From the prologue, the novel has a pervasive sense of danger. This is strongly evoked as Anders cautiously walks the streets of Verona, wary of assassination and under the covert protection of Matucci. Equally, the desire for vengeance and reprisals looms large. Actual and perceived wrongdoings are accompanied by subtle and veiled warnings, then direct threats of violent action. Anders himself receives a number of anonymous phone calls which threaten him with penectomy, torture and murder.

Anders delves into a stereotypical Italy of suspicion and jealousy, lies and corruption, and the sensual delights of wine, women and food. While it was easy to imagine these well-described surroundings, Anders, Matucci and other characters seemed two-dimensional and needed more development to become psychologically realistic. Despite this, Inspector Anders and the Blood Vendetta remains a good holiday read for the detective-fiction fan.