3.75* rounded up

Lady Swift, Clifford, the Ladies and animal sidekicks are travelling again and this time have set up shop in Venice to experience Carnival. Whilst riding on a Gondola to take in the sights, Eleanor has the unfortunate bad luck to witness a murder which, as we have come to expect and love, leads Ellie down the winding and narrow streets of Venice seeking to uncover secrets and solve the case.

This series is one of my favourite historical 'cosy' mysteries and is reliably fun and (generally) fast paced, and I love the core group of characters! However, with this instalment, whilst the overall mystery was solid with plenty of red herrings, it didn't quite land for me as well as the previous book did which was one of the best in the series. 

I found that the supporting cast of characters/suspects didn't quite gel for me in the way they usually do (though I have to say I did enjoy the very random addition of Kip to the cast) and the story felt like it was missing the verve and vigour that it normally has. This time round we have a lot more descriptions that felt like filler, especially at the start but once the investigation starts properly for our intrepid duo it picks up pace.

Irrespective of these niggles, overall I enjoyed the read as I always do and I eagerly await the next case to come Eleanor and Clifford's way and perhaps we'll get a little bit more Hugh next time!

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for a digital review copy of "A Death in Venice" in exchange for my honest and voluntary review.