The Venetian Candidate

Venice #7

by Philip Gwynne Jones

To tell the truth is a revolutionary act.

Battered by floods and crushed by overtourism, the city of Venice faces an uncertain future. The election of a new Mayor, therefore, has never felt more important.
As the candidates jostle for position and alliances are made and promises broken, Andrea Mazzon, a controversial writer and historian, emerges as a strong candidate.

Nathan Sutherland, meanwhile, has more important things on his mind as he investigates the case of an elderly British academic who has disappeared whilse researching the fate of his grandfather during the Great War. The trail leads to a remote Common-wealth war cemetery where, under the ice and snow, Nathan makes a discovery that links the terrible events of a century ago with the electoral campaign in La Serenissima. A campaign that might ultimately set the victor on the road to the Senate - and on the road to murder. . .

Genres: Mystery, Italy, Crime, Audiobook, Fiction, Ebooks

320 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 13, 2023

Reviews

[Labijose]

Vamos a ver si nos aclaramos aquí con GR y la madre que la parió.
De pura chiripa accedo a vuestros comentarios para maravillarme de que ni he leído esta novela, ni sé porqué la tengo en mi lista, y, mucho menos, por qué le daría tal puntuación a una novela que no he leído ni creo que lea.
Conclusión: que supongo mi dedito mágico le daría a alguna tecla que no debería, porque ni de coña voy a poner esa puntuación sin justificarla.
Dicho lo cual, pido disculpas por el malentendido y procederé a borrar la susodicha puntuación.
Ala, aclarado queda (espero).
📙🤦🏽‍♂️📙🤦🏽‍♂️📙
Y en cuanto a lo que comentas, mi querida Pili. Mal te puedo tachar de mi lista cuando aquí el error es mío, aunque siga sin saber lo que ha pasado.
Duerme tranquila, que si algún día discutimos, será por temas de mayor enjundia. Aunque no creo que tal cosa llegue a suceder.
😉😅
He dicho.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Though the seventh book in a series, this was the first for me. There were many characters to get familiar with but I managed to digest enough of the basics to enjoy the plot that sometimes surprised but kept marching on through the well described backdrop of Venice. It was such a pace that it was rather exhausting to read.

This is currently just 99 cents from Amazon for kindle book. Many bangs for the buck!

[Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

Again I loved the descriptions of Venice and the tantalising descriptions of the city’s cuisine and beverages, but on this occasion felt the storyline needed a bit more polishing prior to publication.

[Stephen the Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another dilemma and series of problems to solve for the Venetian honorary consul Nathan Sutherland this time linked to mayoral elections and hidden secret linked to WWI
The charm of the books is of course the location but also the fumbling nature of the ‘ hero’s’ attempts to resolve problems.
The darker side of Italian politics is explored- well actually global- the Machiavellian games played by those hungry for power
The characters get stronger as the series progresses
Great escapist reading
How do Nathan and Fede drink so much ?😊
Audio book

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another brilliant story set in Venice. This time Nathan is trying to help a Brit find his brother who is in poor health and is on a pilgrimage to Venice to find the grave of his grandfather. Set against the backdrop of the latest mayoral elections in the city - Nathan soon finds a link between the missing man and the upcoming elections.
I can't praise this series enough. There is so much to like. Engaging characters, interesting plots, flashes of humour and all set in one of the most fascinating cities. As ever I look forward in anticipation to the next installment.

[Val Wheeler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great addition to the Venetian series by Philip Gwynne Jones. My only worry is I'm coming towards the end of his published books in this series - only one more to go at the present time. I do hope they continue and really enjoying meeting up with all the characters and locations every time and they make me want to visit Venice (possibly apart from in the winter).

I'd also like to add what a great narrator Tim Bruce is and hope he continues to narrate his books. Philip is a very underrated author and really these should be top sellers.

[John Brooker / Kim Brooker · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have given the rest of the series 5 stars as I have loved them, but only 4 for this. This has the usual familiar and lovable characters and a range of believable new characters. The plot is intriguing and interesting and the dialogue flows.
However while the protagonist’s actions have always walked a tightrope of credulity, in this novel they slipped off the rope a couple of times.
Still enjoyed it, but less than previous ones.

