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Philip Gwynne Jones
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The Venetian Game: a haunting thriller set in the heart of Italy's most secretive city (Venice Book 1) Kindle Edition

by Philip Gwynne Jones (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.0 out of 5 stars 2,291 ratings

'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

*****

A game of cross and double-cross in Venice, one of the most beautiful cities on earth.

From his office on the Street of the Assassins, Nathan Sutherland enjoys a steady but unexciting life translating Italian DIY manuals. All this changes dramatically when he is offered a large sum of money to look after a small package containing an extremely valuable antique prayer book illustrated by a Venetian master. But is it a stolen masterpiece - or a brilliant fake?

Unknown to Nathan, from a vast mansion on the Grand Canal twin brothers Domenico and Arcangelo Moro, motivated by nothing more than mutual hatred, have been playing out a complex game of art theft for twenty years. And now Nathan finds himself unwittingly drawn into their deadly business . . .

*****

Praise for Philip Gwynne Jones

'I devoured all Philip's novels and felt transported to Venice with a new intimacy' Val McDermid

'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*****

*****

Vengeance in Venice, the second book in Philip Gwynne Jones' sensational Venice series, is available now

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  1. Book 1 of 8
    Venice
  2. Print length
    320 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publisher
    Constable
  5. Publication date
    March 2, 2017
  6. File size
    1.2 MB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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Editorial Reviews

Review

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

...a playful novel, recounted by a witty and engaging narrator ... as Venetian as a painting by Bellini (or a glass of Bellini). Oh, and it's also an unputdownable thriller―Gregory Dowling, author of Ascension

A crime book for people with sophisticated tastes: Venice, opera, renaissance art, good food and wine... I enjoyed all that and more―The Crime Warp

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

From the Back Cover

A game of cross and double-cross in Venice, one of the most beautiful cities on earth.

From his office on the Street of the Assassins, Nathan Sutherland enjoys a steady but unexciting life translating Italian DIY manuals. All this changes dramatically when he is offered a large sum of money to look after a small package containing an extremely valuable antique prayer book illustrated by a Venetian master. But is it a stolen masterpiece - or a brilliant fake?

Unknown to Nathan, from a vast mansion on the Grand Canal twin brothers Domenico and Arcangelo Moro, motivated by nothing more than mutual hatred, have been playing out a complex game of art theft for twenty years. And now Nathan finds himself unwittingly drawn into their deadly business . . .

'Sinister and shimmering' L S Hilton

'The Venetian setting is vividly described... good, fluid writing makes for easy reading' Literary Review

'Makes you want to book a flight to Venice' N J Cooper

'Gorgeous escapism with stacks of atmosphere' Saga magazine

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B07FMHPKKM
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Constable (March 2, 2017)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ March 2, 2017
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1.2 MB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 320 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.0 out of 5 stars 2,291 ratings

About the author

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Philip Gwynne Jones

Philip Gwynne Jones

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Philip Gwynne Jones was born in South Wales in 1966, and has since lived in Holland, Germany and Scotland. He first came to Italy in 1994, when he spent some time working for the European Space Agency in Frascati, a job that proved to be less exciting than he had imagined.

He spent twenty years in the IT industry before realising he was congenitally unsuited to it, and now works as a teacher, writer and translator. He lives in Venice with his wife Caroline.

He is the author of the Nathan Sutherland series, set in contemporary Venice, and his books have been translated into Italian, German and Bulgarian. The fifth book in the series, "The Venetian Legacy" will follow in April 2021. His travelogue, "To Venice With Love" is now available.

He enjoys cooking, art, classical music and opera; and can occasionally be seen and heard singing bass with the Cantori Veneziani.

Philip is published by Constable, and be contacted at https://philipgwynnejones.com/

Customer reviews

4 out of 5 stars
2,291 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this book to be a compelling mystery with well-developed characters and a lovely setting in Venice. The narrative style receives positive feedback, with one customer noting the author's descriptive approach to locations. Customers describe it as a thoroughly enjoyable read.

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13 customers mention "Story quality"11 positive2 negative

Customers enjoy the story quality of the book, describing it as a compelling mystery with a fast-paced narrative.

"...There is a good mystery, nefarious characters, and a likeable protagonist that lead you on a journey all around Venice and the surrounding areas...." Read more

"I really enjoyed this book. It starts off with a normal life at first. If you can call living in Venice normal. Then the fun starts...." Read more

"...all the characters, but I especially like the fact that the stories are set in modern, 21st century Venice...." Read more

"...Grazie Mille for wonderful reads." Read more

8 customers mention "Character development"8 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the well-developed characters in the book.

