Rose S. (ATraveler2) -
Very good as always, worth the wait. In this one, everyone is sweating and then there is a murder... which as has happened before to Brunetti, it is someone he was "unofficially" investigating already. Secondary story involved Vianello's family.
How long do I have to wait for the next one, Ms Leon?
How long do I have to wait for the next one, Ms Leon?
First of all, this story warns about visiting Venice during the hot and muggy August duldrum days. Hot enough that the brutally beaten body of a Senior Court Clerk is found only when the ciry has cooled down enogh for the natives to take their midnight evening stroll. Is this related to suspicious court delays buried in a judge's docket? Is this why Brunetti and Vianello can't seem to find anyone who is willing to talk about the mysterious preacher who has Vianello's aunt so enthralled?
As usual, Donna Leon's Story reveals another slice of both Venetian and Italian society - in these two cases - the lucrative and accomadating and frustrating world of the criminal court system, in more details than usual. And we meet Vinaello's immediate family, along with some of his background. Signora Elettra's "friends" and skills reach into the Courthouse record systems. (it's amazing how up-to-date the Italian government computerized record keeping system, considering the bribery, long lunches, and so many buried files!)
In case you can't tell, I really enjoyed this hot, muggy, but entertaining visit with our friends at the Questura. Not to mention good advice as where to vacation in Venice (or not!) in August.
As usual, Donna Leon's Story reveals another slice of both Venetian and Italian society - in these two cases - the lucrative and accomadating and frustrating world of the criminal court system, in more details than usual. And we meet Vinaello's immediate family, along with some of his background. Signora Elettra's "friends" and skills reach into the Courthouse record systems. (it's amazing how up-to-date the Italian government computerized record keeping system, considering the bribery, long lunches, and so many buried files!)
In case you can't tell, I really enjoyed this hot, muggy, but entertaining visit with our friends at the Questura. Not to mention good advice as where to vacation in Venice (or not!) in August.
Donna Leon's Commissario Brunetti novels are unconventional mysteries. This is the 19th such story of life in Venice. The author does a great job of conveying the sticky heat of August and the agony of 20 million tourists descending on such a small place as Venice.
This isn't my favorite Leon story but it is spellbinding in the unique study of Italian bureaucratic dishonesty versus citizens trying to eke out their lives.
It is important to read these novels close to the order in which they are written. Things happen in the family, and at the Questouri, that affect future stories.
This isn't my favorite Leon story but it is spellbinding in the unique study of Italian bureaucratic dishonesty versus citizens trying to eke out their lives.
It is important to read these novels close to the order in which they are written. Things happen in the family, and at the Questouri, that affect future stories.
