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Venice #5

The Venetian Legacy

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'An unputdownable thriller' Gregory Dowling

'It is no surprise to find that Philip Gwynne Jones lives in Venice... art and architecture interweave into a story that builds to an almost surreal climax' Daily Mail

' Gwynne Jones's talent for evoking place and atmosphere is clear as ever' Literary Review

_______________

No happy ever after for Nathan and Federica?

Newlyweds Nathan Sutherland and Federica Ravagnan are looking forward to weeks of sunshine and relaxation on the island of Pellestrina, in a cottage belonging to Federica's late father, Elio.

The weather is idyllic, the views across the lagoon are spectacular and the seafood is the best in Venice. But when the body of an eminent Venetian lawyer is dredged up by a fishing boat, members of the close-knit island community start to take an unhealthy interest in the two honeymooners, and whispers and rumours begin to circulate about Elio's association with a recently-deceased gang boss.

As Federica struggles to comes to terms with her father's troubled legacy, Nathan finds himself dragged into the search for the missing proceeds of an unsolved jewellery heist, and the unwanted centre of attention of the Mala del Brenta - the Venetian Mafia.

Clearly Pellestrina is going to be no honeymoon...

_______________

Praise for Philip Gwynne Jones

'Superb - always gripping, beautifully constructed and vivid' Stephen Glover

' Clever and great fun ' The Times

' Sinister and shimmering , The Venetian Game is as haunting and darkly elegant as Venice itself' L.S. Hilton, bestselling author of Maestra

'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*****

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

400 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2021

128 people are currently reading
126 people want to read

About the author

Philip Gwynne Jones

17 books101 followers

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5 stars
260 (42%)
4 stars
268 (43%)
3 stars
76 (12%)
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6 (<1%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
Profile Image for Miriam Smith (A Mother’s Musings).
1,798 reviews307 followers
June 29, 2021
#TheVenetianLegacy is the fifth book in the ‘Venice’ crime thrillers written by Philip Gywnne Jones’, Being new to the series I wasn’t sure if I would be able to connect with the characters progression so far but I didn’t have to worry as the story was very easy to follow and engage with. I would however like to read the previous books for entertainment, as I now have a particular soft spot for Nathan Sutherland and the predicaments he finds himself in.
“Newlyweds Nathan Sutherland - the British Honorary Consul in Venice - and Federica Ravagnan are looking forward to weeks of sunshine and relaxation on the island of Pellestrina, in a cottage belonging to Federica's late father, Elio. When the body of an eminent Venetian lawyer is dredged up by a fishing boat, whispers and rumours begin to circulate about Elio's association with a recently deceased gang boss. As Federica struggles to comes to terms with her father's troubled legacy, Nathan finds himself dragged into the search for the missing proceeds of an unsolved jewellery heist, and the unwanted centre of attention of the Venetian Mafia. Clearly this is going to be no honeymoon....”
I instantly formed a connection with Nathan, he’s such a decent man who dearly loves his wife. His relationship with his cat ‘Gramsci’ was delightful and in fact it was the cat that stole the show for me. It literally had a personality all of it’s own and definitely ruled the roost in the Sutherland household!
The atmospheric content was outstanding - the cuisine, the ambience, the weather, the location, every scene and setting, I honestly felt I was there in Italy, such was the incredible attention to detail by the author.
The story and plot itself was very interesting and I enjoyed reading the historical notes written by the author at the end concerning the various mafias.
With some funny moments giving this a crime caper feel and a brilliantly portrayed cat, I loved the originality of this book and highly recommend this fun but serious crime series, even if only for the armchair visit to beautiful Italy.







Profile Image for Val Wheeler.
337 reviews43 followers
October 23, 2024
Really enjoying this series. I started on book 3 and then decided to start at the beginning and read the rest in order.

Great series about Nathan Sutherland, who lives in Venice as a translator and Honorary Consul with his friends and of course Gramshee.

Whether you have been to Venice or not, you will be magically transported there though out the series and get to know the city quite well.

Great thriller series. In this book Nathan and Federica are recently married. Federica has just been left a cottage from her late father and they decide to visit and make it a honeymoon in Pallestrina. However when the body of a layer is dredged up people begin to look at the couple and they find out that Federica's Dad had a troubled past and as usual get a bit more than they bargained for, in this case with the Venetian Mafia and an unsolved heist.

