Having read this book after a recent visit to Venice, the narration and description really brings the city and its people to life. The story is twisting, and the mystery one that I didn't see coming. I loved the characters – Arnold Glover is brilliant, and his Venitian colleague is hilarious. Hewson has made even insufferable 'bad guys' feel rounded and real. Looking forward to Book 2!

This was an interesting read. I loved the historical atmosphere depicted in the book. The way the story was told was really engaging and I loved the drama and how it was integrated into the story.
I'd recommend this to anyone who enjoys historical fiction with political intrigue.
Thanks to NetGalley for the chance to read this in exchange for an honest review.
#TheMediciMurders #NetGalley

The Medici Murders is an entertaining romp through the squares, alleyways and cloisters of Venice, as a retired English archivist teams up with a Capitano of the local Carabinieri to solve a mystery with historical undercurrents in the city's past.

Via a well-constructed dual timeline, a fascinating story emerges. Pop-History documentary presenter Sir Marmaduke "Duke" Godolphin has been found dead in the Rio de San Tomà canal, having apparently met with an unknown assailant on the Ponte San Tomà the previous evening. It's Carnivale in Venice, and Godolphin is found dressed, perhaps appropriately, in the garb of a Renaissance Doge (Duke) of Venice.

Carabinieri Capitano Valentina Fabbri has summoned English retired archivist Arnold Clover to her offices on Campo San Zaccaria, to provide assistance with the case. Clover had known the deceased, initially from a distance during his own university days at Cambridge, where Godolphin had once been a somewhat notorious history professor, and more personally over the preceeding week in Venice. Clover and his Venetian friend - and fellow archivist - Luca Volpetti had been engaged by Godolphin to conduct a search of a cache of recently-discovered documents, in which Godolphin hopes to find two letters implicating Renaissance artist Michelangelo in two 16th century murders. The bridge where "Duke" met his death in the early hours is none other than the location of the notorious murder, on 26th February 1548, of Lorenzino de' Medici by two hired thugs.

As Capitano Fabbri probes, Clover gradually relates his observations of Godolphin, the "gilded circle" of former acolytes and more recent hangers-on who have accompanied him to Venice and the various jealousies, resentments and potential motives that exist amongst the members of the group. Woven amidst the personal drama are the emerging details of the fascinating assignment that Clover and Volpetti had embarked upon at Godolphin's behest. Will Clover's efforts to shed light on a 470-year-0ld mystery assist Fabbri to solve this recent suspicious death?

I have enjoyed David Hewson's writing immensely in the past, and The Medici Murders reinforced this impression. This book was a particular delight for me to read given that I visited Venice for the first time myself almost five years ago. Hewson's evocation of the sights, sounds and smells of the canal city are extraordinary vivid and I especially enjoyed the frequent coffee, meal, drink and snack breaks the characters take, during which they explore many quintessential Venetian culinary delights. Hewson shows a real understanding and affection for the city and the setting is perfectly integrated with the plot.

I'd highly recommend The Medici Murders to any reader who enjoys well-plotted and atmospheric mysteries. This book will particularly appeal to lovers of Venice and those with an interest in Renaissance art and history. I see that the subtitle "A Venetian Mystery" is attached to some editions of the book, and hope that this might indicate the start of a new series featuring Fabbri and/or Clover - a series I'd be very keen to keep reading!

My thanks to the author, David Hewson, publisher Severn House, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this compelling title.

Courtesy of Severn House and Netgalley, I received the ARC of The Medici Murders by David Hewson. This blended murder mystery novel with both contemporary and historical eras provided a fascinating visit to Venice! The landmarks were descriptive and familiar, the food and wine descriptions tantalizing! The parallel stories were intriguing, like a story within a story, filled with emotion and tension, twists and turns, drama and revelations...well done!

Not read a David Hewson book for quite a while but was soon reminded why I like this author.
Loved the storyline which was a combination of a history lesson mixed with mystery and suspense.
I’ve always wanted to visit Venice and this book certainly raised my interest. Loved the descriptions of the city with its many hidden gems such as cheaper coffee shops,etc.
Clever twist towards the end.

