The Spy of Venice begins with a three page introduction that left me gasping . . . I'm anxious to read future books in this series! -- Impressions in Ink
The Spy of Venice is a playful and inventive debut. The dialogue is wonderful, and Will's banter with his fellow actors sparkles. -- Antonia Senior * The Times, Saturday *
I love it! * editeverything.com *
This book will surely be a delight to readers on every level (...) There is not a dull moment in this book...I really didn't want to finish it and am very glad Benet Brandreth has left himself an opportunity to continue Shakespeare's Venetian adventures a while longer. -- Maureen Carlyle * Shots Magazine *
A Venetian romp that takes Shakespeare as its lusty hero. -- Claire Allfree * The Daily Telegraph *
There is comedy, tragedy and romance as the storyline twists and turns...Some names are well known to fans of Shakespeare and the story is written as though William's adventures could have given him material and ideas for his later works * Rosie Amber Book Reviews Blog *
Entertaining and ebullient story...the author knows his Shakespeare backwards (the Venice setting has been carefully chosen), rejoices in its wordplay loves his allusions and has a good time with his characters. So did I. -- Elizabeth Buchan * The Daily Mail, dailymail.co.uk, Scottish Daily Mail *
Benet Brandreth, son of Gyles, has concocted a swords-and -sex historical thriller about young William Shakespeare having away at it in Venice in 1585, The Spy of Venice. -- David Sexton * London Evening Standard *
Gloriously escapist...a thrilling drama that would surely have tickled the ribs of the great man himself...authentic dialogue, a fine line in imaginative plotting and a hero who leads his cast tenderly by the nose, Brandreth has conjured up what might well be the start of an exciting and unique new series. * Lancashire Evening Post *
A real page turner that I couldn't put down * A Good Read Blog *
Devotees of Shakespeare's work will enjoy the verbal sparring and the frequent references to his plays and sonnets. Ultimately The Spy of Venice is an amusing and fast-paced action thriller that will entertain a variety of readers. * Historical Novels Review *
* There is love here, intrigue, the fascinating, turbulent history of a continent beset by religious and political upheaval and at its heart a brilliant and inventive young man on the cusp of becoming one of the world's literary giants....Stirring adventure with both brains and brawn... * Lancashire Evening Post *
If you're a Shakespeare fan, if you love the English language and clever word play, this is a unique and compelling thriller. The Spy of Venice is a spectacular opening to a series which fills in those missing years between Stratford and The Globe with plenty more Elizabethan high jinks! * Crime Review Blog *
This book has intrigue, twists and turns and a wonderful dialogue -- Alex Wade * The Times *
Historic adventure romp The Spy of Venice introduces us to youthful William Shakespeare who bears more than a slight resemblance to dashing author Benet Brandreth. And this rip roaring zestful saga of travelling players and popsih plots continue in The Assassin of Verona. * Shakespeare Magazine *