Philip Gwynne Jones is one of the best authors I've recently come across.
Profile Image for Hella.
1,146 reviews50 followers
December 25, 2025
deze vond ik wat minder
wel weer heel sfeervol en een onbekend stukje Venetië, maar te serieus en te ingewikkeld met te veel personages, allemaal maffiaboeven
Profile Image for Susan.
424 reviews10 followers
June 12, 2021
Just love this series set in Venice. The writing is sharp with great characters, a mix of mystery, crime with some humour and a wonderful setting.
Nathan and Fede have tied the knot and are taking a few days honeymoon in the house on Pellestrina that Fede's father had left her.
But trouble soon breaks into the happy couples idyll when a body is dredged up out of the Lagoon and it transpires that there are links with the dead man and Fede's late father. Even worse is to follow when there are whispered links between her father and organised crime.
There are some interesting characters met along the way and whilst the end is not a huge surprise it holds the interest. I love the characters of Nathan & Fede and their way of dealing with quite scary events. Of course the story wouldn't be complete without the appearance of Gramsci - his antics always entertain.
Look forward to the next offering from this author.
Profile Image for J.F. Duncan.
Author 12 books2 followers
September 26, 2022
I can't remember the last time I was able to sit and read a whole book in one sitting. However, thanks to Covid 19, I'm confined to barracks and desperate for escape and this book was exactly what I needed. If you know the series, you know what you are getting - hapless middle-aged protagonist, grumpy cat, copious references to food and alcohol - but this is definitely one of the better ones in the series, despite the fact that most of it is set away from the centre of Venice. I'm now desperate to visit Pellestrina! Not too taxing, suitably gripping, filled in a wet and miserable Sunday afternoon and took me right away from my current situation. What more could I require? Only a bottle of prosecco at my elbow would have improved the experience!
Profile Image for Julia Norge.
206 reviews14 followers
February 26, 2022
Another brilliant mystery adventure, featuring the endearing Nathan Sutherland and his lovely, now wife, Federica, in the dazzling setting of Venice and Pellestrina. A treat for cozy mysteries fans and lovers of Venice.
1,164 reviews5 followers
November 14, 2025
I have loved the other books in this series, which have not only good stories, but accuracy regarding Venice, which I do consider of paramount importance in any book set in Venice.
Unfortunately, other authors do not seem to consider this important, so I do highlight it when I find it! Thank you, author!
Back to the story; this one was particularly interesting as it was set in an unusual location, and quite fascinating. The historical aspects were also very interesting. Well written, as usual, and great characters.
I shall continue with the remainder of the series - no better praise!
Profile Image for Tilly Storr.
52 reviews1 follower
April 19, 2021
Back in Venice with Nathan

Once again we are taken out of the tourist area of Venice and into a more peaceful location - but not for long. Nathan and Fede become embroiled in historic events directly affecting their family and putting their lives at risk. Of course they do - that's the fun!
Gwynne Jones evokes atmosphere apparently effortlessly. Whether you're familiar with the characters from previous books or are meeting them for the first time, they are luminous with personality. By turns impulsive, comic, foolhardy and endearingly under the thumb of his psychopath cat, Nathan seems to launch himself into situations for which he later kicks himself, or for which he is roundly kicked. He is, of course, a typical male so never heeds the warnings of his sensible partner or friends, who serve him spritz's and scratch their heads.
The dialogue with The Wolf is masterful and provides the darkness that undermines the sun and sparkling Adriatic. A happy picnic literally throws up the spectre of violent death. Nathan's interview at the police station skilfully melds humour with subtle but unmistakable threat. Good-natured Nathan is never far from the dark side. But he's never far from a good meal either.
After each book in this series I have yearned to return to Venice, discover the other islands, and try a Negroni. Trust me, you will too. Clever, clean and a good old fashioned yarn with a dash of the dastardly.
Profile Image for Kriste.
292 reviews21 followers
July 24, 2021
I think this one is a bit weaker compared to previous ones and in addition, I managed to guess the truth.

However very pleasant book and I had good time reading it.
Profile Image for Eyejaybee.
641 reviews6 followers
December 15, 2022
The fifth book in this charming and entertaining series opens with Nathan Sutherland, Honorary British Consul in Venice, preparing for his wedding to long time partner, art restorer Federica Ravagnan. The nuptials proceed smoothly, but Nathan spots his new mother-in-law talking to a stranger, and appearing rather shaken.