"...There is a good mystery, nefarious characters, and a likeable protagonist that lead you on a journey all around Venice and the surrounding areas...." Read more

"...I did not see the ending coming either. The characters are well written and the author is very descriptive. Plus I loved the cat!..." Read more

"...I love the dialogue and all the characters, but I especially like the fact that the stories are set in modern, 21st century Venice...." Read more

"I liked the main characters and information about Venice that’s woven into this story...." Read more

6 customers mention "Venice setting"6 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the lovely setting in Venice, with one customer particularly appreciating the different view of Venetian life.

"...There is even an excursion to the beautiful city of Florence. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and highly recommend it to the "Veneziano" in you." Read more

"...I especially like the fact that the stories are set in modern, 21st century Venice...." Read more

"Loved this different view of Venetian life since finishing for the second time 33 views of the same city by Donna Leon!..." Read more

"...The atmosphere of Venice is the perfect background and the characters so well developed that you find them coming off the page to join you in your..." Read more

5 customers mention "Enjoyment"5 positive0 negative

Customers find the book thoroughly enjoyable.

"I really enjoyed this book. It starts off with a normal life at first. If you can call living in Venice normal. Then the fun starts...." Read more

"...Thoroughly enjoyable read to recommend to anyone and looking forward to reading the rest of the series!" Read more

"This book was so good that I am crossing my fingers -- and my toes -- that Mr. Jones will write a sequel!" Read more

"A Delightful Book!..." Read more

5 customers mention "Narrative style"5 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the narrative style of the book, with one customer noting the author's vivid descriptions of locations and another highlighting the engaging dialogue.

"...I lived in this incredible city in the late 1980's, and this book took me right back there, with the same neighborhoods, restaurants, and bars that..." Read more

"...The characters are well written and the author is very descriptive. Plus I loved the cat! I can't wait to read the other books!" Read more

"...I love the dialogue and all the characters, but I especially like the fact that the stories are set in modern, 21st century Venice...." Read more

"...The Venetian Game has a good sense of place and even leaves the canals sometimes to get out to Mestre (where I've enjoyed a few visits) while still..." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • M. Dalbey
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Delightful Book!
    Reviewed in the United States on April 13, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    If you have ever had the pleasure of visiting Venice, or had the good fortune to actually live there, then this book is for you. I lived in this incredible city in the late 1980's, and this book took me right back there, with the same neighborhoods, restaurants, and bars that I experienced. There is a good mystery, nefarious characters, and a likeable protagonist that lead you on a journey all around Venice and the surrounding areas. There is even an excursion to the beautiful city of Florence. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and highly recommend it to the "Veneziano" in you.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Jodi Bennett
    4.0 out of 5 stars Great read and loved the location!
    Reviewed in the United States on September 6, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    I really enjoyed this book. It starts off with a normal life at first. If you can call living in Venice normal. Then the fun starts. I love how descriptive the author is with his locations. I felt like I was right there along side him. I did not see the ending coming either. The characters are well written and the author is very descriptive. Plus I loved the cat! I can't wait to read the other books!
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Mia
    3.0 out of 5 stars Intriguing
    Reviewed in the United States on March 23, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    I found the story to be very slow and tedious but persevered and it was worth it. I found that half way through the story I could not put the book down. I would recommend this book but advise if its a bit slow persevere it will be worth it
    3 people found this helpful
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  • SaraM
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great mystery story plus 'guidebook' to modern Venice
    Reviewed in the United States on April 12, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    I found the Venetian Mystery series of Philip Gwynne Jones while planning a trip to Venice for June 2022. I have read all five books in the series and cannot wait to read no. 6 (due in the USA July 2022, set in Nov. 2019 just after the Aqua Granda). I love the dialogue and all the characters, but I especially like the fact that the stories are set in modern, 21st century Venice. I plan to visit many of the places and restaurants where Nathan, Federica and Dario go in Books 1-4 (they do exist!) as a way to explore parts of Venice that are far away from Piazza San Marco and its hoards of tourists. Read the books and plan a trip! Life is short!
    2 people found this helpful
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  • CC
    4.0 out of 5 stars Entertaining Travel Mystery
    Reviewed in the United States on September 2, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    I liked the main characters and information about Venice that’s woven into this story. There’s a map at the front of the book that’s helpful, but not very thorough. I found myself looking up places on-line for better maps, etc. Even though I found the story a little slow moving and just so-so in its excitement level, I did enjoy the book. I love Venice and reading this book is a little like being there again!
    One person found this helpful
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  • Don D
    5.0 out of 5 stars Thank you, Venice lover!
    Reviewed in the United States on July 31, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Loved this different view of Venetian life since finishing for the second time 33 views of the same city by Donna Leon! Love you both and both so different even if Prosecco and polluted waters and mayhem reside in both writers’ tomes. Have just ordered the complete works of Signore Jones, with anticipation for diving into the polluted crimes of the bad boys and girls of Venice. Grazie Mille for wonderful reads.
    Helpful
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  • R. Sullivan
    4.0 out of 5 stars Pretty fun and I look forward to the others in the series.
    Reviewed in the United States on April 24, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    I wanted something other than Donna Leon dealing with Venice and came across this author. The Venetian Game has a good sense of place and even leaves the canals sometimes to get out to Mestre (where I've enjoyed a few visits) while still giving the "why would you bother" feeling. I liked all the characters, both good and evil. The author is a transplant and I also want to read his nonfiction account of that move.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Amy S. Cornell
    5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful start to a great series
    Reviewed in the United States on September 20, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    This book is both comfortable and new, familiar and novel. The atmosphere of Venice is the perfect background and the characters so well developed that you find them coming off the page to join you in your living room. Thoroughly enjoyable read to recommend to anyone and looking forward to reading the rest of the series!
    Helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • PJS
    3.0 out of 5 stars Venice folly
    Reviewed in Australia on October 30, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Struggled to get into this one, more “unpickupable” than “unputdownable”. Moody atmosphere and a mystery that was probably well written.
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  • mystery reader
    4.0 out of 5 stars An excellent novel
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 5, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    I bought this kindle book because it was based in Venice. I have visited Venice 3 or 4 times and am probably not likely to get there again so I thought it would be good to read the story. It certainly describes Venice well but also draws you in to the 'Game.' It is clever and made me look up the paintings that are mentioned. The main character although he puts himself down is very interesting and has a number of friends.
    I will certainly read the next books.
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  • Circlestones Books Blog
    5.0 out of 5 stars Interesting, enjoyable read
    Reviewed in Germany on March 6, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    “What to do? I could either put it in the safe and forget about it, or I could open it up. Was I really going to do that?” (Quotation pos. 399)

