Venom by Fiona Paul Review

Book Nerd Review
Copy Provided by Penguin.

Cassandra Caravello is one of Renaissance Venice’s lucky elite: with elegant gowns, sparkling jewels, her own lady’s maid, and a wealthy fiancé, she has everything a girl could desire. Yet ever since her parents’ death, Cassandra has felt trapped, alone in a city of water, where the dark and labyrinthine canals whisper of escape.

When Cass stumbles upon a murdered woman—practically in her own backyard—she’s drawn into a dangerous world of courtesans, killers, and secret societies. Soon, she finds herself falling for Falco, a mysterious artist with a mischievous grin... and a spectacular skill for trouble. Can Cassandra find the murderer, before he finds her? And will she stay true to her fiancé, or succumb to her uncontrollable feelings for Falco?

Beauty, love, romance, and mystery weave together in a stunning novel that’s as seductive and surprising as the city of Venice itself.

Fiona Paul’s mysteriously thrilling first book in the Secrets of the Eternal Rose Series, Venom, follows the story of the very wealthy Cassandra "Cass" Caravello. A discovery at her friend’s funeral yields to an event that eventually changes her perfect little life. While wandering in the cemetery, she notices that another dead girl has been placed in her friend’s tomb. She also meets a young artist named Falco who immediately capture’s Cassandra’s heart. Her attraction to Falco leads her to a journey into the dark substructures of Venice and to solve the mystery of the dead girl. She will learn about love and self-discovery while on this ride.

Set in 1600 Italy, author Fiona does a remarkable job of providing readers with vivid descriptions of this beautiful era in time. The historical details were precise and accurate. The familiar scenes of Venice with its canals and people in fancy dresses are perfectly captured through Fiona’s writing etiquette that showcases this era’s magic and also its dark side. There seems to be action on every page as Cass’s adventure has her facing to make difficult decisions. The love that Cass follows is truly beautiful with the stylish and mystifying artist Flaco.

The mystery that Venom presents is highly fascinating and compelling. Fiona is able to capture readers’ attention right from the beginning and will continue to hold on to it throughout. The plot is unique and delivers an undeniable story that readers will appreciate its enchanting, romantic and dark elements. Venom is a well-written book with outstanding historical standpoint filled with an abundance of rich mystery.

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