The Assassin of Venice: A Novel

The Assassin of Venice is a gripping historical mystery set in 16th-century Venice, blending romance, intrigue, and danger against the backdrop of the Renaissance.

The story follows Valentina Riccardi, a renowned Venetian courtesan who is as intelligent and alluring as she is lethal. Beneath her glamorous exterior, Valentina serves as a secret assassin for the powerful and secretive Council of Ten, a ruling body that manipulates Venice from the shadows. Her missions are simple yet brutal: seduce, isolate, and eliminate the Council’s enemies—spies, traitors, and anyone deemed a threat to the Republic.

Haunted by a past loss to an invading army, Valentina’s loyalty to Venice is absolute. She has vowed to never love again, devoting herself entirely to duty—until she meets Bastiano Bragadin, a fellow assassin. Against her better judgment, she falls for him.

When Bastiano begins questioning the Council’s motives, Valentina is given a devastating new order: kill the man she loves. Torn between love and allegiance, she starts to uncover a dark conspiracy within the Council of Ten—one that suggests they may be exploiting her and others for their own corrupt ends rather than serving Venice’s interests.

With time running out, Valentina joins forces with her fellow courtesans to expose the truth, challenge the Council’s power, and save Bastiano’s life.

Richly atmospheric and inspired by the real history of the cortigiane oneste (“honest courtesans”) and Venice’s vast espionage network, The Assassin of Venice is a sensual, suspenseful tale of love, betrayal, and rebellion set in a world where beauty and death walk hand in hand.