Venice and London in the 16th Century are the two settings in Peter Cooke’s new book, The Glass Dagger.

The book is the first in a trilogy and the central character is a glassmaker who is obliged to start a new life and business in London having been banished from Venice because of a plot against him. It is a thriller with romantic veins and historical flashes, depicting a world full of continuous betrayals and conspiracies, but also love and loyalty.

A detailed use of language is a key point in such a book and Cooke accomplishes this, skilfully mixing English with Italian technical words to define glassmaking techniques.

Venice is depicted as a lively place where the aristocracy sets the rules of justice while London, described in more depth, seems to be a much more democratic place, oddly enough as Cooke doesn’t forget the importance of the Queen for the English people.

The whole story is a fast-moving and absorbing novel, amazing as a debut and setting a very high standard and expectations for Cooke’s next book in the trilogy, The Crystal Ship.

Other Reviews

…an interesting read, not only for the knowledge, but also as a historical story…of love, jealousy and betrayal…Mr. Cooke is to be congratulated.

- Yorkshire Ridings Magazine.

…a historical thriller with an intriguing romantic interest.

-The Insider Magazine.

Well developed characters, crisp dialogue, detailed research that brings Venice and London of the 16th. Century alive and a plot that races along, this an excellent revue novel.

-Staff writer, Peoples Friend Magazine.

Reader Comments

…I couldn’t put it down…just as good as Elizabeth Chadwick.

…a real page turner, I can’t wait for Book Two.

...thank you for a very interesting read, looking forward to the next one.

…I read a book in bed to help me get off to sleep, but The Glass Dagger kept me awake, because I didn’t want to put it down.