The Venetian Betrayal

Steve Berry's latest thriller The Venetian Betrayal is his sixth novel, and the third in his Cotton Malone series. I hate to say this, but I didn't love this book. I thoroughly enjoyed his first three novels, which were stand-alones, but the Cotton Malone series he has been writing lately is not growing on me, and I think this is the worst. First, and I know I've said this before, but the name Cotton drives me nuts. I don't remember if Berry ever explained where the name came from, but it just doesn't fit. But mainly I just felt this novel was quite convoluted and often confusing. Berry typically incorporates a mystery involving some historical figure or artifact and some kind of conspiracy to keep it hidden. This book is no exception, but it just got a little carried away.

The countries of the former Soviet republic have consolidated into the Central Asian Federation, which is led by a woman named Irina Zovastina. Zovastina is obsessed with Alexander the Great, and is searching for his hidden tomb. She believes that the tomb will contain a mysterious draught that will cure any illness. She is also amassing biological weapons in hopes of overtaking the Middle East. An Italian is working with her to develop the biological weapons and their cures. I'm not sure if she wants this draught as a cure to her biological weapons or to cure her girlfriend, who is dying of AIDS. Anyway, the Italian has discovered the draught (although he doesn't realize it's the same draught Zovastina is searching for) and has discovered that it can cure AIDS, but has been hiding it from Zovastina. He is about to release the cure and make himself very wealthy. She's killing everyone that gets in her way, Cotton's trying to stop her, there is a double double agent involved.

The search for the tomb of Alexander the Great is an interesting concept, but there is just too much going on here. Too many plot lines. The short chapters and fast pace make it a quick read, but sadly it falls short of my expectations.