This is one of the most intriguing and gripping mystery I read this year. A fascinating mix of historical fact and fiction, a cast of characters including a villain/victim I would have throttle myself.
I was fascinated by the research as the author did a lot of reaserch in Venice about places/history/museums and the nearly forgotten stories about Alessandro il Moro and Lorenzaccio.
It would be easy to compare this mystery to Donna De Leon but I think that the only common element is Venice, each author delivers a story set in Venice but with a different way of looking at the town and its ihnabitants.
The cast of characters is intriguing, they share a common past but also a lot of hate and traumas.
Arnold is a great, well rounded, and relatable character, I like him and I want to read more about him.
It was a gripping, compelling, and entertaining read and I can't wait to read the next book in this series.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine

The research for this novel has to have been fun! Hewson immerses us in 21st century Venice as his detective investigates a contemporary death with links back to a murder in the mid 1500's. The death of Lorenzino de' Medici is planned as the subject of a documentary television program, and the flamboyant t.v. host believes he has uncovered shocking evidence linking Michelangelo to the murder. The historical investigation by a pair of archivists runs in parallel with the contemporary criminal investigation, with surprising results.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

An enjoyable murder mystery in the city of Venice. The story transported me to the streets of Venice, its history and culture. The plot is intriguing with twists that kept me engaged to a satisfying and solid ending.

ARC was provided by NetGalley and Severn House in exchange for an honest review.

‘Remember, always, that in Italian story means both ‘history’ and ‘story’. The gap between truth and fable is slender, sometimes barely visible at all.’

I enjoy David Hewson’s writing, the clarity and precision of his prose, well-constructed plots, and the meticulous research such that his are steeped in local colour, you can hear and smell Hewson’s Italy. In THE MEDICI MURDERS Hewson returns to Venice, the setting of LIZARD’S BITE, one of his Nic Costa mysteries, and his standalone, THE SHOOTER IN THE SHADOWS. His new novel is unlike either of those books, but just as readable.

THE MEDICI MURDERS is narrated by Arnold Clover, a retired archivist who had planned to retire to Venice with his late wife but now lives there alone. Clover is unexpectedly recruited by Carabinieri Inspector, Valentina Fabbri who claims that Arnold can help her solve the murder of famed British TV Historian, Marmaduke Godolphin, ‘The Duke’ having employed Clover as a researcher for a proposed documentary series planned to reveal the ‘shocking’ truth about the 16th Century murders of two members of the Medici family. As Arnold recounts the events leading up to the discovery of Godolphin’s body in a Venice canal, we are introduced to the members of The Gilded Circle, former students of The Duke, a university group the younger Clover envied, wishing he was a member. We also meet Godolphin’s wife and son, and various characters, whose livelihoods, in publishing and television, are intertwined with Godolphin’s.

Hewson has great fun with the history, both real and speculative, and mocking Godolphin, in whom we can see many TV historians who rarely let facts overpower salacious conjecture. The mystery is intriguing, full of red herrings and with a full cast of suspects and a satisfying conclusion. It is perhaps a little less realistic, not as gritty as the Costa novels, but no less entertaining for that. But the novel’s greatest strength is its evocation of Venice, the sights and sounds and smells. It really made me want to return to this unique city.

I received a complimentary ARC copy of The Medici Murders, The Venetian Murders #1 by David Hewson from NetGalley and Severn House in order to read and give an honest review.

” … Hewson’s writing is brilliant, his descriptions of Venice are rich and atmospheric, his prose beautiful, his cast of characters authentic, it has an intelligent complex plot that seamlessly blends historical fiction and fact …”

Recently widowed and retired archivist Arnold Clover keeps his recently deceased wife’s wishes to move to Venice. When his friend Luca entices him to assist with a freelance job for famed television historian Marmaduke Godolphin (Duke) his leisurely retirement becomes more than he bargained for. Arnold remembers Godolphin who once a renowned academic of his alma mater traded his ethics for the spotlight. Brash and Duke and his entourage, also known as the Gilded Circle from back in the day descend on Venice to solve of a historical mystery that Duke hopes will reinvigorate his fledging career. A mysterious benefactor has bequeathed documents that contain the secret, but nothing is as it seems. The Gilded circle consists of some of Arnold’s former classmates making it a reunion of sorts.
When the body of Godolphin is found floating in a Venice canal, the retired archivist is asked to assist the Carabinieri to offer a concise view of what happened. At the police station Capitano Valentina Fabbri questions Arnold for hours using his version as the truth to measure against the multiple suspects. The story unfolds as Arnold tells his version of events to Capitano Fabbri.

This book is somewhat difficult to review, there was so much to love about this book. Hewson’s writing is brilliant, his descriptions of Venice are rich and atmospheric, his prose beautiful, his cast of characters authentic, it has an intelligent complex plot that seamlessly blends historical fiction and fact. My one complaint is that it was marred by almost too much historical detail that could have been toned down a bit. You can tell the author is passionate about history and the book is thoroughly researched but it I almost abandoned it in the beginning as it moved too slowly for me, but I am glad I did not it turned out to be an intriguing mystery with a twist at the end that makes it worth the read. I will definitely read any further books in the series, and I recommend it to lovers of classic whodunits with a historical bend.

