The Medici Murders

By: David Hewson

Narrated by: Richard Armitage

Length: 10 hrs and 58 mins

Publisher's summary

When a well-known British TV historian, Marmaduke Godolphin, is found murdered in the canals of Venice during carnival, stabbed by a stiletto blade, the Venetian police are eager to have the case solved and cleared up within a day—murder is bad for tourism!

The police recruit the help of retired archivist, Arnold Clover. Godolphin had hired his services on arriving in Venice to help sort through some historical papers of note. These dusty documents may contain previously unknown information about the assassination of the murderer, Lorenzino de' Medici, 500 years previously.

How coincidental that Godolphin meets his death in the same place as the Medici murderer, Lorenzino, on a cold, dark, bloody night. Can Arnold use his powers of perception to establish a link and solve the murder of Godolphin?

©2022 David Hewson (P)2022 W F Howes

Amazing!

I think this might be my favorite David Hewson book to date. It's really amazing and the details make you feel you are right there, walking the streets of Venice and I can almost smell the amazing food described. The story is interesting on so many levels and the characters bring such life and diversity, expertly narrated by the brilliant Richard Armitage. It's such a wild ride and every time I thought I had it figured out, there was another twist and it had my attention until the very last word. I can't wait to read more about Mr. Clover's adventures in Venice and I was deeply touched by his relationship with his late wife.

Excellent new series

Atmospheric "how done it" that follows Arnold Clover as he settles in to Venetian life. The pace meanders, but is well suited to the main character's style. Fans of Tom Mead and Peter Grainger should enjoy this.

Wonderful narrator and good plotting.

A new series.

I loved the setting…I loved the characters…I loved the flawless narration by Richard Armitage….such an interesting plot line…history to explore…can’t wait for more!

Intricate story

Slow start, but builds nicely to the conclusion of a very believable complex mystery. Location details and lifestyles just a touch overdone. But overall, very enjoyable.

Superb narration; slow-burn story that’s satisfying near the end

Richard Armitage’s narration is superb as always - he’s the reason I tried this audiobook. The story started off a bit slow, but grows satisfyingly over time.

Interesting view of Venice

The book was detailed but it paints Venice beautifully.

I’ve been to Venice several times but my most memorable was during Carnival.

Venice after most of the day tourists are gone can make one feel like one is in a parallel universe walking around at night. It’s hard to explain but as the main character describes the contradictions between history and present day along with the cultural differences and the fascination with the past is such a part of Venice as described.

It mentally was like listening to a foreign film with subtitles for me with the ability to rewind when needed.

I enjoyed the twists and the development of the characters with what made them tick.

Of course Armitage did an incredible job in his narration which one can always count on.

Lovely historical mystery

The reader is impeccable as always, one of my favorites. I loved the historical fantasy, but most of all the real tidbits about Venice. The mystery itself is a good yarn, although not mind boggling. The Capitano is a most delightful character.

I Want to Go to Venice!

The vivid descriptions of Venice in this story made me imagine the city in my mind’s eye. It made me want to visit there. The intriguing mystery within a mystery was great fun. And Richard Armitage’s narration is compelling—as usual.

Slow start but interesting

Both a modern and historical murder mystery. Quite a varied cast of characters inhabit the streets of Venice for this tale.
Wish Richard Armitage had nailed it all on first pass. he becomes a cast of characters. Sometimes his voice seems rather like he was asked to replace a line or two later and it comes across as raspy and a little jarring.

Intriguing story set in Venice

I really enjoyed listening to this tale and teasing out the threads of the mysterious plot. As a fluent Italian speaker, I have to question why the narrator is able to pronounce so many words correctly, but bitches pronunciation on 1/3 of the names and places. Where’s his Italian language editor? A good story though.