Venice, way back in the day. Three prominent Venetians await the arrival of their most hated and annoying dinner guest, the erstwhile envoy of Britain and France, widower of the murdered Queen Cordelia: the rascal - fool Pocket. Tonight, the three men - the merchant, Antonio, the senator, Montressor Brabantio, and the naval officer, Iago - have lured Pocket to a dark dungeon with the promise of an evening spent imbibing a rare Amontillado sherry and Brabantio's beautiful daughter Portia. There, they intend to get rid of the man who has consistently foiled their grand quest for power and wealth. (For such a small man, Pocket is an enormous pain in the ass. ) But the wine is drugged and the girl isn't even in Venice. It appears our hero is doomed. But that would make for a very short book. So, no. Greed, revenge, deception, lust and a giant (but lovable) sea monster combine to create another hilarious and bawdy tale from comic genius Christopher Moore.