If you can’t get enough of wandering through the small calli, relaxing on hidden campos, or savouring countless spritzes at sunset, you will love these 12 books set in Venice. Ranging from suspenseful historical mysteries and lyrical fiction to romantic escapades and expert guides, they bring Venice to life while you dream about your next trip.
The Assassin of Venice — Alyssa Palombo
Genre: Historical thriller
Valentina Riccardi is a fascinating Renaissance courtesan, seducing men and killing them on behalf of the Council of Ten to protect her beloved city. When she falls in love with a fellow assassin, she faces an impossible choice: betray the Council or sacrifice the only man she’s ever loved. Set in 16th-century Venice, The Assassin of Venice is the perfect read for those who want to indulge in Venice’s political intrigue and darker past.
The Secret Daughter of Venice — Juliet Greenwood
Genre: Historical novel
Set during WWII, The Secret Daughter of Venice follows Kate Arden, an adopted daughter raised under strict control by her family, who are determined to keep her origins hidden. As she uncovers secrets buried in the art world of Venice, the story explores identity, belonging, and the sacrifices made for love. Emotional and immersive, it’s a gripping mystery wrapped in a beautifully researched historical setting.
The Songbird of Venice — Victoria Sportelli
Genre: Historical romance
This romantic historical novel begins with a marriage of convenience: Grazia longs to escape the orphanage where she grew up, while Antonio needs a wife to secure his legacy. But Venetian law forbids a nobleman from marrying a commoner. As secrets emerge, their love is tested by society’s rigid structures. The Songbird of Venice immerses you in 18th-century Venetian society, its rules, its class system, and the role of women within it.
The Venice Reunion Arrangement — Michelle Douglas
Genre: Romance
As someone who used to devour Harlequin romances years ago, I still remember the joy of those classic love stories. And since Venice breathes romance, it was only a matter of time before one would be set here. When artist Hallie is hired by her ex, millionaire Lucas, to paint a family portrait, she’s determined to keep things professional. But living and working in his luxurious Venetian palazzo makes that easier said than done. Warm, light-hearted, and irresistibly romantic, The Venice Reunion Arrangement is the perfect summertime read.
The Magician — Colm TóibÃn
Genre: Historical fiction/biography
This sweeping historical novel follows the life of Nobel Prize winner Thomas Mann through the major upheavals of the 20th century such as World War I, the rise of Hitler, World War II, and the Cold War. While it only briefly touches on his time in Venice, you’ll discover that he wrote his iconic Death in Venice after meeting a beautiful Polish boy on Lido. If you’ve already read that classic, The Magician offers a compelling glimpse into Mann’s complex personal life and the turbulent times that shaped his work.
Venice Tales — Katia Pizzi
Genre: Short stories
Venice Tales is a curated collection of short stories by Italian authors spanning from the Middle Ages to today. With contributions from Boccaccio, Goldoni, Casanova, Calvino and others, each piece offers a different lens on Venice, sometimes romantic, sometimes satirical, often unexpected. It’s a literary stroll through the city’s imagination. The book was recently released in paperback in the UK and is also available on Kindle worldwide.
The Medici Murders & The Borgia Portrait — David Hewson
Genre: Crime
David Hewson brings modern Venice to life through the lens of crime, history, and a deep affection for the city. These two books are part of his series set in Venice, with archivist Arnold Clover as the main character. In The Medici Murders, a TV historian is found stabbed in a canal, prompting archivist Arnold Clover and Capitano Valentina Fabbri to investigate a murder that echoes back to the Medici era. The follow-up, The Borgia Portrait, draws them into another double death, this time involving Renaissance art and hidden secrets. David Hewson’s love for Venice is clear in every detail, from archive rooms to quiet canals.
A Brief History of Venice — Lineadacqua
Genre: History
If you are looking for context behind your favourite canal-front façades and palazzos, this pocket-sized book explains everything you need to know about Venice’s history. It’s a great introduction, or refresher, before diving into the fiction above. A Brief History of Venice is printed in Venice by the independent publisher Lineadacqua, and is available in English, Italian and French.
Venezianissime! Women of Venice: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow — Camilla Fabretti Campagnol & Isabella Campagnol
Genre: History/biography
Venezianissime takes you on a journey through the stories of women who, with creativity and passion, have left their mark on the history of the lagoon city. Their stories bridge tradition and modernity with a refreshingly approachable style. Bilingual in English and Italian, Venezianissime! is also a great tool if you want to improve your Italian. It’s published by La Toletta, one of my favourite Venetian bookshops.
Walks in Venice. In the footsteps of 9 locals — Katia Waegemans
Genre: Travel guide
Of course, I couldn’t leave out my own book. Walks in Venice. In the footsteps of 9 locals isn’t just a set of itineraries. It’s an intimate portrait of Venice as experienced by those who call it home. I started with a simple question: how do Venetians experience their city? The result is nine walks filled with personal stories, hidden corners, and insider tips. From bustling squares to serene islands, this guide explores the Venice that often remains hidden behind the facades of tourist hotspots. You will also find suggestions for places to eat, shop, and unwind, recommended by locals.
