The Borgia’s and Venice! What a combination!

The Borgia Portrait (A Venetian Mystery #2) by David Hewson  

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Hewson has produced an impressive mystery novel that explores the hidden and dark parts of Venice. Arnold Clover (first met in The Medici Murders) has been referred to Lizzie Hawker, the only surviving daughter of the missing, presumed dead Countessa Scacchi, to  translate for her in a legal case. The city has concerns about the subsistence of the family palazzo, Ca’Scacchi just off the Grand Canal. The city has demanded legal right of entry to check. 

When the city engineers begin investigating the subsistence what they find is a crypt with a dead body dressed in a distinctive dress owned by the Contessa. A letter in a typewriter gives a mysterious message.

The palazzo has had a chequered history and is believed by locals to be cursed.

Treasures belonging to the palazzo have disappeared over the years, including a hidden, erotic portrait of Lucia Borgia.

The mysterious Lucia portrait, owned by the Scacchi family has driven men and women to outrageous sexual heights, bewitched as they are by it. It apparently holds an almost mystical sway over viewers.

Arnold joins Lizzie in the hunt for the portrait, following the clues left by her mother.

Their journey is shadowed by minions of Enzo Canale, a self made business man, a bully, who is after the portrait.

An intriguing, rich and rewarding read that leads into places unknown and never lets up the pressure.

A Severn House ARC via NetGalley.                                              

Many thanks to the author and publisher.