A moody mystery set in Italy from the New York Times–bestselling author: “One of the most exquisite and subtle detective series ever.” —The Washington Post Guido Brunetti has to deal every day with crimes big and small, suffocating corruption, and a never-ending influx of tourists. But at least he gets to do it in Venice, one of the most beautiful cities in the world. In this mystery in the … world. In this mystery in the bestselling series, the police commissioner’s endurance will truly be tested.
During an interrogation of an entitled, arrogant man suspected of giving drugs to a young girl, Brunetti acts rashly, doing something he will quickly come to regret. In the fallout, he realizes that he needs a break. Granted leave from the Questura, he accompanies his wife to a villa on Sant’Erasmo, one of the largest islands in the laguna. There he intends to pass his days rowing, and his nights reading Pliny’s Natural History. That is until the caretaker of the house, a widowed beekeeper, goes missing following a sudden storm, and Brunetti must set aside his leave of absence and understand what happened to a man who had become a friend.
From a Silver Dagger Award–winning author, this is a poignant novel featuring Guido Brunetti, “a superb police detective—calm, deliberate, and insightful” (Library Journal).
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I love reading these books for several reasons. First, I love the setting in Venice and reading about the culture, the food, the habits. Second, the corruption in Italy is part of their everyday life and reading about our frustrated hero’s circumnavigation of it is fascinating. Third, I love the inspector–a very real, very human person with a wonderful family. Finally, these books rarely have the pat endings we have come to expect. Sometimes, the corruption is so deep that murderers walk, with little or no inconvenience done them. There is a pragmatism about it that I wonder how anyone keeps their soul intact.
I hadn’t read a new book in the Guido Brunetti for a few years and appreciated the temporary low price. Reading the book reminded me of how much I enjoyed the characters. The plot is very timely and leaves the reader with food for thought. It was beautifully written and presented and I highly recommend it for anyone, especially those who have never had the pleasure of reading the series. I believe you will definitely go back for more
Donna Leon’s character Commissario Guido Brunetti is a humane cop, husband, father, and citizen of his city, Venice. His cases are always undergirded by sharp observations of the modern world, its citizens, and his most serene city. I am always moved by the choices he makes in difficult situations. He and his wife, Paola, and his kids, Raffi and Chiara, constitute a wonderful sounding-board for modern ethical problems.
Engaging. Especially liked location of Venice. Good interesting characters and story line.
Enjoyed the mix of current pollutant concerns mixed with a murder that may or may not have anything to do with it. Have only recently been introduced to this author and so far have not been disappointed.
Kept me guessing until the end.
A beautiful feeling for the lagoons surrounding Venice.
not what I expected.
Have the series and love them
My requirements for a good mystery or crime novel include at least one well-developed character I can root for, and a good plot. If I can also learn something about the real places, people, or history that’s a big plus. Donna Leon’s books provide all of these, so I recommend the whole series, although they can all stand alone.
I love Donna Leon stories, but this one was a less than satisfactory reading experience.
A beautiful locale that I recall and a delightful story that expands my knowledge of the magical folks who inhabit a city of great Visual appeal.
This book is different from the other Brunetti mysteries. It’s probably not everyone’s cup of tea. There is a lot of description about the lagoon areas around Venice. No one dies until about a third way through the book. A lot focuses on environmental concerns . It’s much more than just a mystery. I personally think because it exceeds the genre, it may be Leon’s best book. Very relevant to environmental concerns vs. profit in any country
Th3 end was like aa brick wall. Final but unsatisfying.
The story was a little slow moving for my taste.
I’ve read others by this author, and have enjoyed them all.
Not the author’s best. Some scenes just dragged on. interesting plot.
Always wonderful to visit Guido and his family.
always dependable for a good read
Mature thought provoking plot. No need for gun fights or puerile subject matter. Guido’s character is developed as a real, thinking, feeling