A Death in Venice is the 17th Lady Eleanor Swift mystery and I am still very much enjoying her exploits. As the title suggests, Eleanor, her butler Clifford and her four ladies are in Venice for a holiday. Of course she goes nowhere without Gladstone, her bulldog and their cat, Tompkins. They plan on attending Carnival and she has been invited to the Countess' party. While touring and going on a gondola ride, they witness the killing of a local politician, Councillor Benetto Vendelini. Is this a murder to try and start up the feud between two of the great families of Venice? As more murders occur and Eleanor seeming to be stalked, they get involved in the investigation to find the killer.

A Death in Venice has a bit of a Romeo and Juliet vibe happening. There is a missing artifact that is needed to be found in order to stop a centuries old feud from being reignited. There is a young couple who are in love, but someone is trying to stop them from getting married. There are murders, stalking, stolen purses, rooms being ransacked and a kidnapping all wrapped up in an entertaining historical cozy mystery. I learned a lot about gondoliers, gondolas and how Venice was built while trying to solve this mystery before Eleanor did. I enjoy Eleanor's irreverent attitudes toward her staff, who she enjoys spending time with and pays for their vacation. They pop in and out of the story and add some comic relief. There is some danger, but Clifford is always there to keep Eleanor safe. There is a bit of a misunderstanding between Hugh and Eleanor which was a bit frustrating, but it was all worked out in the end. I have to mention, Kip, the young man from London who is trying to reenact Lord Byron's adventures during his time in Venice. It was fun, but he also plays a role in solving the mystery. This was a wonderful addition to this series and I am already looking forward to seeing where the next book will take us. If you enjoy a good historical cozy mystery, especially one with some humor and great characters, then I recommend you pick this one up.

A Death in Venice by Verity Bright is another Lady Eleanor Swift mystery which finds her, the ladies, and Clifford on holiday in Venice. It is an intriguing place, but Ellie gets herself in the middle of a feud between two old families and it nearly costs her everything. She is enthralled with the canals and Clifford has obtained the services of a gondolier from an ancient family of gondoliers. He knows many people and can take them anywhere, and does. Of course, there’s a murder, and of course, (Clifford eye-roll) Ellie gets involved.

Clifford is the consummate butler and had also been her uncle’s sidekick so he had many extra talents that served her well. He is constant in his attempts to make her behave like a lady and she is just as constant in refusing to do so. It is an excellent historical, cozy mystery series. Ellie has embraced the modern world of the early twentieth century. She was raised a vagabond, and then an orphan when her uncle took her in, sending her to boarding school, as he was not the appropriate parent type. Her escapades are interesting, often dangerous, but always solvable, by her and Clifford. This was a difficult one as she was out of her home country and there were people and places she didn’t understand. It was a terrific journey for the reader as Bright described everything. Love this series! Thanks Verity Bright!

I was invited to read a Death in Venice by Bookoutre. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #Bookoutre #VerityBright #ADeathInVenice

Another fabulous adventure for Lady Eleanor Swift, her butler and confidant Clifford along with the travelling party of her household. This time they are in Italy and while enjoying a gondola ride witness a murder, with the backdrop of the beautiful city of Venice and an old family feud.

As always the characters are lovingly written about and the story is easy to read and very entertaining. The 17th book in this cozy crime series is testament to the reader’s enjoyment of the characters, who develop each time with their endearing personalities.

The cover art is again beautifully eye catching and I very much look forward to reading the next book and adventure when it is a available.

Thanks to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Lady Eleanor Swift had been enjoying a leisurely holiday in Italy, accompanied by her loyal butler, Clifford, dedicated staff, and beloved pets. After a month of exploration, their travels brought them to the enchanting city of Venice. Eleanor was enjoying the piazzas, architecture and canals when while on a gondola ride, she and Clifford witnesses an argument between another gondolier and his passenger which turns deadly for the passenger, Councillor Benetto Vendelini, The gondolier's and the the victims's family had a centuries old feud, which had been, not so much resolved as a ceasefire agreed to. This could risk that peace.

Although Eleanor and Clifford are told by the local police that there is no need for their involvement, Eleanor is drawn into solving this case. But what else would we expect of Eleanor and her faithful butler, Clifford?

I do enjoy the Verity Bright series, but this one fell a bit flat for me. Much of the book is dedicated to the the traditions, architecture, art and history of Venice. It was like reading someone's travel diary . After the roughly the first third of the book, I felt like there were all McGuffins and not enough plot. It does pick up at the end, but it could have been trimmed to build up more suspense, the distractions letting the line go limp.

If you are a fan of the series, do read it, there is plenty to enjoy, It is always nice to visit with these "old friends" as a reader,

My thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the advanced copy in exchange for honest review.

