by 
Title and Author: The Aquatic Labyrinth: a Venetian mystery
by Alastair Fontana
- Print Length: 326 pages
- Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform; 1 edition (June 14, 2013)
- Language: English
- Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Suspense, Historical
Synopsis:
When Jacopo came back home, he could not have ever imagined that in a few hours he would have found himself running for his life across the most mesmerizing maze ever built, Venice. He would have never believed he would be dragging himself like a wounded animal, breathless and clueless through the alleys and across the canals of the city, desperately trying to extricate a murder he did not commit, to find the key of the mysterious labyrinth of events he had entered without even noticing.
My Review:
When I first took up The Aquatic Labyrinth: a Venetian mystery, I wasn’t quite sure of the treatment I would get here. The cover as well as the title is vague and gives no clear direction to a reader with respect to the story. The blurb is also ambiguous. But when you sink your teeth in the story, only then do you feel the full force of the magic Alastair creates in this book. 🙂
The story is set in 14th century Venice and Alastair creates a vivid picture of the place at that time with all its colors and textures in full bloom. His research is meticulous and it shows in the technique he applies to merge his plot in that time frame. He shows his knowledge of the geography as well as his knowledge of history in the characters he creates and in their beautiful adaptations. Admirably sketched and developed, they aid in taking the story forward. This is a fast paced novel with the protagonist racing against time to prove his innocence and it is in this scenario that the author introduces several very colorful characters like the courtesan, Veronica and the poet and scholar, Sara. Both these characters are complex as well as integral to the story.
The plot is expertly devised and executed with no apparent loop holes. I was sucked in all the action and drama and couldn’t keep the book down until I had finished reading it. 🙂
A very fresh and interesting story from a very promising author, I give The Aquatic Labyrinth: a Venetian mystery a 4 out of 5 and congratulate the author in succeeding to deliver a well thought of and a very engaging mystery to the readers. Highly recommended to everyone, I look forward to reading more from Alastair in the future.
I received the above book to read and review from the author and I am very thankful to him. The above review is my honest and unbiased opinion and in no way influenced.
Buy From:
Amazon.com: Paperback
Amazon.in: Paperback
