The Medici Murders by David Hewson

Happy Tuesday, readers! Today I'm a stop on the Random Things tour for David Hewson's latest, The Medici Murders. 

Marmaduke Godolphin was once well known in certain historical circles. First as a professor with his own group of followers dubbed the Gilded Circle. Then as host to multiple historical documentaries. 

Of late, however, Godolphin's shine has started to wear off. That is until he claims to have made an explosive discovery regarding the assassination of Lorenzino de Medici.

To prove his theory, he's enlisted the help of two archivists in Venice, one of whom, Arnold Clover, was a contemporary of Godolphin's circle. But on the eve of a Carnival celebration, Godolphin himself is murdered. 

The Caribinieri has asked for Arnold's help, as an insider and as an academic. And they have a very short time to come up with an answer or the case will be turned over to another investigator. There are multiple hurdles in their way, not least of which is the fact that Godolphin has made many enemies over the years—including those of his own circle. But does the murder have to do with Godolphin's personal matters? Or is it tied to his so-called discovery about Medici?

The Medici Murders kicks off a new series for Hewson. Book two, The Borgia Portrait, is due out later this year. 

Hewson is something of an expert on Italian history, as is evident here an in his earlier Nic Costa series (which was set in Rome). As a fan of the earlier series, I was very excited to return to Hewson's writing. He has a knack for creating sympathetic characters (Arnold) and plots that are entwined with the most fascinating and little known bits of history. 

But even aside from the points pertaining to the main plot itself, the settings and the little details that flesh them out, make you feel like a bit of an insider. 

Arnold is not Venetian. He's moved there in his retirement and is working as a volunteer archivist who sometimes helps English and American tourists navigate the archives where he works. He's passionate about Venice and history and has learned where the hidden gems are, where the best pasta is, and where to get a great affordable wine. 

I also appreciate that he's a retiree, which honestly brings to mind a bit of an Agatha Christie comparison in reading for me. Arnold, is a great contemporary counterpart of sorts to Miss Marple! (He's much more likable than Poirot!)

The Medici Murders is out now and is a perfect read for fans of historical mysteries (though it is a contemporary setting). I am definitely looking forward to another mystery featuring Arnold!