Heather G. (flyheatherfly) reviewed Blood from a Stone (Guido Brunetti, Bk 14) on + 20 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
Donna Leon's books are a wonderful way to armchair travel to Venice. While they are police mysteries, they are not as gory as the Cornwell or Slaughter series of books. The books in her collection do not need to be read in sequence. This one deals with a murder of one of the African illegal aliens who sell knockoff items to tourists there. It meanders into something different and larger. A fairly fast read but on where you learn a bit about Italy, food, politics and Italian feelings towards immigrants.
Helpful Score: 2
Donna Leon's books set in Venice give insights to a culture different from American or British, those mystery settings we most often read. She gives her characters a life separate from the investigations which adds depths to the plot developments. Each book develops differently, making the reading a pleasure since the reader is never sure what path it will take. I've read many of Leon's mysteries with C. Brunetti and have enjoyed them all, including Blood from a Stone.
Helpful Score: 1
Another wonderful Donna Leon mystery, set in Venice. Great characters, fascinating setting, engaging plot. You'll get hooked on Inspector Guido Brunetti, his family and colleagues.
Sharron A. (sharrona) reviewed Blood from a Stone (Guido Brunetti, Bk 14) on + 207 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Although this is the 14th book in the Brunetti series, it's the first I've read. I found the mystery plot to be rather mild, but the political intrigue was fascinating. The insight into the workings of Italy's law enforcement bureaucracies was cleverly written. And the development of the characters and their working and social relationships was very entertaining. The author's style has subtle humor and irony, and presents modern-day Venice in a fond but probably accurate light.
Helpful Score: 1
Wonderful as are all of Donna Leon's books