Venice, 1752. On a cold December night, a man is found strangled in a dark alley.

High magistrate Marco Pisani is tasked with investigating the grisly murder. When two more bodies are discovered, it is clear there is a serial killer on the loose.

Helped in his investigation by lawyer Zen, daring gondolier Nani and the cunning Chiara Renier, Pisani is determined to uncover the truth before the murderer strikes again. But to find answers, he must move among the city’s criminal underworld of spies, shady taverns and gambling halls.

When the innocence of the victims is called into question, the case is turned on its head. For the first time in his career, the principled Pisani has to ask himself what is more important: following the letter of the law or pursuing justice?

Translated by: Lucinda Byatt