I was lucky enough to critique an early draft of this book last year, and it was a real pleasure to finally read the published version.

After being hounded (metaphorically? maybe...) out of Venice some time ago on pain of death if she returns, Sophie of course is assigned a new task in La Serenissima. It goes wrong. Things are complicated by an additional mission: to ensure the safety of Archduchess Isabella, who is visiting the city.

Isabella falls for lecherous librettist Larry da Ponte, which certainly isn't the intended outcome of her tour. Sophie's challenged to keep matters under control, all while attempting to remain under the radar of her powerful arch-enemy Corona Mundt. Add to that vengeful relatives and political and social fencing, and she certainly has her work cut out for her. Just as well she knows how to shoot!

The characters were fun. Sophie herself is true to form. It's fun to see her verbally sparring with pompous ambassador Renucci and Isabella's jealous companion Haugwitz, as well as her more serious opponents.

The language is rich, and there is a fair sprinkling of terms in German, Italian and (I believe) Turkish. Terms are glossed at the end.

This is the third Sophie Rathenau book. It's standalone, although probably better appreciated if you read the other two first. Well worth a look if you enjoy historical mystery/crime.