Another fun and charming Eleanor Swift historical mystery. Eleanor brings along most of her staff and attending adoring animals (and it might be Eleanor who is doing the adoring) to experience Venice during Carnival. Readers of previous Eleanor Swift mysteries will have a pretty good idea of what to expect: some witty banter, nice relationships and a decent mystery. What really shines in this book is the character of Venice itself. It is obvious that the writer loves Venice that shows through the wonderful descriptions and interesting historical facts. This story could take place in no other place but Venice. Come and enjoy a cozy read and experience a place like no other...Venice.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Book 17! Can you believe it!? I have featured all but the very first on this very blog and I have loved each and every one. I do love a good mystery and one of the things I have enjoyed the most about this series is spending time with such warm, funny and interesting characters. Eleanor is joyful, brave, compassionate and fiercely loyal. Clifford is the the type of friend anyone would like looking out for them and an exemplary butler. This time we are joining them whilst they are holidaying in Venice. As always author, Verity Bright, gently weaves interesting historical facts throughout the story and also does a wonderful job of taking us to 1920’s Venice. It isn’t long before Eleanor and Clifford are mixed up in yet another murder. Although identifying the guilty party initially looks clear cut, Eleanor feels that something doesn’t quite add up and soon both her and Clifford are in deep and things are looking very dangerous for them indeed. It would seem there is so much more going on than meets the eye and for once Eleanor can’t even trust the police.

Full of Italian passion, danger and a touch of Romeo and Juliet, this latest instalment from Verity Bright does not disappoint.

I have loved the Eleanor Swift mysteries since first discovering them about 18 months ago. I started on volume 11 or 12, but the great thing about the books is that each one can be read as a standalone. However, I was curious enough to read or listen to most of the back catalog and have read every new release as they’ve been released.

Just like my beloved Nancy Drew books did from time to time, this Eleanor Swift mystery is also part travelogue, as she travels to Venice for some shopping, socializing, sightseeing, and of course, solving a murder that lands in her path. Some people don’t like when books offer info-dumps of information about locales, but I’ve always enjoyed books like this it opens up a whole new world of imagination without ever leaving your home. If you’re not into long descriptions of settings but are still intrigued with the series, start with a different volume.

Eleanor is as strong as ever, and of course Clifford, her ever faithful butler, is accompanying her on the trip. He helps with her investigations, but most of the time, Eleanor is resourceful enough to figure things out, search for clues, follow suspects, and get out of jams on her own. That’s what makes her such an appealing figure in this Golden Age cozy mystery.

This was a pretty good mystery that kept me guessing at times and would recommend. As much as I appreciated the expansion of Eleanor’s world in the books, I do have to say that I much prefer when she’s back at Henley Hall solving murders with the full cast of characters I’ve grown to know and love these past few years.

I received a complimentary digital copy of this book from NetGalley and Bookouture. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

The stories involving Lady Eleanor Swift and the mystery murders she somehow gets dragged in are not just good stories. Not just of murder but always include beautiful settings, handsome men, damsels in distress, her own personal butler Clifford and her coterie this time of domestics who have accompanied her to Venice on what was to be a holiday.

Dragged into one murder as a witness, the other deliberately targeted as the suspect, we have a family vendetta reminiscent of the Capulets and the Montagues, with dominant heads of families and a pair of star crossed lovers.

The settings were picturesque and so descriptive that one was swept along without almost realizing that this is actually a murder mystery that has got to be solved.

Entertaining reading.

This was an enjoyable cozy mystery set in 1924 Venice. Lady Eleanor Swift is on a tour of Italy with her butler Clifford and she’s excited to see the world-famous carnival. Enjoying the sights on a gondola ride she witnesses an argument, between the gondolier and a passenger who falls into the canal with a knife in his back. She soon finds out they are from 2 rival families who’ve been feuding for years. At a glittery ball that evening she learns of a plot to steal a family heirloom. Soon, Lady Eleanor is thrust into a mystery as she tries to solve the murder.
I loved the witty banter between Eleanor and Clifford as they worked to solve the mystery. The descriptions of the decadence of visiting the 1920s Venice were also a lot of fun. There’s romance, intrigue, history, feuding families, and witty banter. This was my first Lady Eleanor Swift story, which certainly won’t be my last.

Thanks to @bookouture @netgalley and the author for this ARC

Lady Eleanor Swift, her butler Clifford and her staff of ladies are in Venice taking a holiday. Of course, Gladstone and Tomkins have travelled with them. as well. They are looking forward to sightseeing and shopping and enjoying Carnival. Ellie is missing her fiancé Chief Inspector Seldon who couldn't accompany her due to his workload.

Lady Eleanor "Ellie" and Clifford are enjoying a gondola ride on one of the canals when they witness an argument between a gondola driver and another man. The next thing Ellie sees is the man face down in the water with something protruding from his back. It's not long before Ellie and Clifford are on the hunt for our killer. Of course it won't be easy, there is long-standing tension between two prominent families, a secret romance. a theft, and lots of intrigue.

I loved this book. I have read several of this series and I think this maybe my favorite yet. The descriptions of the city and history make you feel like you are visiting. The characters are like old friends you are happy to spend some time with again. The mystery is good, and the book kept me reading. I did not want to put it down. Although I have to admit, I feel like that with all the books of this series. Also, the cover art is beautiful and makes you want to pick it up and read it.

