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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very good information about Venice. the character development is great.
Not as good as her usual…but I cannot miss any of this great series
Donna Leon is one of the best writers of our time. Her books are “fiction.” but based on real life–politics, crime in high places, bigotry at every societal level. And her English is impeccable–particularly comparing hers with many of the other “top-notch” writers!!
One of my favorite Donna Leon books. This one included some scientific information that taught me something new. This long series is always a comfort to read because of the realism of Leon’s characters.
Believable , I could empathize with all charaters
Boring and Donna Leon is obnoxious about tourists
I love this series! However, the level of government corruption depicted is disturbing. I’m afraid it’s what our country exhibits, as well, though perhaps in some different ways. Greed is everywhere and currently it’s being unleashed on an even larger scale.
I love this series of books! Interesting characters and lovely locale!
Once again, Donna Leon excels with a Commisario Brunetti novel. The plot takes us away from the central area of Venice to an island on the Laguna. Brunetti is burned out and takes two weeks to re-energize on this island and meets an old friend of his father’s. They spend the time “rowing” (standing, using poles) on the Laguna.
Donna Leon continues to write several of her Brunetti books on the collision of greed and corruption with nature. If you consider Leon’s writing, there’s nary a gun being whipped out anywhere. But she brings up multilayered issues through her very multilayered Dottore Brunetti. There’s always something that stays with you afterwards when you read her books.
All Leon’s books are a great read.
I like the lead characters who populate this series of books. Alas, the stories are seem to get darker and more brooding as the series progresses, and this one is no exception – perhaps reflecting the reality of our time as exemplified by the death of the bees. I’m not fond of the ending but it felt realistic.
Great book-knowledge of area and procedures incredible!
Another great Donna Leon!
One of the better ones of these that I have read. It seemed to have more of a real ending.
I like all of Donna Leon’s books
I have read many of the books in this series because I love Venice. However, this storyline did not resonate with me. The plot was pretty clear from early in the book and I felt as if most of the book was just filling in more detail of a puzzle I already knew. Overall, it was “ok.”
Love Donna Leon, always
Donna Leon’s Brunetti stories set in Venice are wonderful. Each is a complete story unto itself but the cast of characters continues through the whole series. Quite wonderful. I hope she never stops writing them.
Beautifully written as all of Donna Leon’s Brunetti mysteries. My only complaint is that I need more of Signorina Elettra.