The Venetian Betrayal
- Authors: Steve Berry
- Series: Book 3 in the Cotton Malone series
- Genres: Thriller
- Rank:
- Rating: 4.4 based on 2,573 reviews
- Release Date: December 11, 2007
- Print length: 496 pages (Hardcover)
About the book
In 323 B.C.E, Alexander the Great, having conquered Persia, turned his attention towards Arabia before falling ill with a mysterious fever. The location of his final resting place, still unknown to this day, remains a tantalizing pursuit for archaeologists and treasure seekers. The search for this coveted prize is intensifying, with former U.S. Justice Department agent turned rare-book dealer Cotton Malone being drawn into a complex geopolitical game.
After narrowly escaping a fire at a Danish museum, Cotton discovers from adventurer Cassiopeia Vitt that the blaze was part of a series of arson attacks across Europe, masking a more sinister plan. Meanwhile, the Central Asian Federation emerges from the ashes of the U.S.S.R, led by Supreme Minister Irina Zovastina, who aims to surpass Alexander the Great as history's greatest conqueror.
With a secret alliance backing them, the Federation possesses a terrifying arsenal of biological weapons. Their only obstacle is a healing serum hidden in a tomb alongside the mummified remains of Alexander the Great. Cotton and Cassiopeia must race against time and outsmart their enemies as they travel from Denmark to Venice and into the Pamir mountains of Central Asia to solve a puzzle that could determine the fate of millions.