Helpful Score: 3
I so enjoyed this book -- a smartly written novel set in Venice, and featuring the outstanding Commissario Brunetti. Terrific characters, and a finely twisted plot, very enjoyable reading. I love Brunetti, who's passionate, intelligent, wry, noble-hearted ... will definitely read more of Leon's novels featuring this wonderful detective!
Helpful Score: 2
Good, as usual. Completely unexpected twist.
Helpful Score: 1
Extremely well plotted. Excellent entry in the series.
Charlene (ATraveler) -
Helpful Score: 1
Another great Donna Leon. Although I figured out the Death of Roberto was not what it appeared the twist was still very different then I expected. This story set the crime in the rich/business community of society.
Suzanne H. (DameEdna) -
Helpful Score: 1
This was my first time reading Leon. The setting, present day Venice, is still full of Venice's interesting history. Guido Brunetti is the Commissario of Police who is tasked with solving the murder.
Helpful Score: 1
Another great caper by Donna Leon. Guido continues to be an excellent policeman.
This was my first book to read by Donna Leon but I am delighted to know that it is the 14th in a series of detective stories starring Commissario Guido Brunetti. Set in Italy, there are many references to the Venetian setting and a few Italian phrases thrown in which adds to the bella flavor of the book. This mystery reads like a good old fashioned "whodunnit" set in modern times as evidenced by the use of computer data to help solve the mystery. Commissario Brunetti is methodical in his detective methods and takes his time to reflect on all the clues. His frustration with the Italian system of justice is evident throughout the novel and probably is a true reflection of honest real-life detectives working in modern Italy. At 237 pages, it is a quick read especially since one wants to keep reading to the end to discover the culprit.