    Content:
    Nathan Sutherland is the British Honorary Consul in Venice, but as the title “honorary” says, the position is only honorary and he earns his money as translator, mostly of technical manuals. Usually, as honorary consul he has to deal with British tourists in emergency, such as lost passports, but also just asking for advices about sightseeing and restaurants. But one day a man, Mr. Montgomery, comes to his office, hands him over an envelope and asks him to keep locked into the safe for a few days, until he will be back to get it. Although he is offered ten thousand euros and told, that such services had never been a problem with his predecessor, Nathan refuses to take the package. Nevertheless, the next day the package is left at the Accademia, labelled Nathan Sutherland, British Consulate. So begins a deadly game about an antique book, an invaluable masterpiece or a brilliant forgery.

    Theme and genre
    This thriller, situated in Venice, is the first book of the Nathan Sutherland Series. Themes are art and art forgery, tourism, everyday life in Venice and Italy, friendship.

    Characters
    All characters are different, very well developed. They are interesting and their behavior is believable and plausible.

    Plot and writing
    Nathan Sutherland as first person narrator tells the story. A tight timeline and unforeseeable events make it exciting and the wider art theme makes it interesting too. The intense and vivid descriptions of Venice with all its almost unknown, to tourists hidden places, and Italian Lifestyle makes the story a gem for everybody who loves this famous city with all its different shades.

    Conclusion
    The first book of a series about Nathan Sutherland, the British honorary consul in Venice. A thrilling, enjoyable read, showing the famous architecture, the well-known churches, bridges, palazzi and places, as well as the hidden beauty and shades of the gorgeous, dazzling town Venice. Perfect, not only for Venice-aficionados.
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  • Claudio
    4.0 out of 5 stars Venezia e thriller
    Reviewed in Italy on January 31, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    Un thriller decisamente particolare che affascina e trascina per le calli. Fa ricordare la bellezza di Venezia ed il suo magico caligo
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  • antigone
    1.0 out of 5 stars Langweilig
    Reviewed in Germany on October 9, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    Klingt toll. So wie eine Alternative zu Donna Leon. Ist aber gähnend langweilig. Und es ist eine Kunst, alle Hauptakteure inklusive Kater total unsympathisch wirken zu lassen. Es wird auch noch mehr Alkohol getrunken als bei Brunetti.
    Report

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