The Assassin of Venice

Praise

Praise The Assassin of Venice:
“A tense, sexy work of historical fiction and political intrigue.”
—Booklist, starred review

“A juicy tale of romantic suspense, elegantly appointed.”
—Kirkus Reviews

“A propulsive read, full of intrigue . . . Valentina is a fierce heroine that readers will love.”
—Historical Novels Review, Editor’s Choice

“A deftly written, original, compelling and memorable novel that brings 16th-century Venice vividly to life.”
—Midwest Book Review

“Alyssa Palombo brings the Renaissance to life in this mesmerizing story of a courtesan turned assassin. The beautiful but deadly Valentina entertains powerful men by day and moonlights for the shadowy Council of Ten by night, removing Venice’s enemies by poison or blade as required—but when the latest directive demands she eliminate the only man she has ever loved, Valentina is thrown into a desperate quandary. The Assassin of Venice is a lush, sumptuous tale to savor.”
—Kate Quinn, New York Times bestselling author of The Diamond Eye

“I flew through this fantastic page-turner about a courtesan-turned-assassin who is faced with an impossible choice: Kill the only man she loves or risk her own life and family instead. The author brings Renaissance Venice to life in all its decadent splendor, as the sharp and deadly Valentina Riccardi navigates its treacherous waters of politics and passion. The Assassin of Venice is nothing short of a breathtaking race through 16th-century Venice that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the last page.”
—Laura Morelli, Art historian and USA Today bestselling author of The Night Portrait and other books

“The Assassin of Venice is a lightning-fast ride through the shadowy canals of Renaissance Venice, where secrets are traded like currency and power and passion collide. Alyssa Palombo weaves an unforgettable tale of seduction and betrayal with a tantalizing twist that will keep you up reading well past your bedtime. Packed full of vivid detail, it’s a mesmerizing portrait of 16th century Venice at its most decadent and dangerous.”
—Stephanie Storey, Los Angeles Times bestselling author of Oil and Marble

“Surprising, sexy, and sharp as a dagger’s blade, The Assassin of Venice plunges deep into the shadows of Venice’s Council of Ten and imagines a blood-drenched world where professional courtesans did its bidding—but only on their own terms. Valentina’s fearsome cleverness took my breath away.”
—Allison Epstein, author of Let the Dead Bury the Dead