My visit with Ellie, Clifford, the ladies and of course Tompkins and Gladstone was too short. I can't wait till their next adventure!

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the chance to read this book.

A charming cozy mystery! This was a quick read and I enjoyed the banter between our two leads. There was a lot going on other than the murder that sort of took away from it all but overall a very enjoyable read!

Eleanor is in Venice leading up to carnival season. She and Clifford are in Gondola when they witness a murder. The police soon decide who the murderer is and arrest him.
She is curious who the victim was and at a party held by a Contessa she has previous acquaintance, she finds out that he was a member of one of the two main families in Venice which are currently at a truce. When the alleged murderer is also murdered and he is from the opposite family, the fragile truce is in danger. Also in danger is the betrothal of Catrina and Leonardo who are in opposite families. If the families are again at war with each other, they will be unable to marry.
Eleanor and Clifford find themselves embroiled in the darker side of Venice with the clock counting down to trouble.
An engaging read.

Thank you @netgalley for a fun little cozy mystery read!!

This is my first of Verity Bright’s mysteries, and it was a fun one. The whimsical dialogue and exciting setting (1920s Venice!) were a delight to follow along with, and the cover art definitely sets the scene perfectly. The murder mystery got a bit weedy for me, but still an enjoyable read!

Pros:
- Setting
- Dialogue and prose were lots of fun
- Cheeky little side characters

Cons:
- Mystery was a bit hard for me to follow at times: too much Venetian politicking and not enough Ellie/Clifford shenanigans.

What could Lady Eleanor be up to in Venice? It seems that mystery and murder never take a holiday when she, he butler and of course her faithful dog find themselves in the middle of a murder.

A man is stabbed and it appears to go back to a family feud, centuries old. Or is it? A fun journey as usual that will leave you turning to get to the last page!!

Venice during Carnival time set in 1924. Should be a winner!
Unhappily murder and mayhem was overshadowed by the travelogue aspect. I appreciated that part but the mystery? A pity! I just wasn’t into it. Too many site descriptors and not enough story.

A NetGalley ARC

This novel is an entertaining addition to this lovely series, a solid mystery and a love letter to Venice. I loved to see Venice through the eyes of someone in another time and with a different background.
I visited Venice with locals and I still cherish the memories of the less known corners and the atmosphere.
The band of Eleanor and her friend, Gladstone and Clifford plus the ladies, are in Venice during the Carnevale in 1924. There will be murders even if Eleanor is loving the city and what she sees and would prefer enjoy the city and Carnevale.
There’s plenty of twists, feuds that go back in the century and a lot of surprising twists. The book kept me reading and I enjoyed the solution.
The characters are well developed as usual and the solid and tightly knitted plot kept me reading till late in the night.
I cannot wait to read the next one, highly recommended
Many thanks Bookouture for this ARC, all opinions are mine

I’ve loved the Lady Eleanor Swift Mysteries since the very first book, A Very English Murder, came out. A Death in Venice was no exception.

This time, Eleanor, Clifford, and their animal and human entourage are in Venice. It’s not long before Eleanor gets wrapped up in a mystery!

I loved reading this book, the plot is intriguing, and I enjoyed watching Eleanor try and figure it out, especially as there didn’t seem to be much in the way of motive to start with.

The setting was excellent, and really different to anything we’ve seen Eleanor and Co tackle before. The colourfulness and unusual landscape of Venice really came through. It felt like the ideal setting for the intrigue of this particular story.

Overall, this was an intriguing and exciting mystery, in a unique setting. I can’t wait to see what Eleanor and her friends get up to next.

I was given a copy of this book, my opinions are my own.

I really enjoy the characters (the butler!). The mystery kept me guessing and loved the setting.

Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for my eARC in exchange for an honest review.

1924 & Lady Eleanor Swift & her household have been on a grand tour around Italy for a month. Finally arriving in Venice, she’s thrilled to be attending the famous carnival. However on her first gondola ride to take in the sights, a passenger in a nearby gondola collapses into the canal with a knife sticking out of his back. Eleanor saw an argument break out between the gondolier and the victim, Councillor Benetto Vendelini, and it turns out they're rivals from the city's two great families.
The seventeenth book in the series & whilst it could be read on its own I love how the dynamics between Ellie & her staff have developed, especially the relationship with Clifford. This wasn’t my favourite of the series, maybe because Hugh didn’t feature apart from a couple of phone calls & a telegram. Ellie finds herself drawn into the conflict between two families & it takes all her resolve & quick thinking to resolve the case. A well written enjoyable mystery & I look forward to the next in the series.
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

Another beautiful cover on this seventeenth book in the series. How can you resist picking up a book which looks like this!

Lady Eleanor Swift and her butler, Clifford, are still on their grand tour of Europe and this time they are in Venice. Only Elly could witness a murder in a gondola almost as soon as she has arrived in the city. So instead of sightseeing, partying and shopping she finds herself investigating and getting herself into some very dangerous situations. Of course Clifford is there to help but she is very resourceful and manages to save herself more than once.

A very enjoyable, fun read and I am already wondering where Elly and the team will be going next.