Scherzo

Set during the vibrant Carnival in 18th-century Venice, the story features two unconventional detectives: Ludovico, a castrated opera enthusiast, and Monsieur Arouet, possibly the philosopher Voltaire. As they navigate a world filled with pimps, gamblers, and a secretive elite, they uncover a gruesome murder involving a nobleman and a cryptic message. Blending murder mystery with historical elements, the narrative is celebrated for its wit and originality, earning critical acclaim and a Booker Prize nomination.