As good as the first two. A little darker, more past history into the main characters' lives, Urbino and Comtessa Barbara. The focus of the plot is more on Modern Art (The Biennale, Peggy Guggenheim collection) than literary this time around. The plot is tight and keeps you guessing til the end. Solid, interesting, entertaining and I've learned things I didn't know about Venice (always a good thing). Recommended.