Ascension

Enhanced descriptions from Syndetics:

Venice in 1749 - the city has lost its political and financial primacy but has become Europe's pleasure capital, famous for its gambling dens, its courtesans, its hectic carnival, its music, art and theatre - and the most highly organised secret service in Europe. Alvise Marangon, born in Italy but brought up in London, returns to the city of his birth and quickly becomes involved in the protection of a visiting English lord and his beautiful sister. He is then forcibly recruited into the city's powerful secret service to investigate a murder case. A reluctant spy he may be, but he is a gifted one. Amidst the world of gambling dens and courtesans, something momentous is being planned for the Feast of the Ascension, Venice's most important and spectacular holiday, and it seems that only Alvise can prevent the day from turning into bloody mayhem.

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Publishers Weekly Review

At the start of this promising series launch set in mid-18th-century Venice from Dowling (Every Picture Tells a Story), Alvise Marangon, a Venetian-born, English-raised cicerone (tourist guide), wins a brief argument with a gondolier over who will guide a young English traveler, Freddy Boscombe, and his tutor, Peter Shackleford, about the city. During the tour, Boscombe takes an interest in Rosicrucian mysteries and the nobleman Piero Garzoni. After meeting charlatan Count Gelashvili, who lives with Garzoni, Boscombe abandons Marangon. When Boscombe finds Shackelford murdered, he runs to Marangon for help. Both men are arrested and brought before the Missier Grande (the chief of police), who gives Marangon a simple choice: either go to jail or become a "confidante" for the Missier Grande and spy on Garzoni. Marangon's new job allows him to display his acting abilities and his resourcefulness as he uncovers a deadly plot planned for Venice's celebration of the Feast of the Ascension. Readers will want to see more of Marangon and his vibrant city. (Sept.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.