Philip Gwynne Jones

'The read of the summer . . . the richness of a beautiful setting and well-crafted storytelling' Aspects of CrimeSet against the backdrop of the most beautiful city on earth, this is a gripping and atmospheric crime novel perfect for fans of Donna Leon and Andrea Camilleri. __________________________________________The city of Venice is alive with celebrations for Redentore, the most spectacular festival of the year. The streets are lined with revellers eating and drinking, and boats travel along the canals into the bacino of San Marco in anticipation of the firework display. It's going to be a night to remember, and all the more so for Nathan Sutherland and his wife Federica, who have been invited to an exclusive party in the company of the British Ambassador. The festivities take a turn, however, when Nathan suddenly finds himself struggling for breath and is rushed to hospital. Tests show he has all the symptoms of aconite poisoning, a toxin derived from the deadly wolfsbane plant. An unfortunate accident? Or a deliberate attempt to poison him? As Nathan investigates, he discovers many guests might just have had a motive for murder . . . Praise for Philip Gwynne Jones'I devoured all Philip's novels and felt transported to Venice with a new intimacy' Val McDermid'An irresistible concoction of crime and culture' Daily Mail'As delightful as a Spritz by the Rialto - a must for all Italy lovers' David Hewson'Clever and great fun' The Times'The lively, colourful narrative scuds along as briskly as a water taxi...you'll enjoy the ride' Italia Magazine'Sinister and shimmering . . . as haunting and darkly elegant as Venice itself' L.S. Hilton

''Truly evocative'' Financial Times''If this book is not popular with fans of The White Lotus, something is definitely awry . . . [a] sumptuously set mystery'' Daily Mirror------------An island of myth, legend . . . and murder?As the summer sun beats down on the ancient town of Acitrezza, a folk festival plays out in the picturesque harbour. Music, laughter and the aroma of local delicacies fill the air, and a traditional pantomime draws a crowd.For rookie journalist Nedda Leonardi, it''s just another day''s reporting in a calendar of unremarkable events. Until that is, the performers dive in the sparkling Ionian Sea for their finale... and emerge with a corpse. Could this be Nedda''s big break?After one trick too many, Calogero Maugeri, self-styled Magus and con artist, is a wanted man. But his attempts to clean up his act and keep a low profile are thwarted when it''s revealed he has a suspicious connection to the dead man pulled from the sea.A young reporter keen for a scoop and a reformed swindler desperate to clear his name... can this improbable pair solve the most unusual of murders?