The Venice Atonement by Merryn Allingham

The Venice Atonement by Merryn Allingham

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★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Historical mysteries always appeal to me somehow. Maybe it's because I know there will always be something a little different from what I can find in their contemporary counterparts. And for a murder to take place at the opera? I can hardly think of anything else that makes it all the more compelling to give this a shot.

Nancy Tremayne sees the murder play out right in front of her very eyes when she is at the opera. When she realises that the victim is none other than a woman she has just met earlier that day, her death affects her deeply. But the police simply brushes it off, taking light of the event. Nancy sees the importance of finding out the truth even more. She is sure this is neither a suicide nor an accident. The story takes us through her time in Venice together with her new husband, Leo. But it is Archie, Leo's assistant, who helps her instead, albeit reluctantly. Secrets are revealed little by little, taking Nancy through several threats and dangers. Despite that, Nancy is determined to find out the truth.

After my very dismal last read, 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. And dear old Archie, who's kind behind his cold demeanour. How well the both of them work together! Seeing how much their relationship develop as the book progresses really leaves a warm feeling, and it left me eager for more.

Other than focusing on the mystery case, the author has also included several difficulties that Nancy faces as a woman born in her time. It's really cool to note that it's possible to describe someone as very Victorian. And that's what I've labelled Leo throughout the book since the very first time he's been called that, because that's what makes him my least favourite character. Not the murderer, not the others involved in a crime, but him. Nancy escaped the clutches of a terrible life, only to be imprisoned by someone like him. *sigh* Which is why I would have loved it if the book ties up the ending a little better in regards to Nancy's personal life, so I really hope to see a sequel~

I'd strongly recommend this book to all who likes seeing the case of a mystery unfolding little by little. This one certainly took me through a lot of red herrings. It also gave me a little bit of the Nancy Drew vibe that I remember from so long ago!

This review is written based on the ARC provided by the publisher through Netgalley.