It turns out that the stranger is a solicitor, and that he is now is now working in the practice that had been run by his father in partnership with Federica’s estranged, and now dead, father. He had been entrusted to pass a letter on to Federica on the occasion of her wedding. The letter advises her that she has inherited her father’s former cottage on the island of Pellestrina. Federica remembers happy childhood holidays there, visiting her grandparents, but had assumed that the cottage had been disposed of by her father following his estrangement from the family.

Coming unexpectedly into this legacy, Federica and Nathan decide to go to the cottage for a brief honeymoon, although this also entails taking Gramsci, Nathan’s grumpy, almost dysfunctional cat with them. It is Gramsci who inadvertently uncovers the first mystery in the cottage, when he finds and harries a loose floorboard in the cottage’s bedroom. Nathan investigates further and finds a gun, and a package of photographs. Disconcerted, he takes the weapon to the local office of the carabinieri, where he is questioned about the gun’s history. Shortly afterwards, the solicitor who had informed them of Federica’s legacy is found murdered.

Philip Gwynne Jones weaves a very deft plot involving historic crimes with contemporary consequences. Nathan and Federica are inadvertently embroiled in a dangerous situation. Members of long-established rival gangs clearly believe that Federica and Nathan are holding something valuable that they are searching for.

Venice and its close hinterland always loom large in Jones’s books, and he strews a wealth of insights into the city’s history and topography, while never compromising the integrity of his plots. As a cat lover myself, I also enjoy the depiction of the frightful Gramsci, who is fast becoming my favourite fictional cat.
762 reviews2 followers
August 26, 2022
A nice, easy to read style of writing, with a good story and memorable characters.
Nathan Sutherland and his new wife, Federica Ravagnan, are honeymooning on Pellestrina, which is where Fede holidayed with her parents and grandparents each summer as she grew up.
The couple travel from Venice to Pellestrina by land an sea, taking their pet cat with them. Gramsci the cat is unimpressed, but recovers when he gets to the holiday home.
Fede's father's business partner meets the couple when they arrive and takes them to Elio's house. Nathan and Fede settle in. They are soon drawn into investigating rumour that Fede's father, Elio,, and his business partner have links with the Mafia.
Nathan and Fede are both suspected of being more involved than they claim. However, after getting into trouble many times, the couple eventually manage to overcome the Mafia boss who's been dogging their footsteps ever since they arrived in Pellestrina.
Not too much violence. A lot of it is implied. A really good read.






































Profile Image for Denise Hale.
138 reviews2 followers
July 16, 2023
Stepping outside the city centre

This book starts with Nathan and Federica's tying the knot. This elicits a visit from Federica's late father's business partner with an envelope. It's contents reveal she has inherited a property in Pellestrina, a small island the other side of Lido. They decide to spend their honeymoon there. The house was previously Federica's grand parents home and she recalls spending summers there as a child.
Although taking his unfriendly cat on honeymoon has problems they soon discover the house is of interest to others, and this causes bigger problems for the couple.
Profile Image for Bryony.
101 reviews2 followers
May 29, 2021
Another very enjoyable read in the Nathan Sutherland crime series set in Venice. This one is a bit different as it is set on the tiny island of Pellestrina where Nathan is supposedly enjoying his honeymoon with Federica who has inherited a property on the island. It turns out she inherited more than just a house and the newlyweds have to unravel a mystery involving the Venetian mafia. There is an interesting note in the back of the book which reveals that this novel is partially based on true events.
Profile Image for Marc Diepstraten.
920 reviews3 followers
October 16, 2022
Book 5 in the Venice series. These books are as much travel guides as crime adventures. It describes the city lovingly as always with a large emphasis on food and drink. I think that the books are getting better each book, that's the positive. The negative is I really don't like Federica, which again is superimposed in this story. Lots of character traits which would a sane man run for the hills. I can only hope that will be reigned in, in book 5, which is forthcoming. A very charming series, which I can recommended, especially if you like Italy, the Italian way of life or Venice.
Profile Image for Judy.
3,381 reviews31 followers
November 14, 2022
Somehow I seem to have skipped from number 1 in this mystery series set in Venice to number 5. I thought there was a bit of gap in time, but I just decided it was his style. It was a bit dark, but nevertheless, it was a good story about the history of the mafia in Italy in general and in Venice in particular. Our hero's new wife inherits property from her late father via his business partner and the mafia starts sneaking around the property. Now I just need to go back and fill in the other stories.
Profile Image for Eddie.
131 reviews1 follower
April 4, 2021
Another great episode the life of Nathan Sutherland, honoury consul in Venice.

