I received an e-copy of this novel from Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
In Venice 1752, a man is found murdered in an alley. The man who found the corpse is held accountable and High Magistrate Marco Pisani decides that he must investigate to save an innocent man. When two more bodies are discovered, Pisani knows things have to be brought to an end and quickly. Unfortunately, Pisani soon realizes that the victims might not have been as innocent as everyone claims they were, and his whole world of justice must be re-examined.
I really wanted to like this book, because I normally love historical fiction, but I just couldn't. There was the whole romance between Pisani and Chiara that I just felt wasn't necessary. I understand trying to make the characters more relatable but it felt like adding a piece to the story that was filler, if nothing else. Plus her abilities really didn't help the story along. So I wish there was more investigating then there was romance.
I also wasn't impressed with the lack of action. I have read hundreds of mystery novels and I know that there are explanations and paperwork galore. But this crime was more story telling than it was fact searching. It was witness after witness of stories but no actual discovering of evidence. I also felt Pisani started out saying he wanted to investigate, but then sent others in his stead. Maybe if the reader had followed those characters instead of Pisani's ridiculous romantic life, the novel might have been saved.
Overall I rate the novel 2 out of 5 stars.
Comments
Post a Comment