This Donna Leon story had an interesting juxtaposition between what is right and what is legal. It was interesting in how two people in the same family can both 'be right' even when not in agreement with each other. Although I didn't find this story quite as captivating as some of the previous ones I have read I would not skip it.

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Great, as usual! This one had some family discord that ended up tying in (loosely) with the crime. I liked how he (probably) got justice in the end, unlike most where the criminal gets away with it... I read this one in one night since the majority of it I just had to know what was going to happen next.

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Having read several of Ms. Leon's Guido Brunetti mysteries, I'm inclined to rate this as average. As always, Venetian color and atmosphere are present and effective. Brunetti is his same old self. But, for me, the story lacked some interest. That said, I would prefer to read a Brunetti mystery over 90 percent of the rest of the books in the mystery genre. She has created a character rich in his own life, particularly in his marriage, and her inventiveness rarely fails to impress. In short, if you're a Donna Leon fan, read this book.

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Donna Leon is one of my favorite novelists; she has a lock on the atmosphere and culture of Venice. All of her novels are located in this wonderful city and often Venice is one of the characters. In this book, however, Venice moves into the background and Guido Brunettis wife, Paola steps into the limelight.

Guido is a calm force and Paola is a hurricane. She feels things deeply and is horrified by government negligence and/or corruption around her. This time, Paola has a new cause; some factions of the Italian travel industry have created tours where men can rape children in Third World countries. Paola decides to take a stand; she tosses a rock at the large, plate glass window of one of the worst Venice travel companies (a substantial part of their business is in these sex tours).

Thus begins a story in which Paola gets to see the inside of the police business. Her actions endanger her freedom and her husbands career. Still, she goes forward. However, when a murder takes place killing the owner of that sex tour business, Paola has to reassess her actions.

Stupid Vice-Questore Patta and his secretary, Signorina Elettra provide much of the humor in these stories; Patta is Guidos boss. Signorina Elettras take on Bingo (played during the Vice-Questores never-ending meetings) is not to be missed!

Donna Leon has lived in Venice for many years and she obviously loves the place and people. However, she has no problem sharing some of the incongruities of the country. She shows that the Italian government moves slowly if at all. Its nice to see that other countries have problems too.

I think the reason I love these stories is that they remind me of American life in the 1950s. The spouses really talk to each other; parents see their role in molding their childrens character by interacting with them (not sending them to watch TV). Guidos home is the familys refuge from the chaos outside their apartment.

Another thing I enjoy is the insiders look at the Venetians as they eat, live and die. This is a great way to learn about another language, culture and cuisine without leaving your chair!

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