[Eyejaybee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think that Nathan Sutherland, the United Kingdom’s Honorary Consul in Venice, and protagonist of Philip Gwynne Jones’s excellent series of novels set in ‘La Serenissima’, is one of the most engaging fictional characters I have encountered in recent years. However, the real star of these books is Gramsci, Nathan’s bad tempered and perpetually hungry cat (surly to bed, surly to rise).

In this latest and very welcome instalment, Nathan becomes embroiled in the run up to the election for the Mayor of Venice. An ageing British academic has gone missing early I January, and his concerned brother contacts Nathan in his role as Consul, after reports to the police and other authorities have failed to garner must response. The missing man had been investigating archives relating to the fate of his grandfather who have been based in Italy towards the end of the First World War. Nathan is surprised when he finds that several of the candidates for the mayoral election seem to be connected with the missing man, and as he struggles to investigate further, the mystery becomes denser still.

As always, Philip Gwynne Jones paints a highly appealing picture of Venice (even in the freezing depths of winter), and offers a feast of musical, artistic, and architectural delights on offer throughout the city. The plot is as sound as ever, and the characters seem robustly three dimensional and plausible.

My only regret about this book was that having awaited its publication so eagerly, I finished it too quickly, and now have to wait for the next one.

[Oundle Crime · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'd never read anything by this author before picking up this book, but I'll be looking for more in this series now. Nathan Sutherland, a freelance translator, is also the British Honorary Consul in Venice. As such he gets invited to some impressive events, and at a reception one evening meets two of the candidates running in Venice’s mayoral election. When Nathan is later asked to help locate a missing British tourist, who had been researching his grandfather’s fate during WW2, he travels to a remote Commonwealth war cemetery and discovers a body. Somehow it all links back to the electoral campaign and there’s a mystery to unravel. I thought this was a nice whodunnit - easy to read and quietly amusing in places, although not light-hearted. Maybe not quite as polished as a Donna Leon mystery, but very enjoyable and you do get a good sense of Venice. Characters are well-drawn and the mystery was interesting, although at its core it's a tale of greed, corruption and politics.
Review by Cornish Eskimo, Oundle Crime

[J.F. Duncan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like catching up with old friends after a time apart, heading back to Venice and wandering the streets with Nathan Sutherland and co is so reassuring. This book does everything you want it to do. You know there'll be mild jeopardy. Of course, Nathan will do something silly and then end up regretting it. As expected, there'll be so much eating and drinking involved you'll feel you've put on half a stone just reading about it all. And you'd only be disappointed if the cat didn't steal every scene he's in... But this series improves with every instalment and there's a confidence to the plotting and writing which makes this possibly the strongest outing yet for the familiar cast of characters. I can only wish for more, and sooner rather than later.

[Denise Hale · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is set just after the previous book, in January 2020. It's cold and grey in Venice with few tourists about and many shops are closed, it should be a quiet time from Nathan's diplomatic duties but an elderly English gentleman has not called his brother who is concerned for his wellbeing. Nathan agrees to check hospitals and see if he can locate where he was staying.
Although it's a quiet time for tourists Venetians are focused on the election for the city's new Mayor and Nathan has received an evening invitation to a soiree where he meets two of the candidates.
Once again Venice, food and his unfriendly cat feature heavily as Nathan slowly gathers the threads of the past and discovers why they have such an influence on the present.

[Moona · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Venetian Candidate by Philip Gwynne Jones is a gripping mystery set in Venice, a city battling both natural and man-made challenges. The plot intertwines the high-stakes mayoral election with the investigation of a missing British academic, which draws Nathan Sutherland into a web of political intrigue and historical secrets. As Nathan uncovers clues from a century-old war cemetery, the story seamlessly connects past events with present-day corruption and murder. With its richly detailed setting, complex characters, and layered plot, this novel offers a thrilling mix of mystery and political drama for readers who enjoy crime fiction set in Italy

[Emelle Gamble · Rating 4 out of 5]

quite a reflection on ALL politics

Smart, well researched, and did not leave me feeling quite as pleased at how our hero, British Honorary Counsel Nathan Sutherland, a common man in an uncommon job in one of the most magical, and beloved cities in the world, behaved. The as usual well-plotted story suffers from some very unconvincing sudden resolutions to very complex situations, and no one seems to react to huge swings in fortunes with anything but almost good natured acceptance. This feels like a book with a sequel already half written. Looking forward to book 8, and hoping for less neatly tied-up endings and more believable situations.

