love this series and I loved this instalment.
It's a complex story full or read herring, twists, and turns with a complex mystery and solution that came as a surprise.
The cast of characters is well thought and interesting, the Venetian background is realistic and vivid.
I loved the plot that flows and I learned something new about Venice.
I also appreciated that the Italian phrases are all correct and the Italian characters are not stereotyped.
It was a gripping and entertaining read, highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
It's a complex story full or read herring, twists, and turns with a complex mystery and solution that came as a surprise.
The cast of characters is well thought and interesting, the Venetian background is realistic and vivid.
I loved the plot that flows and I learned something new about Venice.
I also appreciated that the Italian phrases are all correct and the Italian characters are not stereotyped.
It was a gripping and entertaining read, highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
May 10, 2020
The chilling opening of 'Venetian Gothic' in a cemetery on the Day of the Dead sets the scene for the rest of the book. There are some beautifully haunting descriptions of Venice's lagoons and the Isle of the Dead.
Rather than a detective, it is Honorary Consul, Nathan Sutherland who gets to the bottom of a secret that has haunted one of Venice's noble families as an empty coffin is unearthed.
The prose is delectable, the story gripping and the descriptions marvellously evoke the mysterious and ghostly character of Venice in winter.
A thoroughly enjoyable read!
Rather than a detective, it is Honorary Consul, Nathan Sutherland who gets to the bottom of a secret that has haunted one of Venice's noble families as an empty coffin is unearthed.
The prose is delectable, the story gripping and the descriptions marvellously evoke the mysterious and ghostly character of Venice in winter.
A thoroughly enjoyable read!
July 8, 2023
My favorite in the series...so far!
I am really enjoying this series from PGJ. I love the humor as well as the excellent sense of place I feel as I read about a city I love. I won't pretend and say "I know Venice well" but I know it well enough to be able to picture so much of the action and locations. I've even had a Negroni at the Brazilians! (It came with a rose shaped ice cube!)
Nathan is a hoot and I get such a kick out of how he gets himself into these fixes. Luckily he gets out of them too, not always in one piece.
I am really enjoying this series from PGJ. I love the humor as well as the excellent sense of place I feel as I read about a city I love. I won't pretend and say "I know Venice well" but I know it well enough to be able to picture so much of the action and locations. I've even had a Negroni at the Brazilians! (It came with a rose shaped ice cube!)
Nathan is a hoot and I get such a kick out of how he gets himself into these fixes. Luckily he gets out of them too, not always in one piece.
July 30, 2024
My favourite in the series to date, Nathan Sutherland must try to unravel the mystery of an empty casket in the British section of the cemetery on the island of San Michele. A series of unfortunate events in the cemetery results in a coffin being opened, but instead of the child's body that is supposed to be inside, it has clearly never been used. The Loredan family has some secrets which they would rather not explain, but the long ago death will result in more people dying. Really enjoyed this mystery set in a wet and rainy Venice.
September 5, 2024
heartbreaking and real
Author Jones is getting better and better. Nathan grows on you, despite his many irritatingly adolescent habits, he is a man of principle one can count on.
Jone’s is a different Venice than what I’m used to reading about in the sumptuous and magical Leone books, or the whimsical and cozy series there are a multitude of. But it feels real, and accessible.
This story is a very fascinating and well laid out mystery. And there’s a cat. And lots of food. And booze.
A perfect evening read.
Author Jones is getting better and better. Nathan grows on you, despite his many irritatingly adolescent habits, he is a man of principle one can count on.
Jone’s is a different Venice than what I’m used to reading about in the sumptuous and magical Leone books, or the whimsical and cozy series there are a multitude of. But it feels real, and accessible.
This story is a very fascinating and well laid out mystery. And there’s a cat. And lots of food. And booze.
A perfect evening read.
August 13, 2020
This is a fun series. It's turning into one of those where I go back to find out what's going on for the main characters, rather than the mystery, but that's fine, and I thought this was a good mystery. I like the way that Nathan's more of an amateur sleuth than most crime series investigators are these days, but his job as honorary consul makes it feasible that he does get involved in numerous murders. It's kind of cozy without being twee, and very enjoyable.
September 17, 2020
A fantastic read!
A brilliant book. Reminding of my years in Venice 20 years ago. Mr Jones manages to evoke the smells, sounds and atmosphere of the City so well. His characters are so believable and drawn so carefully that if ever I pop back I feel that I am sure will see Nathan walking through the narrow "sotto portegos" and grabbing a "spritz". Thanks for a great read in complex covid times.
A brilliant book. Reminding of my years in Venice 20 years ago. Mr Jones manages to evoke the smells, sounds and atmosphere of the City so well. His characters are so believable and drawn so carefully that if ever I pop back I feel that I am sure will see Nathan walking through the narrow "sotto portegos" and grabbing a "spritz". Thanks for a great read in complex covid times.
August 2, 2022
I'd found the 3rd book in this series a little disappointing after the brilliance of the first two - it felt a little jaded with more emphasis on Nathan's eating and drinking than the plot. However, this book has made up for it. Well plotted, tense, exciting and in a couple of places laugh out loud funny, this made a really satisfying summer holiday read. The next best thing to being in Venice itself!
January 1, 2023
It's not too bad. The plot kept me engaged, but there were way too many Italian words and references to Venice that I don't get. I didn't know there was a glossary at the end of the book that translated all the Italian words until I finished it. Although you could more or less guess the meaning of the words but it just doesn't feel so good to be skipping a word here and there. The plot was good. I liked the twist at the end, though it wasn't mind-blowing, and you could kinda guess it.
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