Venice is a city full of secrets. For hundreds of years it has been the scene of scandal, intrigue and murderous rivalries. And it remains so today. 1548, Lorenzino de Medici, himself a murderer and a man few will miss, is assassinated by two hired killers. Today, Marmaduke Godolphin, British TV historian and a man even fewer will miss, is stabbed by a stiletto blade on the exact same spot, his body dropping into the canal. Capitano Valentina Fabbri of the Carabinieri think the two murders could be linked so she recruits retired archivist Arnold Clover to unpick the mystery and to help solve the case. But the conspiracy against Godolphin runs deeper than anyone imagined.
What a wealth of research! A very well written book which took me a while to read as I kept getting bogged down in the history, going to look things up, thank goodness for Google & Wikipedia & then reading something else whilst the knowledge gelled. I really liked Arthur & hope there are more stories to follow. I disliked all of the Duke’s group. The book kept my interest & the climax of the book was riveting as the author kept throwing in something unexpected. I loved the descriptions of Venice, which were very vivid. An interesting mystery with tons of history
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

A treat!

A twisted tale of murder, at once engaging and satisfying. Arnold Clover, a retired archivist has retreated to Venice to live out his retirement surrounded by the places he and his wife loved. Except his wife died just as they were about to embark on a new order of life. Still Arnold came, and is now ensconced in Venice.
Captaino Valentina Fabbri of the Venetian Carbonierri has a corpse on her hands, not just any corpse but an English lord, or rather knight, Sir Marmaduke.
Arnold had been offered a contract position, along with his friend Luca Volpetti, by the aging historian eager to startle the world with a theory about the assassination of Lorenzo de’Medici and the involvement of Michaelengelo for a populous history program.
The historian is Marmaduke Godolphin, a man he’d known in his early days at Cambridge. A man surrounded by those referred to as the Guilded Circle, who joined Godolphin as more like a family, though in reality anachronistic and rebellious satellites. A man who has been most foully murdered.
As Arnold and Valentina retrace the footsteps and mindset of those in Venice with Godolphin the antics of the Guilded Circle come under scrutiny. Who has the most to gain? Tantalising clues of jealousy, greed and vengeance are looked at.
I drooled over the food, was envious of Arnold’s acquaintance on a daily basis with all Venice has to offer, and wanted to join him quietly living the dream!
An exciting new series by Hewson that I’m already hooked on.

A Severn House ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.

I was draw to this book for the fact The Medici's, Italy and the history of the Medici period of time has always been of interest to me and I find it rather intriguing. So this story based in present times but with a connection to the past made me want to read it.

And although the story and concept is good I did find it a bit monotonous I think as there was far too much information in it. But it was well set up and the characters are great. The research was well done and the descriptions were good (just too much) so it did draw you into the story.

And it was certainly worth reading as the ending brought with it a twist and a turn and was not what I had expected. All in all a good book and I did enjoy it for the most part.

A superb read that I thoroughly enjoyed. The blend of history and mystery makes this an absolute winner for me. Richly atmospheric with enough detail to keep you intrigued but not so much that you get a sense of information dumping. Good pace of novel and hugely enjoyable to read.

I would like to thank Netgalley and Severn House Publishers for an advance copy of The Medici Murders, the first novel set in Venice to feature retired archivist Arnold Clover.

Famed TV historian Marmaduke Godolphin is in Venice to uncover new information and reveal a controversial theory about the murder of Lorenzo de Medici in 1548. He doesn’t get that far when he is murdered in the same area as de Medici. Are they linked in some way? The Carabinieri as Arnold Clover to help them sort through the nuances.

I enjoyed The Medici Murders, which is as much a stroll through Venice and its history as it is a murder investigation. I like the format which switches from the present to the past few days before Duke’s death and reaches further back to the 16th century to provide context. It starts with Arnold meeting Capitano Valentina Fabbri and her asking him to relate the events of the past few days as Arnold was working for Duke. He builds a picture of a bullying, driven Duke and his coterie of “friends” and family, the same people he taught at university four decades ago and whom Arnold knows from then. He paints a picture of hatred and resentment in the group and peppers his story with the murder of Lorenzo de Medici and the politics surrounding it.

