The peace of a Venice library is shattered by the murder of a patron in the New York Times-bestselling series starring “a superb police detective” (Library Journal). A Seattle Times Best Mystery and Crime Novel of the Year One afternoon, Commissario Guido Brunetti gets a frantic call from the director of a prestigious Venetian library. Someone has stolen pages out of several rare books. After … stolen pages out of several rare books. After a round of questioning, the case seems clear: the culprit must be the man who requested the volumes, an American professor from a Kansas university. The only problem–the man fled the library earlier that day, and after they check his credentials, it seems the American professor doesn’t exist.
As the investigation proceeds, the suspects multiply. And when a seemingly harmless theologian who’d spent years reading at the library turns up brutally murdered, Brunetti must question his expectations about what makes a man innocent or guilty.
“Leon offers a finely drawn tale that encompasses theft, blackmail, emotional violence, and murder, as well as a rich array of characters [and] compellingly combines their workaday crime-solving with a detailed picture of a vanishing Venice.” —The Boston Globe
“Above all, Brunetti is a careful reader, of people, of places, of situations, and he never stops at surface meanings. That’s why we bookish types adore him the way we do, and why this will likely be one of his most-loved adventures.” —Booklist, starred review
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Donna Leon is another must read
Another relaxing, informative and enjoyable trip to Venice with characters I have grown to love.
A friend of mine gave me several of her books. This is the second that I’ve read in the Guido Brunetti series.
I can see why this author appeals to so many mystery readers. The characters are developed with care. Even though I’m not terribly familiar with this series, I felt as though I knew the main players well. The mystery plot is alright, but it didn’t feel as important to the story as the characters. My two main complaints: Too much social commentary (makes it feel a bit snobbish at times, with several “wink wink” moments), and too many small descriptions, especially during dialogues. Without the little descriptive fillers, I think all the dialogues would have been at least half the length, and, in my opinion, stronger. Several typos, which I don’t like to see in traditionally published books.
Loved this book. Donna Leon makes me feel right at home in Venice.
I was transported as I always am with Donna Leon’s books which allow for a little soul and spirit rejuvenation en route.
Like this author.
More discussions about Italian and Venetian culture and politics.
Her fans wil not be disappointed.
This was not my favorite Donna Leon book. There were the usual characters but the story was not compelling,
Another read for those interested in a good mystery. Plot twists were well thought out. Nice depiction of live in Venice.
I love Brunetti. Liked the book, but the end seemed incomplete somehow. Was this by chance her last book?
I love the characters in Donna Leon books.
The action never ends and you don’t want it to. I feel like I am back walking the streets of Italy and helping solve the case. Always catches me off guard.
I am a big fan of Donna Leon!
I love this series. The characters are very human and well drawn. A wonderful picture of Venice.
Good mystery in a beautifully described location. Nice character development.
All Donna Leon books are excellent, and this one is, too.
I’m such a fan of Donna Leon, and I am always delighted when she has a new book out. Because “By Its Cover” was also about books, it was an especially delightful read.
I love this book because it makes me feel that I am actually in Venice, Italy, which is a place I would love to visit.
Brunetti is a great character! Love Leon’s Brunetti series.