by L. S. Hilton
First published 2017
Judith Rashleigh has carved out her dream existence in Venice, surrounded by opulence she secured through murder. Her carefully constructed paradise shatters when someone discovers her deadly secrets. The blackmailer presents an ultimatum: locate a legendary painting or face exposure. Judith doubts the artwork even exists, but she has no choice but to search. She quickly learns other hunters are stalking the same prize. For the first time, Judith finds herself the prey rather than the predator. Her enemies possess resources and ruthlessness that dwarf her own capabilities. They anticipate her moves, counter her strategies, and close in from every direction. Venice transforms from refuge to trap as Judith struggles against forces beyond her control. The stakes are absolute: success means survival, failure guarantees death.
Genres: suspense, mystery, crime, thriller
Vibes: dark, fast-paced, suspenseful
Tropes: cat-and-mouse, prey-becomes-predator
Setting: Venice
400 pages · Hardcover · London : Zaffre
Content warnings: murder, violence