I was interested in the group dynamic surrounding Duke, but got a little lost in all the history. In fact, I feel that the history smothers the murder investigation at some points in the novel and that’s a shame as they are so dysfunctional I would have liked to see a bit more of it or have it explored in a bit more depth. As it stands the suspects are rather one dimensional, defined by their relationship with Duke.

The ending is the best part of the novel with the author adding twist after twist. Just when the reader thinks it’s all resolved he throws in another curveball. It’s clever and well done.

The Medici Murders is a good read that I can recommend.

I've come to know David Hewson as an author who seamlessly weaves historical facts with an interesting amount of fiction. The Medici Murders is no exception.
The body of a well-known television personality is found dead in Venice, and retired archivist Arnold Clover has to spend a long, long day in the company of the local Carabinieri because it seems he's the only person with a clear view on what (could have) happened.
At times, the writing is a bit tedious because there is so much history involved, but there is enough action to stay focused. It took me longer than I thought to finish because I wanted to read more about the background of the story so I spent a lot of time on Wikipedia and other sites to read up to better understand what happened.
I enjoyed it a lot, especially because I didn't see the twist at the end coming!

Arnold Clover spent his working life researching historical documents. Married to Eleanor an archivist. Working in Kew, living in Wimbledon. When they are about to retire, they sell their London house and move to a one bed apartment in Venice. Plenty of history to research. Unfortunately Eleanor died suddenly and Arnold finds himself alone in Venice.
When Arnold was at Cambridge University there were well to do students known as the Gilded Circle. Headed by tutor Marmaduke Godolphin, his wife Felicity, students Caroline, Bernard and George ( who goes into Publishing ).
Today it is now sir Marmaduke and he has had a sparkling TV career. He is a bully, a braggat and a womaniser. He brings his Gilded Circle to Venice, along with a young American woman who works for an American TV station. Godolphin says he has evidence of a surprising famous person involved in the murder of one of the Florence Medici clan from the 16th century.
Arnold and his friend Luca have been commissioned by sir Marmaduke to sift through historical documents from a benefactor called Wolff to prove his claim.
When Godolphin is found murdered in one of the canals, Arnold finds himself ordered by Valentina Fabbri, the female police chief, to help unmask the killer. As it's Carnival time in Venice this is appropriate.!
A very well researched and informative book. Well written and keeps your interest throughout. Captures the mystery, the changing weather of a cold winter in Venice. It's awhile since I last read anything by this author, but I've definitely been missing out. Recommended.

Can an archivist solve a murder? That's the question for Arnold Clover, newly living in Venice when the obnoxious Marmaduke Gandolfin is killed. Arnold, who recently lost his wife, walks the Venetian police, who wants answers asap, through Gandolfin's theories about the Medicis and Michaelangelo. There's good atmospherics and meticulously researched history here (although it somewhat overwhelms the mystery). Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. A good read.

All Arnold wants is to enjoy his retirement in Venice but the Capitano has different ideas as she needs your help to solve a murder. Valentina Fabbri is a hard woman to please and she needs him to help her understand who wanted Marmaduke Godoplhin dead. He needs to start at the beginning of the strange events that have taken place.
Arnold and a fellow archivist Luca have been hired by Duke Godolphin to solve the mystery of the Medici murders as he has found paperwork that we help them. Arnold wonders if the Gilded Circle with follow the Duke to Venice? He knows the members and he is certain that all played a part in what is about to happen.
What him & Luca find proves to be useless as someone conned the Duke into believing all their clues and now it doesn't matter as someone took matters into their own hands.
Will Arnold & Valentina be able to find the killer as they have a few to question about what really happened. They find a few surprises and the truth shocks them all.
Where will this leave Arnold now?
A great read full of twists & turns. Arnold had a huge weight to carry after Eleanor's death and what promise she asked him to carry out.
Thank you Netgalley & the publisher for the ARC copy. This is my voluntary review. Always enjoy David's books.

As a long time fan of David Hewson, especially his Nic Costa series also set in Italy, I was really looking forward to reading this, Unfortunately this seemed to me that despite the wonderful setting of Venice and his descriptions that make you feel you are there. There was something missing with this book. It had a great start and was setting up the scene and introducing the characters, But then got lost in the history,

It felt to me as though he has done one hell of a lot of research, (an admirable quality), but then tried to write everything he had found out and forgot about the plot, When you do finally find out what happened it is a bit of an anti climax.

I am sure that many people will love this and I might on a different day. But on this reading it wasn;t for me Having said that I did actually get to the end.