Ascension

At the start of this promising series launch set in mid-18th-century Venice from Dowling (Every Picture Tells a Story), Alvise Marangon, a Venetian-born, English-raised cicerone (tourist guide), wins a brief argument with a gondolier over who will guide a young English traveler, Freddy Boscombe, and his tutor, Peter Shackleford, about the city. During the tour, Boscombe takes an interest in Rosicrucian mysteries and the nobleman Piero Garzoni. After meeting charlatan Count Gelashvili, who lives with Garzoni, Boscombe abandons Marangon. When Boscombe finds Shackelford murdered, he runs to Marangon for help. Both men are arrested and brought before the Missier Grande (the chief of police), who gives Marangon a simple choice: either go to jail or become a “confidante” for the Missier Grande and spy on Garzoni. Marangon’s new job allows him to display his acting abilities and his resourcefulness as he uncovers a deadly plot planned for Venice’s celebration of the Feast of the Ascension. Readers will want to see more of Marangon and his vibrant city. [em](Sept.) [/em]