Ambitious, talented American artist Joseph Hannigan and his twin sister, Sophie, arrive in the mystical, labyrinthine Italian city with one goal. The twins, who have fled a shadowy past in New York, are determined to break into Venice’s artistic expatriate set and find a wealthy patron to support Joseph’s work. Joseph’s immense talent catches the eyes of Odilé Leon and Nicholas Dane, both influential expatriates—and sworn enemies.

 

Swept up in a dangerous cat-and-mouse game, the twins must choose between Odilé, a celebrated courtesan and muse who has inspired artists to greatness, and her ex-lover Nicholas, who knows the courtesan’s dark secret and is plotting to destroy her.

 

When the seductive muse offers Joseph the path to eternal fame, the Hannigans must decide who to believe—and just how much they are willing to sacrifice for fame.