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This page lists novels that feature the artist Canaletto as an amateur detective in 18th century England.

Canaletto and the Case of Westminster Bridge

Janet Laurence

1997

A Canaletto novel.

"It’s 1746 and Canaletto arrives in London to rescue his painting career. The continent is at war and the aristocracy no longer flock to Venice to buy his pictures. London, though, is full of activity and interesting personalities; fortunes are being made every day, and corruption is everywhere. Canaletto’s arrival signals danger to a variety of Londoners, amongst them an aristocrat eager to mend his fortunes, an ambitious young man who fears failure, an avaricious alderman, a socially ambitious merchant, and an ageing beauty. Canaletto is attacked and robbed, his life saved by apprentice engraver Fanny Rooker, the one person who offers him help. Soon Canaletto is forced by Paymaster General Pitt to employ his Venetian investigative talents in discovering why the completion of Westminster Bridge is so delayed. Canaletto is still seeking a painting commission and the danger to his life increases as he embarks on the task."

Canaletto and the Case of the Privy Garden

Janet Laurence

1999

A Canaletto novel.

"In 1747 Canaletto, the acclaimed Italian vedute artist, stumbles across the body of a stabbed girl in a London alley. He can’t shake off the mystery of her end or the violent mutilation of her face. Perhaps because she reminds him of his apprentice, young Fanny Rooker, who, to his distress, now seems to be spreading her wings. Preparing to paint a view over the Privy Gardens from the Duke of Richmond’s house in Whitehall while trying to find out more about the dead girl, leads Canaletto and Fanny into the path of a serial killer. There is also the matter of the foundling boy dragged into a life of crime plus a headstrong girl’s beautiful African slave."

Canaletto and the Case of Bonnie Prince Charlie

Janet Laurence

2002

A Canaletto novel.

"Canaletto is commissioned by the Duke of Beaufort to paint Badminton, his Gloucestershire seat. Canaletto is delighted to leave London as he fears a smallpox epidemic. He is less delighted to be enlisted as a spy by William Pitt, Paymaster General. There is a danger Prince Charles Edward, the Young Pretender, could be visiting his old friend, the Duke, to enlist his support for another attempt to restore the Stuarts to the throne. There is the threat of civil war. Canaletto and his apprentice, Fanny, arrive in Gloucestershire to find that Bonnie Prince Charlie is not the only danger. Arson and murder are going to require the painter’s investigative skills."