Venice & the Veneto — Lonely Planet
Genre: Travel guide
Lonely Planet remains my favourite guide for all my travels, and this beautifully updated edition on Venice is no exception. It’s packed with recommendations, practical tips, and in-depth stories on local life and history. If you’re planning day trips to Padua, Vicenza or Verona, it has you covered too. It’s the ideal guide for both first-time and frequent visitors.
If you’re looking for more inspiration, check out ‘Explore Venice through these 10 captivating books’. And if you have any favourites of your own, feel free to share them in the comments below.
Happy reading!
For Henry James fans:
In Venice and the Veneto with Henry James, by Rosella Mamoli Zorzi (Dipartimento di Americanistica, Iberistica e Slavistica, Università Ca’Foscari di Venezia, 2005)
Letters from the Palazzo Barbaro (London: Pushkin Press, 1998) This is a collection of letters written by James, as well as some by members of the Curtis family (resident at the Palazzo Barbaro).
And, of course, James’ own “The Aspern Papers”. Damocle Edizioni (one of my favorite bookshops in Venice, also a publisher) has a nice translation: https://damocleedizioni.com/prodotto/henry-james-il-carteggio-aspern/
Thanks Joan for these additional tips! I will certainly look into them myself.
All the best
Katia – The Venice Insider
Also The Wings of the Dove by Henry James. The movie based on the book was filmed in the Palazzo Barbaro.
Also The City of Falling Angels by John Berendt – a memoir of Venice with lots of great stories of its historic personalities.
Thank you Alice. I know your second tip, but not the first, so one more for my list 🙂
Have a nice weekend
Katia – The Venice Insider
Hi Katia,
All great choices, thank you! If I might recommend a few more for the list. No limit, right?
Paradise of Cites: Venice in the 19th century. Excellent chapters on Byron, Ruskin, Baron Corvo, Henry James and Robert Browning.
The Desire & Pursuit of the Whole by Frederick Rolfe (aka Baron Corvo) A scurrilous sensual fantasy, a vindication of a man who felt betrayed by his friends, and a testament to a fervent affection for the city of Venice.
The Four Horsemen and Ascension by Ca’ Foscari professor Gregory Dowling. They are novels set in Venice circa 1750 with tour guide and spy Alvise Marangon.
And finally, one of my very favorite books on Venice; Daily Life i Venice in the time of Casanova by Maurice Andrieux. Every page is packed with fascinating stories and information about the city.
Ciao,
Vince
Hi Vince,
thanks for the list. There’s indeed no limit 🙂
Some great choices you made! I love the books of Gregory Dowling so I hope he will write another one very soon. I don’t know The Desire & Pursuit of the Whole but it sounds intriguing, so I will check it out.
Best regards
Katia – The Venice Insider
Thanks for the wonderful reading tips !
Some of my favourites ( apart from the above-mentioned ) :
Autumn in Venice and Lucia , both by Andrea de Robilant.
The Instrumentalist , by Harriet Constable.
The Unfinished Palazzo , by Judith Mackrell.
In Search of Venice ( various authors )
Watermark , by Joseph Brodsky
And , just for fun , the whole detective series by Philip Gwynne Jones
Keep reading !
Cordialmente ,
Ida
Thanks Ida. That’s a great selection 🙂
I love Andrea de Robilant but haven’t read Lucia, so I will try to find it.
Have a nice weekend
Katia
Great to see so many new books to read!
I am enjoying your own ”Walks in Venice” and will be using it to plan some strolls on our upcoming trip!
I second Ida’s recommendation of Watermark, by Joseph Brodsky. It is quirky, meandering around Venice with great observations all delivered with an unusual use of language. Almost poetic.
And I can’t believe no one has mentioned Venice, by Jan Morris. It is just an outstanding read.
Hi Richard,
So glad to hear you are using my book Walks in Venice to prepare your trip. When will you be in Venice?
Jan Morris is indeed a classic in a series of books set in Venice 🙂
Have a nice week
Katia – The Venice Insider
Sorry about not answering your question sooner.
We will be in Venice from October 13th to the 17th. Really looking forward to returning to some of our favourite spots and discovering some new treasures!
We’ve already reserved one dinner at Anzolo Raffaele and will be touring around trying as many ciccheti bars as we can.
We’re also planning another visit to Murano and Burano with lunch at Al Gato Nero, which we really enjoyed last time. Is there another alternative that you’d recommend on Burano for lunch?
We didn’t see much of Canneregio last time so will be using Walk of Venice as our guide. Really looking forward to that!
Oops, doubled part of the comment inadvertently. Doh!
Hi Richard,
I’ve removed the doubled part 🙂 If you want, I can also remove now this comment.
All the best
Katia – The Venice Insider
Hi Richard,
It looks like you already in full preparation mode 🙂
I went to Anzolo Raffaele last month and it’s really delicious so I’m sure you will love it. It’s by the way also mentioned in my book by Nicoletta.
If you are going to Burano, you could also cross the bridge to Mazzorbo. Venissa used to have a small terrace next to the canal where you could enjoy a light lunch, but I’m not sure if they still offer this. Their website only mentions their Michelin star restaurant. But a small walk around Mazzorbo and the vineyard of Venissa is certainly something I would recommend if you haven’t done this yet.
While walking around Cannaregio, you should try the cichetti at Vino Vero. These are my favourites!
Enoy your trip! And thanks for using my book. I appreciate it 🙂
Katia – The Venice Insider