The Venetian Betrayal: A Novel (edit title)

• Rated 5 stars

“Just what I've come to expect from Berry. Also, I loved the reference/homage to James Rollins' Painter Crowe. How very Clive Cussler of him.”

• Rated 1 stars

“Did no tlike this at all. The DaVinci thing is so played out now, and I thought this was just another of these kinds of books. ”

• Rated 4 stars

“The plot may not be original but the twists and turns kept me glued to the pages...the politics within the story is very much relevant to our age and the "cure for AIDS", though tantalizing to imagine, may be even further from our generation's reach at this point. Though not as fast-paced as I expected it to be, definitely a mind-churning piece. I love the historical detail and accuracy in the political and ecclesiastical byplay inherent in ancient times---extending its talons to today?! To date, there's still controversy over the real locale of Alexander's remains. Undeniably, the Vatican is still a global force to be reckoned with. This brings me to my next book,' Alexander's Tomb' by N Saunders-----will post a comment as soon as I'm done. Suffice it to say, I was not as titillated by the Venetian Betrayal but it had spurred my consciousness to delve into the ancient mystery of Alexander the Great which is a mind-busting and thought inducing topic in itself. Steve Berry is still one of my top authors and I'd be awaiting the next book! (P.S. I missed his B & N appearance here 1-19 due to snow and gusty winds but I do hope to meet the guy before I hie off to the P.I.!!!! :])”

• Rated 3 stars

“I admit it I like The Da Vinci Code and books like it. The main character Cotton Malone (seen in other works by Steve Berry) is part of a group solving the mystery of Alexander the Great's tomb. I liked this book and found it interesting, but I don't think it is the best Steve Berry book out there. ”

• Rated 4 stars

“I really enjoyed this one. I usually enjoy Steve Berry for three reasons. One, we have the same last name! Two, he writes a darn good mystery. Three, I love the historical component that he always includes. The Venetian Betrayal didn't disappoint me! I have read other accounts about Alexander but this one wasn't too gruesome and was fun! I particularly enjoyed that he included the character, Colin Michener from his book The Third Secret.”

• Rated 5 stars

“I can't put this book down. This is one of his best!!”

• Rated 4 stars

“Berry's books are always fun but I thought this one was one of the best. Cotton Malone and team are on the hunt for Alexander's grave and the secret that may have been buried with him. Watch out for a nod to fellow novelist James Rollins, blink and you'll miss it!”

• Rated 4 stars

“I just finished The Venetian Betrayal. Steve Berry didn't disappoint me. He kept the action going with my favorite characters, Cotton Malone, Cassioppia Vitt, Henrik Thoraldsen, and Stephanie. He even brought in my other favorite character, Father Michener. I wish I would have seen more of Michener and he would have interacted more with the quartet. Are you listening Steve? I'd love Michener in another book, with his wife? I'd like to know more about the Black Pope.
The action starts with Cotton nearly getting fried by Greek Fire. It leads into the Elephant Medallions and finally to the hidden tomb of Alexander the Great. If you add characters that are really evil and you don't really know which side they are on, you have a great mystery thriller.
The only thing I didn't like was the chopping of the book. If this was Berry's plan, don't do it again. If it was the book publisher, DON'T EVER DO IT AGAIN! You end up jumping from scene to scene in a paragraph or two. It is most unsettling and a lot of character development gets lost in such a chaotic story telling.
The story is great and keeps you interested, it took me longer to read because of the chopping up.”