Vengeance in Venice – Philip Gwynne Jones

“And difficult questions to think of. And when I’ve done that, I’ll try and think who to ask them of.” (Quotation page 135)

Content

The Venice Biennale of contemporary art always means work for Nathan Sutherland, the British honorary consul in Venice. Many translations but also invitations. Today he is invited to the vernissage in the British pavilion. For the work of Paul Considine, glass artist, the Pavilion had been changed into one large, single room, filled with gigantic glass constructions, glass staircases, floors, the gallery, glass everywhere. After the opening, Nathan leaves for the French pavilion, but a sudden noise, a crash followed by screaming, send him hurrying back to the British pavilion. The safety barrier has broken and Gorden Blake-Hayt, famous art critic, is dead. This is just the beginning of a series of art postcards with deadly messages and even though every trace leads to the glass artist, Nathan is not convinced.

Theme and Genre

This thriller, set in Venice, is book two of the Nathan Sutherland series and the main topics are art and the Venice Biennale.

Characters

This time, Nathan Sutherland risks his position as the British honorary consul, neglecting the order of the British ambassador in Rome to not get involved again into crime scenes and under suspicion, followed by negative publicity. Nathan just cannot stop himself and has to do everything to solve the mystery.

Plot and Writing

The events take place in beautiful Venice during the opening period of the famous art Biennale. The plot and the characters are well developed and believable and there are many unforeseeable twists and action to sum up to an exciting, enjoyable read.

Conclusion

A gripping story, together with interesting information about modern art and die famous Biennale of Venezia, combined with vivid descriptions of well known and also hidden places in beautiful Venice and the Italian lifestyle.