The Venice Atonement: A page-turning historical crime novel packed with mystery

Merryn Allingham

Jun 2019 · Canelo

About this eBook

A tragic accident at the opera – or the murder of someone keeping dangerous secrets?

While watching the opera at La Fenice, Nancy Tremayne is shocked to see a woman fall to her death. But how did this tragedy occur?

Newlywed Nancy is accompanying her art professor husband, Leo, on a work trip. As she explores Italy’s beautiful city on the water, she is increasingly compelled to uncover the mysterious circumstances surrounding the woman’s death. Leo is adamant it was an accident but his assistant, Archie, reluctantly helps Nancy despite his seeming coldness to her. Nancy’s determination to reveal the facts puts her in harm’s way more than once. As she learns more about Venice’s secrets she realises she may be forced to make a choice – the truth, or her life?

An engaging and atmospheric historical crime novel perfect for fans of Kate Furnivall and Rachel Rhys.

Praise for The Venice Atonement

'Oh, I liked this story very much! This is an intriguing historical mystery, and the protagonist is so complex and interesting, and the mystery so well done that you'll find yourself trapped between the pages' Reader review

'This is a breath of fresh air. And it isn't only because the author describes Venice really well. Yes, there is that, but we also have here a wonderfully strong heroine who continues to be true to herself even through setbacks... I'd strongly recommend this book... It also gave me a little bit of the Nancy Drew vibe that I remember from so long ago!' Reader review

'A well-paced book with so many twists and turns that kept me guessing most of the way through' Reader review

'A brilliant gripping story which captures the reader from the very first page' Reader review

'Not only does the city of Venice present romance and intrigue, it proves to be the perfect backdrop for the mystery, what with its long canals of water, the danger of flooding, the isolated islands, and the fog that comes with being by the sea... A delightful mystery' Reader review

'Another beautifully written book by this author – the characters were great and the story so well thought out' Reader review

Ratings and reviews

A puzzling mystery, set in a wonderful location! It kept my attention throughout. Nancy and Leo are spending their honeymoon in the marvellous city of Venice; unfortunately, due to work commitments, she has to attend the Opera without her new husband by her side. Completely enthralled by the performance, Nancy is shocked when a body falls from another balcony. When she finds out that the deceased is a woman she met earlier in the day, Nancy cannot agree with the popular opinion that she committed suicide. With no one else looking into the death, Nancy 'persuades' Leo's assistant, Archie, to help her - however much it goes against his instincts. Throughout this novel, we get to know the main character's back stories, and it all adds up to a very interesting read. The tale flows well with the characters all very realistic and the setting is idyllic and beautifully described; it's not hard to picture the scenes, especially travelling on the waterways of such a fine Italian city. It's not obvious what happened in the Opera house, and the slow unravelling of the mystery kept me on my toes. I do wonder if there will be a follow up? I felt the potential was there for a sequel, it'll be interesting to wait and see. I'm very happy to give this one four stars.

About the author

Merryn Allingham was born into an army family and spent her childhood moving around the UK and abroad. Unsurprisingly it gave her itchy feet and in her twenties she escaped from an unloved secretarial career to work as cabin crew and see the world.Merryn still loves to travel and visit new places, especially those with an interesting history, but the arrival of marriage, children and cats meant a more settled life in the south of England, where she has lived ever since. It also gave her the opportunity to go back to 'school' and eventually teach at university.She has written seven historical novels, all mysteries with a helping of suspense and a dash of romance - sometimes set in exotic locations and often against a background of stirring world events.For the latest news of Merryn's writing, visit her website at www.merrynallingham.com or join her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/MerrynWrites/ or twitter @MerrynWrites.