I always enjoyed the writing style and great reacts of the sights and attractions of the region. This latest instalment is exciting, thrilling and yet somehow comfortably meanders around the area capturing some of the treasures of the region in the tale.

I would thoroughly recommend this book it look forward to the next one.
Profile Image for Kirsty Darbyshire.
1,091 reviews56 followers
Read
October 7, 2021
Another enjoyable romp round Venice with Nathan Sutherland and his cat Gramsci. This one's set in the summer and features the inheritance of a summer house on the island of Pellestrina, out in the Venetian lagoon. All sounds good except the Venetian mafia seem to have links to it too. Interesting setting, fun characters, plot gets a bit outlandish but that‘s fun too. Nice fun read and a series I'm enjoying a lot.
Profile Image for Stephen the Bookworm.
896 reviews125 followers
February 8, 2024
in some ways this series is a guilty pleasure... not with the gravitas of Donna Leon... often feels like a crime caper...but its good escapism in a beautiful location with a hint or two of menace. This fifth book in the series is more violent and the plausibility is stretched....why you wouldn't go to the police when there is a mafia connection and you've had your life threatened?? But its all part of the series..
Profile Image for Pili.
686 reviews
August 11, 2025
Estos libros siguen siendo una linda prolongación de nuestro viaje a Venecia.
Y ¡ah, cómo beben Prosecco! Hasta bajé a comprar una botella para acompañar a los personajes, jaja.

El libro incluye al final una "Nota Histórica" en donde el autor especifica que todos los lugares, hechos y nombre utilizados en el libro son reales, con la excepción de una iglesia y su párroco, que son parte de la intriga y la ficción.
Profile Image for Corinne Johnston.
1,014 reviews
October 26, 2025
I so enjoyed this one, 4.5 up to 5 rather than down. The mix of criminal history in Italy, not just the Veneto was such a learning curve. The transfer of criminal minds from the south to wreak havoc in the north. The mix of Nathan and Fede's private lives, and their pasts, with the everyday was well written. I'm enjoying everyone of these books. and I'm very regretful that I never crossed to the Lido nor Pellestrina on one of my trips to Veneto.
Profile Image for Bob.
192 reviews1 follower
October 28, 2023
4.5 stars from a big Nathan Sutherland fan.

I always enjoy Jones' dialogue, action and characters and this time I get a different kind of history and location I wasn't expecting. I'll have to do a little research to see if a jog out to Pellestrina might be a great and unique daytrip when next in Venice.
31 reviews
October 28, 2025
Enjoyable

This is the second book by Philip Gwyne Jones ive read and have enjoyed them both. This is a fun crime thriller, with twists and turns and some very shady characters. I enjoyed the story and also the descriptions of many areas of Venics, some of which i have visited and others i now want to. Good read and enjoyable!
Profile Image for Paul.
993 reviews17 followers
April 28, 2021
Another entertaining book in the series. This time predominantly set on Pellestrina; I enjoyed learning about one of the Veneto’s regions not found on the regular tourist trail. Great too that it’s based around real events. The ending for me though was far too rushed.
Profile Image for Dolf Patijn.
799 reviews54 followers
February 6, 2024
I'm really enjoying this series. It is nice to be back in Venice, Italy for a while and Philip Gwynne Jones writes believable crime novels. The atmosphere is palpable and the main characters, including the cat Gramsci, are likeable. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.
2 reviews
April 8, 2021
Brilliant! I love Philip’s Nathan Sutherland books, they transport me back to Venice. I just wish he could write them as quick as I read them 😜
2 reviews
April 26, 2021
Part of Venice little known


As always a riveting story. Much of it in a different setting away from the usual tourist areas. Almost like being there.
Profile Image for Susan Rowland.
Author 16 books6,278 followers
March 12, 2022
This series is getting better and better as we follow this enterprising couple in their Venetian adventures!
Profile Image for Rhianna.
165 reviews
March 15, 2022
A good crime thriller read. I felt like I was in Venice!
Profile Image for Anna.
425 reviews3 followers
April 26, 2022
Really enjoyable, and a wonderful introduction to a part of Venice I have to say I didn’t know existed. Part mystery, part travel writing, I love this series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews

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