'I devoured all Philip's novels and felt transported to Venice with a new intimacy' Val McDermid __________________________________________ Set against the backdrop of the most beautiful city on earth, this is a gripping and atmospheric crime novel perfect for fans of Donna Leon and Andrea Camilleri. Venice, June 2020. The city has returned to the Venetians during a merciful pause in the Covid pandemic, and few overseas visitors are to be seen. Yet Dominic Vicari, a British private investigator haunted by loss, has travelled across Europe to the tiny island of San Francesco del Deserto. The ancient monastery there, it is said, was founded by St Francis himself in the 13th century. Its population now consists of five Franciscan brothers and three pilgrims on retreat. Or, rather, two pilgrims and a dead man. Nathan Sutherland is called in when Vicari's broken body is found at the base of the campanile, his death seemingly nothing more than a terrible accident. But Nathan isn't so sure