[Bob · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series just keeps getting better!

Philip Gwynne Jones strikes again. The plot and twists feeling more mature with each volume. I was actually in Venice during some of the period of this mystery as Mr. Shawcross was just poking around. I always love the terrific sense of place I get while reading a Nathan Sutherland mystery. I've even eaten in one of the restaurants mentioned. Finishing this one just in time for the next to be released in the USA. Pur me a Negroni or a Campari Spritz and let's go!

[Dolf Patijn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Three-and-a-half stars for this 7th book in the series. It was enjoyable but maybe I should not read two books in the series so close together as it felt a bit samey. Still good enough though. Again, this is a mystery that will appeal to people who prefer atmosphere and an interesting story over blood and gore and don't mind the fact that there is no edge-of-your-seat tension. The city of Venice always plays an important role in the books. If you haven't read any books in this series; read them in order.

[Corinne Johnston · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent glimpse into both Italian and Venetian politics, as well as the long long arm of war time actions. I particularly love these books when they are set in Winter, my first two visits to Venice being Januarys, so I feel I know that aching cold, the drizzling rain, the uselessness of umbrellas. The art the food the drinks are a heady enough mix but Philip Gwynne Jones adds cinema and history to the mix with wonderful results. Though I sometimes wonder how Nathan pays his rent and bar bill when he is constantly putting off his translation work.

[Marc Diepstraten · Rating 4 out of 5]

Venetian book no. 7 in the series. Same characters running around, this time an old WW I secret is threatening to upset an mayoral campaign if exposed. It again shows the Venetian life dealing with pollution, politics, overcrowding, tourism, the decline in native population due to rising prices. It however never becomes central in the book making it the more enjoyable so. I really like this series, but still don't like Fede. Recommended series.

[Elizabeth (Liz) Gaston · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent who done it with wonderful background of Venice. Great believable well rounded characters, well rounded plot, comfortable reading where you have an affinity for the players in this story. Really great read but I was slow to finish because I read the book in hardback so didn't take it with me. I'm used to kindle reading !!

[Eddie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The adventures of Nathan Sutherland are varied and interesting, his role in the embassy certainly leads him into a few scrapes but he manages to turn things round in the end.
Another super read and a very, very enjoyable book.

[pino mancini · Rating 5 out of 5]

thoroughly entertaining

I enjoyed this book immensely. It has a wonderful dry humour running through it from Nathan, The Honorary Consul of Venice.
A good story of mystery. I recommend it.

[Ray Hartjen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a fan of Jones and his Nathan Sutherland character. With Jones living in Venice, he brings the city to life, and the city, with all its history, churches, art, and more is really an integral character in all the books in the series.

A good read, particularly if you're familiar with Venice.

[J S · Rating 5 out of 5]

HIS BEST YET

An excellent read with Nathan Sutherland 's character developing a great series of deadpan one-liners. Lovely turns of phrase and repartee. I wonder if they work as well in Italian

[Pili · Rating 5 out of 5]

Una deliciosa experiencia de lectura, como siempre.

Esta entrega es una mirada más profunda a las consecuencias del gran turismo y al deseo de los padres venecianos de garantizar un futuro a las próximas generaciones... en su propia ciudad.

[Dominika · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another decent Venetian adventure.

[Pat Stearman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Liked this a lot - have added the previous ones to my Want to read list!

[Monique Corbeil · Rating 5 out of 5]

As usual this book is a fantastic reading. Slow pace at the beginning but after the 4th chapter, you're into the action. Less humor than the last one but a solid intrigue. Just again a great book.

[John Bleasdale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such great company and such an entertaining thriller.

[JS · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always, excellent fun alongside a plot that keep you working a bit.

[Ruth Armstrong · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not my kind of book. Good plot but too much dialogue for me.

[Gill · Rating 3 out of 5]

interesting mix of historical background and mystery with a Venetian backdrop. I enjoyed the setting and characters.