Carnival for the Dead (Nic Costa 10)

Travel Guide

Venice is as much a character in this tale as Theresa or any of the other characters themselves. This is also the Venice most tourists will never see – its February and very cold. Snow on the ground and an icy chill in the air. The masks which decorate the stalls, theatres and faces of the people of the city are in full flow. There is a sinister chill and gothic feeling over the entire city and its canals.

And the opening moment the Plague doctor steps from the boat is chilling –

“The man on the Zwattere Vaporetto jetty wore a grotesque white mask, a black flowing clock and a broad rimmed hat with a silver clasp.
At the front, a long ivory beak extended to his chest, like that of a monstrous giant bird, curving downward with a cruel sneer.”

Searching for secrets in this city could be daunting at the best of times but the very nature and history of the city is deeply entrenched in the investigation of Theresa and her aunt. A mystery text brought to Sofia’s flat from her neighbour reveals more as does the bunch of flowers that come with it.

Venice is magical and like the setting for a stage play of intrigue at the best of times with many dark and twisty streets, dark bridges and hidden corners. But at Carnival time where the colourful masks a darker side to the city, it is perhaps even more enchanting than ever –

“There’s the mass of Carnival-goers dancing near the Rialto,  the anonymous masks floating around the city’s darkness, the impending sense of doom, the deadly waters below – everything takes on a dark and chilling side..”

There is also time for a trail around some of the famous paintings at the Accademia and Scuoli di San Giorgio, particularly Carpaccio’s friezes.

All in all, a Venice to die for…..