The story: a bombastic, aging TV historian named Marmaduke Godolfin gathers together members of his "gilded circle" from his university teaching days to launch a new history special with an explosive revelation about a historical figure. However, he doesn't quite have the proof of it yet and enlists two archivists to sift through a trove of documents looking for it. Godolfin has made many enemies over the years and trampled over the careers and personal lives of many for his personal gain. Before long, he is floating in a rio (river) with a stiletto blade in his chest. Archivist Arnold Clover and his friend Luca assist the carabinieri in solving the murder while pursuing Godolfin's historical mystery and enjoying La Bella Vita in the murky streets of Venice.

The setting: Venice in all its glory. Not the Venice of gawping tourists but the Venetian version of unknown campos and secret restaurants, the peaceful lagoon and streets sprinkled with snow.

The verdict: I LOVED IT! The characters are engaging and believable, the history, real and imagined, is fascinating and the story moves along at a good pace. The setting is an integral part of the plot and I really appreciate that it isn't just a sideshow, but rather the story couldn't have taken place anywhere else. I certainly hope there will be a sequel! So much thanks to NetGalley and Severn House for introducing me to this great novel.