Murder in Venice – Dan and Oscar Are Back in Another Cozy Mystery by T.A. Williams

Last Updated on April 22, 2026

If you are a frequent visitor to my cozy mystery website, then you will already know that I am a HUGE fan of the Armstrong & Oscar mystery series.

It is one of my absolute favorites, though I still can’t shake the image of Neil Dudgeon (Midsomer Murders) as Dan Armstrong out of my mind. I don’t even know why, and try as I might to picture somebody else, my brain just won’t let me. Oh well!

That aside, the premise of Murder in Venice, the 13th book in the series, immediately drew me in.

Dan Armstrong, now thoroughly at home in the world of private investigation (and espresso sipping in Florence), gets an offer no sleuth could resist.

Invited to the lavish Venetian villa of Alice Graceland, a bona fide silver screen goddess, Dan dreams briefly about Hollywood stardom and pitching his own detective show.

Of course, true to form, things unravel at high speed, and the much-anticipated soiree becomes a bona fide murder mystery, with Dan, plus Oscar, the dependable and ever-charming black Labrador, thrust right into the role of host and detective.

Misdirection and Tension

The setup is classic cozy but with a twist: all the trappings of glamor and wealth, but an undercurrent of grudges, rivalry, and long-held secrets.

The guest list is a who’s who of Hollywood success stories, though their shared history is anything but friendly.

I loved the way Williams quickly peels back the glossy surface of celebrity to reveal anxiety, jealousy, and plenty of old wounds.

The action takes place within the villa’s decadent walls and out along Venice’s twisting canals, making for a deliciously atmospheric puzzle that still feels warm rather than claustrophobic.

I found the plotting tight, with enough red herrings to keep me guessing, but not so tangled that it felt forced.

The mystery builds steadily, with plenty of smartly planted clues and lots of chatty moments that make you feel like you’re right there, perched on a velvet sofa with a glass of prosecco, trying to work it all out before the professionals do.

Familiar Faces in a Magical Setting

I have to say, the appeal of this entire series for me is how T.A. Williams balances old favourites – Dan, with his blend of self-deprecating wit and perceptiveness, and Oscar, who is as much a partner as anyone – as they step into a sparky new backdrop.

There’s a special pleasure in seeing these two regulars outside their usual Florentine habitat. Venice makes for a fabulous temporary home: the imposing palazzos, winding waterways, masked intrigue, and an ever-present sense of historical drama all add a certain magic to the mix.

And, I had absolutely no idea that all of the old buildings alongside the canals are actually built on wooden piles driven into the lagoon’s soil and not on land – who knew!

Dan’s interactions with Alice Graceland and the rest of her troubled guests are a highlight. Each character is drawn just sharply enough to be memorable without descending into cliché.

The suspects’ relationships are tangled around Alice’s imminent memoir, Payback, which naturally suggests that every one of them has something to lose, or something to hide.

The murder itself, when it comes, feels well-earned, not tacked on: there are motives galore, and the tension between party guests is convincing.

Series Continuity and Change of Scenery

I’ve been following this series since book one, and by book thirteen, there’s a real sense of growth, not just for Dan and Oscar, but for the author’s craft too.

Murder in Venice is a distinct entry because it takes our heroes out of their comfort zone. While I did briefly pine for the familiar cafes and piazzas of Florence, this change felt refreshing.

Venice is depicted with the kind of detail that makes you want to book tickets, and perhaps check under your bed for suspects when you arrive.

For me, a great cozy mystery balances real emotional stakes with a sense of fun and community. Williams delivers this expertly.

The plot never drags, and I didn’t once find myself impatient for the next clue; instead, I was content to let the story whisk me from the villa dining room to shadowy corners of La Serenissima.

The suspect pool is well managed (not too sprawling), and the various motivations are plausible. As the clues mount and another round of prosecco is poured, the sense of mounting tension is delicious, without ever tipping into anything bleak or overly dark.

A Thumbs Up from a Cozy Fan

Murder in Venice is a solid, entertaining instalment in one of my favourite cozy mystery series.

The writing is as welcoming as ever, the mystery is clever, the motives are layered, and the cast of suspects is lively. Most importantly, Dan and Oscar deliver the familiar charm that keeps fans coming back for more, even as the scenery changes.

I got exactly what I wanted: a cleverly constructed puzzle, plenty of atmosphere, and loads of personality. As always, I closed the final page wishing this would be made into a TV series – Oscar deserves his spot on the small screen!

If you’ve followed Dan and Oscar to this point, you won’t be disappointed. And if you’re new, you’ll find this is a welcoming place to jump in, though I do recommend that you go back to the beginning for the full experience.

Bring your coffee, put your feet up, and enjoy the ride.