''I devoured all Philip''s novels and felt transported to Venice with a new intimacy'' Val McDermid__________________________________________Set 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.Venice, June 2020. The city has returned to the Venetians during a merciful pause in the Covid pandemic, and few overseas visitors are to be seen. Yet Dominic Vicari, a British private investigator haunted by loss, has travelled across Europe to the tiny island of San Francesco del Deserto. The ancient monastery there, it is said, was founded by St Francis himself in the 13th century. Its population now consists of five Franciscan brothers and three pilgrims on retreat. Or, rather, two pilgrims and a dead man.Nathan Sutherland is called in when Vicari''s broken body is found at the base of the campanile, his death seemingly nothing more than a terrible accident. But Nathan isn''t so sure and sets out on an investigation that will reunite him with an old friend and an old adversary, and the discovery of a terrible secret hidden at the heart of the lagoon.__________________________________________Praise for Philip Gwynne Jones''An irresistible concoction of crime and culture''Daily Mail''Gwynne Jones'' entertaining take on his beloved Venice is as delightful as a Spritz by the Rialto - a must for all Italy lovers'' David Hewson''Clever and great fun''The Times''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''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'' Reader review, 5 stars''The lively, colourful narrative scuds along as briskly as a water taxi...you''ll enjoy the ride''Italia Magazine