The Borgia Portrait Audiobook By David Hewson cover art

The Borgia Portrait

A Venetian Mystery, Book 2

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The Borgia Portrait

By: David Hewson
Narrated by: Richard Armitage
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About this listen

A noble family, a legendary painting, a cursed palazzo. The new Venetian mystery from master storyteller David Hewson.

When Arnold Clover is recruited by Lizzie Hawker to help her look into her family inheritance, he cannot begin to guess the journey he is about to embark on.

Lizzie's mother, an Italian countess, disappeared thirty years ago, presumed dead. Her father, a famous, some say infamous, music promoter, has just died and now the family home Ca' Scacchi, a leaning palazzo in Dorsoduro, has fallen to her. When her mother vanished so too did a priceless painting, supposedly an erotic portrait of Lucrezia Borgia, which has captivated men for generations.

When a body is discovered in a hidden crypt beneath the checkerboard courtyard of the palazzo, other secrets are unearthed with it. Lying with the body is a document, a story of an episode in Casanova's colourful life, and within it a set of clues that might lead to the location of the painting. But it quickly becomes apparent that Lizzie and Arnold are not the only ones interested in finding the painting.

The search for the lost Lucrezia quickly becomes a race through the secret history of Venice, one with potentially deadly consequences.

©2023 David Hewson (P)2023 W.F.Howes Ltd
Amateur Sleuths Fiction International Mystery & Crime Mystery Italy Detective Suspense
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    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Fun story

I liked this second book more than the first of the series. I enjoyed the riddle solving taking readers all over Venice. It was quite fun. I did not like the romance between Arnold and Lizzie. It’s a bit cheesy and totally unnecessary for the story and ruined the character setting for Arnold Clover. Lizzy is unlikable and annoying. Richard Armitage’s narration was excellent and impeccable.

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  • Overall
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Another good David Hewson tale brilliantly told

Hewson takes us on a terrific tour of Venice, which does not omit some wonderful Italian food. History, art, and religion are all in the mix, alongside murder, greed and intrigue. Richard Armitage keeps it all moving with his usual superb performance--the Venetian place names sound even more beautiful in his trademark baritone.

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2 people found this helpful

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Experience Venice Vicariously

A compelling mystery wrapped in the intriguing history and lore of Venice. The author paints vivid pictures of this most unusual city — makes me want to spend a month there, tracing the steps of Arnold and Lizzie, the protagonists. And Richard Armitage’s narration—perfection!

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Over my head

I really enjoyed the first book, sadly this one was not as good. I was confused and overwhelmed by the many churches, paintings, the layout of Venice, the historical events vs. myths and the legalize of Italian inheritance.

If you do not have a good grasp on Italian/ Venetian history or art… I’d give this one a miss.

The character of Lizzy was also somewhat irritating, which made the book even longer. I miss the characters of the first book

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