Helpful Score: 3
First book in the mystery series by this author. Story is set in Venice with a clever plot and an unexpected ending. Thoroughly enjoyed it and looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
Vandana D. (romabellaroma) reviewed Death at La Fenice (Guido Brunetti, Bk 1) on + 12 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
A very good procedural mystery: not a lot of action and gore, but a step by step investigation of a death by poisoning of a well known conductor at La Fenice during intermission. Well written: the characters are well potrayed and the relationship between them is described well. I think what I enjoyed most was the description of Venice, working in Venice, the atmosphere, and the description of how Italians speak and think (little details such as the description of Mina and what happened to her,for example). Good read.
Helpful Score: 2
This is the first in a wonderful mystery series. Very human characters. I loved the relationship between Guido Brunetti and his wife. I'll be reading more of this series.
Jan G. (sunnysouth) - , reviewed Death at La Fenice (Guido Brunetti, Bk 1) on + 14 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
First in series of Guido Brunetti mysteries. I liked the relationship of Guido and wife. Slow but enjoyable read.
Helpful Score: 2
This is a great book. Guida Brunetti is such a great character, and Ms Leon does an excellent job in making him real. The mystery was great as well!
Cheryl R. (Spuddie) -
Helpful Score: 2
First Guido Brunetti, Venetian police commissario mystery. A world-famous conductor is found dead in his dressing room between the second and third acts of an opera at La Fenice opera house. Poisoned with arsenic, and with plenty of suspects, it's up to Brunetti to sift through all the details to find the culprit. Well done, enjoyed the ambience of Venice as well as the main character and his wife, although the mystery was easily solved long before the end.
Helpful Score: 1
I'll definitely be reading the rest of this series. It's intelligently written and the characters and plot hold your interest. If you've ever been to Venice, the author's many local references will make you smile remembering. If you haven't been to Venice, she evokes the mood and makes you feel you are right there.
Yes... Noe only was it a fast pace read but it transformed back to Venice and tha many places I walked!
Can't wait to read more books by Donna Leon>
Can't wait to read more books by Donna Leon>
Helpful Score: 1
Death at Le Fenice (Donna Leon)
Was a good "who done it". Set in Italy, and based around the Opera it made for an interesting setting. A perfect murder mystery with twists and turns keeping the reader guessing. The ending was perfect, I am surprised I didn't figure it out.
Was a good "who done it". Set in Italy, and based around the Opera it made for an interesting setting. A perfect murder mystery with twists and turns keeping the reader guessing. The ending was perfect, I am surprised I didn't figure it out.
Helpful Score: 1
This was my first Guido Brunetti/Donna Leon mystery and it was quite good. Set in Venice with a wonderful Italian flare. I need to get there some day.
This is very light reading with some thoroughly likeable characters and a must-read for anyone who has been in Venice or anyone who would like to go there. It is quite descriptive and not a good choice for someone who likes a fast-paced plot. Donna Leon is very popular in Europe and not just because of the setting.
Helpful Score: 1
Eh. I don't get the fuss about this series. I found it too be a bit tedious and way too repetitive. The characters were a little too one-dimensional. Although I enjoyed the setting in Venice. Made me feel like I was back there.
Helpful Score: 1
a Guido Brunetti mystery
Helpful Score: 1
A very well written and engaging murder mystery.
Helpful Score: 1
If you are musically inclined
Helpful Score: 1
This is my first book by this author and I really liked it--nice use of language, great characters and portrait of Venice and the Italian ways.
Helpful Score: 1
I enjoyed this book as it combined good writitng with an interesting mystery.
Suzanne H. (DameEdna) -
Helpful Score: 1
Just started reading Leon's series featuring Commissario of Police Guido Brunetti - excellent mysteries set in Venice.
Helpful Score: 1
Murder mystery set in Venice. Held my interest on a very long plane ride, although the ending was contrived.
Helpful Score: 1
Good story introducing this detective. His character is both warm, human and strong. I especially liked the frequent descriptions for Venice throughout the story
Donna Leon always offers a good story. Inspector Brunetti is one of my favorite mystery characters.
Murder mystery from a writer who truly understands the Italians!
A good mystery, with the added bonus of being set in Venice. The descriptions of day-to-day life -- the police arriving by boat, for example -- are a lot of fun.
First book in the series, and a wonderful book that appeals to mystery readers across the board, whether they like their crime cozy or dark
If you've ever been to Venice, Italy you'll love this murder mystery set in Venice.
Vivian Q. (bellasgranny) -
Good start to this series which I think that I'll enjoy. Although the storyline was just average, I really enjoyed the characters and setting.
It's OK, but my taste goes to more action packed high adventure type of story. Guido Brunetti is just an honest cop doing his best to get the job done in a real world atmosphere. I'd read another one, but, I'm not sure I would read the whole series.
Karen S. (MKSbooklady) reviewed Death at La Fenice (Guido Brunetti, Bk 1) on + 998 more book reviews
Don't let the Italian names and places deter you. There are a lot, it does take place in Venice. This is a pleasant (yes, it's about a murder) book, taking place in a concert hall. A fairly quick read. This book is the first in a series.
This is the opening book in the long-running Guido Brunetti series of Donna Leon. Brunetti is called to the opera house because the conductor has been poisoned before the final act.
The author takes on an interesting tour of Venice and its culture, through the eyes of someone who has lived there a long time and loves the place (but not the tourists). This first book speaks to the humanity of the main character -- Guido Brunetti.
The author takes on an interesting tour of Venice and its culture, through the eyes of someone who has lived there a long time and loves the place (but not the tourists). This first book speaks to the humanity of the main character -- Guido Brunetti.
Kathy N. (addicated-to-reading) reviewed Death at La Fenice (Guido Brunetti, Bk 1) on + 152 more book reviews
First in a series and I liked it a lot. Set in Venice, the description of the streets, alleys, plazas are so well written you feel like you're walking down them with Vice-Commissario of police Guido Brunetti. Her characters are well drawn - you can see them in your mind's eye. Am anxious to read the next book in this series to see what's going to happen next.
It is in the first in the Guido Brunetti series. Good introduction to Venice and its geography and police procedures.
A real gem. Leon is to Venice what Hillerman was to the Navajo nation. Not only was this an engaging whodoneit, Leon paints a colorful picture of Venician culture. The protagonist is relatable and clever with a wry wit that makes this a very enjoyable read.
Absolutely superb!
